The Wolves have notified teams they intend to select Turkish center Enes Kanter tomorrow. Hard to say if that's true or not. One good theory I read was that their intention is to trade the #2 pick if they can and they have exhausted options with the belief that a team should move up to #2 to nab DW - and are now testing the waters with a threat to take Kanter. Could that get another team to panic and try to move up?
Or are they serious. I posted earlier that I wasn't entirely thrilled with Kanter but I went back and watched what little footage I could find on him again and although I'm not convinced he'll be a great defender - it's his jump shot and post presence that intrigues me. Last year I preferred Cousins over Wes Johnson (and actually I liked Favors over both, but irrelevant) for the same reason I like Kanter here. The offensive skill these bigs have is rare. Scoring, or the threat to score, is still king in the league when it comes to evaluating an individual's talent. Defense and hustle can be found later in drafts and in free agency.
Defense is important, don't get me wrong. But I've seen that a greatly skilled offensive player will almost always best a gifted defensive player in this league with the rule settings as they are. The way to stop great offensive players is to become a good team defense. That's the key there, is to find smart players who can buy into a team defense approach and not necessarily hustle guys who have absurd athleticism. Players who talk, rotate, and understand how the other team wants to attack and act as a unit is more important than one's individual defensive ability.
So in this situation if the Wolves think Kanter is a game changer, a mismatch maker on the offensive end, I endorse the decision. The only problem is the limited amount of footage on this guy. 2 professional games in 2 years means they had better done their homework.
I'm not saying that DW is a slouch on offense - in fact I think his value is his offense too. Like Mike Beasley he provides a mismatch for SFs with his size and PFs with his quickness and quite successful jump shot. However, it seems that every draft has a handful of guys just like this and you have to question whether at the #2 pick he's all that much better than other players (such as Kawai Leonard).
Lastly on the discussion between the 2 of them - a team need for the Wolves is center and a guy who stands taller than 6'9". Kanter has the legit size and its possible he grows more. One thing I liked about Kanter is that despite being 260 lbs he has a body fat percentage of 5.9. That's an absurdly low value and his conditioning is reported as elite. You have to like that. On the contrast, DW is over 10% on his 6'8" 250 lb frame.
You have to like that Kanter should be able to run for days with outlet passes from Love and running from Rubio. He seems like a much better fit with perhaps a much higher ceiling.
As for trade - the ideal situation is to move back to #3 or #4 and still land Kanter and add another veteran or pick. I think this is their goal - may have been from the start - which is why they were trying to move the pick so aggressively at first and would explain why they have announced their intentions to take Kanter now that they haven't received a good enough offer.
I'd like to think we're in for a wild ride tomorrow night but I think I said the same thing last year and all we saw was Babbit for Webster.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Back for my annual post
I was going to apologize for not being very active on this blog - but then I realized I have no readers to apologize too. But in any case, I'll take this moment to say happy first father's day to me. Sophia, someday you might come across this post if the apocalypse hasn't come yet (or maybe even if it does)!
I'll focus this post on who the Wolves should target at pick #2 mostly but I'll also sprinkle in other guys I think would be ideal fits/potential great players.
I haven't done as much research as years past so that might work in my favor. Without further ado:
The Wolves at pick #2, if they stay put, are in a solid position to add one of the top 2 talents in the draft. It's a win-win. On one hand I like Irving a lot and almost hope he falls to #2. I realize this creates a pretty interesting PR situation as Rubio has just said he's coming to MN and Kahn already gets blasted for collecting PGs -- but the guy looks like he just gets it. A solid PG without a flaw I can see. Good decision making, good form on his jumper (and he shot a good percentage from all 3 spots), and intelligence. What's not to like?
I also really like Derrick Williams. If we had him and Beasley I'd rather have Williams. I love the scoring that Beasley brings and we'd have a scoring void without him - but I think the Wolves really need to focus on getting better defensively.
