[WarblingSpamalopeParticipant]

 1) Hoiberg and Izzo said no round one. One of them won’t say no the second time. The talent will prove too much plus the rebuild will be further along.

2) My submission for Wiggins nickname. The Northstar. Always shines the brightest. A bit of shoutout to where he is from and where he is playing. Plus the North Stars should have never left MN.(Sorry about the hockey reference)

3) MN big board for me

1. Russell- They badly need his 3 point shooting. I’ll probably get killed after Lavine crushed the dunk contest, but Lavine is a long way from being a point guard. It would be great to have another ball handler, especially if Rubio goes down again. He just seems safe with a big upside. Tough for Wolves fans to roll the dice on

 2. Towns- They need a PF I will freely admit. Towns is that guy who you say if he puts it all together…. It’s really hard to judge much with Kentucky and their hockey line shifts. He isn’t featured much and his minutes are limited. His workouts can shift this.

3. Okafor- This isn’t really as much a comment on his talents as it is team fit. Sanders committed to Pek for four more years at big bucks. Pek and Okafors strengths and weaknesses run a little too close to keep him on top.

4. Muiday- Again a team fit issue. His talent puts him here, but I don’t think anyone likes the fit with Rubio. Maybe it could work if his shooting is better than advertised or Rubio’s shooting holds up throughout the rest of the year.

4) I’m really worried this team will race by teams like LA, PHI, and NY. Moral victories are great, but not if it kicks you out of the top 4.

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I don’t see any way the Wolves can hang with those 3 in the loss column.  In fact, I personally think the Lakers and the Knicks will end up with the two worst records.  Philly in 3rd, and Wolves in 4th, but I think they will be pretty close to the Magic at 5th by the end of the season.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I don’t see any way the Wolves can hang with those 3 in the loss column.  In fact, I personally think the Lakers and the Knicks will end up with the two worst records.  Philly in 3rd, and Wolves in 4th, but I think they will be pretty close to the Magic at 5th by the end of the season.

[TravelinTravParticipant]

 It’s tough to predict the draft this early. March madness hasn’t even started yet,but regardless of what pick we get do the wolves take the best available? lets say Mudiay is available at 5 do we take him or go with Turner? In the past when we pass on players because we already have that position it  hasn’t worked out, EX=Foye over Roy because we had McCants, Or Marbury over Ray Allen because we had Rider. I know I’m digging deep but the Wolves should take best available,I think Towns would fit the teams needs the best.

[TravelinTravParticipant]

 It’s tough to predict the draft this early. March madness hasn’t even started yet,but regardless of what pick we get do the wolves take the best available? lets say Mudiay is available at 5 do we take him or go with Turner? In the past when we pass on players because we already have that position it  hasn’t worked out, EX=Foye over Roy because we had McCants, Or Marbury over Ray Allen because we had Rider. I know I’m digging deep but the Wolves should take best available,I think Towns would fit the teams needs the best.

[TravelinTravParticipant]

 It’s tough to predict the draft this early. March madness hasn’t even started yet,but regardless of what pick we get do the wolves take the best available? lets say Mudiay is available at 5 do we take him or go with Turner? In the past when we pass on players because we already have that position it  hasn’t worked out, EX=Foye over Roy because we had McCants, Or Marbury over Ray Allen because we had Rider. I know I’m digging deep but the Wolves should take best available,I think Towns would fit the teams needs the best.

[TravelinTravParticipant]

 It’s tough to predict the draft this early. March madness hasn’t even started yet,but regardless of what pick we get do the wolves take the best available? lets say Mudiay is available at 5 do we take him or go with Turner? In the past when we pass on players because we already have that position it  hasn’t worked out, EX=Foye over Roy because we had McCants, Or Marbury over Ray Allen because we had Rider. I know I’m digging deep but the Wolves should take best available,I think Towns would fit the teams needs the best.

[tuck243Participant]

Unfortunately the front office isn’t a good bunch…   They have too many players that play the same position, but the Wolves still have gapping holes in their roster.  

