Hopefully Dunn is the right choice. All 3 of the usual targets I've been reading (Dunn, Hield, Murray) were available. Crossing fingers that we don't have another Johnny Flynn/Steph Curry situation on our hands. 

So, when Dunn was being interviewed after the pick, he was overcome by a deluge of emotions. The joy of achieving a life long goal. The sadness that he could not share the moment with his late mother. The pride with which he credited his community. He was really letting it all out.

 

...then interviewer person says (paraphrasing), "hey, you got shiny shoes on!"

 

Anyone else think that was hugely unfortunate?

Fellas - let's get the hot stove fired up in the Wolves thread, eh? 

 

It get dizzy and kinda nauseous when I think about the Twins. So, that's out.

 

I am by reputation a hockey fan, but I hate almost everyone on the Wild and they are going backwards at an alarming pace. So, that's out.

 

I have very recently made a conscious decision to become the T-Wolves number one fan! I'm a basketball guy now! So, I'm ready to talk hoops.  

So who do you like for that open wing position we need dinger?

 

So who do you like for that open wing position we need dinger?

 

Hope he plays defense like an animal.....

Actually, I don't understand the need for a wing, except maybe for depth. Lavine and Wiggins seem like a pretty strong, albeit immature, combination. Of all the rumors out there around draft day, I thought Noel would have been the best fit. 

The wing is for the second unit and ideally as a defensive sub in late game situations.

Gotcha. I don't think i'm sufficiently up to speed to speak eloquently about bench guys. Need to get my chops up. 

Maybe D Wade has something left in the tank? I could think of worse players in the NBA for LaVine and Wiggins to learn from. 

 

Maybe D Wade has something left in the tank? I could think of worse players in the NBA for LaVine and Wiggins to learn from. 

Wow. Two things: 

1. Had not heard that he was a free agent until just now. 

2. His name is spelled: Dwyane. 

 

I have got a lot to learn. 

 

Wow. Two things: 

1. Had not heard that he was a free agent until just now. 

2. His name is spelled: Dwyane. 

 

I have got a lot to learn. 

He certainly is a free agent. 34 years old with a lot of wear and tear on those tires. Still averaged 19 PPG last season! Though I have not watched a single second of Miami Heat basketball to know whether or not he was padding his stats, a la Kobe Bryant by shooting 30 times a game. 

Marvin Williams would be really good as a smallish stretch-4/bench SF. He shot over 40% from 3 last year on almost 5 attempts per game.

Marvin Williams would be really good as a smallish stretch-4/bench SF. He shot over 40% from 3 last year on almost 5 attempts per game.

Preliminary research suggests that Marvin would be a defensive boon. Count me in.

Wade would be a nice fit, but I honestly can't see him leaving Miami at this stage of his career, I think he wants to stay for life.

 

The only way I could see him leaving is if it was for one last ring, but the T Pups don't fit that scenario.....yet.

The Ricky Rubio trade rumors are making me question Tom Thibodeau's judgement. Hopefully they're nothing more than rumors.

I guess it depends on what you would get in return and if you think Dunn has all star potential at PG and can start right away.

 

I'd prefer to keep Rubio around, but if you can get good value for him....you have to at least listen, no?

Doogie podcast:

 

It makes me happy they're not likely to give away Rubio.

 

I'm kind of coming around to the idea of standing pat, although the idea of a front-loaded three year Luol Deng deal is intriguing. 

 

Targets he lists:

 

Ryan Anderson

Courtney Lee

Luol Deng

Joakim Noah

DJ Augustin

Kris Humphries

Mindaugas Kuzminskas

 

Rumored not interested in Batum, Marvin Williams, Jamal Crawford

 

 

The Deng thing is rumored in so many places that it has to have some traction to it at this point, and I rather like the fit.

 

The Deng thing is rumored in so many places that it has to have some traction to it at this point, and I rather like the fit.

What makes Deng a good fit in your opinion?

Yeah, it looks like Deng is the target.  Deng is a good defensive forward, decent outside shooter, and is versatile.  Probably looking at him as the 6th man.

 

He could pose some matchup problems with the second unit for other teams if you're playing a group that has Bjelica, Deng, Shabazz, and Dunn.

NBA Free Agency is HOT and HEAVY already... 

http://parareir.com/wp-content/uploads/Joker.jpg

What makes Deng a good fit in your opinion?

Good defense and versatility he'd give the line up. He could be a small ball four with Lavine and Wiggins or a pick and roll lockdown wing defender with Wiggins at the 2 and Dieng at the 4.

 

Bazemore is the other rumor and he's a better shooter with good defense, but it puts Lavine on the bench more and costs more money long term.

I guess the bright side is next year is going to be a better year to have cap space in free agency than this one.

 

I guess the bright side is next year is going to be a better year to have cap space in free agency than this one.

True, but the bad part is the 4 year deals given to free agents next year will overlap more with the big contracts that will need be given to Dieng, Wiggins, Lavine, and Towns over the next 3 years.

I don't think Aldrich was the way we expected them to start free agency. But a defensive center on par with Biyombo to anchor the second unit defense at a fraction of Biyombo's price isn't a bag thing.

The most important thing for the Wolves right now is to not give reserves significant money and years. This killed the Wolves 10+ years ago when they just kept adding 5+M players like Jaric that didn't fit. the stupid money that is getting thrown around on some of these role players is likely going to be regretted in a few years regardless of the big cap increase.

 

The Wolves still need a backup 20min/game wing but the core of the team is there. Thibodeau's first two big moves focused on defense so it is obvious as to his long term plans.

 

It will be interesting to see what the Wolves do with Rubio, Dunn and Tyus. Perhaps a trade is in the works but Rubio/Dunn is a strong combo at PG and the team isn't screwed if Rubio gets hurt again.

Man the NBA can be frustrating some times....

Thoughts on Durant to the Warriors? It's going to be fun as a new T Wolves fan getting crushed by the Warriors in the 1st round next year! 

So much of what is going on in the NBA is antithetical to why I love sports.  It should be about competition and persevering over odds and becoming great.  Instead we orchestrate ways to just "be great" by stacking the deck.

 

Miami largely failed in their goals - congrats, you got some rings, but at what cost to your legacy?  I'd argue Lebron accomplished more for his legacy the last two years in Cleveland than he did in his entire time in Miami.

 

Durant is likely making the same mistake.  It's bad for the NBA and just plain sad from a competition standpoint.

 

So much of what is going on in the NBA is antithetical to why I love sports.  It should be about competition and persevering over odds and becoming great.  Instead we orchestrate ways to just "be great" by stacking the deck.

 

Miami largely failed in their goals - congrats, you got some rings, but at what cost to your legacy?  I'd argue Lebron accomplished more for his legacy the last two years in Cleveland than he did in his entire time in Miami.

 

Durant is likely making the same mistake.  It's bad for the NBA and just plain sad from a competition standpoint.

 

OTOH, he finally was free to choose what city is his primary home during the season, and who he works for and with.........so for him, I think it is great. For the sport? Not so much.