[trelos6Participant]

OKC Thunder, formerly Seattle Supersonics, got lucky and wound up with the #2 draft pick in 2007 draft and landed Kevin Durant (and Jeff Green). In 2008, they got Russell Westbrook and their franchise was set. Also in that 2008 draft, they got Serge Ibaka at #24. In 2009, they got James Harden, and by 2009-10, they had made the playoffs with a 50-32 season. In 2010-11 they won 55 games and made the WCF, and since then, they have been a perennial championship contender.

And now, Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2014, they won the lottery and landed Andrew Wiggins, and Zach LaVine. Following this, they also won the lottery again and landed Karl-Anthony Towns in 2015. Just like OKC, they sucked for 1 more year and will likely land a top 5 draft pick.

Now for the speculation. If the Timberwolves land the 5th pick, hopefully Jamal Murray is on the board. Towns and Wiggins look to be 1A and 1B, so adding the crafty offensive ability of Murray (Harden), and the ever improving and uber athletic LaVine (~Ibaka), the Timberwolves need to make a leap and break .500 next season.

They have taken steps toward this by cutting Kevin Martin. But I also think it’s time to cash out on Rubio. They need to throw the core of Wiggins, Towns, LaVine out there and get them used to playing with each other. I think they have the potential to make the ECF finals in 2 years just like the Thunder did. Also, they need to look at a good coach for next season. Thunder were hamstrung by Brooks for many years, let’s hope a guy like Thibs can get the HC job at Minnesota next season.

Fingers crossed and let’s see lightning strike twice in small market towns who have gotten lucky in the draft and created teams that were monsters!

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

 Wow I didn’t realize Minnesota was moving to the Eastern Conference!  Better watch out Philly!

[BogDon_KryptParticipant]

 Wow I didn’t realize Minnesota was moving to the Eastern Conference!  Better watch out Philly!

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 And not to nitpick, but the wolves didn’t win the lottery and draft Andrew Wiggins.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 And not to nitpick, but the wolves didn’t win the lottery and draft Andrew Wiggins.

[CU.LIONSParticipant]

OK, here’s a thought. Could you imagine the Twolves wining this years lottery. Get Simmons. Then some how convince Durant to sign. KAT at center. Simmons and Durant at Forward. Wiggins and Lavine/Rubio at guard.

OK, it aint happening, but dammnnnn!!!!!

[CU.LIONSParticipant]

OK, here’s a thought. Could you imagine the Twolves wining this years lottery. Get Simmons. Then some how convince Durant to sign. KAT at center. Simmons and Durant at Forward. Wiggins and Lavine/Rubio at guard.

OK, it aint happening, but dammnnnn!!!!!

[publius2481Participant]

 They do have a nice collection of young talent in Wiggins, Towns (a franchise player), and Lavine. The chance to add a Murray, Brown, or Dunn to the mix only gives them a higher ceiling. I agree they should look to trade Rubio if they can get fair value. Rubio is a decent player, but I don’t think he fits with this group. The TWolves really need a point guard who is a good three point shooter to make up for Wiggins lack of a three point shot (Lavine could fill this role). I think they should focus on the restricted free agent market to pick up talent. That way any free agents they bring in will be in their prime as the team comes of age. Terrence Ross, Meyers Leonard, Allen Crabbe, Evan Fournier, Jordan Clarkson, Harrison Barnes, and Jared Sullinger are players I think they should ckeck in on (depending on who they draft of course). I am not saying they would get these players (their teams might match) or should overpay (always dumb), but I think one or two from this group would help them. A stretch four and a point guard with shooting range should be priorities. Getting a wing with shooting range would be the next priority.

[publius2481Participant]

 They do have a nice collection of young talent in Wiggins, Towns (a franchise player), and Lavine. The chance to add a Murray, Brown, or Dunn to the mix only gives them a higher ceiling. I agree they should look to trade Rubio if they can get fair value. Rubio is a decent player, but I don’t think he fits with this group. The TWolves really need a point guard who is a good three point shooter to make up for Wiggins lack of a three point shot (Lavine could fill this role). I think they should focus on the restricted free agent market to pick up talent. That way any free agents they bring in will be in their prime as the team comes of age. Terrence Ross, Meyers Leonard, Allen Crabbe, Evan Fournier, Jordan Clarkson, Harrison Barnes, and Jared Sullinger are players I think they should ckeck in on (depending on who they draft of course). I am not saying they would get these players (their teams might match) or should overpay (always dumb), but I think one or two from this group would help them. A stretch four and a point guard with shooting range should be priorities. Getting a wing with shooting range would be the next priority.

