[SnowtaParticipant]

 As a lifelong Wolves fan I’m embarrassed by the majority of our fan bases reaction following the draft. 

First off, the backlash to LaVine’s reaction after he got drafted was just ridiculous. Twitter blew up with fans basically saying "perfect, another UCLA guy that doesn’t want to be here". Kevin Love not wanting to play here anymore after 6 years without sniffing the playoffs is completely different than a 19 year-old rookie who I’m sure is just thrilled to be in the NBA. When I watched it live I definitely thought it was just a kid who was overwhelmed and relieved that a dream he’s probably had his whole life has finally come to fruition. It wasn’t until a buddy told me twitter was blowing up that I realized the majority of our fans wanted to run this guy out of town before he’s even stepped foot here. I understand people are on edge about Love, but don’t take it out on LaVine!

Second, I don’t understand all the negative reaction to the pick itself. I’ve heard numerous people say that this was a terrible pick and Payne is a name that’s been thrown out there as someone we should’ve taken instead. To me, LaVine is a no-brainer at 13. This team without Love (and debatably with Love) has no identity. Do people really think this team is close enough to the playoffs (assuming we move Love) that taking Payne would get us where we want to be? Wouldn’t you rather take a potential franchise changing player than a guy like Payne (safe pick/pretty high floor, but low ceiling IMO) that basically cements our place in medicrity? I understand LaVine is a riskier pick. I understand he could be a bust, but is he really as un-NBA ready as a lot of people seem to think? The fact is he’s easily the most athletic player on our team and that is something this team has sorely lacked. He’s a pretty good shooter and it seems like he plays with energy (again, something this team needs). I know Flip loves him, so it’ll be interesting to see how much he plays this year. I think it could be more than most people think.

So that was me venting, now the reason for this post (because I respect opinions on here much more than the majority of Wolves fans’). I feel like I’m the only person in MN that was happy with this draft. In fact, I was very happy with this draft. We got two wings (absolutely LOVE Glenn at 40 and I see LaVine as a 2) that are great athletes to play with Rubio, which I’ve been saying we need since he first came over. While they both have a ton of work to do I love the potential. Am I crazy, or did the Wolves actually do pretty well for themselves? What do you all think?

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Robinson was a steal at 40, I think his game will translate better to the pros than college. If he can develop a shot (I think he will), he will be a solid starter for years.

 I think I must be the only one now that thinks LaVine went too high. Should’ve been in the 20-30 range. But he does fill a need for the wolves as an athletic wing scorer. Rubio should help his development but I’m not convinced he will ever be better than a 6th man energy change-of-pace kind of guy. 

Wolves did ok, more excited about Robinson than LaVine, but if LaVine develops into the player some scouts believe, this could have been a really good draft. 

[ChoppyParticipant]

 Robinson was a steal at 40, I think his game will translate better to the pros than college. If he can develop a shot (I think he will), he will be a solid starter for years.

 I think I must be the only one now that thinks LaVine went too high. Should’ve been in the 20-30 range. But he does fill a need for the wolves as an athletic wing scorer. Rubio should help his development but I’m not convinced he will ever be better than a 6th man energy change-of-pace kind of guy. 

Wolves did ok, more excited about Robinson than LaVine, but if LaVine develops into the player some scouts believe, this could have been a really good draft. 

[celtics1982Participant]

Your not crazy, drafting Lavine at 13 was good value.  He could turn into one of the 5 best players from this draft.  But he is crazy Raw and years away from being able to help your team.  He also could be Gerald Green, a player that takes 8 years, time away from NBA, D league and a number of teams to finally develop and reach his potential.  I think that’s why Minny fans are upset.  I feel that Minny has until the trade deadline to become a playoff team if they want to keep Love.  Lavine doesn’t in any way help you achieve that.  If I were a Minny fan I would want to know why no TJ Warren or Garry Harris.  These are players with good upside that could have helped next year and in the future.  Neither will be a star, but you already have Love.  I’d rather try and keep a Star, then try and develop another one.  What if you took TJ Warren and he has a good rookie year, lets say 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal a game.  The Wolves make the playoffs, don’t trade Love and he then resigns or doesn’t opt out.  That’s what I’d be hoping for. 

