Is Kat really gonna be worse to watch than Randle?

[Jalen Bluntson]

That isn’t even true. KAT is much more dominant down low. Towns offers everything Randle does and so much more. It isn’t even close.

I know your agenda has you disliking Randle, but c'mon, this is a stat that's easily trackable.

FG less than 5 FT away: 218/354 (KAT) | 201/316 (Randle).
FG in the Restricted Area: 196/317 (KAT) | 180/267 (Randle).
FG in The Paint: 112/218 (KAT) | 101/234 (Randle).
Layups: 168/301 (KAT) |169/282 (Randle).
FT: 255/292 (KAT) | 236/302 (Randle).

Take the Assist/TO ratio anyway you like (16.9/11.7 [Randle] to 13.1/12.2 [KAT]).

This with KAT playing 18 more games than him. I'm not even throwing shade on KAT. I like him, but he's not a physical player, so my this comes down to a preference thing. I prefer Randle's style of play in 23/24. It's obvious Randle made a point to play a more physical, interior game this season.

How the hell do you come away under the impression that Randle could be any more dominant or a meaningfully more positive presence down low?

I think a key element of this almost pointless discussion was mentioned and ignored. KAT in a Thibs offense. Didn't KAT play for Thibs already? There should be stats you guys could argue about that are available.

Also...I could be mistaken but, didn't KAT express he didn't want to play for Thibs again?

[Wildcat]

I know your agenda has you disliking Randle, but c'mon, this is a stat that's easily trackable.

FG less than 5 FT away: 218/354 (KAT) | 201/316 (Randle).
FG in the Restricted Area: 196/317 (KAT) | 180/267 (Randle).
FG in The Paint: 112/218 (KAT) | 101/234 (Randle).
Layups: 168/301 (KAT) |169/282 (Randle).
FT: 255/292 (KAT) | 236/302 (Randle).

Take the Assist/TO ratio anyway you like (16.9/11.7 [Randle] to 13.1/12.2 [KAT]).

This with KAT playing 18 more games than him. I'm not even throwing shade on KAT. I like him, but he's not a physical player, so my this comes down to a preference thing. I prefer Randle's style of play in 23/24. It's obvious Randle made a point to play a more physical, interior game this season.

How the hell do you come away under the impression that Randle could be any more dominant or a meaningfully more positive presence down low?

I think a key element of this almost pointless discussion was mentioned and ignored. KAT in a Thibs offense. Didn't KAT play for Thibs already? There should be stats you guys could argue about that are available.

Also...I could be mistaken but, didn't KAT express he didn't want to play for Thibs again?

They squashed their differences a few years ago.

Yeah, it is a pointless debate. He's never going to be traded and Thibs' won't utilize him to his fullest.

[robillionaire]

How the hell do you come away under the impression that Randle could be any more dominant or a meaningfully more positive presence down low?

I think a key element of this almost pointless discussion was mentioned and ignored. KAT in a Thibs offense. Didn't KAT play for Thibs already? There should be stats you guys could argue about that are available.

Also...I could be mistaken but, didn't KAT express he didn't want to play for Thibs again?

They squashed their differences a few years ago.

Yeah, it is a pointless debate. He's never going to be traded and Thibs' won't utilize him to his fullest.

He’s CAA and linked to Leon so it’s always going to be in the conversation. Is it likely? No probably not but not impossible either. People insisted with me for a long time that OG wasn’t happening because RJ was the face of the franchise and we were suing the raptors.

[Wildcat]

I think a key element of this almost pointless discussion was mentioned and ignored. KAT in a Thibs offense. Didn't KAT play for Thibs already? There should be stats you guys could argue about that are available.

Also...I could be mistaken but, didn't KAT express he didn't want to play for Thibs again?

They squashed their differences a few years ago.

Yeah, it is a pointless debate. He's never going to be traded and Thibs' won't utilize him to his fullest.

He’s CAA and linked to Leon so it’s always going to be in the conversation. Is it likely? No probably not but not impossible either. People insisted with me for a long time that OG wasn’t happening because RJ was the face of the franchise and we were suing the raptors.

KAT and OG are different circumstances, though. Raptors blowing it up was an inevitability. T-Wolves blowing it up was contingent on their success. So I think it's next to 0 that he's traded now. Last offseason would have been the best opportunity to trade for him.

