Grizzlies @ Timberwolves Game Thread

[john2jer]

So wait, a week ago Gomes was a "lazy coach killer" now this week he's Shane Battier, Ghandi, and the Jackson 5 wrapped into one?

[shrink]

I think its important for the confidence of the young players to get some wins, and if we're going to get wins, a blow-out wins are even better. However, simply getting in front of MEM could either help us with the lottery balls, or if neither team gets a top three pick, we'd pick in front of them in the lottery. Thoughts on Thabeet are still all over the place, and there is a decent chance he won't be gone in the top 3, so positioning is an issue.

I'm happy for the Wolves in tonight's win, and I didn't want them to lose 30 straight. However, it was too hard for me to watch, when I want them to get those wins against play-off contenders, to boost confidence and not trip up our lottery chances as badly. I've never been able to watch the Wolves and root against them, even on the final days of a lottery-bound season, but realistically I know that this was not a helpful win.

With 12 RB's tonight, Mike Miller leads all guards in rebounding (6.2 RPG), and his FG% is nearing 50%. He's #3 in two-point percentage, which is unbelievable in a league full of dunking PF/C's.

[funkatron101]

I can't root against them either. Honestly I think with the right coach and personnel, it doesn't matter where your pick is. You pick a guy who you think can fit the team, and you make him work for the team.

Despite Deron Williams (who was obviously the exception), I think Utah has done this pretty well. They find guys who "fit" with the system, and have successful teams.

Now McHale isn't Sloan, and we don't have a great track record with picks, but I still strive for that model, as opposed to losing to get a better pick.

[Devilzsidewalk]

So wait, a week ago Gomes was a "lazy coach killer" now this week he's Shane Battier, Ghandi, and the Jackson 5 wrapped into one?

only 1 person said he was a lazy coach killer, personally I just said he shouldn't be our starter because he's not athletic enough.

[PeeDee]

I can't root against them either. Honestly I think with the right coach and personnel, it doesn't matter where your pick is. You pick a guy who you think can fit the team, and you make him work for the team.

Despite Deron Williams (who was obviously the exception), I think Utah has done this pretty well. They find guys who "fit" with the system, and have successful teams.

Now McHale isn't Sloan, and we don't have a great track record with picks, but I still strive for that model, as opposed to losing to get a better pick.

But you also need to get lucky or position yourself correctly in order to get those players that will put your team over the top. Now's the time to get our Deron. Our John Stockton... is that Rubio? If it is, then you do what it takes to get him. I don't condone tanking, but I'm not wishing for wins against teams below us either.

I just hope we have enough assets and are in the right position to aquire the talent that will bring us to the next level.

[4ho5ive]

Its all about luck fellas, and we have none of it.

However if there was any season we deserved the #1, it would be this one. The Spurs lost Robinson and got Duncan, we lost Brewer and then Jefferson and now Foye is out for a while. Just give us Rubio dammit.

[john2jer]

So wait, a week ago Gomes was a "lazy coach killer" now this week he's Shane Battier, Ghandi, and the Jackson 5 wrapped into one?

only 1 person said he was a lazy coach killer, personally I just said he shouldn't be our starter because he's not athletic enough.

Yeah, only one person used the words "coach killer", and I'm not sure if you were part of this, but there were quite a few ragging on him for being lazy, inconsistent, and how he should be fined due to lack of effort.

[B Calrissian]

So wait, a week ago Gomes was a "lazy coach killer" now this week he's Shane Battier, Ghandi, and the Jackson 5 wrapped into one?

only 1 person said he was a lazy coach killer, personally I just said he shouldn't be our starter because he's not athletic enough.

Yeah, only one person used the words "coach killer", and I'm not sure if you were part of this, but there were quite a few ragging on him for being lazy, inconsistent, and how he should be fined due to lack of effort.

