[BajeebzParticipant]

So I was doing some research for a blog post about whether it would be better for the Wolves to have Thaddeus Young or Anthony Bennett going forward. I wasn’t sure what side I would take, but after going back and digging up old YouTube videos of Bennett and looking at his college stats, I’m pretty convinced that the Wolves should definitely try to keep him going forward.

In his only season at UNLV his numbers were crazy good. Per 40 minutes he averaged 23.7 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks with an awesome PER of 28.3 (that’s five points higher than Wiggins last year at Kansas)

Obviously his rookie season was terrible. 4 points, and 3 boards in 12 minutes a game. But after seeing him looking lighter in Summer League, and after hearing about his tonsil and adenoid surgeries, it seems like he has a real chance to be a good player going forward. Here’s a video of his monster Summer League jam:

Anyway, if you want to read my thoughts on the Thad Young-Anthony Bennett scenario, check them out here: http://dunkingwithwolves.com/2014/08/13/timberwolves-now-later-young-bennett/

[BoundByInkParticipant]

 Derrick Williams 2.0…..Give me T.Young!

[BoundByInkParticipant]

 Derrick Williams 2.0…..Give me T.Young!

[druneave3Participant]

He is a really good player and a valuable, versatile piece butYoung only has two more years on his deal with 2016 being a player option for just under 10 mil. Not sure Minnesota would want to pay him big money at 28 years old. That contract would be up by the time Wiggins and LaVine are truly ready to compete. I agree with you, let the back to back #1 (Canadian) picks, plus LaVine grow together and see what you got. Add a young talented player in next year’s draft and you just might have something really special. 

If contraction in the NBA was necessary I would have voted for Minnesota in years past but this core might change my mind. League Pass Alert!

 

[druneave3Participant]

He is a really good player and a valuable, versatile piece butYoung only has two more years on his deal with 2016 being a player option for just under 10 mil. Not sure Minnesota would want to pay him big money at 28 years old. That contract would be up by the time Wiggins and LaVine are truly ready to compete. I agree with you, let the back to back #1 (Canadian) picks, plus LaVine grow together and see what you got. Add a young talented player in next year’s draft and you just might have something really special. 

If contraction in the NBA was necessary I would have voted for Minnesota in years past but this core might change my mind. League Pass Alert!

 

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

I envision AB having a good, solid NBA career.  I don’t think he’ll be a star and may not have any all-star appearances, but I could be wrong.  I don’t think his horrific rookie year was indicative of his abilities as a basketball player.  He’s obviously gotten himself into shape and I think thats a key for him ala Jabari Parker since they both have bodies prone to putting on weight easily.  I remember UNLV came to Chapel Hill 2 years again during his freshman year and I couldnt believe how, big strong and athletic he was.  Next year will really tell a lot about his abilities with most likely a considerable increase in his playing time.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

I envision AB having a good, solid NBA career.  I don’t think he’ll be a star and may not have any all-star appearances, but I could be wrong.  I don’t think his horrific rookie year was indicative of his abilities as a basketball player.  He’s obviously gotten himself into shape and I think thats a key for him ala Jabari Parker since they both have bodies prone to putting on weight easily.  I remember UNLV came to Chapel Hill 2 years again during his freshman year and I couldnt believe how, big strong and athletic he was.  Next year will really tell a lot about his abilities with most likely a considerable increase in his playing time.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Parker isn’t averaging 4 points per game. You could tell parker he can only shoot hook shots in games, and he would average more than 4 points per game.

Weight at 22 or younger is no big deal, because he still have your youthful athleticism. The Rookier Year performance was caused by more than just weight. There is a talent deficit or a mental/emotional deficit. Hopefuly it is the later and he can correct it.  

[APfromMSPParticipant]

Weight definitely is a big deal, you think that someone who is 6’7″ 240 is going to move better than if they, as Benentt claims, dropped 20 lbs of fat? You got to be shitting me

[APfromMSPParticipant]

Weight definitely is a big deal, you think that someone who is 6’7″ 240 is going to move better than if they, as Benentt claims, dropped 20 lbs of fat? You got to be shitting me

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Parker isn’t averaging 4 points per game. You could tell parker he can only shoot hook shots in games, and he would average more than 4 points per game.