And with the salary cap going, his contract gets more palatable.

[cgmw]

Just chiming in to say, don’t underestimate the incompetence of the Minnesota franchise/FO. Barring a championship this season, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if they trade half the team (not Ant, obviously).

[Wildcat]

Just chiming in to say, don’t underestimate the incompetence of the Minnesota franchise/FO. Barring a championship this season, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if they trade half the team (not Ant, obviously).

If you believe the narrative on T-Wolves roster construction -- and I kind of do -- they build this team to matchup against Denver. ANT taking the leap was godsend to them. The franchise is making dough. So long as the revenue continues to raise, they'll eat the luxury tax. One bad season, though, will probably axe it.

[cgmw]

Just chiming in to say, don’t underestimate the incompetence of the Minnesota franchise/FO. Barring a championship this season, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if they trade half the team (not Ant, obviously).

If you believe the narrative on T-Wolves roster construction -- and I kind of do -- they build this team to matchup against Denver. ANT taking the leap was godsend to them. The franchise is making dough. So long as the revenue continues to raise, they'll eat the luxury tax. One bad season, though, will probably axe it.

As somebody with close family ties to Minneapolis, never underestimate ownership’s incompetency. Anything’s possible.

[RHODEY]

That isn’t even true. KAT is much more dominant down low. Towns offers everything Randle does and so much more. It isn’t even close.

Do you have stats to back up your claim that Kat is more dominant down low ?

Look, I think it is ridiculous to even doubt that, given how he just punished the Nuggets around the basket. The touch and intelligence he has shown in the post while at the same time picking his spots and shots wisely is so much more than what we’ve seen from Randle. It is blatantly clear to a point that I think I’d rather not invest more time into this debate. If had to, I’d look into advanced shooting stats, but given that KAT has by far better shooting numbers across the board even at first glance, I’ll just leave it at that - especially since you’re clearly just in denial and trying to spin it regardless of your obviously failed argument.

Most importantly, Towns has been a or even the key player defensively and offensively in their recent takedown of the defending champions, which makes this whole thing even more laughable. Randle couldn’t even guard Towns around the basket, let alone produce remotely comparable efficiency in any aspect of the game really. Towns would be a major upgrade. Just let it go.

Why not look at the Stats?

5ft or less

Karl-Anthony Towns 61.6
Julius Randle 63.6


Not so obvious....

[Buttah304]

I’m happy that KAT is having a really solid playoff run. It’s also been nice to see him defend against Jokic but you can also argue it’s actually an ideal stylistic matchup for his limited strengths on that end.

Having said that, can we not create some new narrative on KAT? In the present YES he’s been damn good the last few weeks.

But where was this level of play in his prior post season runs? The man played in 16 playoff games from 17-22.

He shot 46% FG and 32% from 3PT. He compiled 34 total assists and issued out 57 turnovers. He was a negative 99 +/- for those appearances as well. He’s also been notorious for being subbed out in the closing minutes of games for defensive purposes (been that way his entire career).

This isn’t about Randle vs Towns for me and the things we either love or hate about their respective games. It’s that when someone finally has a great run the conversation suddenly becomes “player XYZ was always him.” And if we’re being fair - there is a good chance Randle could have finally been effective in the post season based on the way he changed his shot diet this year. I’ve crapped on him before but it’s a valid argument to make. Unfortunately he’s been injured the last couple playoffs so his Ironman status is most likely retired.

[spree2kawhi]

Do you have stats to back up your claim that Kat is more dominant down low ?

Look, I think it is ridiculous to even doubt that, given how he just punished the Nuggets around the basket. The touch and intelligence he has shown in the post while at the same time picking his spots and shots wisely is so much more than what we’ve seen from Randle. It is blatantly clear to a point that I think I’d rather not invest more time into this debate. If had to, I’d look into advanced shooting stats, but given that KAT has by far better shooting numbers across the board even at first glance, I’ll just leave it at that - especially since you’re clearly just in denial and trying to spin it regardless of your obviously failed argument.

Most importantly, Towns has been a or even the key player defensively and offensively in their recent takedown of the defending champions, which makes this whole thing even more laughable. Randle couldn’t even guard Towns around the basket, let alone produce remotely comparable efficiency in any aspect of the game really. Towns would be a major upgrade. Just let it go.