You’re literally paying someone $14 Million a year that gambles on defense and shoots a whopping 25% in the 4th Quarter.  Teams collaspe on other players when he’s on the floor. You paid Rubio because you didn’t want him to leave since you botched the Kevin Love franchise contract for him.  I get it, but you don’t reward stupidity with new stupidity.  

They’re also paying Pek about $12 Million a season and he’s unable to do anything defensively & refuse to rebound.  Combine that with not being a real go-to player and they overpaid…

With the price of this team, they HAVE to start Rubio and Pek…so now you have to find scorers and great shooters at the 2 or 3 since Rubio gives you nothing in scoring or shooting.   Then you have to find a shot blocker and floor spacer at the 4 because Pek gives you nothing defensively at the 5…  

My suggestion…  

Draft Towns since he fits well with Pek.  Package and trade some of these young players for a couple of veteran role players off the bench.   Focus on 3D guys in the second round…  Maybe consider bringing Pek off the bench and starting Dieng instead.   Then playing Okafor at the 4 position wouldn’t be that bad…   (although I think Okafor will be a perfect fit for NYK)…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[tuck243Participant]

Unfortunately the front office isn’t a good bunch…   They have too many players that play the same position, but the Wolves still have gapping holes in their roster.  

You’re literally paying someone $14 Million a year that gambles on defense and shoots a whopping 25% in the 4th Quarter.  Teams collaspe on other players when he’s on the floor. You paid Rubio because you didn’t want him to leave since you botched the Kevin Love franchise contract for him.  I get it, but you don’t reward stupidity with new stupidity.  

They’re also paying Pek about $12 Million a season and he’s unable to do anything defensively & refuse to rebound.  Combine that with not being a real go-to player and they overpaid…

With the price of this team, they HAVE to start Rubio and Pek…so now you have to find scorers and great shooters at the 2 or 3 since Rubio gives you nothing in scoring or shooting.   Then you have to find a shot blocker and floor spacer at the 4 because Pek gives you nothing defensively at the 5…  

My suggestion…  

Draft Towns since he fits well with Pek.  Package and trade some of these young players for a couple of veteran role players off the bench.   Focus on 3D guys in the second round…  Maybe consider bringing Pek off the bench and starting Dieng instead.   Then playing Okafor at the 4 position wouldn’t be that bad…   (although I think Okafor will be a perfect fit for NYK)…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[lakesidebenParticipant]

 Everyone knows David Kahn was a clown, and I’m not a huge fan of Glen Taylor(mostly because he hired Kahn) but you have to give props to Saunders for the past 2 years. He inherited a tough situation with an angry Kevin Love and not much else.  He was initially eviscerated for the 2013 draft that landed Dieng and an emerging Muhammad. He spun a checked out Kevin Love into Wiggins.

I’ll also stand by the Pek and Rubio signings. People forget how difficult it is to sign free agents in Minnesota. Most players with any sort of option will choose to go somewhere else. This usually leads to overpaying 2nd tier free agents. That is why it is so important to re-sign talent. There is a lot we still don’t know about Rubio for how long he’s been in the league. But if he ends up with even an average jump shot, he’ll be well worth the money. Personally, it would have killed me to see him go somewhere else and succeed. Pek has weaknesses, but like you all have said, they could be filled in w/ a 4 like Towns. Even with the contract he would be a tradable asset to many teams if Dieng really emerged. I think it would have been dumb to let him walk.  I know it is still popular to dismiss the wolves front office as idiots, but as a fan it is refreshing to start agreeing with most of their decisions.

[lakesidebenParticipant]

 Everyone knows David Kahn was a clown, and I’m not a huge fan of Glen Taylor(mostly because he hired Kahn) but you have to give props to Saunders for the past 2 years. He inherited a tough situation with an angry Kevin Love and not much else.  He was initially eviscerated for the 2013 draft that landed Dieng and an emerging Muhammad. He spun a checked out Kevin Love into Wiggins.

