Rotation thread 2024/2025

[Norseman79]

Sooo...
PG - Conley, Dillingham
SG - Edwards, Naw, Shannon, Clark, Dozier
SF - McDaniels, Ingle, Minott
PF - Towns, Reid, Miller
C. - Gobert, Garza, Edwards

I see Shannon at the SF far more than at the SG.

I guess I just see him as a 2 guard at only 6'6, but I get it. I also see Miller as a 3 more than a 4, but that just personal preference.

[Saltine]

Shannon is jimmy Butler sized, with a ton of fight in him, very fast and strong, 6'9 wingspan. He will play D. I expect having Jaden and NAW to push him on that end will help. He's very impressive if you spend some time watching his tape... looking forward to watching him run with Naz, Naw, Rob and Leonard

Watch on YouTube

[winforlose]

This could have gone in a bunch of threads, but since TC talks about the rotation I figured I would park it here. Feel free to reply asking me to move it or to copy it elsewhere if you want. Also cannot get it to embed in the normal way. Gonna post the full mobile link if someone can figure it out and reply with an embedded version. It is an interview TC gives talking about the draft, the prior playoffs, and the upcoming season. Thank you in advance for the help.

https://www.youtube.com/live/XrojUPZDzvU?si=sSEjF6fjy8Q4SFSG

[Saltine]

THe Board refuses to embed this, how odd.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrojUPZDzvU

[winforlose]

THe Board refuses to embed this, how odd.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrojUPZDzvU

I know. Maybe because it is too long (45 minute interview,) or because YouTube called it live? Either way, it is a great interview, talks about his decision making process, team building philosophy, plans for the rookies and somewhat for the rotation, ect… It is old though, it happened before the signings of PJ or Jingles and maybe before Luka.

[Klomp]

THe Board refuses to embed this, how odd.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrojUPZDzvU

I've found that all you need to do is take the string of characters (XrojUPZDzvU, in this case) and put them inside the youtube tags ([youtube][/youtube]). This is the easiest way to embed youtube "shorts", as well....

Watch on YouTube

[minimus]

THe Board refuses to embed this, how odd.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrojUPZDzvU

I've found that all you need to do is take the string of characters (XrojUPZDzvU, in this case) and put them inside the youtube tags ([youtube][/youtube]). This is the easiest way to embed youtube "shorts", as well....

Watch on YouTube

And this is correct answer

[Klomp]

So our current 8.5-man rotation for 2024-25 (in my opinion) is....

Conley
Edwards
McDaniels
Towns
Gobert
-
Reid
Alexander-Walker
Dillingham
Ingles (the "half")


In 2025-26, we might be looking at...
Dillingham
Edwards
McDaniels
Towns
Gobert
-
Conley
Shannon
Miller/Minott/Clark (one as 8th, one as "the half")

[Colbinii]

So our current 8.5-man rotation for 2024-25 (in my opinion) is....

Conley
Edwards
McDaniels
Towns
Gobert
-
Reid
Alexander-Walker
Dillingham
Ingles (the "half")


In 2025-26, we might be looking at...
Dillingham
Edwards
McDaniels
Towns
Gobert
-
Conley
Shannon
Miller/Minott/Clark (one as 8th, one as "the half")

I think Shannon will be earning minutes this year. He is 24 [or will be at the start of the season in ~3 months], he has NBA Skills and Size while fitting a role on our team.

I also think there is going to be a different approach to the new rookies [Dillingham and Shannon] as both are far more NBA ready than Miller/Minott/Clark are/were. Bringing them along as fringe rotation guys is going to be important to them and to our depth. Ingles isn't really a player you want in the post-season, Shannon on the other hand is and can be a non-negative in a playoff rotation.

I still expect Ingles to get more run during the RS than Shannon, but Shannon is definitely going to be a 10-15 MPG guy for a majority of the season.

[KGdaBom]

So our current 8.5-man rotation for 2024-25 (in my opinion) is....

