Is Kat really gonna be worse to watch than Randle?

[spree2kawhi]

How are Minny fans responding to Donte and Randle?

That is right on!! I like his offense and his quickness inside. He has good moves inside. The problem is he is a matador on defense. Kat is a far, far better defender. No wonder Thibs wanted Kat so bad. Obviously, He can't shoot like Kat either. Getting DD in the deal made it a wash trade overall. And then there is the apron and the money involved which was the bottom line. My guess is Rudy signing the extension for quite a bit less has been in the mix before the Kat trade.

Finch has to ride Randle's azz to force him to be a much better defender. I'm not sure even Finch can do that.

Randle looks exactly as you said, not a serious player on that end. He wants to take the easy way out defensively. I bet that drove Thibs nuts. Of course, anything that drives Thibs nuts makes me happy all over.

Most Minny fans are more excited about Randle offense right now (rather than disappointed in his defense). I can see that changing if we still have a middling record after a couple weeks and fans are looking for who to blame.

I've never loved Randle's defense, but I didn't expect Towns to Randle would be such a dramatic drop off. Towns can be such an idiot defensively if forced to make decisions, but man what a difference effort makes. Towns tries his ass off and sometimes looks like an ass while doing so, but Randle too often looks like he has zero interest and is just waiting to sprint back to the other side of the floor.

To your point, Harrison Barnes killed him down the stretch in the 4th, it‘s not even funny. Got layups left and right…

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=557&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Cutting%20Dunk%20Shot%20(10%20PTS)%20(Champagnie%203%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=571&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Driving%20Layup%20(12%20PTS)%20(Sochan%204%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=575&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%203%27%20Driving%20Reverse%20Layup%20(14%20PTS)%20(Paul%2012%20AST)

I mean seriously wtf is that?

[cupcakesnake]

Most Minny fans are more excited about Randle offense right now (rather than disappointed in his defense). I can see that changing if we still have a middling record after a couple weeks and fans are looking for who to blame.

I've never loved Randle's defense, but I didn't expect Towns to Randle would be such a dramatic drop off. Towns can be such an idiot defensively if forced to make decisions, but man what a difference effort makes. Towns tries his ass off and sometimes looks like an ass while doing so, but Randle too often looks like he has zero interest and is just waiting to sprint back to the other side of the floor.

To your point, Harrison Barnes killed him down the stretch in the 4th, it‘s not even funny. Got layups left and right…

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=557&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Cutting%20Dunk%20Shot%20(10%20PTS)%20(Champagnie%203%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=571&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Driving%20Layup%20(12%20PTS)%20(Sochan%204%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=575&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%203%27%20Driving%20Reverse%20Layup%20(14%20PTS)%20(Paul%2012%20AST)

He gives me young Andrew Wiggins trauma flashbacks. Not many guys care so little that they get repeatedly back cut in crunch time. That first possession you shared is particularly sad, since it's not even a back cut. He moves right in front of Randle's face, and Randle looks like he's thinking about what to eat after the game. It's crazy to see defense that bad at the NBA level.

[Clyde_Style]

Most Minny fans are more excited about Randle offense right now (rather than disappointed in his defense). I can see that changing if we still have a middling record after a couple weeks and fans are looking for who to blame.

I've never loved Randle's defense, but I didn't expect Towns to Randle would be such a dramatic drop off. Towns can be such an idiot defensively if forced to make decisions, but man what a difference effort makes. Towns tries his ass off and sometimes looks like an ass while doing so, but Randle too often looks like he has zero interest and is just waiting to sprint back to the other side of the floor.

To your point, Harrison Barnes killed him down the stretch in the 4th, it‘s not even funny. Got layups left and right…

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=557&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Cutting%20Dunk%20Shot%20(10%20PTS)%20(Champagnie%203%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=571&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Driving%20Layup%20(12%20PTS)%20(Sochan%204%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=575&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%203%27%20Driving%20Reverse%20Layup%20(14%20PTS)%20(Paul%2012%20AST)

He gives me young Andrew Wiggins trauma flashbacks. Not many guys care so little that they get repeatedly back cut in crunch time. That first possession you shared is particularly sad, since it's not even a back cut. He moves right in front of Randle's face, and Randle looks like he's thinking about what to eat after the game. It's crazy to see defense that bad at the NBA level.