Weight at 22 or younger is no big deal, because he still have your youthful athleticism. The Rookier Year performance was caused by more than just weight. There is a talent deficit or a mental/emotional deficit. Hopefuly it is the later and he can correct it.  

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

They should keep Anthony Bennett so that the T Wiggins are all roughly on the same time table (win later).

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

They should keep Anthony Bennett so that the T Wiggins are all roughly on the same time table (win later).

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

 Simply because if Thad Young is healthy this year he will exercise his player option to terminate. They can keep Bennett and simply sign outright or sign and trade for Thad Young next off season. Three to four years of controling Benett is better than one of Thad. He has no loyalty to Minny if they trade for him so to keep him they would have to out bid everyone for Thad service next year anyway.

Besides Bennett and Wiggis are best friends getting thrown to the Wolves in the "its a business" first League. The Wolves could us some comradery. 

I like Bennett and if Minny doesn’t want him then its a bad place to be because the coach is the GM. I think he would get 30 minutes and 15 shots a game in Philly so I would be okay with it even though Minny is a better scenario. He struggled last year but he projects best with Noel and Embiid behind him on the front court. He would certainly beat out Brandon Davies for minutes. 

 

  

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

 Simply because if Thad Young is healthy this year he will exercise his player option to terminate. They can keep Bennett and simply sign outright or sign and trade for Thad Young next off season. Three to four years of controling Benett is better than one of Thad. He has no loyalty to Minny if they trade for him so to keep him they would have to out bid everyone for Thad service next year anyway.

Besides Bennett and Wiggis are best friends getting thrown to the Wolves in the "its a business" first League. The Wolves could us some comradery. 

I like Bennett and if Minny doesn’t want him then its a bad place to be because the coach is the GM. I think he would get 30 minutes and 15 shots a game in Philly so I would be okay with it even though Minny is a better scenario. He struggled last year but he projects best with Noel and Embiid behind him on the front court. He would certainly beat out Brandon Davies for minutes. 

 

  

[negguaryParticipant]

I think Thad is a great baller, but long term I think Bennett can become a good piece on this team whether it be a core member or trade piece.

[negguaryParticipant]

I think Thad is a great baller, but long term I think Bennett can become a good piece on this team whether it be a core member or trade piece.

[nick5354Participant]

I know this sounds really funny, being they are in a trade together but Bennets games honestly reminds me of Loves. AB loves to attempt 3s, longer jumpers, tries to crash, a great rebounder (AB was in college) and not a good defender. He has similar height and size to AB too.

AB tries to play to much like Love, but just doesn’t have the range and motor to do it effectively, and as a result he shoots at a low FG% and without the motor he struggles to get up for rebounds continuously. So no coach wants to play a kid who cannot rebound continuously, limited motor, jacks up 3s, shoots a low FG % and is a below average defender.

And does anyone know how big his hands are? After watching him a lot for the Cavs, I noticed he has trouble catching the basketball in traffic or holding the ball. I think his hands are way to small for a PF. He was lose the ball to many times off simple rebound gets and passes heading into the lane.

If he didn’t have such as injury and interrupted rookie season I would say I don’t like this chances to stay in the league and would like Thad young. However, with a full pre season, injury free and surgery to correct his asthma and tonsils problems, it could really help him to get in shape and play with a higher motor to be the great rounder we know he can be and to get more lift on his shots.

[nick5354Participant]

I know this sounds really funny, being they are in a trade together but Bennets games honestly reminds me of Loves. AB loves to attempt 3s, longer jumpers, tries to crash, a great rebounder (AB was in college) and not a good defender. He has similar height and size to AB too.

