Jrue Holiday to MIN

[Myth]

Portland is under FBI scrutiny, this isn't the time to try to pry a good PG from them for an overrated overpaid backup big who might be the worst defender in the NBA.

I was unaware that Naz was a terrible defender.

[ReggiesKnicks]

Portland is under FBI scrutiny, this isn't the time to try to pry a good PG from them for an overrated overpaid backup big who might be the worst defender in the NBA.

I was unaware that Naz was a terrible defender.

He hasn't been the past few years. When he plays Center he is quite useless but Portland has plenty of centers.

[Myth]

Portland is under FBI scrutiny, this isn't the time to try to pry a good PG from them for an overrated overpaid backup big who might be the worst defender in the NBA.

I was unaware that Naz was a terrible defender.

He hasn't been the past few years. When he plays Center he is quite useless but Portland has plenty of centers.

In theory, but we are playing Grant big minutes at C because Rob is hurt, Yang needs development, and Reath isn’t a rotation player. I initially liked the idea of Naz because of being able to play C now and shifting to PF if Yang develops into needing real minutes. But in general, the team is focused on developing a defensive identity and I support that direction, so hearing Naz is potentially a terrible defender definitely gives me pause.

[wolves_89]

Portland is under FBI scrutiny, this isn't the time to try to pry a good PG from them for an overrated overpaid backup big who might be the worst defender in the NBA.

I was unaware that Naz was a terrible defender.

He hasn't been the past few years. When he plays Center he is quite useless but Portland has plenty of centers.

The Naz-Gobert 2-player defensive rating was one of the best in the NBA for any 2-player combination last season. When Naz plays PF he is a good defender, when he has to play center next to Randle things fall apart. If somebody trades for Naz, they definitely should be intending him to be a PF because that's where the majority of his value lies.

[BK_2020]

I was unaware that Naz was a terrible defender.

He hasn't been the past few years. When he plays Center he is quite useless but Portland has plenty of centers.

The Naz-Gobert 2-player defensive rating was one of the best in the NBA for any 2-player combination last season. When Naz plays PF he is a good defender, when he has to play center next to Randle things fall apart. If somebody trades for Naz, they definitely should be intending him to be a PF because that's where the majority of his value lies.

I'd imagine anyone-Gobert 2-player defensive rating is pretty amazing.

[jscott]

He hasn't been the past few years. When he plays Center he is quite useless but Portland has plenty of centers.

The Naz-Gobert 2-player defensive rating was one of the best in the NBA for any 2-player combination last season. When Naz plays PF he is a good defender, when he has to play center next to Randle things fall apart. If somebody trades for Naz, they definitely should be intending him to be a PF because that's where the majority of his value lies.

I'd imagine anyone-Gobert 2-player defensive rating is pretty amazing.

Naz is still a solid defender at the 4. He’s more a 3 than a 5 now. Not sure where the narrative of being “the worst defender in the league” came from. Same with being “overrated and overpaid.” That’s all just nonsense.

[jscott]

Portland is under FBI scrutiny, this isn't the time to try to pry a good PG from them for an overrated overpaid backup big who might be the worst defender in the NBA.

I was unaware that Naz was a terrible defender.

Narrator: He’s not.

Is he an elite defender? No, but he’s solid at the 4 which is the position he should be playing.

[BK_2020]

The Naz-Gobert 2-player defensive rating was one of the best in the NBA for any 2-player combination last season. When Naz plays PF he is a good defender, when he has to play center next to Randle things fall apart. If somebody trades for Naz, they definitely should be intending him to be a PF because that's where the majority of his value lies.

I'd imagine anyone-Gobert 2-player defensive rating is pretty amazing.

Naz is still a solid defender at the 4. He’s more a 3 than a 5 now. Not sure where the narrative of being “the worst defender in the league” came from. Same with being “overrated and overpaid.” That’s all just nonsense.

He's a 5 who has to play the 4 because of his defensive deficiencies. It was a neat gimmick having him shoot above average from the three but that's not going to last. He's still a bucket but without the three ball he's not worth 5/125.