Conley
Edwards
McDaniels
Towns
Gobert
-
Reid
Alexander-Walker
Dillingham
Ingles (the "half")


In 2025-26, we might be looking at...
Dillingham
Edwards
McDaniels
Towns
Gobert
-
Conley
Shannon
Miller/Minott/Clark (one as 8th, one as "the half")

I think Shannon will be earning minutes this year. He is 24 [or will be at the start of the season in ~3 months], he has NBA Skills and Size while fitting a role on our team.

I also think there is going to be a different approach to the new rookies [Dillingham and Shannon] as both are far more NBA ready than Miller/Minott/Clark are/were. Bringing them along as fringe rotation guys is going to be important to them and to our depth. Ingles isn't really a player you want in the post-season, Shannon on the other hand is and can be a non-negative in a playoff rotation.

I still expect Ingles to get more run during the RS than Shannon, but Shannon is definitely going to be a 10-15 MPG guy for a majority of the season.

I'm with you Colbinii. I think he's too good and too ready to just sit on the bench all year or be sent to the G.

[Klomp]

I think Shannon will be earning minutes this year. He is 24 [or will be at the start of the season in ~3 months], he has NBA Skills and Size while fitting a role on our team.

I also think there is going to be a different approach to the new rookies [Dillingham and Shannon] as both are far more NBA ready than Miller/Minott/Clark are/were. Bringing them along as fringe rotation guys is going to be important to them and to our depth. Ingles isn't really a player you want in the post-season, Shannon on the other hand is and can be a non-negative in a playoff rotation.

I still expect Ingles to get more run during the RS than Shannon, but Shannon is definitely going to be a 10-15 MPG guy for a majority of the season.

This is very possible. I do think Shannon could be in the rotation at some point this season, but I don't think it comes at Ingles' expense.

I think we also need to consider the chance that Alexander-Walker could be traded at the deadline. I think we should target draft compensation rather than a rotation player, which would allow Shannon to enter the rotation at that point.

[BlacJacMac]

I think we also need to consider the chance that Alexander-Walker could be traded at the deadline. I think we should target draft compensation rather than a rotation player, which would allow Shannon to enter the rotation at that point.

100%. If Shannon shows he belongs, I think there is a very good chance of it happening. We're unlikely to be able to afford NAW next year and we can likely move him for an asset at the deadline.

[winforlose]

I think Shannon will be earning minutes this year. He is 24 [or will be at the start of the season in ~3 months], he has NBA Skills and Size while fitting a role on our team.

I also think there is going to be a different approach to the new rookies [Dillingham and Shannon] as both are far more NBA ready than Miller/Minott/Clark are/were. Bringing them along as fringe rotation guys is going to be important to them and to our depth. Ingles isn't really a player you want in the post-season, Shannon on the other hand is and can be a non-negative in a playoff rotation.

I still expect Ingles to get more run during the RS than Shannon, but Shannon is definitely going to be a 10-15 MPG guy for a majority of the season.

This is very possible. I do think Shannon could be in the rotation at some point this season, but I don't think it comes at Ingles' expense.

I think we also need to consider the chance that Alexander-Walker could be traded at the deadline. I think we should target draft compensation rather than a rotation player, which would allow Shannon to enter the rotation at that point.

What you just said is counterintuitive to me. The only way you can move NAW at the deadline is if Shannon is ready to go behind him. Also, the numbers when Jaden and NAW play together are a strong argument against this. We can always sign and trade NAW next year and bring back assets. Much better to stay as competitive as possible during this year. Plus, I think we move KAT next year anyway and protect the core of Ant, Jaden, NAW, and Naz. Obviously young players will grow with them, but they are the heart of the Ant window.

[KGdaBom]

I think Shannon will be earning minutes this year. He is 24 [or will be at the start of the season in ~3 months], he has NBA Skills and Size while fitting a role on our team.