If you care about defense at all you will probably end up loathing Randle. His defense is an embarrassment to the league.

It's a broad stroke statement saying this, but you generally have two sets of fans:

One group loves scorers, defense not required
and
another group expects effort on defense regardless of your ability to play D well.

A lot of us held our nose with Randle because he could score, but I have little respect for this kind of player. All of our current guys try to play defense to the best of their abilities, including Brunson and KAT. Randle actively chooses not to try. You may end up hating him for it.

[spree2kawhi]

Most Minny fans are more excited about Randle offense right now (rather than disappointed in his defense). I can see that changing if we still have a middling record after a couple weeks and fans are looking for who to blame.

I've never loved Randle's defense, but I didn't expect Towns to Randle would be such a dramatic drop off. Towns can be such an idiot defensively if forced to make decisions, but man what a difference effort makes. Towns tries his ass off and sometimes looks like an ass while doing so, but Randle too often looks like he has zero interest and is just waiting to sprint back to the other side of the floor.

To your point, Harrison Barnes killed him down the stretch in the 4th, it‘s not even funny. Got layups left and right…

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=557&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Cutting%20Dunk%20Shot%20(10%20PTS)%20(Champagnie%203%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=571&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Driving%20Layup%20(12%20PTS)%20(Sochan%204%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=575&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%203%27%20Driving%20Reverse%20Layup%20(14%20PTS)%20(Paul%2012%20AST)

He gives me young Andrew Wiggins trauma flashbacks. Not many guys care so little that they get repeatedly back cut in crunch time. That first possession you shared is particularly sad, since it's not even a back cut. He moves right in front of Randle's face, and Randle looks like he's thinking about what to eat after the game. It's crazy to see defense that bad at the NBA level.

While he was still our big time All NBA, 4x All Star, the board was in denial, of course.

[spree2kawhi]

Can anybody tell me why these nba.com clips will only load and play very rarely? Most of the time I only get a black field without any type of player or buttons, then occasionally the player will appear and play the video…

?

[NoStatsGuy]

Can anybody tell me why these nba.com clips will only load and play very rarely? Most of the time I only get a black field without any type of player or buttons, then occasionally the player will appear and play the video…

?

i would start with the classic trouble shooting.
Try different browsers or update your browser, clear chache, etc.
it can have hundreds of reasons like low bandwith with wifi or mobile network, if you are on the phone. it probably is something simple. just need to narrow it down

[spree2kawhi]

Can anybody tell me why these nba.com clips will only load and play very rarely? Most of the time I only get a black field without any type of player or buttons, then occasionally the player will appear and play the video…

?

i would start with the classic trouble shooting.
Try different browsers or update your browser, clear chache, etc.
it can have hundreds of reasons like low bandwith with wifi or mobile network, if you are on the phone. it probably is something simple. just need to narrow it down

Thank you

[Iron Mantis]

Most Minny fans are more excited about Randle offense right now (rather than disappointed in his defense). I can see that changing if we still have a middling record after a couple weeks and fans are looking for who to blame.

I've never loved Randle's defense, but I didn't expect Towns to Randle would be such a dramatic drop off. Towns can be such an idiot defensively if forced to make decisions, but man what a difference effort makes. Towns tries his ass off and sometimes looks like an ass while doing so, but Randle too often looks like he has zero interest and is just waiting to sprint back to the other side of the floor.

To your point, Harrison Barnes killed him down the stretch in the 4th, it‘s not even funny. Got layups left and right…

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=557&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Cutting%20Dunk%20Shot%20(10%20PTS)%20(Champagnie%203%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=571&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%201%27%20Driving%20Layup%20(12%20PTS)%20(Sochan%204%20AST)

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=575&GameID=0022400146&Season=2024-25&flag=1&title=Barnes%203%27%20Driving%20Reverse%20Layup%20(14%20PTS)%20(Paul%2012%20AST)

I mean seriously wtf is that?

We're all too used to seeing plays like that.

At this stage of his career, it's just who he is.

I was imagining with the new contract coming up he would show out on defense like he did for us.