I’ll also stand by the Pek and Rubio signings. People forget how difficult it is to sign free agents in Minnesota. Most players with any sort of option will choose to go somewhere else. This usually leads to overpaying 2nd tier free agents. That is why it is so important to re-sign talent. There is a lot we still don’t know about Rubio for how long he’s been in the league. But if he ends up with even an average jump shot, he’ll be well worth the money. Personally, it would have killed me to see him go somewhere else and succeed. Pek has weaknesses, but like you all have said, they could be filled in w/ a 4 like Towns. Even with the contract he would be a tradable asset to many teams if Dieng really emerged. I think it would have been dumb to let him walk.  I know it is still popular to dismiss the wolves front office as idiots, but as a fan it is refreshing to start agreeing with most of their decisions.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

You’re underratng Rubio,this guy transforms the team. They made a good move by signing him,especially with the salary cap exploding,it won’t be a bad contract at all. And I say it again,the draft is about developping players,no matter who you get,find a system to make them all successful. The ideal choice to me would be Towns,but either way,even if it’s Russel,fin a system where this team will be able to hide its deficiencies and play to their strengths.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

You’re underratng Rubio,this guy transforms the team. They made a good move by signing him,especially with the salary cap exploding,it won’t be a bad contract at all. And I say it again,the draft is about developping players,no matter who you get,find a system to make them all successful. The ideal choice to me would be Towns,but either way,even if it’s Russel,fin a system where this team will be able to hide its deficiencies and play to their strengths.

[tuck243Participant]

Rubio has shot the ball better in his last couple of games and was really aggressive.  But UNDERRATING him?  No…  What he’s done in this league is what I said.   His deficiencies are lack of jumpshot and his gambling on defense.  He might move the ball some, but this is the NBA.   Everyone on the court has to be a scoring threat, especially since ISO ball is leaving…   For him it’s worse because he’s going to have the ball in his hands a ton.  Yet, he’s not a threat to score (could be timidness) and doesn’t have enough people around him to mask that.  Currently, that contract is too much for him.  

I understand that getting players to come to Minny is hard, but you’re already rebuilding.   Sometimes you have to cut your losses and move on.  These are mistakes teams make that will set a franchise back for a number of years.   Him moving on and playing somewhere else and performing isn’t your problem.  You can’t be greedy like that because most of the time it bites you in the a$$.  Example: Eric Gordon.  New Orleans wanted to get SOMETHING in return on the deal for CP3, so they signed him even though he didn’t want to come back.  He’s been a cancer ever since.  Some his attitude and some in injuries.  Spurs are always on top because they get that.  Blazers are notorious for letting players go before they blossom or fall off.  Sebastion Telfair and Jerryd Bayless, but they also let go of Zach Randolph and Jermaine O’Neal.

All I’m saying is you’re paying these guys a ton of money and the best part of their game doesn’t win games.  It doesn’t, so why overpay for role players?  Or why sign them to that long of a contract?  I actually like Pek and think he’ll be nice next to a defensive 4.  Or maybe bring him off the bench if you have to, but you’re masking players’ issues that aren’t stars.  You don’t do that.  It doesn’t make sense to me.   Mostly why they continue to sit in the bottom of the West.  They have promise, I agree, but you can’t make up for other people mistakes man…  Move on… 

 

 

[sitlbitoParticipant]

Just Watch them play,and you’ll see the difference between when he’s on the floor and when he’s not on defense,on offense ,and on fast breaks. Pretty much everywhere. This guy controls the tempo of a game like few players do in the NBA,his shot is mproving,he seems much happier now than what he was the last few years. And not only gambles on defense,he’s jus a good defender,period. And you’re undervaluing the importance of vetrans in the locker room. That’s not cliché,Rubio is 24 but started playing professionally in the ACB when he was 15 years Young! If you trade him you just have to do this process all over again. I mean I can’t say anything better than Watch their games without him and with him. A difference maker.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

Just Watch them play,and you’ll see the difference between when he’s on the floor and when he’s not on defense,on offense ,and on fast breaks. Pretty much everywhere. This guy controls the tempo of a game like few players do in the NBA,his shot is mproving,he seems much happier now than what he was the last few years. And not only gambles on defense,he’s jus a good defender,period. And you’re undervaluing the importance of vetrans in the locker room. That’s not cliché,Rubio is 24 but started playing professionally in the ACB when he was 15 years Young! If you trade him you just have to do this process all over again. I mean I can’t say anything better than Watch their games without him and with him. A difference maker.

