Game 47: Minnesota (25-21) at Phoenix (24-21)

[thinktank]

1. Glad to see the board hasn't devolved into "Fire Finch because clearly the team responds better to Micah" yet. There's hope for the forum!
2. Josh Minott....I know some people are frustrated because they feel Finch is messing with his confidence, but that 10-second stint showed there is a lack of an attention to detail. When you are barely hanging on to a potential role player slot as it is, that's a deal-breaker for any coach.
3. Definitely happy for Jaylen...the defense with all three of Jaylen, Nickeil and Jaden on the floor was fun to watch as they made a comeback.
4. Ant really loves playing against Phoenix!
5. The six main guys played 30-plus minutes on the front half of a back-to-back. I know Utah is depleted, so it will be interesting to see how quickly we can put that game away.

You don’t bench a guy 12 seconds in, especially after a bad game. You are doing more than killing his confidence, you are undermining his development. You are denying him the chance to learn and improve. At this point the relationship between Minott and Finch cannot be good. Don’t be surprised if we trade him at his request this year or next.

Sure you do (bench him).

[Baseline81]

Read on Twitter

I'll be honest, I was one who responded better to these sorts of coaches. It's why I was never able to back the likes of Ryan Saunders.

I think Finch should "choose violence," as the players described it, more often.

[Biff Cooper]

One of the first times this year the team played pretty professionally.

[Dalvin]

Aaaaaarrrrrrrrooooooo!!!! 4 game win streak! This felt like the Wolves of last year. Where they start to clamp teams down in the third quarter and build a good enough lead even they can't squander it in the 4th.

I know why Finch chose violence and was pretty much shouting at everyone. And why pretty much everyone played angry. The last time they played there, Booker injured Finch
Took himself out with an ejection before Booker can reinjure him again at the end of the game

[ILC]

Read on Twitter

[ILC]

There is a real chance now to make this an 8 game winning streak. Absolutely CANNOT **** up tonight vs Jazz and then WW, Sac and Bulls before the game vs HOU.

To go into the HOU game 30-21 would be amazing.

[Klomp]

1. Glad to see the board hasn't devolved into "Fire Finch because clearly the team responds better to Micah" yet. There's hope for the forum!
2. Josh Minott....I know some people are frustrated because they feel Finch is messing with his confidence, but that 10-second stint showed there is a lack of an attention to detail. When you are barely hanging on to a potential role player slot as it is, that's a deal-breaker for any coach.
3. Definitely happy for Jaylen...the defense with all three of Jaylen, Nickeil and Jaden on the floor was fun to watch as they made a comeback.
4. Ant really loves playing against Phoenix!
5. The six main guys played 30-plus minutes on the front half of a back-to-back. I know Utah is depleted, so it will be interesting to see how quickly we can put that game away.

You don’t bench a guy 12 seconds in, especially after a bad game. You are doing more than killing his confidence, you are undermining his development. You are denying him the chance to learn and improve. At this point the relationship between Minott and Finch cannot be good. Don’t be surprised if we trade him at his request this year or next.

Sure you do (bench him).

Ultimately, Minott is in his third season. He has had chances here, possibly even more than others in his position as a mid-2nd rounder on a good team usually gets. For whatever reason, it hasn't clicked to where I see him taking another step forward. He has plateaued, and that description might be generous.

[Klomp]

Last year Garza was the 3rd big. We didn’t reward him, we literally needed him. This year Clark is in our deepest position. Shannon is likely to get those minutes when he is healthy, which is likely 2-3 weeks. We desperately need another big. If we don’t 2 for 1 trade Randle or move someone for a big, expect us to sign one at #15. Also remember the tax situation. You don’t reward a two way player with 5x multiplier on the owners dime.

You bring up good points.

I don't think it's likely, I was just saying that the odds went up considerably....like from 5% to 30%. Still not likely though, but I could envision a path.

One more thing I want to add to the discussion. I think Clark getting this game on film could be key with the trade deadline next week. NAW is floating out there as a tradable asset, but there have been fears that they can't afford to lose his defensive contributions this season. Clark is a perfect example of the kind of asset that could potentially change the equation at the deadline. Sure, it might've been Shannon in his position without injury. But that doesn't change the fact that Clark has arguably proven his worth to the team in just one game. If they can lock him in at the minimum for the next four years and at the same time flip NAW for some other asset, I think it has to be in the discussion as an option. Not because I think Clark is as good as NAW today. But I think he would likely be able to play at above a minimum contract level.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[shrink]

Ant had more rebounds and blocks than Rudy last night!