AB tries to play to much like Love, but just doesn’t have the range and motor to do it effectively, and as a result he shoots at a low FG% and without the motor he struggles to get up for rebounds continuously. So no coach wants to play a kid who cannot rebound continuously, limited motor, jacks up 3s, shoots a low FG % and is a below average defender.

And does anyone know how big his hands are? After watching him a lot for the Cavs, I noticed he has trouble catching the basketball in traffic or holding the ball. I think his hands are way to small for a PF. He was lose the ball to many times off simple rebound gets and passes heading into the lane.

If he didn’t have such as injury and interrupted rookie season I would say I don’t like this chances to stay in the league and would like Thad young. However, with a full pre season, injury free and surgery to correct his asthma and tonsils problems, it could really help him to get in shape and play with a higher motor to be the great rounder we know he can be and to get more lift on his shots.

[benny15Participant]

 I’m siding with those who would rather keep him over shipping him to philly for Thad young. Don’t get me wrong, I think Thad is clearly the superior player and should in no way be considered old. He’s entering his prime and could even get an increase in production, if nothing else, we shouldn’t expect a drop off any time soon. 

Having said that, there are several reasons why I wouldn’t want him for the timberwolves. Firstly, he and pekovic would for the worst defensive tandem of starting 4’s and 5’s in the league. The amount of points they’d surrender at the rim would be a league high. Now if they are looking to pair Thad with diene long term, that’s a whole different story.

that leads to my second issue with getting young. He would be a nice solid addition to the team, could be a great fit next to dieng, but I agree with those who think he might end up as a 1 year rental. He currently doesn’t have any ties with the community and barring a surprisingly winning season, I feel minny would only be on a list of teams he’d consider signing with. I also don’t like the fact that minny could very well over pay for his services just not to loose him for nothing. His agent would probably sell him as one of their primary offensive options, and could easily take a deal from another team faith a bigger market to the same reasonable contract.

 

no, he’d probably command 30-36 mill for 3 years to come back. And that honestly a price I don’t think minny should keep him. If it was a deal similar to Kevin martins or a 3 year 24 mill deal, go ahead. But I think that’s just optimistic thinking to think he’ll be fine with that deal. 

[benny15Participant]

 I’m siding with those who would rather keep him over shipping him to philly for Thad young. Don’t get me wrong, I think Thad is clearly the superior player and should in no way be considered old. He’s entering his prime and could even get an increase in production, if nothing else, we shouldn’t expect a drop off any time soon. 

Having said that, there are several reasons why I wouldn’t want him for the timberwolves. Firstly, he and pekovic would for the worst defensive tandem of starting 4’s and 5’s in the league. The amount of points they’d surrender at the rim would be a league high. Now if they are looking to pair Thad with diene long term, that’s a whole different story.

that leads to my second issue with getting young. He would be a nice solid addition to the team, could be a great fit next to dieng, but I agree with those who think he might end up as a 1 year rental. He currently doesn’t have any ties with the community and barring a surprisingly winning season, I feel minny would only be on a list of teams he’d consider signing with. I also don’t like the fact that minny could very well over pay for his services just not to loose him for nothing. His agent would probably sell him as one of their primary offensive options, and could easily take a deal from another team faith a bigger market to the same reasonable contract.

 

no, he’d probably command 30-36 mill for 3 years to come back. And that honestly a price I don’t think minny should keep him. If it was a deal similar to Kevin martins or a 3 year 24 mill deal, go ahead. But I think that’s just optimistic thinking to think he’ll be fine with that deal. 

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Thad Young wouldn’t be a defensive liability next to Pek hes actually a.very good defender and a nice complement to the plodding Pek.  He also will keep the floor stretched for Pek because hes came along way as a shooter.  But the best aspect of Thads game is just how efficiently he scores especially under the basket.

Hes also the perfect role model and mentor to guys like Wiggins, Lavine and Bazz as Thad is a true professional who will immediatly become a fan favorite and community contributor.

But I like Thad on Minny because its going to help Rubios development also.  Thad has an uncanny ability to find open spots and combined with Rubios ability to find the open man theyre a perfect match.  Rubio running a break with Wiggins and Thad flanking would be amazing.

