[tdo1996Participant]

The Wolves are set at PG and PF (Rubio + Love). Pekovic is a RFA and the Wolves obviously want to keep him, but have said they do not want to overpay for him. The positions left are 2/3. Roy didn’t work out this year and Kirilenko was solid, but Shved surprised many as a solid 2. Shved isnt going to be much more than a role player and doesnt have much of a ceiling for being a rook. The Wolves have picks 9 and 26(Correct me if i’m wrong), so there immediate needs are a wing (2 before a 3) and Center. Which way are they going to take them though? Personally I believe they will take a C at 9 and a SG at 26 due to the availability of those positions at those picks. Thoughts?

[river09Participant]

I have a hard time seeing the wolves passing on CJ Mccollum with their first pick at #9. They desperately lack a player who can break down defenders to get his own shot, and a consistent outside threat from 3, both of those things are Mccollum’s specialty… Then with their second pick they could grab someone like Dieng or Whithey to help protect the rim a bit better, they really lack a real shotblocker (Stiemsma goes on spurts but consistently is in foul trouble).

[aztwulfParticipant]

But it might be KCP ahead of CJ. KCP is almost as good of a shooter and a bigger, longer, defender.

Rubio is actually a pretty decent defender. Good anticipation, long arms, and good BBIQ lets him jump a lot of passing lanes. You are correct in that he is not as adept at keeping his man out of the lane. On balance, I would say Rubio is at least an average defender, if not a “plus” defender.

[XYRYXParticipant]

Absolutely agree. Rubio was defensive player of the year in Spain at the age of 17. I had a feeling he was really overrated back then as a defender but right now in he is somehow still considered a mediocre or even bad defender what is really nonsense. What the Wolves really need is consistency. All the injuries and changing lineups really hurt their improvement. I’m absolutely sure with a goog backcourt mate like CJ or KCP Rubio will be way more effective and efficient.

Really like both of this picks and Withey could be worth pure gold for the T-Wolves if Pek gets paid somewhere else.

[XYRYXParticipant]

Absolutely agree. Rubio was defensive player of the year in Spain at the age of 17. I had a feeling he was really overrated back then as a defender but right now in he is somehow still considered a mediocre or even bad defender what is really nonsense. What the Wolves really need is consistency. All the injuries and changing lineups really hurt their improvement. I’m absolutely sure with a goog backcourt mate like CJ or KCP Rubio will be way more effective and efficient.

Really like both of this picks and Withey could be worth pure gold for the T-Wolves if Pek gets paid somewhere else.

[aztwulfParticipant]

But it might be KCP ahead of CJ. KCP is almost as good of a shooter and a bigger, longer, defender.

Rubio is actually a pretty decent defender. Good anticipation, long arms, and good BBIQ lets him jump a lot of passing lanes. You are correct in that he is not as adept at keeping his man out of the lane. On balance, I would say Rubio is at least an average defender, if not a “plus” defender.

[PlatypusParticipant]

Offensively i like the idea but defensively it just wouldn’t work, Rubio isn’t a strong defender and neither is Mccollum

[PlatypusParticipant]

Offensively i like the idea but defensively it just wouldn’t work, Rubio isn’t a strong defender and neither is Mccollum

[river09Participant]

I have a hard time seeing the wolves passing on CJ Mccollum with their first pick at #9. They desperately lack a player who can break down defenders to get his own shot, and a consistent outside threat from 3, both of those things are Mccollum’s specialty… Then with their second pick they could grab someone like Dieng or Whithey to help protect the rim a bit better, they really lack a real shotblocker (Stiemsma goes on spurts but consistently is in foul trouble).

[JordoParticipant]

I had them trading derrick williams and the #9 pick to charlotte for a chance to grab McClemore or Oladipo

[JordoParticipant]

I had them trading derrick williams and the #9 pick to charlotte for a chance to grab McClemore or Oladipo

[aztwulfParticipant]

I think Kirilenko is considerably overpaid at 10.4 M (assuming he picks up HIS option on the 29th). I hope he declines the final year, and either signs a contract elsewhere, or else resigns with the Wolves for something like 17 M over 3 years, which I think is more reasonable. AK47 can’t shoot beyond 15 feet (29 percent from 3), and only had a PER of about 14. Not enough offensive production for that kind of money. Solid individual, and team, defender though.

Shved started out fine, but really slumped when teams started to body him up and play physically. I think Shved is playing out of position with the wolves by playing the 2. His game is really more suited to playing the 1. He came to the Wolves with the rep of being a solid shooter, but only shot mid .30’s overall, and something like .28 from 3. I imagine he will improve in year 2, but I don’t think he has “starter” ability.