[TravelinTravParticipant]

I think this years draft will be key, I believe they should build around Towns, he’s already starting to get double teamed and by next year he will be doubled constantly. I’m hoping for Murray or Buddy (assuming we get the 5th pick) after that a PF would be great EX= Paul Milsap and great shooter EX= Korver or Reddick .I can’t wait for a couple years from now to see how good they may become and the core will still only be 22-23 years of age! I’ve watched virtually every game from last year  through this year and it will be great to see them bust into the playoffs. 

[TravelinTravParticipant]

I think this years draft will be key, I believe they should build around Towns, he’s already starting to get double teamed and by next year he will be doubled constantly. I’m hoping for Murray or Buddy (assuming we get the 5th pick) after that a PF would be great EX= Paul Milsap and great shooter EX= Korver or Reddick .I can’t wait for a couple years from now to see how good they may become and the core will still only be 22-23 years of age! I’ve watched virtually every game from last year  through this year and it will be great to see them bust into the playoffs. 

[HitsterParticipant]

The Wolves seem to have both Rubio and LaVine in their starting line up, I don’t get all this cash out on Rubio, I know his 3 point range is like Shaq from the free throw line but at T-Wolves, he’d solely be a creative PG. With LaVine’s speed off ball, Wiggins or KAT possibly drawing a double team then the team looks set.

They can go with a twin towers frontcourt with Dieng and Towns if needed to compliment Wiggins/Lavine and Rubio as a very quick back 3. With Wiggins and Lavine also being good ball carriers then it spreads the floor as they can assist Rubio with ball movement and you have 3 guys to create for the two bigs.

Hield or Murray would be great draft picks for the T-Wolves giving them scoring punch and impact from the bench, there is a load of backcourt minutes to be shared around so they would get 20mpg plus begind Rubio and LaVine.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

The Wolves seem to have both Rubio and LaVine in their starting line up, I don’t get all this cash out on Rubio, I know his 3 point range is like Shaq from the free throw line but at T-Wolves, he’d solely be a creative PG. With LaVine’s speed off ball, Wiggins or KAT possibly drawing a double team then the team looks set.

They can go with a twin towers frontcourt with Dieng and Towns if needed to compliment Wiggins/Lavine and Rubio as a very quick back 3. With Wiggins and Lavine also being good ball carriers then it spreads the floor as they can assist Rubio with ball movement and you have 3 guys to create for the two bigs.

Hield or Murray would be great draft picks for the T-Wolves giving them scoring punch and impact from the bench, there is a load of backcourt minutes to be shared around so they would get 20mpg plus begind Rubio and LaVine.

 

[morestealsthanscoresParticipant]

so here’s a related question – if the T’Wolves offered Mike Conley a 2 year max deal…would the Grizz match it? And would Conley say no?

Looking at the Grizz cap situation, they’re $13m over the cap, they have an aging Randolph, an injured Marc Gasol, and not much else. If you put them under that sort of financial pressure, TBH I don’t know if they wouldn’t just cut ties, trade everyone but Gasol, sit Gasol for the majority of the season, and rebuild through the draft.

Signing Conley for 2 years would really help their young guys develop and move this team forward – and his salary would come off the books just as Wiggins and LaVine are due a raise. Trading Pek and Rubio would help make this even easier financially.

What do you think?

[morestealsthanscoresParticipant]

so here’s a related question – if the T’Wolves offered Mike Conley a 2 year max deal…would the Grizz match it? And would Conley say no?

Looking at the Grizz cap situation, they’re $13m over the cap, they have an aging Randolph, an injured Marc Gasol, and not much else. If you put them under that sort of financial pressure, TBH I don’t know if they wouldn’t just cut ties, trade everyone but Gasol, sit Gasol for the majority of the season, and rebuild through the draft.