If Garza can’t even get minutes with Naz out, he needs to be elsewhere and likely won’t fight a trade with his NTC.

[shrink]

Read on Twitter

“Oh no! Don’t call me a bozo! It hurts my self-esteem!”

[shrink]

Ultimately, Minott is in his third season. He has had chances here, possibly even more than others in his position as a mid-2nd rounder on a good team usually gets. For whatever reason, it hasn't clicked to where I see him taking another step forward. He has plateaued, and that description might be generous.

When I coach kids, I have this overall view that you don’t have to complain about the refs. Refs are going to do what they are going to do, and you can’t control it. If you truly deserve to win a game, be so good that even bad reffing won’t take away a win.

I feel the same way here about Minott. If you want playing time, make yourself so good that a coach can’t NOT put you in the game. If you are sitting on the border of playability, that’s on you, not the coach.

[Klomp]

If Garza can’t even get minutes with Naz out, he needs to be elsewhere and likely won’t fight a trade with his NTC.

He got minutes in the first half, they just chose to go small in the second half.

[Klomp]

Ultimately, Minott is in his third season. He has had chances here, possibly even more than others in his position as a mid-2nd rounder on a good team usually gets. For whatever reason, it hasn't clicked to where I see him taking another step forward. He has plateaued, and that description might be generous.

When I coach kids, I have this overall view that you don’t have to complain about the refs. Refs are going to do what they are going to do, and you can’t control it. If you truly deserve to win a game, be so good that even bad reffing won’t take away a win.

I feel the same way here about Minott. If you want playing time, make yourself so good that a coach can’t NOT put you in the game. If you are sitting on the border of playability, that’s on you, not the coach.

I think this is a good take.

It's not so much that I think he can never become a good NBA player, but I think there's a gap between how he perceives himself and how he actually performs. Attention to detail is so important, especially when the margin for error is so slim as a mid-2nd rounder. I think he's actually in a pretty similar situation to where NAW was in New Orleans. Look how long it took for him to realize how to become the best version of himself as a player. And that was a mid-1st round pick.

Is the coaching staff using Minott wrong? Perhaps. I see him a little more as a potential Vanderbilt role than I do as a Jaden or NAW. But there still needs to be an attention to detail. His errors are mental, not physical. I think that's the most annoying thing for a coach that a player can do as a role player. Jaylen Clark doesn't have the same physical gifts as Minott, but he gives his maximum effort and his attention to detail popped out there on the court.

[winforlose]

Ultimately, Minott is in his third season. He has had chances here, possibly even more than others in his position as a mid-2nd rounder on a good team usually gets. For whatever reason, it hasn't clicked to where I see him taking another step forward. He has plateaued, and that description might be generous.

When I coach kids, I have this overall view that you don’t have to complain about the refs. Refs are going to do what they are going to do, and you can’t control it. If you truly deserve to win a game, be so good that even bad reffing won’t take away a win.

I feel the same way here about Minott. If you want playing time, make yourself so good that a coach can’t NOT put you in the game. If you are sitting on the border of playability, that’s on you, not the coach.

Shrink, when you coach kids do you ever bench them after 12 seconds. Dilly made mistakes, Clark made mistakes, they didn’t get benched after the very first one. Minott getting on track is more valuable than Clark having a good showing. You might be wondering why, let me tell you:

1. Minott is the backup 3/4, Clark is the backup 2/3. If Naz or Randle go down Minott should see minutes. Normally DDV and TSJ are both ahead of Clark.
2. Minott is playoff eligible and might be necessary due to injury or foul trouble. Clark as a two way is not. Clark is for sure going to be signed to a Hinkie next year. Minott is going to be a 4th year next year. If Minott wants out he can take a 1 year deal as an RFO and force his way out. Finch making an enemy of the kid by refusing to play him even when doing so is better for the team is a great way to cause dissension and lose an interesting young player.

Finch was clearly in a bad mood last night and not suffering mistakes. That is fine, but taking it out on Minott is a bad look and I hope it does not continue. Trading Minott is likely this year or next year and I expect him to become a rotation player with whatever team acquires.