[JayTWill]

Yeah, the defense seems to be pretty bad across the board in Minnesota. I was curious if another coach and different setting would change things for Randle. Thibs is a defensive minded coach but he was unable to keep Randle engaged on that end. Finch hasn't been able to so far either. We will see how it goes from here.

On a positive note I do like Randle's shot selection in Minnesota so far. He seems to be playing to his strengths and not forcing the issue as often. He's not bringing the ball up the court and pulling up for three or settling for difficult step back threes as often from what I have seen. I wish we had seen a lower volume higher efficiency version of Randle in New York. Maybe he would have become that if he stayed in New York. I don't know.

I still feel like Randle needs one of those unicorn bigs next to him to protect the rim and space the floor on offense along with a solid floor general to limit turnovers. The Randle/Reid pairing seems to be great offensively but awful on the defensive end. The Randle/Rudy pairing is worse offensively and still not good defensively. The Randle/Ant pairing is two very dynamic on-ball players but they can also be a little too loose with the ball and their decision making at times.

The fit and skill sets of their players feels weird to me. I wonder what their most effective 5 man unit will be at the end of the year and if they will make adjustments to their starting unit.

[Deeeez Knicks]

KAT gives us an upgrade in spacing, efficiency, shooting and defense over Randle. That can pay off down the line.

[spree2kawhi]

KAT gives us an upgrade in spacing, efficiency, shooting and defense over Randle. That can pay off down the line.

What’s more, he isn’t a downgrade in any way.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[Barcs]

I think Randle, in general, is a better player if you're strictly comparing them 1 vs 1, but KAT provides some intangibles that Randle does not. I do agree the spacing is a bit better with KAT. He has a chance to really excel this year if they can starting gelling.

[Context]

Game 8 is next...

[Nazrmohamed]

Yeah, the defense seems to be pretty bad across the board in Minnesota. I was curious if another coach and different setting would change things for Randle. Thibs is a defensive minded coach but he was unable to keep Randle engaged on that end. Finch hasn't been able to so far either. We will see how it goes from here.

On a positive note I do like Randle's shot selection in Minnesota so far. He seems to be playing to his strengths and not forcing the issue as often. He's not bringing the ball up the court and pulling up for three or settling for difficult step back threes as often from what I have seen. I wish we had seen a lower volume higher efficiency version of Randle in New York. Maybe he would have become that if he stayed in New York. I don't know.

I still feel like Randle needs one of those unicorn bigs next to him to protect the rim and space the floor on offense along with a solid floor general to limit turnovers. The Randle/Reid pairing seems to be great offensively but awful on the defensive end. The Randle/Rudy pairing is worse offensively and still not good defensively. The Randle/Ant pairing is two very dynamic on-ball players but they can also be a little too loose with the ball and their decision making at times.

The fit and skill sets of their players feels weird to me. I wonder what their most effective 5 man unit will be at the end of the year and if they will make adjustments to their starting unit.

Isn't that what Gobert is supposed to be? The unicorn inside defender? Finch is a great defensive coach but there are many styles of defe sive coach just like offense. Perhaps Thibs defense was slightly better at hiding Randles defense. Not saying that makes the whole system better just saying how it might effect Randle.

[3toheadmelo]

Read on Twitter

KAT historically is one of the worst rim protectors ever. A lot of people were in denial about it but now they’re seeing it. Doesn’t matter how much perimeter defenders you put around him. Any team with him anchoring a defense is going to be bad. He needs to be at the 4 with a very good rim protector next to him.

[spree2kawhi]

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/randle-defensive-rating-this-year

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/kat-defensive-rating

We’ll have two starting quality defensive bigs come back from injuries soon.

[spree2kawhi]

I think Randle, in general, is a better player if you're strictly comparing them 1 vs 1, but KAT provides some intangibles that Randle does not. I do agree the spacing is a bit better with KAT. He has a chance to really excel this year if they can starting gelling.

While I’m losing interest in this type of debate, I feel like I might as well stress one more time that KAT has been superior in pretty much every aspect of the game, most importantly as far as IQ and efficiency are concerned.

[knicks94]

Karl Anthony Bargnani has not been a difference maker for the Knickerbockers after 7 games.

[prophet_of_rage]

Karl Anthony Bargnani has not been a difference maker for the Knickerbockers after 7 games.

Difference makers have the ball. He was brought here to make more space for Jalen.

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