[tcox314Participant]

There are some moves that the Timberwolves can make this offseason to give them a chance at the playoffs next year. If they don’t bring in veteran leadership that fill a starting position then I think they are at least another year out before getting into the playoffs.

With Lavine at the 2, Wiggens at the 3, and KAT at the 5 they have an extremely athletic young core to build around. They could use an experienced floor general (need to cut Rubio loose) and a spot up shooter at the 4 that can open up driving lanes and allow KAT to dominate down low.

Let’s start with the 4. Ryan Anderson is an UFA this year and he would be a great fit at the 4 alongside KAT. This allows Lavine and Wiggens to drive and kick to a guy you can trust on the perimeter. Next is the PG position. Livingston has shown the past 2 years with Golden state that he can still hold his own against starting guards and is a solid/smart player. He falls in line with the length and athleticism that we already have. He would be a great floor general that the Timbies need that doesn’t need to score (but can if needed). He is not a free agent this year so there would have to be some type of trade that the Timbies can do. Not sure if Golden State would be willing to part ways with him but there are a lot of young assets that the we could part with to get him.

PG – Livingston
SG – Lavine
SF – Wiggens
PF – Anderson
C – KAT

Could the Timbies pull this off?

[terrancebowerParticipant]

 but not the guy to lead this young group to the playoffs. He’s a great role player, but he’s definitely not a step up over Rubio. I agree that they could get rid of Rubio for the right trade but they’re so young they need a point guard to set them up and who can get everyone involved, so I feel like for now Rubio is a solid fit. If they do replace him they need a shooter at that spot, maybe they can try to move up one or two spots to get Murray… maybe they won’t have to move up.

Anderson is a good choice, no doubt he would fit well next to Townes.

 

 

 

[terrancebowerParticipant]

 but not the guy to lead this young group to the playoffs. He’s a great role player, but he’s definitely not a step up over Rubio. I agree that they could get rid of Rubio for the right trade but they’re so young they need a point guard to set them up and who can get everyone involved, so I feel like for now Rubio is a solid fit. If they do replace him they need a shooter at that spot, maybe they can try to move up one or two spots to get Murray… maybe they won’t have to move up.

Anderson is a good choice, no doubt he would fit well next to Townes.

 

 

 

[Toronto16Participant]

They need shooters badly.

[Toronto16Participant]

They need shooters badly.

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 The Wolves biggest weakness outside of depth and experience is their ability to rebound. Somehow, this offseason makes them worse at that as Rubio is a good rebounding PG and Dieng is a better rebounder than Anderson. 

Livingson is really good in limited minutes playing in a superior system where he’s surrounded by superior players even as a bench guy. When GS brings in their bench, its far and away better than just about every other bench. Don’t think Livingston could withstand 30 minutes a night, let alone logging those minutes against starters. 

The Wolves don’t need to complicate things this offseason. Sign Noah and a spot up shooting wing like a Dudley or Courtney Lee (those are examples, I’m sure everyone will want those guys) and draft Dunn. 

It’s a boring offseason but the team’s window isn’t even open yet…let things bake for a while before going big. 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 The Wolves biggest weakness outside of depth and experience is their ability to rebound. Somehow, this offseason makes them worse at that as Rubio is a good rebounding PG and Dieng is a better rebounder than Anderson. 

Livingson is really good in limited minutes playing in a superior system where he’s surrounded by superior players even as a bench guy. When GS brings in their bench, its far and away better than just about every other bench. Don’t think Livingston could withstand 30 minutes a night, let alone logging those minutes against starters. 

The Wolves don’t need to complicate things this offseason. Sign Noah and a spot up shooting wing like a Dudley or Courtney Lee (those are examples, I’m sure everyone will want those guys) and draft Dunn. 

It’s a boring offseason but the team’s window isn’t even open yet…let things bake for a while before going big. 

 

 

 

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Sign Allen Crabb for 30 mil over 3years

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Sign Allen Crabb for 30 mil over 3years

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

Shaun Livingston will turn 31 in a couple of month and is in his last year of his contract next season while Rubio will be 26 on a good contract for a starter that ends in 2019, not even mentioning that he’s a better player. So, no thank you please!