[celtics1982Participant]

Your not crazy, drafting Lavine at 13 was good value.  He could turn into one of the 5 best players from this draft.  But he is crazy Raw and years away from being able to help your team.  He also could be Gerald Green, a player that takes 8 years, time away from NBA, D league and a number of teams to finally develop and reach his potential.  I think that’s why Minny fans are upset.  I feel that Minny has until the trade deadline to become a playoff team if they want to keep Love.  Lavine doesn’t in any way help you achieve that.  If I were a Minny fan I would want to know why no TJ Warren or Garry Harris.  These are players with good upside that could have helped next year and in the future.  Neither will be a star, but you already have Love.  I’d rather try and keep a Star, then try and develop another one.  What if you took TJ Warren and he has a good rookie year, lets say 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal a game.  The Wolves make the playoffs, don’t trade Love and he then resigns or doesn’t opt out.  That’s what I’d be hoping for. 

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I’m just excited to see Robinson and LaVine running the break with Rubio, I don’t see how a Minny fan could be so outraged when no player at that pick would get them much closer to the playoffs, they got the highest potential player available, that should excite you not disapoint you.

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I’m just excited to see Robinson and LaVine running the break with Rubio, I don’t see how a Minny fan could be so outraged when no player at that pick would get them much closer to the playoffs, they got the highest potential player available, that should excite you not disapoint you.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

I found it quite pathetic the way Lavine reacted.  Especially because ten minutes later a guy who will never be able to play a minute in the league was drafted in Isaiah Austin.  It’s a privilege to play in the NBA, and your @ss should be happy that you were blessed with the ability to make it to the league.  Not act like some child who didn’t get what he wanted for Christmas.  I just found it extremely distasteful, especially with Isaiah Austin in attendance.  Zach, your dream has come true, and you’ll be able to make everything of it.  Isaiah can’t…..grow the f*ck up. 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

I found it quite pathetic the way Lavine reacted.  Especially because ten minutes later a guy who will never be able to play a minute in the league was drafted in Isaiah Austin.  It’s a privilege to play in the NBA, and your @ss should be happy that you were blessed with the ability to make it to the league.  Not act like some child who didn’t get what he wanted for Christmas.  I just found it extremely distasteful, especially with Isaiah Austin in attendance.  Zach, your dream has come true, and you’ll be able to make everything of it.  Isaiah can’t…..grow the f*ck up. 

[jtthebrickParticipant]

I thought it was obviously a reaction of relief.  Got blown way out of proportion.

-Jazz Fan

 

 

[jtthebrickParticipant]

I thought it was obviously a reaction of relief.  Got blown way out of proportion.

-Jazz Fan

 

 

[Scrooge McDuckParticipant]

LaVine was actually reacting to how happy he was to be drafted. Or so he said in an interview afterward. I think people just misunderstood. He seemed really sincere. 

[Scrooge McDuckParticipant]

LaVine was actually reacting to how happy he was to be drafted. Or so he said in an interview afterward. I think people just misunderstood. He seemed really sincere. 

[SwatLakeCityParticipant]

 I wanted to post on this topic because I disagree with what the OP said but I gave him a plus 1 anyway for his very good viewpoint. I think I actually had quite an argument as for why I disagree with him. The reason being the Wolves cannot develop players. And I think the argument would have been very well received even by the OP but unfortunately for some odd reason, my comment was blocked from this topic. (I don’t know why. My comment did not contain any harsh judgment, I was just respectfully stating my opinion.) I’m sorry I don’t agree with the OP poster but not everyone will agree. If you want proof that the Wolves can’t develop young players just look at who they drafted since 2008 until the present. 

[SwatLakeCityParticipant]

 I wanted to post on this topic because I disagree with what the OP said but I gave him a plus 1 anyway for his very good viewpoint. I think I actually had quite an argument as for why I disagree with him. The reason being the Wolves cannot develop players. And I think the argument would have been very well received even by the OP but unfortunately for some odd reason, my comment was blocked from this topic. (I don’t know why. My comment did not contain any harsh judgment, I was just respectfully stating my opinion.) I’m sorry I don’t agree with the OP poster but not everyone will agree. If you want proof that the Wolves can’t develop young players just look at who they drafted since 2008 until the present. 

[SnowtaParticipant]

 It’s a fair point, but I got two comments in response. 1.)  I think previous Wolves busts have been more due to poor drafting than development, but regardless it is completely new management and coaching staff. I highly doubt incoming players are holding all of Kahn’s mistakes against Flip and his staff. 2.) Simce being drafted LaVine has been "ecstatic" to be a Timberwolf and is excited to play with Rubio. I guess he could be lying through his teeth but I don’t think so. Like you said though we don’t always have to agree.