Signing Conley for 2 years would really help their young guys develop and move this team forward – and his salary would come off the books just as Wiggins and LaVine are due a raise. Trading Pek and Rubio would help make this even easier financially.

What do you think?

[220Participant]

 Mike Conley isn’t a restricted free agent so the Grizzlies don’t have the choice to match an offer sheet for him.

[220Participant]

 Mike Conley isn’t a restricted free agent so the Grizzlies don’t have the choice to match an offer sheet for him.

[simplyafanParticipant]

 I’ve been a Mike Conley guy since his days at Ohio State, there’s not too many guards who’s been as under valued as Conley. I like the upgrade he would bring to Minny but would that be a step in the right direction for either party? Minny gets a commander at PG spot with scoring capability but he’ll be 29 this upcoming year and do they see him running the show for years on out. The bigger question is would want to wait any longer? The window of opportunity is closing and he finally gets to hit the market and see who wants him. I think these a questions that both parties ask themselves if they would sit down and discuss options. I wouldn’t object to it happening though.

 

 

 

[simplyafanParticipant]

 I’ve been a Mike Conley guy since his days at Ohio State, there’s not too many guards who’s been as under valued as Conley. I like the upgrade he would bring to Minny but would that be a step in the right direction for either party? Minny gets a commander at PG spot with scoring capability but he’ll be 29 this upcoming year and do they see him running the show for years on out. The bigger question is would want to wait any longer? The window of opportunity is closing and he finally gets to hit the market and see who wants him. I think these a questions that both parties ask themselves if they would sit down and discuss options. I wouldn’t object to it happening though.

 

 

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 IMHO…. b/c Wiggins & Lavine are such freak athletes…. but not great shooters, Minny could Really use some shooting…….. I realize KAT is more of a PF right now b/c he is still developing strength….. but I’m guessing that he will Eventually be the starting C….. maybe someone can help me out if I’m wrong……

But assuming KAT will eventually be the starting C…… & Wiggins is your SF…… Dunn would ultimately be an upgrade at PG over Rubio…. but Dunn also can Not shoot……. So I believe that Murrayat SG/PG…… or Bender as a sweet shooting PF would be Ideal for the T-Wolves……. I also LUV Hield at PG for the T-Wolves….. they can then dangle LaVine as an Assett……. & Ellenson would be a great fit too at PF if Bender & Murray are gone…..

If KAT plans to stay at PF…. Then I believe Poeltl is a Really nice fit at C……. I realize Mike Conley is 29 but I absolutely Luv Conley…. He would be a Fantastic fit on the T-Wolves while they groom a young guy that maybe they can acquire if they move LaVine…….

Either way the T-Wolves have a bright future & they used their One assett K-Love very well in starting this rebuild….. 

 

 

[circumlocution75Participant]

 IMHO…. b/c Wiggins & Lavine are such freak athletes…. but not great shooters, Minny could Really use some shooting…….. I realize KAT is more of a PF right now b/c he is still developing strength….. but I’m guessing that he will Eventually be the starting C….. maybe someone can help me out if I’m wrong……

But assuming KAT will eventually be the starting C…… & Wiggins is your SF…… Dunn would ultimately be an upgrade at PG over Rubio…. but Dunn also can Not shoot……. So I believe that Murrayat SG/PG…… or Bender as a sweet shooting PF would be Ideal for the T-Wolves……. I also LUV Hield at PG for the T-Wolves….. they can then dangle LaVine as an Assett……. & Ellenson would be a great fit too at PF if Bender & Murray are gone…..

If KAT plans to stay at PF…. Then I believe Poeltl is a Really nice fit at C……. I realize Mike Conley is 29 but I absolutely Luv Conley…. He would be a Fantastic fit on the T-Wolves while they groom a young guy that maybe they can acquire if they move LaVine…….

Either way the T-Wolves have a bright future & they used their One assett K-Love very well in starting this rebuild….. 

 

 

[markfitz14Participant]

Will the GM have the balls to make a big move? So many teams just keep the drafted core together and see how it goes. But I agree to crack the playoffs they will need a well rounded team. Prbly one guy in Wiggins who can hide the fact that he is a bad shooter is ok. Offering Lavine would be a bold move indeed.