Ryan Anderson seems like fool’s gold to me. Not because he’s a bad player, he’s overall quite good, but he’s just good enough where you have to offer him a four-year deal in a spender’s market this off-season that’ll drive-up his price while he has a long injury history, is a major defensive liability and isn’t a good passer, which I like my role players to be. I don’t want Thibodeau spending money on someone who he won’t even close-out games with.

So I guess with Batum intending to resign with Charlotte as reports say, Deng will be the likely target. Hopefully, they can sign him to a one-and-one deal, at the most optimistic outlook but it’ll probably be a three-year deal or maybe a four-year deal with the last year partially guarenteed. In this time as he gets older, he’ll probably play up a level at PF like he did with the Heat and he’s a good enough corner 3pt-shooter where he hit 40% over the last two seasons, right around league average. I don’t know if those percentages may slip playing with Rubio and Wiggins but it wasn’t like Miami was a spacing oasis.

If you can’t get him, I’d try and lock up Marvin Williams for a two or three year deal and try and again next offseason for Danilo Gallinari or Serge Ibaka, depending on what happens with OKC.

[wonzi_bellsParticipant]

Shaun Livingston will turn 31 in a couple of month and is in his last year of his contract next season while Rubio will be 26 on a good contract for a starter that ends in 2019, not even mentioning that he’s a better player. So, no thank you please!

Ryan Anderson seems like fool’s gold to me. Not because he’s a bad player, he’s overall quite good, but he’s just good enough where you have to offer him a four-year deal in a spender’s market this off-season that’ll drive-up his price while he has a long injury history, is a major defensive liability and isn’t a good passer, which I like my role players to be. I don’t want Thibodeau spending money on someone who he won’t even close-out games with.

So I guess with Batum intending to resign with Charlotte as reports say, Deng will be the likely target. Hopefully, they can sign him to a one-and-one deal, at the most optimistic outlook but it’ll probably be a three-year deal or maybe a four-year deal with the last year partially guarenteed. In this time as he gets older, he’ll probably play up a level at PF like he did with the Heat and he’s a good enough corner 3pt-shooter where he hit 40% over the last two seasons, right around league average. I don’t know if those percentages may slip playing with Rubio and Wiggins but it wasn’t like Miami was a spacing oasis.

If you can’t get him, I’d try and lock up Marvin Williams for a two or three year deal and try and again next offseason for Danilo Gallinari or Serge Ibaka, depending on what happens with OKC.

[FrozetoesParticipant]

 I don’t want them to trade Rubio, but if they do, I’d package some young talent for Dennis Schroder of the Hawks.  He seems ready for a starting job in this league and would fit in well with the young Wolves.  I’m fine with them signing Crabbe or Anderson to fill their 3 point shooting needs, or they could just draft Heild, if he’s still available at #5.  I like the idea of signing Deng, it would allow us to move Deing to back-up center and give the Wolves some veteran help.  I feel confindent that Tib’s will just make good Bball decisions and keep this team on the right track.

[FrozetoesParticipant]

 I don’t want them to trade Rubio, but if they do, I’d package some young talent for Dennis Schroder of the Hawks.  He seems ready for a starting job in this league and would fit in well with the young Wolves.  I’m fine with them signing Crabbe or Anderson to fill their 3 point shooting needs, or they could just draft Heild, if he’s still available at #5.  I like the idea of signing Deng, it would allow us to move Deing to back-up center and give the Wolves some veteran help.  I feel confindent that Tib’s will just make good Bball decisions and keep this team on the right track.