[SnowtaParticipant]

 It’s a fair point, but I got two comments in response. 1.)  I think previous Wolves busts have been more due to poor drafting than development, but regardless it is completely new management and coaching staff. I highly doubt incoming players are holding all of Kahn’s mistakes against Flip and his staff. 2.) Simce being drafted LaVine has been "ecstatic" to be a Timberwolf and is excited to play with Rubio. I guess he could be lying through his teeth but I don’t think so. Like you said though we don’t always have to agree.

[kngojcParticipant]

 I think this draft could go a number of ways.

The reason why Minnesota (obviously not the only reason, but one that is important) is awful at drafting is that the guy making the decision wasn’t right for the job. Kahn was NOT good at drafts. He was also horrible at developing talent. People want to look at the Wolves like its a faceless organization, not an accumulation of talents and moving parts. Flip did a hell of a job when he was with the team earlier, same with McHale. Flip knows what to do with players, and he will be able to get a lot out of this group of guys.

That being said, I think this draft was the toughest time to have the deepest/best draft possible. Kevin Love is on his way out potentially and we’ve been building the team around him. We drafted two athletic guys who can run the break great. Love setting up the outlet and having Rubio running the court with Lavine and GR3 would be fantastic. But when/if Love leaves, what’s your identity then? I think that’s why they went with such a boom or bust player in Lavine at 13. 

I have mixed feelings about this draft haul, but considering the circumstances, I’d have to give this team the benefit of the doubt for now that they did the best they could. Hopefully it’ll work out this season.

 

 

 

[kngojcParticipant]

 I think this draft could go a number of ways.

The reason why Minnesota (obviously not the only reason, but one that is important) is awful at drafting is that the guy making the decision wasn’t right for the job. Kahn was NOT good at drafts. He was also horrible at developing talent. People want to look at the Wolves like its a faceless organization, not an accumulation of talents and moving parts. Flip did a hell of a job when he was with the team earlier, same with McHale. Flip knows what to do with players, and he will be able to get a lot out of this group of guys.

That being said, I think this draft was the toughest time to have the deepest/best draft possible. Kevin Love is on his way out potentially and we’ve been building the team around him. We drafted two athletic guys who can run the break great. Love setting up the outlet and having Rubio running the court with Lavine and GR3 would be fantastic. But when/if Love leaves, what’s your identity then? I think that’s why they went with such a boom or bust player in Lavine at 13. 

I have mixed feelings about this draft haul, but considering the circumstances, I’d have to give this team the benefit of the doubt for now that they did the best they could. Hopefully it’ll work out this season.

 

 

 

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

 2 things I’d like to touch on.

1) this crap about "teams developing players" is the most idiotic cliche on this board. Players develop themselves. Teams just need to find appropriate roles for each player.

2) Zach LaVine is not Steve Francis. He had a promise from Minnesota before the draft and knew he was going there. Was just relieved to hear his name. If you wanna see a baby, look at Steve Francis draft reaction. 

 

 

[celtics1982Participant]

You couldn’t be more wrong!!!!  How exactly do you think players develop themselves?  It isn’t crap its the truth.  That’s why teams like the Spurs keep getting all these good role players, they know how to develop them.

I’ll give you an example.  Kendrick Perkins that the Celtics developed.  Chad Ford called him a wasted pick that should have never went in the first round.  He was fat and a slow offensive only player.  Celtics got him to lose weight and become a defensive only player that excelled at the little things like setting screens.

Please I beg you explain to me how players develop themselves???

[kngojcParticipant]

I don’t know about pros, but I’ve gotten better over the years without a coach. Same should hold true for players. Coaches coach and players play, but it is the coaches job to motivate their players to get better. Ever wonder why an athletic freak doesn’t pan out? Because not every player wants what his coach wants.

[kngojcParticipant]

I don’t know about pros, but I’ve gotten better over the years without a coach. Same should hold true for players. Coaches coach and players play, but it is the coaches job to motivate their players to get better. Ever wonder why an athletic freak doesn’t pan out? Because not every player wants what his coach wants.

[celtics1982Participant]

You couldn’t be more wrong!!!!  How exactly do you think players develop themselves?  It isn’t crap its the truth.  That’s why teams like the Spurs keep getting all these good role players, they know how to develop them.

I’ll give you an example.  Kendrick Perkins that the Celtics developed.  Chad Ford called him a wasted pick that should have never went in the first round.  He was fat and a slow offensive only player.  Celtics got him to lose weight and become a defensive only player that excelled at the little things like setting screens.

Please I beg you explain to me how players develop themselves???

[IhateusernamesParticipant]

 2 things I’d like to touch on.

1) this crap about "teams developing players" is the most idiotic cliche on this board. Players develop themselves. Teams just need to find appropriate roles for each player.