That reminds me to talk to the JaVale McGee rumors. I'd strongly consider it -- but I just think Williams is too dynamic to pass on. If we had pick #3 I'd probably do it.
The Wolves can also add that defense in the draft though. I like Bismack Biyombo so long as we don't expect him to score at al on anything that's not a dunk. If he's there at #20 I don't see how the Wolves can pass on him. But I don't have my hopes up he'll be there. But, then again, they probably would pass on him. The Wolves have a history of passing on guys that I've ljked later in drafts (see Monta Ellis and DeAndre Jordan). I just hope they don't this time.
Other guys I like are The Jimmer (and after seeing Dallas win the championship with a PG/SG rotation including Kidd, Barea, andJet (and they also have Roddy B) I think you can win with a smaller backcourt, especially if both players on the court provide something the defense has to adjust to. I think you'd get that with Rubio and Jimmer if there was a way to play them both together. However, I don't see a scenario without trading up to make that happen.
The Wolves could also really use a SG and the guy I like best is Alec Burks. He has prototype size for the SG spot at 6'6" and was a big time scorer at CU. He also has very fluid movement and a working jumpshot. The scenario is same as above though, where I don't know how we could land him without moving up. I think this is an ideal player to target somehow. Possibly moving Flynn and #20 or another big like Pek and #20 or even moving Beasley if we take Williams.
Jonas Valanciunas is my favorite big of the draft - even ahead of Kanter. He looks a bit raw but the size, the hustle, the natural ability looks like he could be the real deal. I'd even consider him at #2 or if proposed trades with Cleveland or Utah occur at the #3 or #4 spot. The catch is he is a project and Kahn is under pressure to start winning as soon as possible. Definitely a challenge for him you'd hate to see that type of influence leak into decision. Fortunately holding the #2 spot makes it unlikely it'll become an issue.
Kanter looks to be a solid option too but he's coming off of very little action over the last 2 years and doesn't have a great finishing touch around the rim or athleticism. He sort of reminds me of a Dirk mold with great jumpshot for a near 7 footer but maybe half the athleticism - so probably a soft center I'm not really interested in.
I also really like Kawhi Leonard, Kenneth Faried (think of him and Love chasing down rebounds), and Iman Shumpert who has great size as a combo guard who can play the point as a third PG and in the SG rotation to make sure he gets decent minutes. He's a guy i like at #20 if we stay there.
Leanard will be long gone so I should clarify that I like him in the top 10 if we trade out of #2.
That's as far as my research has taken me so far but I wanted to say that I am excited for Thursday because there seem to be so many possibilities both in trades and draft. Though expections are tempered because the same thing happened last year. The Wolves were active in talks but ultimately made a small move to trade for Webster.
I'll focus this post on who the Wolves should target at pick #2 mostly but I'll also sprinkle in other guys I think would be ideal fits/potential great players.
I haven't done as much research as years past so that might work in my favor. Without further ado:
The Wolves at pick #2, if they stay put, are in a solid position to add one of the top 2 talents in the draft. It's a win-win. On one hand I like Irving a lot and almost hope he falls to #2. I realize this creates a pretty interesting PR situation as Rubio has just said he's coming to MN and Kahn already gets blasted for collecting PGs -- but the guy looks like he just gets it. A solid PG without a flaw I can see. Good decision making, good form on his jumper (and he shot a good percentage from all 3 spots), and intelligence. What's not to like?
I also really like Derrick Williams. If we had him and Beasley I'd rather have Williams. I love the scoring that Beasley brings and we'd have a scoring void without him - but I think the Wolves really need to focus on getting better defensively.
That reminds me to talk to the JaVale McGee rumors. I'd strongly consider it -- but I just think Williams is too dynamic to pass on. If we had pick #3 I'd probably do it.
The Wolves can also add that defense in the draft though. I like Bismack Biyombo so long as we don't expect him to score at al on anything that's not a dunk. If he's there at #20 I don't see how the Wolves can pass on him. But I don't have my hopes up he'll be there. But, then again, they probably would pass on him. The Wolves have a history of passing on guys that I've ljked later in drafts (see Monta Ellis and DeAndre Jordan). I just hope they don't this time.