[UncledrewParticipant]

The Timberwolves are in a great position this off-season and shouldn’t be in a rush to make any sudden decisions. First and foremost they need to figure out if there going to stick with Rubio at the point guard position. Personally you can go either way although Rubio has his shooting deficiency’s the things he does well like distributing the ball and pressing the ball defensively really fit with this team but they have to pick. I’d personally explore packaging Rubio to get a top 5 pick in the 2017 draft where they can get a potentially elite point guard. Secondly roles need to be established this season lavine needs to exclusively play off the ball it’s clear he’s not a point guard and best suited for a scoring role. Wiggins to me is exclusively a small Forward his low assist rate and ballskills are further evidence. But at 6’8.5 he’s still plenty big enough to be a nba small Forward. He could use this off-season to hit the weight room and gain 20 pounds it would really do wonders for his finish ability at the rim. Third is build  team chemistry and implement a defensive system. With all the young athletes on this team defense should be their calling card and they have a clear franchise two way center in KAT to run offense through and protect the rim.  Lastly make the 5th pick in the draft count. My pick would be Jamal Murray he provides upside and shooting to a young team in desperate need of it and there’s a good chance hes available at 5 with all the Hield to Boston/Brown to suns talk.

[UncledrewParticipant]

The Timberwolves are in a great position this off-season and shouldn’t be in a rush to make any sudden decisions. First and foremost they need to figure out if there going to stick with Rubio at the point guard position. Personally you can go either way although Rubio has his shooting deficiency’s the things he does well like distributing the ball and pressing the ball defensively really fit with this team but they have to pick. I’d personally explore packaging Rubio to get a top 5 pick in the 2017 draft where they can get a potentially elite point guard. Secondly roles need to be established this season lavine needs to exclusively play off the ball it’s clear he’s not a point guard and best suited for a scoring role. Wiggins to me is exclusively a small Forward his low assist rate and ballskills are further evidence. But at 6’8.5 he’s still plenty big enough to be a nba small Forward. He could use this off-season to hit the weight room and gain 20 pounds it would really do wonders for his finish ability at the rim. Third is build  team chemistry and implement a defensive system. With all the young athletes on this team defense should be their calling card and they have a clear franchise two way center in KAT to run offense through and protect the rim.  Lastly make the 5th pick in the draft count. My pick would be Jamal Murray he provides upside and shooting to a young team in desperate need of it and there’s a good chance hes available at 5 with all the Hield to Boston/Brown to suns talk.

[HitsterParticipant]

 Ryan Anderson would be a good fit and with his shooting would really help them spread the floor but at 28 years old and his good skillset/experience Ryan will be on a lot of teams’ shopping list. A lot will depend on what sort of money he wants and whether he might sacrifice some to get on a real contender.

The T-Wolves could offer him a nice deal maybe with a player option in it in case he wanted to move on but he may look to max out his earnings and have the option to hop onto a contender at 31/32 if a move to a team such as the T-Wolves didn’t work out.

A total wildcard could be someone who has titles but might be looking for a challenge towards the end of their career. Pau Gsol may be a reach too far but someone in a similar situation perhaps.

Taj Gibson played under Thibs at Chicago and is in the last year of his deal so could T-Wolves make a move for him by offering a future protected first rounder or right to swap a future pick. The Bulls get cap space and an asset back for a guy who may move on next year and T-Wolves get an experienced big who can play around KAT and Dieng.

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Ryan Anderson would be a good fit and with his shooting would really help them spread the floor but at 28 years old and his good skillset/experience Ryan will be on a lot of teams’ shopping list. A lot will depend on what sort of money he wants and whether he might sacrifice some to get on a real contender.

The T-Wolves could offer him a nice deal maybe with a player option in it in case he wanted to move on but he may look to max out his earnings and have the option to hop onto a contender at 31/32 if a move to a team such as the T-Wolves didn’t work out.

A total wildcard could be someone who has titles but might be looking for a challenge towards the end of their career. Pau Gsol may be a reach too far but someone in a similar situation perhaps.

Taj Gibson played under Thibs at Chicago and is in the last year of his deal so could T-Wolves make a move for him by offering a future protected first rounder or right to swap a future pick. The Bulls get cap space and an asset back for a guy who may move on next year and T-Wolves get an experienced big who can play around KAT and Dieng.