And by trading Love youre handing full control over to.Rubio so having a vet like Thad who compliments his game so well is exactly what they need.

 

 

 

 

[benny15Participant]

offensively, i do think the two could work out. but i still dont think they would work out well defensively. its not that thad doesnt try on d, he does. its just that his mismatch advantage on offense is actually a mismatch disadvantage on defense. his speed helps him in getting steals, but his lack of size made the guy lead the league in allowing the most points in the paint last season among power forwards and centers. 

now do i think he can get better, yes. he has to work on his technique and could be a solid defender who doesnt get blocks but prevents baskets in the post. but do i think he will do it in a span of 1 season, no. which is really the bigger issue here. thad has a chance to be good for minny. but it will either come in the form of a one year rental or by over paying him. and thats being optimistic and believing he’ll put it all together in his first season with the timberwolves. 

 id much rather roll the dice with anthony bennett and give him at least 2 or 3 more seasons to improve and see his fit with this team before handing out a big contract.

[benny15Participant]

offensively, i do think the two could work out. but i still dont think they would work out well defensively. its not that thad doesnt try on d, he does. its just that his mismatch advantage on offense is actually a mismatch disadvantage on defense. his speed helps him in getting steals, but his lack of size made the guy lead the league in allowing the most points in the paint last season among power forwards and centers. 

now do i think he can get better, yes. he has to work on his technique and could be a solid defender who doesnt get blocks but prevents baskets in the post. but do i think he will do it in a span of 1 season, no. which is really the bigger issue here. thad has a chance to be good for minny. but it will either come in the form of a one year rental or by over paying him. and thats being optimistic and believing he’ll put it all together in his first season with the timberwolves. 

 id much rather roll the dice with anthony bennett and give him at least 2 or 3 more seasons to improve and see his fit with this team before handing out a big contract.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Thad Young wouldn’t be a defensive liability next to Pek hes actually a.very good defender and a nice complement to the plodding Pek.  He also will keep the floor stretched for Pek because hes came along way as a shooter.  But the best aspect of Thads game is just how efficiently he scores especially under the basket.

Hes also the perfect role model and mentor to guys like Wiggins, Lavine and Bazz as Thad is a true professional who will immediatly become a fan favorite and community contributor.

But I like Thad on Minny because its going to help Rubios development also.  Thad has an uncanny ability to find open spots and combined with Rubios ability to find the open man theyre a perfect match.  Rubio running a break with Wiggins and Thad flanking would be amazing.

And by trading Love youre handing full control over to.Rubio so having a vet like Thad who compliments his game so well is exactly what they need.

 

 

 

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

I just love the dunk. It’s just one play, but it makes his confidence look like it’s up. That should help.

[MopgrassParticipant]

I just love the dunk. It’s just one play, but it makes his confidence look like it’s up. That should help.

[DukeDaSquadParticipant]

 In terms of comparing Bennett to another player in the nba, I say he will become a more athletic Paul milsap which is pretty darn good. 

[DukeDaSquadParticipant]

 In terms of comparing Bennett to another player in the nba, I say he will become a more athletic Paul milsap which is pretty darn good. 

[phila9012Participant]

 If Bennett just focuses on shooting 3s, rebounding and finishing near the hoop He would be a great fit in Minnesota because Dieng is a very good rim protector. Thad young has no range on his jumpshot so he doesnt fit at all in Minnesota because he isnt a good rounder, defender, or shooter and that is what minnesota should be looking for in their new starting PF.

[phila9012Participant]

 If Bennett just focuses on shooting 3s, rebounding and finishing near the hoop He would be a great fit in Minnesota because Dieng is a very good rim protector. Thad young has no range on his jumpshot so he doesnt fit at all in Minnesota because he isnt a good rounder, defender, or shooter and that is what minnesota should be looking for in their new starting PF.

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

 Ive been saying this since the trade came out…

[Bmore_DCParticipant]

 Ive been saying this since the trade came out…

[Author]

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