Other guys I like are The Jimmer (and after seeing Dallas win the championship with a PG/SG rotation including Kidd, Barea, andJet (and they also have Roddy B) I think you can win with a smaller backcourt, especially if both players on the court provide something the defense has to adjust to. I think you'd get that with Rubio and Jimmer if there was a way to play them both together. However, I don't see a scenario without trading up to make that happen.
The Wolves could also really use a SG and the guy I like best is Alec Burks. He has prototype size for the SG spot at 6'6" and was a big time scorer at CU. He also has very fluid movement and a working jumpshot. The scenario is same as above though, where I don't know how we could land him without moving up. I think this is an ideal player to target somehow. Possibly moving Flynn and #20 or another big like Pek and #20 or even moving Beasley if we take Williams.
Jonas Valanciunas is my favorite big of the draft - even ahead of Kanter. He looks a bit raw but the size, the hustle, the natural ability looks like he could be the real deal. I'd even consider him at #2 or if proposed trades with Cleveland or Utah occur at the #3 or #4 spot. The catch is he is a project and Kahn is under pressure to start winning as soon as possible. Definitely a challenge for him you'd hate to see that type of influence leak into decision. Fortunately holding the #2 spot makes it unlikely it'll become an issue.
Kanter looks to be a solid option too but he's coming off of very little action over the last 2 years and doesn't have a great finishing touch around the rim or athleticism. He sort of reminds me of a Dirk mold with great jumpshot for a near 7 footer but maybe half the athleticism - so probably a soft center I'm not really interested in.
I also really like Kawhi Leonard, Kenneth Faried (think of him and Love chasing down rebounds), and Iman Shumpert who has great size as a combo guard who can play the point as a third PG and in the SG rotation to make sure he gets decent minutes. He's a guy i like at #20 if we stay there.
Leanard will be long gone so I should clarify that I like him in the top 10 if we trade out of #2.
That's as far as my research has taken me so far but I wanted to say that I am excited for Thursday because there seem to be so many possibilities both in trades and draft. Though expections are tempered because the same thing happened last year. The Wolves were active in talks but ultimately made a small move to trade for Webster.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mock Update
The day of it appears to be confirmed that the Wolves do not intend to take Cousins at 4 so it's likely that my mock will swap Johnson and Cousins. But I still wonder if Kahn has pulled the wool over our eyes and makes the pick anyway. If that happens I'll throw my arms up in mixed emotion.
I will be at the Target Center tonight to breath it all in.
I will be at the Target Center tonight to breath it all in.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Tomorrow night!
As I prepare for bed I know I'll have a hard time sleeping. Will the Wolves move up to get Turner? Will they stand pat and get Wes Johnson, Derrick Favors, or DeMarcus Cousins? It seems 100% certain to be one of those 4.
Almost all mocks lately have us selecting between Favors and Cousins and it seems nobody knows for sure. I've got a gut feeling the Wolves select Cousins and probably for good reason. I'd say his ceiling is above Favors in terms of complete domination at the center position and perennial all-star appearances.
But I'm leaning personally towards Favors. Perhaps it wont matter too much and they'll both be equally great (or, hopefully not, equally bad). Perhaps its more of a Okafor/Howard decision and you know Orlando is happy to have Dwight.
It seems to be the ultimate test of Kahn and his staff. Making the wrong decision sets the Wolves back while the right one paves the way for Rubio and a bright future.
I'm gambling that even in failure Favors is the better defender and athlete that could thrive in the up-tempo offense we intend to run. But just because Cousins is overweight doesn't mean he can't play up-tempo. He did so just fine at Kentucky last year.
In summary it could go either way and I know that's what's going to keep me up tonight.
But for the record: "I prefer Favors."