 

 

 

[SubZeroParticipant]

They should prioritize bench depth and finding a shooter (Buddy or Jamal) in the draft. Honestly I’m a Rubio supporter and don’t see why people say they can’t win with him and need to find a replacement. Rubio-LaVine-Wiggins-Dieng-KAT is a bright looking lineup, although you could probably find a replacement for Dieng and move him to the bench

[SubZeroParticipant]

They should prioritize bench depth and finding a shooter (Buddy or Jamal) in the draft. Honestly I’m a Rubio supporter and don’t see why people say they can’t win with him and need to find a replacement. Rubio-LaVine-Wiggins-Dieng-KAT is a bright looking lineup, although you could probably find a replacement for Dieng and move him to the bench

[SnowtaParticipant]

The only way you move Rubio is if you are able to upgrade at PG. My question is who could the Wolves realistically get that is an upgrade? Livingston and Schroder definitely are not (you could argue long term Schroder could possibly be better, but is not close right now and is actually only 3 years younger than Rubio). I understand Rubio’s shooting is horrendous (although there was improvement this year especially in the 2nd half), but look at all the other stuff he does at a well above average level. Distributes, handles, defends, rebounds, and provides great leadership for a very young team. I can’t think of a PG you would bring in that would be better than Rubio at all those things. I don’t want a scoring PG with this team because KAT, Wig, Zach, and presumably #5 pick all need their shots. As much as people hate on Rubio I think he’s a great fit for this team. Draft Jamal Murray and the games when Rubio’s shooting is terrible you roll with a backcourt of Murray and Lavine. Let’s also not forget that this is Rubio’s first fully healthy offseason since he’s been in the league. Physically he looked great at the end of the season and is still only 25. No reason to move him now.

I like the Ryan Anderson idea, I would go after him or Marvin Williams hard and then try to find a bigger wing that can defend and shoot. Deng would be ideal, but may be too expensive. Dudley or Matt Barnes is probably more realistic. I’d also like one more veteran big that could provide depth and rebounding. Nene would be my top option.

I guess to the free agent experts how much would it take to get Marvin Williams, Jared Dudley, and Nene?I think the Wolves have around $24 to $28 mil, so might not be able to get all 3. If they could though that lineup would be great…

Rubio/Murray

Lavine/Murray

Wiggins/Muhammad/Dudley

Dieng/Williams

KAT/Nene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

The only way you move Rubio is if you are able to upgrade at PG. My question is who could the Wolves realistically get that is an upgrade? Livingston and Schroder definitely are not (you could argue long term Schroder could possibly be better, but is not close right now and is actually only 3 years younger than Rubio). I understand Rubio’s shooting is horrendous (although there was improvement this year especially in the 2nd half), but look at all the other stuff he does at a well above average level. Distributes, handles, defends, rebounds, and provides great leadership for a very young team. I can’t think of a PG you would bring in that would be better than Rubio at all those things. I don’t want a scoring PG with this team because KAT, Wig, Zach, and presumably #5 pick all need their shots. As much as people hate on Rubio I think he’s a great fit for this team. Draft Jamal Murray and the games when Rubio’s shooting is terrible you roll with a backcourt of Murray and Lavine. Let’s also not forget that this is Rubio’s first fully healthy offseason since he’s been in the league. Physically he looked great at the end of the season and is still only 25. No reason to move him now.

I like the Ryan Anderson idea, I would go after him or Marvin Williams hard and then try to find a bigger wing that can defend and shoot. Deng would be ideal, but may be too expensive. Dudley or Matt Barnes is probably more realistic. I’d also like one more veteran big that could provide depth and rebounding. Nene would be my top option.

I guess to the free agent experts how much would it take to get Marvin Williams, Jared Dudley, and Nene?I think the Wolves have around $24 to $28 mil, so might not be able to get all 3. If they could though that lineup would be great…

Rubio/Murray

Lavine/Murray

Wiggins/Muhammad/Dudley

Dieng/Williams

KAT/Nene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TWILL123Participant]

 I think people underestimate how good Gorgui Dieng is. When he was put into the starting lineup, he and KAT showed great chemistry together. He is a great rebounder and actually has a nice jumper out to 15-17 feet. I think they really need a shooter, or two, or three. I also think a decision needs to be made between Lavine and Rubio. I don’t think their games complement each other at all. Buddy could be just the player they need, or they could try to make a move for a big time player this offseason. 