[shrink]

Ultimately, Minott is in his third season. He has had chances here, possibly even more than others in his position as a mid-2nd rounder on a good team usually gets. For whatever reason, it hasn't clicked to where I see him taking another step forward. He has plateaued, and that description might be generous.

When I coach kids, I have this overall view that you don’t have to complain about the refs. Refs are going to do what they are going to do, and you can’t control it. If you truly deserve to win a game, be so good that even bad reffing won’t take away a win.

I feel the same way here about Minott. If you want playing time, make yourself so good that a coach can’t NOT put you in the game. If you are sitting on the border of playability, that’s on you, not the coach.

Shrink, when you coach kids do you ever bench them after 12 seconds. Dilly made mistakes, Clark made mistakes, they didn’t get benched after the very first one. Minott getting on track is more valuable than Clark having a good showing. You might be wondering why, let me tell you:

1. Minott is the backup 3/4, Clark is the backup 2/3. If Naz or Randle go down Minott should see minutes. Normally DDV and TSJ are both ahead of Clark.
2. Minott is playoff eligible and might be necessary due to injury or foul trouble. Clark as a two way is not. Clark is for sure going to be signed to a Hinkie next year. Minott is going to be a 4th year next year. If Minott wants out he can take a 1 year deal as an RFO and force his way out. Finch making an enemy of the kid by refusing to play him even when doing so is better for the team is a great way to cause dissension and lose an interesting young player.

Finch was clearly in a bad mood last night and not suffering mistakes. That is fine, but taking it out on Minott is a bad look and I hope it does not continue. Trading Minott is likely this year or next year and I expect him to become a rotation player with whatever team acquires.

Since I don’t know the circumstances (I guess none of us do), I can only say there are different levels of mistakes. I was very impressed with the team under Finch the last two years that when he needed to turn to the bench, these guys were ready to play. I know it’s hard for bench players to stay ready, but it has to be an expectation, particularly if you want the coach to trust you and give you more time. I didn’t see the game, but I imagine that if a coach chooses to put you in a game, then takes you out after 12 seconds, you weren’t ready to play.

Remember Taurean Prince? He wasn’t getting playing time, and Finch told him very directly the things he needed to do to get those minutes. Prince did all of that, got minutes and played well. I suspect that Finch has been just as direct with Minott.

Finally, we’ve seen Wolves players make themselves so good that they forced their way into the line up. Hell, Naz went from undrafted player to getting playing time behind two All NBA centers! Minott is fun to watch, but he hasn’t improved to a level that he deserves playing time over better players. Until he does so, I’ll put the responsibility for Minott’s minutes squarely on Minott.

[BlacJacMac]

Ultimately, Minott is in his third season. He has had chances here, possibly even more than others in his position as a mid-2nd rounder on a good team usually gets. For whatever reason, it hasn't clicked to where I see him taking another step forward. He has plateaued, and that description might be generous.

When I coach kids, I have this overall view that you don’t have to complain about the refs. Refs are going to do what they are going to do, and you can’t control it. If you truly deserve to win a game, be so good that even bad reffing won’t take away a win.

I feel the same way here about Minott. If you want playing time, make yourself so good that a coach can’t NOT put you in the game. If you are sitting on the border of playability, that’s on you, not the coach.

Shrink, when you coach kids do you ever bench them after 12 seconds. Dilly made mistakes, Clark made mistakes, they didn’t get benched after the very first one. Minott getting on track is more valuable than Clark having a good showing. You might be wondering why, let me tell you:

1. Minott is the backup 3/4, Clark is the backup 2/3. If Naz or Randle go down Minott should see minutes. Normally DDV and TSJ are both ahead of Clark.
2. Minott is playoff eligible and might be necessary due to injury or foul trouble. Clark as a two way is not. Clark is for sure going to be signed to a Hinkie next year. Minott is going to be a 4th year next year. If Minott wants out he can take a 1 year deal as an RFO and force his way out. Finch making an enemy of the kid by refusing to play him even when doing so is better for the team is a great way to cause dissension and lose an interesting young player.

Finch was clearly in a bad mood last night and not suffering mistakes. That is fine, but taking it out on Minott is a bad look and I hope it does not continue. Trading Minott is likely this year or next year and I expect him to become a rotation player with whatever team acquires.

Sorry, but I don't buy any of this. This is your grudge against Finch talking.