Almost all mocks lately have us selecting between Favors and Cousins and it seems nobody knows for sure. I've got a gut feeling the Wolves select Cousins and probably for good reason. I'd say his ceiling is above Favors in terms of complete domination at the center position and perennial all-star appearances.
But I'm leaning personally towards Favors. Perhaps it wont matter too much and they'll both be equally great (or, hopefully not, equally bad). Perhaps its more of a Okafor/Howard decision and you know Orlando is happy to have Dwight.
It seems to be the ultimate test of Kahn and his staff. Making the wrong decision sets the Wolves back while the right one paves the way for Rubio and a bright future.
I'm gambling that even in failure Favors is the better defender and athlete that could thrive in the up-tempo offense we intend to run. But just because Cousins is overweight doesn't mean he can't play up-tempo. He did so just fine at Kentucky last year.
In summary it could go either way and I know that's what's going to keep me up tonight.
But for the record: "I prefer Favors."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
2010 Mock
1. Wizards - John Wall
2. 76ers - Evan Turner
3. Nets - Derrick Favors
4. Wolves - DeMarcus Cousins
** Why Cousins? All we've heard about is Turner, Wesley Johnson and Derrick Favors!! Exactly. My conspiracy theory is that Kahn orchestrated Cousins blowing off the Wolves workout as a smokescreen to cover up an internal promise **
5. Kings - Wesley Johnson
6. Warriors - Greg Monroe
** Honestly I don't know why I keep projecting bigs to GSW. They'd probably rather have Wes Johnson or Al-Farouq Aminu but Monroe is my guess **
7. Pistons - Ekpe Udoh
** They need a big and quite honestly Cole Aldrich seems a more natural fit as a defensive presence but 7 is probably just a little high of a reach. I also like Luke Babbitt here **
8. Clippers - Paul George
** They have enough bigs, and I like them all, so its time to add a true SF to fill the spot vacated by Al Thornton. Travis Outlaw may be a long term piece and they could also look at Xavier Henry**
9. Jazz - Luke Babbitt
10. Pacers - Al-Farouq Aminu
** They desperately want a point guard but none are to be found at this spot in the draft. Time to take best player available **
11. Hornets - Cole Aldrich
** I'd expect Okafor to get moved eventually as a cost saving maneuver. Ed Davis is another possibility here **
12. Grizzlies - Xavier Henry
** In case Rudy Gay moves on or they look to play OJ Mayo at PG more often a swing man capable of playing both of those spots is a solid option on the pleasantly improving Griz roster **
13. Raptors - Ed Davis
** If Davis is here they can play Davis at PF for Chris Bosh if he so chooses to leave **
14. Rockets - Larry Sanders
** The center spot might be their weakest spot with the injury prone Yao. **
15. Bucks - Patrick Patterson
** It was rumored they wanted Sanders, but Patterson seems like a Skiles guy ... **
16. Wolves - Gordon Hayward
** Really at this point its a toss up who's here and if the Wolves even keep the pick. I like a guy who can play multiple positions, really shoot the ball, create, and sort of fill that Lamar Odom spot in the triangle. Still depending on what they do with their first pick they could also go with Hassan Whiteside **
I can't wait to see just how wrong I was!