Yes, the Wolves have 9 and 26. I doubt they trade up due to the cost, and also due to not having a lot of tradeable assets. There biggest need is a 2 guard that can hit from 3 point range, preferably with size. They also could use another big that they can develop, and a SF that can actually shoot (AK could opt to leave, Budinger is a FA).

I honestly see them staying true to their board with the pick at 9. I think the pick at 9 will likely come out of the group of Zeller, KCP, or CJ McCollum. I have no idea which of the three that they have rated the highest, but I know that Saunders likes them all.

At 26 I would expect them to go after that big, perhaps Dieng or Withey, or perhaps a SF that can shoot, like Bullock, or perhaps Rice Jr..

It wouldn’t surprise me if they packaged either one, or both, of the late second rounders and tried to move up a bit from 26 if they have a player that they especially like that drops into the early 20’s.

The Wolves are pretty hard up against the cap and I don’t envision a lot of offseason activity other than trying to resign Pek and Budinger. Their task will be easier if AK thinks he can get a 3 year deal elsewhere.

I imagine that they are at least talking to teams about Derrick Williams. I think the Wolves still think Williams can be a SF, but from what I have seen I think his best position is as a stretch 4, and would be better off elsewhere. I think the chance of Williams getting traded prior to the start of the season is about 50 percent. Likely either Barea or Ridnour will be moved prior to then as well.

[phila9012Participant]

A small trade that might work is ridnour, the wolves 26 and one of their second rounders for the Jazz 21st, and the Jazz second rounder 46th overall. If the jazz get their Point guard with their first pick (if not this probably wouldnt have a chance at happening) ridnour would be a solid back up and mentor for a young point guard. The timberwolves move up a little bit in both rounds so they get some value for ridnour.

[aztwulfParticipant]

to make that happen, I think it would be a deal that the wolves would benefit from. Right now, the wolves have 5 point guards if you count Shved as a point. Rubio starts (3.74 M), Ridnour played some PG and SG, but is really a PG (4 M, I think 1 year left), Barea backs up both spots (4.49 M), Shved plays mostly SG (2.93 M), and Malcolm Lee (chronically injured, 762K) plays a little of both when he can. These salaries are all 2012-2013, and perhaps there are some 2013-14 adjustments. But, that is right around 16 M tied up in PG’s, and only Rubio, and maybe Shved, are really in the long term plans. All of these guys are better at the point than they are at SG.

So yeah, if the Wolves could shed Ridnour’s salary, AND move up in the draft to boot, I think they would do it and it would be one of those win-win kind of deals.

Have your people call my people (if only we had people).

[aztwulfParticipant]

to make that happen, I think it would be a deal that the wolves would benefit from. Right now, the wolves have 5 point guards if you count Shved as a point. Rubio starts (3.74 M), Ridnour played some PG and SG, but is really a PG (4 M, I think 1 year left), Barea backs up both spots (4.49 M), Shved plays mostly SG (2.93 M), and Malcolm Lee (chronically injured, 762K) plays a little of both when he can. These salaries are all 2012-2013, and perhaps there are some 2013-14 adjustments. But, that is right around 16 M tied up in PG’s, and only Rubio, and maybe Shved, are really in the long term plans. All of these guys are better at the point than they are at SG.

So yeah, if the Wolves could shed Ridnour’s salary, AND move up in the draft to boot, I think they would do it and it would be one of those win-win kind of deals.

Have your people call my people (if only we had people).

[phila9012Participant]

A small trade that might work is ridnour, the wolves 26 and one of their second rounders for the Jazz 21st, and the Jazz second rounder 46th overall. If the jazz get their Point guard with their first pick (if not this probably wouldnt have a chance at happening) ridnour would be a solid back up and mentor for a young point guard. The timberwolves move up a little bit in both rounds so they get some value for ridnour.

[aztwulfParticipant]

I think Kirilenko is considerably overpaid at 10.4 M (assuming he picks up HIS option on the 29th). I hope he declines the final year, and either signs a contract elsewhere, or else resigns with the Wolves for something like 17 M over 3 years, which I think is more reasonable. AK47 can’t shoot beyond 15 feet (29 percent from 3), and only had a PER of about 14. Not enough offensive production for that kind of money. Solid individual, and team, defender though.