[tuck243Participant]

I’ve watched them play.  I get it, but he’s not stopping anyone at the PG position.  He’s not a Rondo at that position defensively.  He’s not a Rondo at that position offensively either.  He’s going on his second contract and me discrediting him is valid.   He had enough time and opportunity to show what he can and can’t do.  Him being a pro since 15 is worse because he’s been playing against men for near 10 years and still not productive like he should be.

I can’t believe I’m getting negged because I think Ricky Rubio is overpaid.  He shoots 25% in the 4th Quarter!!!

  

[tuck243Participant]

I’ve watched them play.  I get it, but he’s not stopping anyone at the PG position.  He’s not a Rondo at that position defensively.  He’s not a Rondo at that position offensively either.  He’s going on his second contract and me discrediting him is valid.   He had enough time and opportunity to show what he can and can’t do.  Him being a pro since 15 is worse because he’s been playing against men for near 10 years and still not productive like he should be.

I can’t believe I’m getting negged because I think Ricky Rubio is overpaid.  He shoots 25% in the 4th Quarter!!!

  

[tuck243Participant]

Rubio has shot the ball better in his last couple of games and was really aggressive.  But UNDERRATING him?  No…  What he’s done in this league is what I said.   His deficiencies are lack of jumpshot and his gambling on defense.  He might move the ball some, but this is the NBA.   Everyone on the court has to be a scoring threat, especially since ISO ball is leaving…   For him it’s worse because he’s going to have the ball in his hands a ton.  Yet, he’s not a threat to score (could be timidness) and doesn’t have enough people around him to mask that.  Currently, that contract is too much for him.  

I understand that getting players to come to Minny is hard, but you’re already rebuilding.   Sometimes you have to cut your losses and move on.  These are mistakes teams make that will set a franchise back for a number of years.   Him moving on and playing somewhere else and performing isn’t your problem.  You can’t be greedy like that because most of the time it bites you in the a$$.  Example: Eric Gordon.  New Orleans wanted to get SOMETHING in return on the deal for CP3, so they signed him even though he didn’t want to come back.  He’s been a cancer ever since.  Some his attitude and some in injuries.  Spurs are always on top because they get that.  Blazers are notorious for letting players go before they blossom or fall off.  Sebastion Telfair and Jerryd Bayless, but they also let go of Zach Randolph and Jermaine O’Neal.

All I’m saying is you’re paying these guys a ton of money and the best part of their game doesn’t win games.  It doesn’t, so why overpay for role players?  Or why sign them to that long of a contract?  I actually like Pek and think he’ll be nice next to a defensive 4.  Or maybe bring him off the bench if you have to, but you’re masking players’ issues that aren’t stars.  You don’t do that.  It doesn’t make sense to me.   Mostly why they continue to sit in the bottom of the West.  They have promise, I agree, but you can’t make up for other people mistakes man…  Move on… 

 

 

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I just wonder if Flip will give up coaching. It’s hard to believe he’ll want to sit through 2 bad seasons and then hand it off to someone else when they start competing. I hope he does and brings in someone like Hoiberg, but we’ll see. I see what you’re saying about fit, but if the Wolves somehow land the 1st pick I don’t think I could take Russell or Towns over Okafor. Personally, I don’t think you pass on Okafor because you got Pek. You have to take best available and find a way to make it work. The big board for me would go Okafor, Towns, Russell, Mudiay.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 I just wonder if Flip will give up coaching. It’s hard to believe he’ll want to sit through 2 bad seasons and then hand it off to someone else when they start competing. I hope he does and brings in someone like Hoiberg, but we’ll see. I see what you’re saying about fit, but if the Wolves somehow land the 1st pick I don’t think I could take Russell or Towns over Okafor. Personally, I don’t think you pass on Okafor because you got Pek. You have to take best available and find a way to make it work. The big board for me would go Okafor, Towns, Russell, Mudiay.