I also think there is going to be a different approach to the new rookies [Dillingham and Shannon] as both are far more NBA ready than Miller/Minott/Clark are/were. Bringing them along as fringe rotation guys is going to be important to them and to our depth. Ingles isn't really a player you want in the post-season, Shannon on the other hand is and can be a non-negative in a playoff rotation.

I still expect Ingles to get more run during the RS than Shannon, but Shannon is definitely going to be a 10-15 MPG guy for a majority of the season.

This is very possible. I do think Shannon could be in the rotation at some point this season, but I don't think it comes at Ingles' expense.

I think we also need to consider the chance that Alexander-Walker could be traded at the deadline. I think we should target draft compensation rather than a rotation player, which would allow Shannon to enter the rotation at that point.

What you just said is counterintuitive to me. The only way you can move NAW at the deadline is if Shannon is ready to go behind him. Also, the numbers when Jaden and NAW play together are a strong argument against this. We can always sign and trade NAW next year and bring back assets. Much better to stay as competitive as possible during this year. Plus, I think we move KAT next year anyway and protect the core of Ant, Jaden, NAW, and Naz. Obviously young players will grow with them, but they are the heart of the Ant window.

Hopefully Dilly is also part of that heart. I think it's a good chance.

[BlacJacMac]

I think Shannon will be earning minutes this year. He is 24 [or will be at the start of the season in ~3 months], he has NBA Skills and Size while fitting a role on our team.

I also think there is going to be a different approach to the new rookies [Dillingham and Shannon] as both are far more NBA ready than Miller/Minott/Clark are/were. Bringing them along as fringe rotation guys is going to be important to them and to our depth. Ingles isn't really a player you want in the post-season, Shannon on the other hand is and can be a non-negative in a playoff rotation.

I still expect Ingles to get more run during the RS than Shannon, but Shannon is definitely going to be a 10-15 MPG guy for a majority of the season.

This is very possible. I do think Shannon could be in the rotation at some point this season, but I don't think it comes at Ingles' expense.

I think we also need to consider the chance that Alexander-Walker could be traded at the deadline. I think we should target draft compensation rather than a rotation player, which would allow Shannon to enter the rotation at that point.

What you just said is counterintuitive to me. The only way you can move NAW at the deadline is if Shannon is ready to go behind him. Also, the numbers when Jaden and NAW play together are a strong argument against this. We can always sign and trade NAW next year and bring back assets. Much better to stay as competitive as possible during this year. Plus, I think we move KAT next year anyway and protect the core of Ant, Jaden, NAW, and Naz. Obviously young players will grow with them, but they are the heart of the Ant window.

I'm not convinced NAW is part of the core. Great defender, but he doesn't give you much on offense if his 3 isn't falling and he really got exposed as a ballhandler in the Playoffs.

I think there is a good chance Shannon passes him - and if that happens, you can't give a 10+M contract to your 3rd SG.

I love NAW, but he might be a "cyclical" player, not a "cornerstone". Meaning a guy who helps you for a few years and you always have a replacement player in mind/development.

[winforlose]

This is very possible. I do think Shannon could be in the rotation at some point this season, but I don't think it comes at Ingles' expense.

I think we also need to consider the chance that Alexander-Walker could be traded at the deadline. I think we should target draft compensation rather than a rotation player, which would allow Shannon to enter the rotation at that point.

What you just said is counterintuitive to me. The only way you can move NAW at the deadline is if Shannon is ready to go behind him. Also, the numbers when Jaden and NAW play together are a strong argument against this. We can always sign and trade NAW next year and bring back assets. Much better to stay as competitive as possible during this year. Plus, I think we move KAT next year anyway and protect the core of Ant, Jaden, NAW, and Naz. Obviously young players will grow with them, but they are the heart of the Ant window.

I'm not convinced NAW is part of the core. Great defender, but he doesn't give you much on offense if his 3 isn't falling and he really got exposed as a ballhandler in the Playoffs.