I was the one that said he should be fined. It was the game (against the Warriors, down 37-66 at halftime) where he picked up 3 quick fouls at the start of the third. He set a lazy screen (foul 1), left his feet to block a jumpshot (foul 2), left his feet to block another jumper (foul 3). Then he went to the bench. It was clear that he didn't want to play. Melo got suspended (or was it fined) for refusing to go to the bench, Marbury got fined for not wanting to enter the game, so it only seems fitting that Gomes be fined for playing with no effort so he could sit on the bench. I think he is a solid player and seems like a nice guy but his effort that game was inexusable. Even if the team is down by 50 he is still being paid to play, not foul his way to bench.

[Devilzsidewalk]

offensively, Gomes has been on fire all this month. Gomes and Mike Miller have officially changed bodies. Miller has been an all around guy, grabbing boards, doing the hustle plays stuff. Gomes just finds a sliver of an opening and fires and hits from wherever. Tricky bastards keep trying to fool me from thinking we don't need a SF in the draft. I'm onto yous twos.

[TrentTuckerForever]

also, I'm not quite seeing how playing Collins more than Shingles Williams is a good thing, Sherlock is a beast on the boards

I see them both as 20 mpg players with the team as depleted as it is - Collins got 24 minutes, Williams 18. Not that big a difference.

I just hope Shensdapoidsjflsadkj makes it hard to keep him off the floor with his play. The thing about Williams is that we all want him to become one of those "want to" guys, who play beyond their natural talent because of their attitude. I don't get many chances to bash Duke on this board ... the Dookies that have excelled in the NBA (Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Corey Maggette) have done so mostly because of their God-given talent. I guess Shane Battier would be the notable exception, and if Williams emulated him we'd really have something. But again, being a Dookie and a high lotto pick, maybe Williams will never adopt the attitude necessary for someone of his talent to play well in the NBA?

If he can't play his way into this starting lineup, I don't know if he's got much of a future in the league.

[Devilzsidewalk]

also, I'm not quite seeing how playing Collins more than Shingles Williams is a good thing, Sherlock is a beast on the boards

I see them both as 20 mpg players with the team as depleted as it is - Collins got 24 minutes, Williams 18. Not that big a difference.

I just hope Shensdapoidsjflsadkj makes it hard to keep him off the floor with his play. The thing about Williams is that we all want him to become one of those "want to" guys, who play beyond their natural talent because of their attitude. I don't get many chances to bash Duke on this board ... the Dookies that have excelled in the NBA (Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Corey Maggette) have done so mostly because of their God-given talent. I guess Shane Battier would be the notable exception, and if Williams emulated him we'd really have something. But again, being a Dookie and a high lotto pick, maybe Williams will never adopt the attitude necessary for someone of his talent to play well in the NBA?

If he can't play his way into this starting lineup, I don't know if he's got much of a future in the league.

I guess it's just me making the mistake of assuming the FO has the same intentions I would - which they probably don't - that there's no chance re-signing Collins, but Williams, who knows? But truthfully they probably have zero intention of re-signing either so they don't care. I see Williams as a guy who can potentially be a tough post D guy, grab boards, and at least convert occasionally on putbacks - more than Collins or your typical 9th man or whatever would at any rate. I guess the Wolves realize they have a zillion draft picks, some cap room in the not too distant future and such and don't want to lock up anymore late rotation guys. I can understand that, I'm just a Shelden Williams homer still, I though he was good coming into the draft and I still have a soft spot in my heart for him.

[Foye]

I'd rather have Candace Parker on our team than Shelden Williams

[shrink]

Its more than just the luck of the lottery, which losses still improves. According to may mock drafts, Thabeet could go anywhere from 2-7. He appears to be a good fit here, and would be passed on by certain lottery teams, and not by others.

Lottery picks = specific players. It may become important to be ahead of other teams not just for a better chance at a top three pick.

[revprodeji]

Devils...I am shocked Williams is not getting more of a chance. He could be a decent role player, but not with Cookie on this team still.