[goddagParticipant]

Flip did a good job bringing Garnett along slowly, and he’s doing a good job bringing Wiggins along the same way. He’s giving Lavine some minutes to get a taste of it. Bennett has to learn he’s not going to play a lot if he doesn’t do what Flip wants him to do. And that is to play closer to the basket and get more rebounds and not stay our on the perimeter and shoot 3 pointers. Plus the more they bring in Payne, I think there’s a good chance Bennett’s minutes will be disappearing.
I like the fact of drafting some of the players mentioned here, but I don’t think they’ll have the top 3 picks to get Okafor, Russell, or Mudiay. But one player that everyone doesn’t mention is Cauley Stein. He’s done himself well by staying in college for 2 more years. He’s matured quite a bit and has really improved his game. Sure his offense isn’t where everyone would like it, but his defense more than makes up it. The games I’ve watched he’s there best all around player.
And I think where the Wolves will be in their rebuild next year, he would be a better fit than a player like Towns.

[goddagParticipant]

Flip did a good job bringing Garnett along slowly, and he’s doing a good job bringing Wiggins along the same way. He’s giving Lavine some minutes to get a taste of it. Bennett has to learn he’s not going to play a lot if he doesn’t do what Flip wants him to do. And that is to play closer to the basket and get more rebounds and not stay our on the perimeter and shoot 3 pointers. Plus the more they bring in Payne, I think there’s a good chance Bennett’s minutes will be disappearing.
I like the fact of drafting some of the players mentioned here, but I don’t think they’ll have the top 3 picks to get Okafor, Russell, or Mudiay. But one player that everyone doesn’t mention is Cauley Stein. He’s done himself well by staying in college for 2 more years. He’s matured quite a bit and has really improved his game. Sure his offense isn’t where everyone would like it, but his defense more than makes up it. The games I’ve watched he’s there best all around player.
And I think where the Wolves will be in their rebuild next year, he would be a better fit than a player like Towns.

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 They NEED Towns or Okafor

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 They NEED Towns or Okafor

[phila9012Participant]

 I hope they draft towns and then go out and get mcdanials, who is a defensive stopper who has a developing shot. Then they have lavine, and bazz to bring fire power off the bench. dieng is a solid young 3rd big man. Then try to get what they can for Martin and possibly pekovic. In 2 years they will be in the playoffs with those young players as the core. Towns has the highest potential, I am all for them taking talents like that for 2 years then they can look for players to fit around what comes from those players

[phila9012Participant]

 I hope they draft towns and then go out and get mcdanials, who is a defensive stopper who has a developing shot. Then they have lavine, and bazz to bring fire power off the bench. dieng is a solid young 3rd big man. Then try to get what they can for Martin and possibly pekovic. In 2 years they will be in the playoffs with those young players as the core. Towns has the highest potential, I am all for them taking talents like that for 2 years then they can look for players to fit around what comes from those players

[dbeal21Participant]

 I’m only comfortable with the drafting a sure thing. Aka jahlil okafor. I’m sick of the wolves drafting project players because in the last ten years that hasn’t worked out well for the wolves. So Personally, my big board is Jahlil then next best prospect regardless of position. Don’t care if we get another good player at a spit we have filled. Pretty sure steph curry would’ve worked out fine with rubio..

[dbeal21Participant]

 I’m only comfortable with the drafting a sure thing. Aka jahlil okafor. I’m sick of the wolves drafting project players because in the last ten years that hasn’t worked out well for the wolves. So Personally, my big board is Jahlil then next best prospect regardless of position. Don’t care if we get another good player at a spit we have filled. Pretty sure steph curry would’ve worked out fine with rubio..