[jscott]

I'd imagine anyone-Gobert 2-player defensive rating is pretty amazing.

Naz is still a solid defender at the 4. He’s more a 3 than a 5 now. Not sure where the narrative of being “the worst defender in the league” came from. Same with being “overrated and overpaid.” That’s all just nonsense.

He's a 5 who has to play the 4 because of his defensive deficiencies. It was a neat gimmick having him shoot above average from the three but that's not going to last. He's still a bucket but without the three ball he's not worth 5/125.

He’s not a 5. He’s also been a very good shooter on high volume. Shows how little you watch/know about Naz.

[ReggiesKnicks]

I'd imagine anyone-Gobert 2-player defensive rating is pretty amazing.

Naz is still a solid defender at the 4. He’s more a 3 than a 5 now. Not sure where the narrative of being “the worst defender in the league” came from. Same with being “overrated and overpaid.” That’s all just nonsense.

He's a 5 who has to play the 4 because of his defensive deficiencies. It was a neat gimmick having him shoot above average from the three but that's not going to last. He's still a bucket but without the three ball he's not worth 5/125.

Reid isn't a 5 at all. Nothing about him is a 5.

[jscott]

Naz is still a solid defender at the 4. He’s more a 3 than a 5 now. Not sure where the narrative of being “the worst defender in the league” came from. Same with being “overrated and overpaid.” That’s all just nonsense.

He's a 5 who has to play the 4 because of his defensive deficiencies. It was a neat gimmick having him shoot above average from the three but that's not going to last. He's still a bucket but without the three ball he's not worth 5/125.

Reid isn't a 5 at all. Nothing about him is a 5.

Well, he’s tall. Guess KD must be a 5 too

[BK_2020]

Naz is still a solid defender at the 4. He’s more a 3 than a 5 now. Not sure where the narrative of being “the worst defender in the league” came from. Same with being “overrated and overpaid.” That’s all just nonsense.

He's a 5 who has to play the 4 because of his defensive deficiencies. It was a neat gimmick having him shoot above average from the three but that's not going to last. He's still a bucket but without the three ball he's not worth 5/125.

Reid isn't a 5 at all. Nothing about him is a 5.

His defensive mobility.

[jscott]

He's a 5 who has to play the 4 because of his defensive deficiencies. It was a neat gimmick having him shoot above average from the three but that's not going to last. He's still a bucket but without the three ball he's not worth 5/125.

Reid isn't a 5 at all. Nothing about him is a 5.

His defensive mobility.

So then why does he play better defense at the 4

[BK_2020]

Reid isn't a 5 at all. Nothing about him is a 5.

His defensive mobility.

So then why does he play better defense at the 4

Minny has a good defense. They cover for him.
Anyway, if you think he's a great defender, that's fine. Not interested in keeping this up. I watch a lot of Wolves games and I'll believe my eyes. Jrue for Reid would make the Wolves instantly better, but it won't help Portland, just create another redundancy at the 4.

[jscott]

His defensive mobility.

So then why does he play better defense at the 4

Minny has a good defense. They cover for him.
Anyway, if you think he's a great defender, that's fine. Not interested in keeping this up. I watch a lot of Wolves games and I'll believe my eyes. Jrue for Reid would make the Wolves instantly better, but it won't help Portland, just create another redundancy at the 4.

Read back a few posts. I specifically said he’s not an elite defender but he’s certainly not “the worst defender in the league” as you said. You’re the one using hyperbole, so stop putting words in my mouth.

And while it might make a short term improvement for the Wolves (Naz for Jrue) the fact that Jrue is 35 makes it a non-starter.

[Texas Chuck]

[ I specifically said he’s not an elite defender but he’s certainly not “the worst defender in the league” as you said. You’re the one using hyperbole, so stop putting words in my mouth.

One of my biggest pet peeves on this board is how we let extremist posters determined to have the Doritos Hot Take of the Day drive way too much of the discussion. Where players/teams/coaches are only the GOAT or the worst. No nuance, no attempt at rational discussion. If he's not prime Tim Duncan defensively he must be 40 year old Dirk out there trying to defend....