I think there is a good chance Shannon passes him - and if that happens, you can't give a 10+M contract to your 3rd SG.

I love NAW, but he might be a "cyclical" player, not a "cornerstone". Meaning a guy who helps you for a few years and you always have a replacement player in mind/development.

I see why you think so, but NAW is yet to get to his prime. You can see from Naz that players shooting can improve year over year. You can see from the playoff defensive numbers that NAW is an impact player even when he struggles to score. I agree he needs to play 2/3 instead of PG, but Finch likes putting him on ball which diminishes him. He is a catch and shoot corner 3 point shooter who can attack the close out or get the ball in motion (throw ahead, rolling to the basket, ect…,) and finish near the rim. Beyond this NAW doesn’t do anything very well offensively, but that is not to say he does not do something things well enough.

[Klomp]

I love NAW, but he might be a "cyclical" player, not a "cornerstone". Meaning a guy who helps you for a few years and you always have a replacement player in mind/development.

This is a good way to describe my thoughts of him.

Especially considering his likely cost (I'm guessing between $15-20M AAV at the lowest) and the inability to extend him before free agency, I think it will be difficult to retain him. Part of getting someone older like Shannon isn't necessarily about having him ready in October 2024, but more likely either February or October 2025. There shouldn't be quite the same acclimation as we've had for past younger guys.

[BlacJacMac]

I love NAW, but he might be a "cyclical" player, not a "cornerstone". Meaning a guy who helps you for a few years and you always have a replacement player in mind/development.

This is a good way to describe my thoughts of him.

Especially considering his likely cost (I'm guessing between $15-20M AAV at the lowest) and the inability to extend him before free agency, I think it will be difficult to retain him. Part of getting someone older like Shannon isn't necessarily about having him ready in October 2024, but more likely either February or October 2025. There shouldn't be quite the same acclimation as we've had for past younger guys.

Its a new concept for the Wolves, as we've tended to be the team that overpays other team's roleplayers going into their 2nd contracts.

But historically, smart teams continually buy-low and sell high. If you can draft/sign a cheap, but very useful roleplayer and get 3-4 years out of him, draft/sign his replacement in years 2 or 3 and then trade the original guy before his contract ends, you win.

That is provided, you do a good job of scouting/finding said players.

I'm not completely convinced that Naz doesn't fall into this category too. He's just such a weird player. He's basically a giant SF that doesn't have the rebounding or defense of a PF or C. But he's crazily effective in a role usually manned by SGs or Combo Guards.

My gut says he's not a starter on a contender, but he is a really valuable piece still.

Plus it would be a massive PR hit if we move/lose him...

[Klomp]

I'm not completely convinced that Naz doesn't fall into this category too. He's just such a weird player. He's basically a giant SF that doesn't have the rebounding or defense of a PF or C. But he's crazily effective in a role usually manned by SGs or Combo Guards.

My gut says he's not a starter on a contender, but he is a really valuable piece still.

Plus it would be a massive PR hit if we move/lose him...

Yep, after I made my rotation outline above, I second-guessed myself about Reid. He's probably the most difficult player on the team to pin down what the team would do, because of the fan-favorite status and his cheaper price tag compared to the starting bigs at the moment.

[winforlose]

[instagram][/instagram]

I'm not completely convinced that Naz doesn't fall into this category too. He's just such a weird player. He's basically a giant SF that doesn't have the rebounding or defense of a PF or C. But he's crazily effective in a role usually manned by SGs or Combo Guards.

My gut says he's not a starter on a contender, but he is a really valuable piece still.

Plus it would be a massive PR hit if we move/lose him...

Yep, after I made my rotation outline above, I second-guessed myself about Reid. He's probably the most difficult player on the team to pin down what the team would do, because of the fan-favorite status and his cheaper price tag compared to the starting bigs at the moment.

Is prime Naz equivalent to prime KAT?