[markfitz14Participant]

Will the GM have the balls to make a big move? So many teams just keep the drafted core together and see how it goes. But I agree to crack the playoffs they will need a well rounded team. Prbly one guy in Wiggins who can hide the fact that he is a bad shooter is ok. Offering Lavine would be a bold move indeed.

[darkman97Participant]

 If we continue the OKC model, then we will lose one of our stars like they did Harden. Out of the future stars we have, the one I would guess we would sacrifice would be Lavine. We will get a high pick this year too, and if it’s Murray or Hield, then there is a great chance of them being another "star" and will we have to sacrifice again? Today’s egos can’t support 3 young superstars per team. Maybe it’s the Minnesota fan in me that just assume that we won’t be able to keep our stars here. For every KG there’s 5 Marbury’s.

[darkman97Participant]

 If we continue the OKC model, then we will lose one of our stars like they did Harden. Out of the future stars we have, the one I would guess we would sacrifice would be Lavine. We will get a high pick this year too, and if it’s Murray or Hield, then there is a great chance of them being another "star" and will we have to sacrifice again? Today’s egos can’t support 3 young superstars per team. Maybe it’s the Minnesota fan in me that just assume that we won’t be able to keep our stars here. For every KG there’s 5 Marbury’s.

[simplyafanParticipant]

 I love the "For every KG there’s 5 Marburys". I think Lavine’s value in Minny is soaring, with the all star game festivities and his improved play. Unless their recieving a bonafide star, I think they decline. Zach has a unique skillset that GM’s gush over initially but end up regretting by the end of there rookie contract. Minny will I actually think Zach has landed in a great situation were he can actually succeed and possibly maximize his potential. OKC was draft fortunate and smart! They drafted KD and took the most talented NEED on the board every time after that. That thought alone drives me to believe that Minny only has two draft options; Murray or Buddy(If they land outside of the top 2 in draft order). Two scorers who can fill it up and space the court by knocking down perimeter shots. Even though Dunn might be the best PG in this draft class, they dont NEED him; outside of his great athleticism is he a better option than keeping Rubio? Rubio is still a pest on D and a maestro with the rock! If you replace Ricky you have to replace him with someone who can not just score but shoot. Do you guys think they try and make a splash during FA this summer? Maybe use there pick as leverage?

[darkman97Participant]

 I’m not saying they would trade him, I’m saying with Wiggins and KAT becoming highly paid superstars then Lavine would not be able to get what he is worth. Free agency is going to kill us once that time comes. They’re all in the same age (draft class) group and it’s going to hit us all at the same time. And let’s be honest, we’re never going to compete in destination with Chicago, NY and LA. I really hope I’m wrong because even in the loses we’ve had this year, the games have still been a joy to watch.

[darkman97Participant]

 I’m not saying they would trade him, I’m saying with Wiggins and KAT becoming highly paid superstars then Lavine would not be able to get what he is worth. Free agency is going to kill us once that time comes. They’re all in the same age (draft class) group and it’s going to hit us all at the same time. And let’s be honest, we’re never going to compete in destination with Chicago, NY and LA. I really hope I’m wrong because even in the loses we’ve had this year, the games have still been a joy to watch.

[simplyafanParticipant]

 I love the "For every KG there’s 5 Marburys". I think Lavine’s value in Minny is soaring, with the all star game festivities and his improved play. Unless their recieving a bonafide star, I think they decline. Zach has a unique skillset that GM’s gush over initially but end up regretting by the end of there rookie contract. Minny will I actually think Zach has landed in a great situation were he can actually succeed and possibly maximize his potential. OKC was draft fortunate and smart! They drafted KD and took the most talented NEED on the board every time after that. That thought alone drives me to believe that Minny only has two draft options; Murray or Buddy(If they land outside of the top 2 in draft order). Two scorers who can fill it up and space the court by knocking down perimeter shots. Even though Dunn might be the best PG in this draft class, they dont NEED him; outside of his great athleticism is he a better option than keeping Rubio? Rubio is still a pest on D and a maestro with the rock! If you replace Ricky you have to replace him with someone who can not just score but shoot. Do you guys think they try and make a splash during FA this summer? Maybe use there pick as leverage?

[Author]

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