Here's what matters: Can you have a good defense with him on the court without having to compromise your offense by loading up on defenders? The question has been undeniably yes.

Now does that mean he's good value on his contract or another team should see him as their answer? That's a different question entirely. But he's more than playable and its stupid to argue otherwise.

[BK_2020]

So then why does he play better defense at the 4

Minny has a good defense. They cover for him.
Anyway, if you think he's a great defender, that's fine. Not interested in keeping this up. I watch a lot of Wolves games and I'll believe my eyes. Jrue for Reid would make the Wolves instantly better, but it won't help Portland, just create another redundancy at the 4.

Read back a few posts. I specifically said he’s not an elite defender but he’s certainly not “the worst defender in the league” as you said. You’re the one using hyperbole, so stop putting words in my mouth.

And while it might make a short term improvement for the Wolves (Naz for Jrue) the fact that Jrue is 35 makes it a non-starter.

The Wolves window is now. Gobert is 33. They need to go for it now although obviously keep some powder in the keg for the 2nd window when Ant is in his prime. But that might be hard to do given how much they already had to give up to get to this point.

[jscott]

Minny has a good defense. They cover for him.
Anyway, if you think he's a great defender, that's fine. Not interested in keeping this up. I watch a lot of Wolves games and I'll believe my eyes. Jrue for Reid would make the Wolves instantly better, but it won't help Portland, just create another redundancy at the 4.

Read back a few posts. I specifically said he’s not an elite defender but he’s certainly not “the worst defender in the league” as you said. You’re the one using hyperbole, so stop putting words in my mouth.

And while it might make a short term improvement for the Wolves (Naz for Jrue) the fact that Jrue is 35 makes it a non-starter.

The Wolves window is now. Gobert is 33. They need to go for it now although obviously keep some powder in the keg for the 2nd window when Ant is in his prime. But that might be hard to do given how much they already had to give up to get to this point.

Again, this statement shows how little you know about the Wolves.

Sure, Rudy is 33 (and Mike is ~38) but practically everyone else on the team is 25 or younger.

[Texas Chuck]

Read back a few posts. I specifically said he’s not an elite defender but he’s certainly not “the worst defender in the league” as you said. You’re the one using hyperbole, so stop putting words in my mouth.

And while it might make a short term improvement for the Wolves (Naz for Jrue) the fact that Jrue is 35 makes it a non-starter.

The Wolves window is now. Gobert is 33. They need to go for it now although obviously keep some powder in the keg for the 2nd window when Ant is in his prime. But that might be hard to do given how much they already had to give up to get to this point.

Again, this statement shows how little you know about the Wolves.

Sure, Rudy is 33 (and Mike is ~38) but practically everyone else on the team is 25 or younger.

I think this one is more fair. Gobert has driven much of their success. I know ANT is the guy now, but all of the advanced numbers have shown just how vital Gobert is. I'm not saying trade Naz for Jrue specifically, but I'd definitely be trying to win the title this year. B2B WCF trips kinda demand that anyway without getting into the question of how much longer Rudy can play at this level.

[jscott]

The Wolves window is now. Gobert is 33. They need to go for it now although obviously keep some powder in the keg for the 2nd window when Ant is in his prime. But that might be hard to do given how much they already had to give up to get to this point.

Again, this statement shows how little you know about the Wolves.

Sure, Rudy is 33 (and Mike is ~38) but practically everyone else on the team is 25 or younger.

I think this one is more fair. Gobert has driven much of their success. I know ANT is the guy now, but all of the advanced numbers have shown just how vital Gobert is. I'm not saying trade Naz for Jrue specifically, but I'd definitely be trying to win the title this year. B2B WCF trips kinda demand that anyway without getting into the question of how much longer Rudy can play at this level.

I agree that Rudy is an impactful player and hopefully will be for another season or two while Beringer learns the game. If you have the chance to improve your team, you should.

That said, I wouldn’t trade Naz for him at this point at Jrue’s age and with 3 years left on his deal. Don’t want to pay a 41 year old 38 million.

I think Naz is more important to this team going forward than that and on a better deal - especially if we’re adding contract filler like DDV in the OP.