Why not look at the Stats?

5ft or less

Karl-Anthony Towns 61.6
Julius Randle 63.6


Not so obvious....

So who do you want to take? Would you not prefer a guy who’s just as good as Randle at the rim while shooting 44% from three during the playoffs at mfing 7‘0. A guy Randle couldn’t guard down low but who could battle Randle as well as Embiid and Jokic on defense? Why not? Because you’re stubborn.

Btw, FG in the paint:

Towns 51%
Randle 43%

Ouch.

I’ll agree to disagree. Can’t get my head around your stubbornness though.

[spree2kawhi]

They squashed their differences a few years ago.

Yeah, it is a pointless debate. He's never going to be traded and Thibs' won't utilize him to his fullest.

He’s CAA and linked to Leon so it’s always going to be in the conversation. Is it likely? No probably not but not impossible either. People insisted with me for a long time that OG wasn’t happening because RJ was the face of the franchise and we were suing the raptors.

KAT and OG are different circumstances, though. Raptors blowing it up was an inevitability. T-Wolves blowing it up was contingent on their success. So I think it's next to 0 that he's traded now. Last offseason would have been the best opportunity to trade for him.

And with the salary cap going, his contract gets more palatable.

They still have Reid and would get Randle back too. All of that while saving 20 million in salary plus luxury tax.

That’s a very, very good deal. I think it is naive to believe they wouldn’t consider it.

People here keep telling me Randle is just as good, but even tougher than KAT. LOL! Then why wouldn’t they take our deal and run?

[Wildcat]

He’s CAA and linked to Leon so it’s always going to be in the conversation. Is it likely? No probably not but not impossible either. People insisted with me for a long time that OG wasn’t happening because RJ was the face of the franchise and we were suing the raptors.

KAT and OG are different circumstances, though. Raptors blowing it up was an inevitability. T-Wolves blowing it up was contingent on their success. So I think it's next to 0 that he's traded now. Last offseason would have been the best opportunity to trade for him.

And with the salary cap going, his contract gets more palatable.

They still have Reid and would get Randle back too. All of that while saving 20 million in salary plus luxury tax.

That’s a very, very good deal. I think it is naive to believe they wouldn’t consider it.

People here keep telling me Randle is just as good, but even tougher than KAT. LOL! Then why wouldn’t they take our deal and run?

Oy, let it go. One of the reasons they're not breaking up their core is the same reason why we have don't want to breakup the Nova boys and even consider adding more of them. The majority of their core is team is signed to at least 25/26.

The mean reason they're not breaking up the team is because paying the luxury tax is irrelevant if the team is fiscally successful and making it deep into the playoffs means they can afford the cap hit. In 22/23 they earned revenue of 260 mil against their cap hit of 174 mil. This is partially why they didn't blow it up last year despite being bumped out of the playoffs in the 1st round. Also why the owner is trying to get out of selling the team.

If their revenue for 23/24 season plateaued -- which is very likely because they're deep in the playoffs and ANT's popularity soaring -- at 260 mil against their cap hit of 198 mil, they're still operating as fiscally successful.

[iLLmatic860]

Why is this thread still a thing? Wolves are in WCF. I doubt there focus is trading Kat for Randle rn lol

[cgmw]

Why is this thread still a thing? Wolves are in WCF. I doubt there focus is trading Kat for Randle rn lol

You’re probably right but Wolves ownership and management is capable of anything.

[iLLmatic860]

Why is this thread still a thing? Wolves are in WCF. I doubt there focus is trading Kat for Randle rn lol

You’re probably right but Wolves ownership and management is capable of anything.

I feel like the tables have turned, their gm is the same guy who built the Nuggets

[RHODEY]

I’m happy that KAT is having a really solid playoff run. It’s also been nice to see him defend against Jokic but you can also argue it’s actually an ideal stylistic matchup for his limited strengths on that end.

Having said that, can we not create some new narrative on KAT? In the present YES he’s been damn good the last few weeks.

But where was this level of play in his prior post season runs? The man played in 16 playoff games from 17-22.

