BballIntellect wrote:shrink wrote:Covington is 50 spots higher in overall RPM than Russell.
No one wants to admit just how bad Russell is defensively.
Then why are the Wolves desperate to get Russell and why is the Wolves front office leaking that Covington is available and multiple teams are interested in him ? The Warriors hold all the leverage here.
I’m sorry to confuse you with actual basketball play.
Let’s go back to the hype.
The article this is quoted from actually says, “Russell is just one of many irons in the fire for the Wolves.” But I suppose you only read headlines.
As for leverage, who knows? MIN is not desperate to win now, and in fact let go of all of its expiring vets last summer to focus on learning a new analytics-based system with younger (worse) players. They have stuck with this system regardless of individual wins or losses. Meanwhile, GSW is holding a PG in a league filled with PG’s, and it will only get worse this summer when a new big flock of rookie PG’s enter the league. There aren’t many teams that are actual buyers. However, 3-and-elite D wings like Covington are a priority for every team.
In the end though, I don’t care about leverage, and I really hope the Wolves don’t take on Russell’s max deal. I have more hope they are looking for a guy like Aaron Holiday, on a much smaller deal. I am just overwhelmed by the people that ignore the numbers, production and contract, and feel Russell has tremendous value.