2. 76ers - Evan Turner
3. Nets - Derrick Favors
4. Wolves - DeMarcus Cousins
** Why Cousins? All we've heard about is Turner, Wesley Johnson and Derrick Favors!! Exactly. My conspiracy theory is that Kahn orchestrated Cousins blowing off the Wolves workout as a smokescreen to cover up an internal promise **
5. Kings - Wesley Johnson
6. Warriors - Greg Monroe
** Honestly I don't know why I keep projecting bigs to GSW. They'd probably rather have Wes Johnson or Al-Farouq Aminu but Monroe is my guess **
7. Pistons - Ekpe Udoh
** They need a big and quite honestly Cole Aldrich seems a more natural fit as a defensive presence but 7 is probably just a little high of a reach. I also like Luke Babbitt here **
8. Clippers - Paul George
** They have enough bigs, and I like them all, so its time to add a true SF to fill the spot vacated by Al Thornton. Travis Outlaw may be a long term piece and they could also look at Xavier Henry**
9. Jazz - Luke Babbitt
10. Pacers - Al-Farouq Aminu
** They desperately want a point guard but none are to be found at this spot in the draft. Time to take best player available **
11. Hornets - Cole Aldrich
** I'd expect Okafor to get moved eventually as a cost saving maneuver. Ed Davis is another possibility here **
12. Grizzlies - Xavier Henry
** In case Rudy Gay moves on or they look to play OJ Mayo at PG more often a swing man capable of playing both of those spots is a solid option on the pleasantly improving Griz roster **
13. Raptors - Ed Davis
** If Davis is here they can play Davis at PF for Chris Bosh if he so chooses to leave **
14. Rockets - Larry Sanders
** The center spot might be their weakest spot with the injury prone Yao. **
15. Bucks - Patrick Patterson
** It was rumored they wanted Sanders, but Patterson seems like a Skiles guy ... **
16. Wolves - Gordon Hayward
** Really at this point its a toss up who's here and if the Wolves even keep the pick. I like a guy who can play multiple positions, really shoot the ball, create, and sort of fill that Lamar Odom spot in the triangle. Still depending on what they do with their first pick they could also go with Hassan Whiteside **
I can't wait to see just how wrong I was!
Friday, June 18, 2010
2010 NBA Draft
I haven't done as much work in my research this year as usual but I still have my preferences.
With the 4th pick in the draft the Wolves sit in what I consider a bad spot for their needs. Obviously John Wall is the consensus #1 and we've long had our eye on Evan Turner so falling out of the top 2 hurts. But Derrick Favors is actually my 2nd favorite (behind Wall) of this draft. He's roughly the same build and athlete that Blake Griffin was this time last year but getting half the hype.
Wes Johnson would be a nice consolation prize as he's an uber athlete who can shoot well -- a rare combination.
With that said here is the list of guys that are my favorites:
John Wall
Evan Turner
Derrick Favors
Wes Johnson
Gordon Hayward
**Daniel Orton
Luke Babbitt
Xavier Henry
**Willie Warren
**Jordan Crawford
** = Sleepers
Let's see
With the 4th pick in the draft the Wolves sit in what I consider a bad spot for their needs. Obviously John Wall is the consensus #1 and we've long had our eye on Evan Turner so falling out of the top 2 hurts. But Derrick Favors is actually my 2nd favorite (behind Wall) of this draft. He's roughly the same build and athlete that Blake Griffin was this time last year but getting half the hype.
Wes Johnson would be a nice consolation prize as he's an uber athlete who can shoot well -- a rare combination.
With that said here is the list of guys that are my favorites:
John Wall
Evan Turner
Derrick Favors
Wes Johnson
Gordon Hayward
**Daniel Orton
Luke Babbitt
Xavier Henry
**Willie Warren
**Jordan Crawford
** = Sleepers
Let's see
Friday, June 26, 2009
Rubio and Flynn
If you saw the last post I didn't mention the pairing of Rubio / Flynn. Even though the Wolves are saying they can play together I'm not sold on it. Personally I think they never thought Rubio would slide past #3 or #4. In the event that he gets selected with one of those picks you then can take Harden or Evans at #5 and follow it up with Flynn at #6.
I can't disagree with the move of taking Flynn after Rubio because they wanted him to begin with and now if Rubio goes back to Spain or manages to force a trade, we still have the guy we wanted.
I'd like to see them both on this team as they were my two favorite prospects heading into the draft -- but will it work?
I can't disagree with the move of taking Flynn after Rubio because they wanted him to begin with and now if Rubio goes back to Spain or manages to force a trade, we still have the guy we wanted.
I'd like to see them both on this team as they were my two favorite prospects heading into the draft -- but will it work?
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