[hbomb3300Participant]

As long as LaVine’s shooting comes along like a expect, a Russell, LaVine, Wiggins starting line up would be very entertaining.  Must watch on League Pass! 

[hbomb3300Participant]

As long as LaVine’s shooting comes along like a expect, a Russell, LaVine, Wiggins starting line up would be very entertaining.  Must watch on League Pass! 

[omphalosParticipant]

 I still feel like Myles Turner, Towns or Okafor are the guys to look for if you’re Minnesota.

I think Rubio is critical to this team, and Lavine can make the transition to PG eventually.

I also think taking another perimeter player would be giving up on Bazz, which seems unnecessary given his improvement and the glaring need at the PF/C positions.

Also, re Wiggins’ nickname, it’s gotta be Ender.

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

 I still feel like Myles Turner, Towns or Okafor are the guys to look for if you’re Minnesota.

I think Rubio is critical to this team, and Lavine can make the transition to PG eventually.

I also think taking another perimeter player would be giving up on Bazz, which seems unnecessary given his improvement and the glaring need at the PF/C positions.

Also, re Wiggins’ nickname, it’s gotta be Ender.

 

 

 

 

 

[BallBeenLifeParticipant]

 This draft can make or break the Wolves. If they plan on Wiggins signing an extension once his rookie contract is up, then they CANNOT afford to mess up this upcoming draft pick! Even though the Kahn era is gone and Flip has done a great job thus far. I can’t help but think about the past draft busts that the Wolves have picked that set the franchise back years! From passing up on Curry & Cousins for Flynn & Wes Johnson just proves the importance of the draft. 

I think Flip & Milt Newton have been doing a good job drafting these last 2 seasons. With that being said I trust they’ll ultimately make the best choice possible for the team. I would love to see any of those 4 (Russell, Okafor, Towns, Mudiay) in a Wolves jersey! But I feel like they will trade Pek and Rubio somewhere down the road, not saying it’s gonna happen in the near future but I don’t see Rubio & Pek being the long term answer for them. Obviously it sucks that they just signed both of them to 4-5 year deals making it more difficult to move them. 

Okafor is obviously who I would prefer if they got the #1 pick but realistically I see them getting Towns. They can use him at the 5 & 4. If his shooting improves to a more consistent level he will benefit Pek and Deing enormously! When Love was in MN he spread the floor so much, giving Pek the breathing room to take advantage of 1 on 1 match ups and bruise his way to an easy bucket. Now he’s getting doubled every time he touches the ball in the post. 

 

[BallBeenLifeParticipant]

 This draft can make or break the Wolves. If they plan on Wiggins signing an extension once his rookie contract is up, then they CANNOT afford to mess up this upcoming draft pick! Even though the Kahn era is gone and Flip has done a great job thus far. I can’t help but think about the past draft busts that the Wolves have picked that set the franchise back years! From passing up on Curry & Cousins for Flynn & Wes Johnson just proves the importance of the draft. 

I think Flip & Milt Newton have been doing a good job drafting these last 2 seasons. With that being said I trust they’ll ultimately make the best choice possible for the team. I would love to see any of those 4 (Russell, Okafor, Towns, Mudiay) in a Wolves jersey! But I feel like they will trade Pek and Rubio somewhere down the road, not saying it’s gonna happen in the near future but I don’t see Rubio & Pek being the long term answer for them. Obviously it sucks that they just signed both of them to 4-5 year deals making it more difficult to move them. 

Okafor is obviously who I would prefer if they got the #1 pick but realistically I see them getting Towns. They can use him at the 5 & 4. If his shooting improves to a more consistent level he will benefit Pek and Deing enormously! When Love was in MN he spread the floor so much, giving Pek the breathing room to take advantage of 1 on 1 match ups and bruise his way to an easy bucket. Now he’s getting doubled every time he touches the ball in the post. 

 

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[Author]

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