I don't care what position Minott plays if he isn't competent in the role. If he's necessary in the Playoffs, we're in big trouble. And gifting him 10 MPG is not likely to change that. Most mid 2nd round picks never turn into NBA players. This is a kid that only was able to play less than 15 MPG in college.

Finch making an enemy of the kid by refusing to play him even when doing so is better for the team

This is completely unfounded.

I get it, he made a steal and a good pass once. But the bad with him far outweighs the good. He put him in for defense last night and he immediately blew the play and created an And-1 for Phoenix.

Josh Minott is not bigger than the team.

[gandlogo]

Josh Minott....I know some people are frustrated because they feel Finch is messing with his confidence, but that 10-second stint showed there is a lack of an attention to detail. When you are barely hanging on to a potential role player slot as it is, that's a deal-breaker for any coach.

You don’t bench a guy 12 seconds in, especially after a bad game. You are doing more than killing his confidence, you are undermining his development. You are denying him the chance to learn and improve. At this point the relationship between Minott and Finch cannot be good. Don’t be surprised if we trade him at his request this year or next.

Sure you do (bench him).

100%. Minott earned every second on the bench. This isn't 3rd grade where you play kids to develop them. Earn your opportunity in practice - keep or expand/shrink your minutes with your play in games.

[winforlose]

When I coach kids, I have this overall view that you don’t have to complain about the refs. Refs are going to do what they are going to do, and you can’t control it. If you truly deserve to win a game, be so good that even bad reffing won’t take away a win.

I feel the same way here about Minott. If you want playing time, make yourself so good that a coach can’t NOT put you in the game. If you are sitting on the border of playability, that’s on you, not the coach.

Shrink, when you coach kids do you ever bench them after 12 seconds. Dilly made mistakes, Clark made mistakes, they didn’t get benched after the very first one. Minott getting on track is more valuable than Clark having a good showing. You might be wondering why, let me tell you:

1. Minott is the backup 3/4, Clark is the backup 2/3. If Naz or Randle go down Minott should see minutes. Normally DDV and TSJ are both ahead of Clark.
2. Minott is playoff eligible and might be necessary due to injury or foul trouble. Clark as a two way is not. Clark is for sure going to be signed to a Hinkie next year. Minott is going to be a 4th year next year. If Minott wants out he can take a 1 year deal as an RFO and force his way out. Finch making an enemy of the kid by refusing to play him even when doing so is better for the team is a great way to cause dissension and lose an interesting young player.

Finch was clearly in a bad mood last night and not suffering mistakes. That is fine, but taking it out on Minott is a bad look and I hope it does not continue. Trading Minott is likely this year or next year and I expect him to become a rotation player with whatever team acquires.

Sorry, but I don't buy any of this. This is your grudge against Finch talking.

I don't care what position Minott plays if he isn't competent in the role. If he's necessary in the Playoffs, we're in big trouble. And gifting him 10 MPG is not likely to change that. Most mid 2nd round picks never turn into NBA players. This is a kid that only was able to play less than 15 MPG in college.

Finch making an enemy of the kid by refusing to play him even when doing so is better for the team

This is completely unfounded.

I get it, he made a steal and a good pass once. But the bad with him far outweighs the good. He put him in for defense last night and he immediately blew the play and created an And-1 for Phoenix.

Josh Minott is not bigger than the team.

I will say it again, the depth chart at PF is Naz/Randle/Minott. Clark is not playoff eligible and not even close to the rotation when DDV and/TSJ are available. By definition giving minutes to someone who is not available in the playoffs, over someone who might be forced to play during them is not good for the team. I agree Minott is not bigger than the team, but when a young player has a bad game the best thing to do is give them some run the next game. One play where Minott makes a bad mistake and then is benched the rest of the game is not how you teach him or build confidence. Minott talked about lack of opportunities last year and then didn’t earn them. This year he did, and we are still removing him from the rotation or limiting him to first half stints even when he is playing well. If he did this to Dilly or TSJ I would be upset as well. I don’t like how Finch handles the young guys.

Another example is playing Garza over Miller last night. Garza might be better than Miller, but is the delta so great you cannot give Miller 3 minutes of run without losing the game? Are we better for Garza having those minutes, or for Miller having an opportunity. What if Miller went off and hit a couple 3s? My point is Finch keeps making choices I dislike and that IMO are bad for the team overall.

[BlacJacMac]

My point is Finch keeps making choices I dislike and that IMO are bad for the team overall.

Enough said.