He shot 46% FG and 32% from 3PT. He compiled 34 total assists and issued out 57 turnovers. He was a negative 99 +/- for those appearances as well. He’s also been notorious for being subbed out in the closing minutes of games for defensive purposes (been that way his entire career).

This isn’t about Randle vs Towns for me and the things we either love or hate about their respective games. It’s that when someone finally has a great run the conversation suddenly becomes “player XYZ was always him.” And if we’re being fair - there is a good chance Randle could have finally been effective in the post season based on the way he changed his shot diet this year. I’ve crapped on him before but it’s a valid argument to make. Unfortunately he’s been injured the last couple playoffs so his Ironman status is most likely retired.

Well said.

[RHODEY]

Look, I think it is ridiculous to even doubt that, given how he just punished the Nuggets around the basket. The touch and intelligence he has shown in the post while at the same time picking his spots and shots wisely is so much more than what we’ve seen from Randle. It is blatantly clear to a point that I think I’d rather not invest more time into this debate. If had to, I’d look into advanced shooting stats, but given that KAT has by far better shooting numbers across the board even at first glance, I’ll just leave it at that - especially since you’re clearly just in denial and trying to spin it regardless of your obviously failed argument.

Most importantly, Towns has been a or even the key player defensively and offensively in their recent takedown of the defending champions, which makes this whole thing even more laughable. Randle couldn’t even guard Towns around the basket, let alone produce remotely comparable efficiency in any aspect of the game really. Towns would be a major upgrade. Just let it go.

Why not look at the Stats?

5ft or less

Karl-Anthony Towns 61.6
Julius Randle 63.6


Not so obvious....

So who do you want to take? Would you not prefer a guy who’s just as good as Randle at the rim while shooting 44% from three during the playoffs at mfing 7‘0. A guy Randle couldn’t guard down low but who could battle Randle as well as Embiid and Jokic on defense? Why not? Because you’re stubborn.

Btw, FG in the paint:

Towns 51%
Randle 43%

Ouch.

I’ll agree to disagree. Can’t get my head around your stubbornness though.

Can you get your head around this?

[KnixinSix]

He’s CAA and linked to Leon so it’s always going to be in the conversation. Is it likely? No probably not but not impossible either. People insisted with me for a long time that OG wasn’t happening because RJ was the face of the franchise and we were suing the raptors.

KAT and OG are different circumstances, though. Raptors blowing it up was an inevitability. T-Wolves blowing it up was contingent on their success. So I think it's next to 0 that he's traded now. Last offseason would have been the best opportunity to trade for him.

And with the salary cap going, his contract gets more palatable.

They still have Reid and would get Randle back too. All of that while saving 20 million in salary plus luxury tax.

That’s a very, very good deal. I think it is naive to believe they wouldn’t consider it.

People here keep telling me Randle is just as good, but even tougher than KAT. LOL! Then why wouldn’t they take our deal and run?

Randle in a package for KAT and Minny is more cap complaint and still a damn good team. They absolutely WOULD consider it. No one wants to be above the 2nd tax apron. And that KAT contract is huge ballooning over 60M in its last 2 years.

[Wildcat]

KAT and OG are different circumstances, though. Raptors blowing it up was an inevitability. T-Wolves blowing it up was contingent on their success. So I think it's next to 0 that he's traded now. Last offseason would have been the best opportunity to trade for him.

And with the salary cap going, his contract gets more palatable.

They still have Reid and would get Randle back too. All of that while saving 20 million in salary plus luxury tax.

That’s a very, very good deal. I think it is naive to believe they wouldn’t consider it.

People here keep telling me Randle is just as good, but even tougher than KAT. LOL! Then why wouldn’t they take our deal and run?

Randle in a package for KAT and Minny is more cap complaint and still a damn good team. They absolutely WOULD consider it. No one wants to be above the 2nd tax apron. And that KAT contract is huge ballooning over 60M in its last 2 years.

60 mil is irrelevant when the cap is going up substantially next offseason and the following. They can and will weather the hit.

[NoStatsGuy]

seems like its kind of a hot take. but id keep randle in a straight up 1 for 1.

kat is too soft and butted heads with thibs before. randle is not affraid of contact. might be slightly less of a shooter, but KAT is not the right guy for us and i think randle is better.

KAT needed Ant and Randle needed brunson.