2) Zach LaVine is not Steve Francis. He had a promise from Minnesota before the draft and knew he was going there. Was just relieved to hear his name. If you wanna see a baby, look at Steve Francis draft reaction. 

 

 

[celtics1982Participant]

I didn’t say a player couldn’t get better without a coach!  I said there was truth to teams developing players.  Certain teams can develop players better then other teams.   A head coach isn’t really the one developing pro players, its the teams assistants for the most part.  For example Perkins had Clifford Ray in Boston, which he said over and over how he helped his game.  Look at Rondo, Doc took him under his wing and was tougher on him then any other player on the roster because he was a former pg.   A team has a staff of trainers and medical staff that help the players stay in shape and healthy.  I just can’t understand why anyone would think that a team could help a player develop.  NBA teams for the most part are made up of former players.  Their past experience and knowledge is vital to young players. 

Your right some players can’t be coach and can’t be developed, they are what they are.  Here’s looking at you Antoine Walker!!!  That doesn’t mean teams can’t be good at developing players.  Take Kyle Anderson and the Spurs.  Does anyone really think that Anderson didn’t land in a great spot?  The Spurs will develop Anderson into a player that can help them.  He probably won’t play much for a year or two, but in the long run he’ll be a better player.  They’ll teach him team basketball and how to win.  How to use his unique skill set in the NBA.

[celtics1982Participant]

I didn’t say a player couldn’t get better without a coach!  I said there was truth to teams developing players.  Certain teams can develop players better then other teams.   A head coach isn’t really the one developing pro players, its the teams assistants for the most part.  For example Perkins had Clifford Ray in Boston, which he said over and over how he helped his game.  Look at Rondo, Doc took him under his wing and was tougher on him then any other player on the roster because he was a former pg.   A team has a staff of trainers and medical staff that help the players stay in shape and healthy.  I just can’t understand why anyone would think that a team could help a player develop.  NBA teams for the most part are made up of former players.  Their past experience and knowledge is vital to young players. 

Your right some players can’t be coach and can’t be developed, they are what they are.  Here’s looking at you Antoine Walker!!!  That doesn’t mean teams can’t be good at developing players.  Take Kyle Anderson and the Spurs.  Does anyone really think that Anderson didn’t land in a great spot?  The Spurs will develop Anderson into a player that can help them.  He probably won’t play much for a year or two, but in the long run he’ll be a better player.  They’ll teach him team basketball and how to win.  How to use his unique skill set in the NBA.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 Wolves fans… What does the GR3 acquisition mean for Shabazz Muhammad now?

[SnowtaParticipant]

Personally, I’d like to see Shabazz get more minutes and I don’t think taking GR3 necessarily means he won’t or that he gets moved. I know Flip wants to prove that Muhammad was a good pick as his first being GM. I think ideally you move K-Mart and Budinger to free up minutes for both Shabazz and Glenn as well as Lavine. Obviously Bud and especially K-Mart aren’t the easiest contracts to move, but we’ll see. It also depends on the move they make for K-Love. I’m really starting to like the idea of a S-T with Houston. Get Parsons, Jones, and Lin for Love, Bud, Barea and try to move K-Mart in a separate deal (which could be extremely difficult). If they could do that though..

PG: Rubio, Lin, Lavine

SG: Brewer, Muhammad, Lavine

SF: Parsons, GR3, Muhammad

PF: T. Jones, E. Davis (MLE)

C: Pek, Gorgui

I don’t know how good that team would be, especially this year, but they’d be pretty fun to watch…

[SnowtaParticipant]

Personally, I’d like to see Shabazz get more minutes and I don’t think taking GR3 necessarily means he won’t or that he gets moved. I know Flip wants to prove that Muhammad was a good pick as his first being GM. I think ideally you move K-Mart and Budinger to free up minutes for both Shabazz and Glenn as well as Lavine. Obviously Bud and especially K-Mart aren’t the easiest contracts to move, but we’ll see. It also depends on the move they make for K-Love. I’m really starting to like the idea of a S-T with Houston. Get Parsons, Jones, and Lin for Love, Bud, Barea and try to move K-Mart in a separate deal (which could be extremely difficult). If they could do that though..

PG: Rubio, Lin, Lavine

SG: Brewer, Muhammad, Lavine

SF: Parsons, GR3, Muhammad

PF: T. Jones, E. Davis (MLE)

C: Pek, Gorgui

I don’t know how good that team would be, especially this year, but they’d be pretty fun to watch…

[Lotto StudParticipant]

 Wolves fans… What does the GR3 acquisition mean for Shabazz Muhammad now?

[Author]

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