Shved started out fine, but really slumped when teams started to body him up and play physically. I think Shved is playing out of position with the wolves by playing the 2. His game is really more suited to playing the 1. He came to the Wolves with the rep of being a solid shooter, but only shot mid .30’s overall, and something like .28 from 3. I imagine he will improve in year 2, but I don’t think he has “starter” ability.

Yes, the Wolves have 9 and 26. I doubt they trade up due to the cost, and also due to not having a lot of tradeable assets. There biggest need is a 2 guard that can hit from 3 point range, preferably with size. They also could use another big that they can develop, and a SF that can actually shoot (AK could opt to leave, Budinger is a FA).

I honestly see them staying true to their board with the pick at 9. I think the pick at 9 will likely come out of the group of Zeller, KCP, or CJ McCollum. I have no idea which of the three that they have rated the highest, but I know that Saunders likes them all.

At 26 I would expect them to go after that big, perhaps Dieng or Withey, or perhaps a SF that can shoot, like Bullock, or perhaps Rice Jr..

It wouldn’t surprise me if they packaged either one, or both, of the late second rounders and tried to move up a bit from 26 if they have a player that they especially like that drops into the early 20’s.

The Wolves are pretty hard up against the cap and I don’t envision a lot of offseason activity other than trying to resign Pek and Budinger. Their task will be easier if AK thinks he can get a 3 year deal elsewhere.

I imagine that they are at least talking to teams about Derrick Williams. I think the Wolves still think Williams can be a SF, but from what I have seen I think his best position is as a stretch 4, and would be better off elsewhere. I think the chance of Williams getting traded prior to the start of the season is about 50 percent. Likely either Barea or Ridnour will be moved prior to then as well.

[stacebeansParticipant]

The trade to the bobcats is a great idea for twolves but im afraid they will waste talent with another good college playing the 2 or the 3.
Or they can look to get oj mayo and draft cj. That way you have bench production

[stacebeansParticipant]

The trade to the bobcats is a great idea for twolves but im afraid they will waste talent with another good college playing the 2 or the 3.
Or they can look to get oj mayo and draft cj. That way you have bench production

[fcb206Participant]

The biggest mystery about this draft to me is why everyone likes Jeff Withey. I think if he hadn’t played at Kansas and been on national tv all the time nobody would mock him in the first round. he is pretty much only a weak side shot blocker. He has a frail physique by NBA post standards. He isn’t going to bang in the NBA. Limited offensive skills. Not much of an athlete. Doesn’t seem worth any more than a second round flier. Someone convince me otherwise.

[ConezdParticipant]

has any reason to convince you of anything. Your opinion is just that, your opinion. To put it bluntly, it does not matter at all. But, just for arguments sake, Withey is a good post defender and a smart defender at that. There’s no proof that you have to weigh 265 to be a decent C in the league. He’ll bulk up a bit more with the nba training staffs but there isn’t more than 5 Real Centers in the league right now that would intimidate anybody. Withey is legit 7 ft and has amazing timing and instincts down low. Besides, he’s projected to be a late first rounder at best, and like the 5 best C in this draft even. No one is going crazy about withey anyway. Settle down with the withey hate.

[fcb206Participant]

I’m curious, what makes a player a Real Center to you? Is that a new position?

Marc Gasol, Roy Hibbert, Dwight Howard, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez, Andre Drummond, Omer Asik, Nikola Vucevic, Nikola Pekovic, Andrew Bynum, Kendrick Perkins, Andrew Bogut, Spencer Hawes, Javale McGee, Deandre Jordan, Demarcus Cousins…Which ones are Real, and which ones are Imaginary? I weeded out all the guys who get run at the 4.

[ConezdParticipant]

I like how you have completely gone away from your original statement and now we have to discuss other centers in the league. Marc Gasol, Dwight, Brook Lopez, DMC… thats about the list as far as players that someone might be worried about playing against. We were talking about Withey as a player in this league and what he could do in the nba.He obviously is gonna be expected to defend, protect the rim and rebound. He’s never gonna be asked to score on the block.Which, if you hadnt noticed, is basically alllllllllllll the rest of the guys on that list you provided are asked to do.(besides the 4 I pointed out) If theyadd anything else while theyre on the floor its a bonus. Btw, some of the names on that list you provided are laughable. Spencer Hawes? Hes a real terror banging on the block, right? And its kind of hard for Bynums mushroom haircut to scare anyone while hes in a suit on the bench.