[TWILL123Participant]

 I think people underestimate how good Gorgui Dieng is. When he was put into the starting lineup, he and KAT showed great chemistry together. He is a great rebounder and actually has a nice jumper out to 15-17 feet. I think they really need a shooter, or two, or three. I also think a decision needs to be made between Lavine and Rubio. I don’t think their games complement each other at all. Buddy could be just the player they need, or they could try to make a move for a big time player this offseason. 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Uh…what? Lavine played the best basketball of his career specifically when he moved into the starting lineup to play with Rubio. A guy who averages nearly 10 assists a night complements everyone’s game no matter how bad a shooter he is. 

Look, I’ve been as big a Rubio detractor as it gets, but that’s plain silly to say he and Lavine don’t fit together. Lavine shot like 45 percent from 3 the second half of the year, but yeah draft Buddy instead. What the heck does he do that Lavine doesnt at this point? 

Don’t think anybody is underestimating how good Dieng is either…he’s a good third big. There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s probably not an ideal starting PF on a playoff team unless you’ve got superior players at every other spot. His defense took a step back this year because he’s asked to guard out on the floor rather than at the rim. But he’s not a strong enough to control the paint either, so what exactly do you have on that end with him? I think Thibs can extract some more from him defensively because he’s got the range and he’s got a decent BBall IQ, but he’s overrated a tad from his college days on that end of the floor. 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 Uh…what? Lavine played the best basketball of his career specifically when he moved into the starting lineup to play with Rubio. A guy who averages nearly 10 assists a night complements everyone’s game no matter how bad a shooter he is. 

Look, I’ve been as big a Rubio detractor as it gets, but that’s plain silly to say he and Lavine don’t fit together. Lavine shot like 45 percent from 3 the second half of the year, but yeah draft Buddy instead. What the heck does he do that Lavine doesnt at this point? 

Don’t think anybody is underestimating how good Dieng is either…he’s a good third big. There’s nothing wrong with that. He’s probably not an ideal starting PF on a playoff team unless you’ve got superior players at every other spot. His defense took a step back this year because he’s asked to guard out on the floor rather than at the rim. But he’s not a strong enough to control the paint either, so what exactly do you have on that end with him? I think Thibs can extract some more from him defensively because he’s got the range and he’s got a decent BBall IQ, but he’s overrated a tad from his college days on that end of the floor. 

 

 

[CU.LIONSParticipant]

Although I don’t believe there is any “realistic” chance to get him, I would Love the Wolves to go after KD. Imagine him in the lineup with KAT, Wiggins Lavine ect. If KD and someone like Gasol/Gibson joined the Wolves the lineup would be ridiculous.

Not a TWolves fan here just thinking out loud.

[CU.LIONSParticipant]

Although I don’t believe there is any “realistic” chance to get him, I would Love the Wolves to go after KD. Imagine him in the lineup with KAT, Wiggins Lavine ect. If KD and someone like Gasol/Gibson joined the Wolves the lineup would be ridiculous.

Not a TWolves fan here just thinking out loud.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I agree that Gorgui is best suited as a 3rd big. I think if you get Anderson or Williams it’s a toss up with who starts at the 4, but I’d lean Gorgui for his rebounding. Also agree in that I don’t know how anyone figures Rubio and lavine do not compliment each other well. I think they compliment each other extremely well and Zach really took off when he started playing with Rubio more. 

One thing I’ll be interested to see this year is if tibs is able to save paynes career. Man has he been frustrating to watch, but with all the physical tools it seems he still has a chance to at least be a 4th or 5th big. I don’t know though that may be completely delusional lol 

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I agree that Gorgui is best suited as a 3rd big. I think if you get Anderson or Williams it’s a toss up with who starts at the 4, but I’d lean Gorgui for his rebounding. Also agree in that I don’t know how anyone figures Rubio and lavine do not compliment each other well. I think they compliment each other extremely well and Zach really took off when he started playing with Rubio more. 

One thing I’ll be interested to see this year is if tibs is able to save paynes career. Man has he been frustrating to watch, but with all the physical tools it seems he still has a chance to at least be a 4th or 5th big. I don’t know though that may be completely delusional lol 

 

[Author]

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