[ConezdParticipant]

I like how you have completely gone away from your original statement and now we have to discuss other centers in the league. Marc Gasol, Dwight, Brook Lopez, DMC… thats about the list as far as players that someone might be worried about playing against. We were talking about Withey as a player in this league and what he could do in the nba.He obviously is gonna be expected to defend, protect the rim and rebound. He’s never gonna be asked to score on the block.Which, if you hadnt noticed, is basically alllllllllllll the rest of the guys on that list you provided are asked to do.(besides the 4 I pointed out) If theyadd anything else while theyre on the floor its a bonus. Btw, some of the names on that list you provided are laughable. Spencer Hawes? Hes a real terror banging on the block, right? And its kind of hard for Bynums mushroom haircut to scare anyone while hes in a suit on the bench.

[fcb206Participant]

jeez little guy, retract your claws. You’re not on basketball wives, bro.

So by Real Centers, you mean centers that are good? and now there are only 4, not 5? and Joakim Noah is not one of them? he is not a player that “Someone might be worried about playing against”? I’ll take Noah over Demarcus Cousins’ lazy, loafing, poor-defending butt all day. But to each his own.

players’ haircuts are supposed to scare people? Andrew Bynum isn’t a Real Center because you aren’t scared of his hair? If Joakim Noah’s (not a Real Center, apperently) hair doesn’t scare you, I don’t know who’s would.

Jeff Withey sucks. He’s a 12th man at best. if he was two inches shorter he would go undrafted. Get over it. And his hair isn’t scary at all. Based on your own unique methods of evaluating NBA post play, he’s a bust.

[fcb206Participant]

jeez little guy, retract your claws. You’re not on basketball wives, bro.

So by Real Centers, you mean centers that are good? and now there are only 4, not 5? and Joakim Noah is not one of them? he is not a player that “Someone might be worried about playing against”? I’ll take Noah over Demarcus Cousins’ lazy, loafing, poor-defending butt all day. But to each his own.

players’ haircuts are supposed to scare people? Andrew Bynum isn’t a Real Center because you aren’t scared of his hair? If Joakim Noah’s (not a Real Center, apperently) hair doesn’t scare you, I don’t know who’s would.

Jeff Withey sucks. He’s a 12th man at best. if he was two inches shorter he would go undrafted. Get over it. And his hair isn’t scary at all. Based on your own unique methods of evaluating NBA post play, he’s a bust.

[ConezdParticipant]

And Pekovic can ball too.

[ConezdParticipant]

And Pekovic can ball too.

[fcb206Participant]

I’m curious, what makes a player a Real Center to you? Is that a new position?

Marc Gasol, Roy Hibbert, Dwight Howard, Joakim Noah, Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez, Andre Drummond, Omer Asik, Nikola Vucevic, Nikola Pekovic, Andrew Bynum, Kendrick Perkins, Andrew Bogut, Spencer Hawes, Javale McGee, Deandre Jordan, Demarcus Cousins…Which ones are Real, and which ones are Imaginary? I weeded out all the guys who get run at the 4.

[ConezdParticipant]

has any reason to convince you of anything. Your opinion is just that, your opinion. To put it bluntly, it does not matter at all. But, just for arguments sake, Withey is a good post defender and a smart defender at that. There’s no proof that you have to weigh 265 to be a decent C in the league. He’ll bulk up a bit more with the nba training staffs but there isn’t more than 5 Real Centers in the league right now that would intimidate anybody. Withey is legit 7 ft and has amazing timing and instincts down low. Besides, he’s projected to be a late first rounder at best, and like the 5 best C in this draft even. No one is going crazy about withey anyway. Settle down with the withey hate.

[MopgrassParticipant]

I’m not done looking through players, but I have Withey listed as the 49th best player. Since he’s a center he’ll go higher though. I’d guess early 2nd round or very late 1st round (like most people think).

He’s not physical enough yet, but he’ll gain weight. I wouldn’t write him off.

[MopgrassParticipant]

I’m not done looking through players, but I have Withey listed as the 49th best player. Since he’s a center he’ll go higher though. I’d guess early 2nd round or very late 1st round (like most people think).

He’s not physical enough yet, but he’ll gain weight. I wouldn’t write him off.

[fcb206Participant]

The biggest mystery about this draft to me is why everyone likes Jeff Withey. I think if he hadn’t played at Kansas and been on national tv all the time nobody would mock him in the first round. he is pretty much only a weak side shot blocker. He has a frail physique by NBA post standards. He isn’t going to bang in the NBA. Limited offensive skills. Not much of an athlete. Doesn’t seem worth any more than a second round flier. Someone convince me otherwise.

[Author]

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