Wolves want to move #2 overall pick for veteran

[Dash]

@chadfordinsider Already hearing from sources that Minnesota has told people they're very open to moving No. 2 pick. Kahn wants veteran help...

 

Not surprised. Kahn was rumored to be willing to move the first overall pick too if they won the lottery.

[Real Deal]

Veteran help? Who could they get for that #2? It's not like anyone in the draft is a potential superstar, and most of the 10+ year vets in the league are going to be staying put, OR aren't productive enough to lead the Wolves to a decent record.

 

Just take Williams and cross your fingers for a future all-star. Love, Williams, Rubio, Beasley...see where that takes you.

[Dash]

Williams is redundant to Beasley and I'm not sold on Kanter's knees. Trading away the pick sounds like a good idea actually.

[moeroadkill]

KG back to wolves?

[Dash]

Iguodala would be ideal for the Wolves. I wouldn't mind it if Morey at least tried to package Kevin Martin + whatever the Wolves want for the pick.

[Real Deal]

Williams is redundant to Beasley and I'm not sold on Kanter's knees. Trading away the pick sounds like a good idea actually.

Beasley would be nice off the bench. I just don't see who they would get for that pick.

 

If you could give me some examples, I'd probably have a better idea as to why Kahn would do this...but, otherwise, it makes little sense to me.

[Real Deal]

Iguodala would be ideal for the Wolves. I wouldn't mind it if Morey at least tried to package Kevin Martin + whatever the Wolves want for the pick.

Technically, Iggy isn't a veteran (10+ years in the NBA), but if that's the idea, it's fine. I wouldn't be opposed to trading the pick for Iggy, in that case.

[Dash]

Kahn thinks the entire draft is a crap shoot and not many of the prospects have interested him all that much. #2 overall picks fetch a high price on the market even if the draft is as weak as it is, tons of teams are going to be willing to give up something up value to take a chance on Derrick Williams or Kanter. So basically the concept is to sell high.

 

I don't think Beasley coming off the bench would work out. He has been playing pretty awful near the end of the season and his play and confidence will only get worse if the Wolves demote him to the bench. If the Wolves get Iggy or any other starting quality small forward then trading Beasley while his trade value is still fairly high would be the smart move. The thing is that the Wolves success (and Kahn's job) next season rests solely on a Ricky Rubio and Wesley Johnson's development.

 

If the Wolves can't work a deal out for Iggy then Kevin Martin++ would be a great fit imo.

 

Edit: a few other guys that could be worth moving the #2 overall pick: Danny Granger and Monte Ellis. Kahn also said that he wants a veteran center, I wonder if that means he's interested in Andrew Bogut. Kahn also badly wanted Steve Nash last season so he could have a mentor for Rubio. Just throwing a few more names out there.

Edited May 18, 2011 by Dash

[Real Deal]

I don't get the obsession with Kevin Martin. If you throw him into the mix over in Minny, you'll just end up with another Sacramento team. Martin and Love aren't legit first options. We can talk efficiency over and over again, but Martin hasn't proven anything to me as someone who can put up a primary option's FGA.

 

Beasley doesn't have any trade value, at least IMO. He was acquired for two second-rounders. He did the exact same thing for the Wolves as he did for Miami, just with more shot attempts (which meant more points) in an increased role. It also led to having the worst team in the league, despite sharing the ball with an all-star teammate in Love.

 

Bogut has played six seasons, but technically, less than five if you consider the amount of games he has missed. I don't consider him a veteran, at all. He also has three more years, $39 million left on his contract. With the players they have under contract right now, plus Bogut's deal, the Wolves would be over the cap (more than likely) for the following season, and with the possibility looming that the new CBA could eliminate the MLE and LLE, will Bogut be the answer? If not, Minny is taking a player that doesn't provide much offense, misses around 13-14 games a year and plays injured quite a bit, and combining it with a team that is the worst in the NBA.

 

Nash doesn't make sense in the offense, and he's close to done, with limited minutes. He couldn't get his Suns into the playoffs last season, and if they are bringing him in to mentor Rubio, it's basically Minnesota falling deep into the lottery and banking on Rubio to be their savior...which is no different than just trying their hand with Derrick Williams, possibly another good pick next year, AND hoping that Rubio turns out to be a good player.

 

Granger, Iggy...that's fine. I don't see Granger being dealt, though. The Pacers probably want at least one more season with what they have, unless they can land an all-star at the two (which will be hard to do right now).

 

Monta Ellis would work (for the Pacers in the situation above, or the #2 pick).

 

Kahn thinks the entire draft is a crap shoot and not many just one of the prospects have interested him

He sure looked pissed when he didn't land #1. He must be really, really high on Irving.

 

I haven't approved of what Kahn has done, with the exception of getting Beasley for two second-rounders. I don't like him hiring in Rambis, knowing that Kurt would bring the triangle with him. I didn't like the Wesley Johnson pick, considering the fact that Beasley was on board (wasn't too high on Cousins, but you have to go with a big). Didn't like Rubio and Flynn selected back-to-back, and didn't like the Flynn pick at all (I have no idea why he thought Flynn was better than Curry). Any reason why he traded Lawson, or even selected a third PG? He ended up getting Luke Babbitt for Lawson. The Darko signing was awful. Webster, Pekovic?

 

I wouldn't be surprised if Kahn blows it, trying to trade this pick. He just needs to go with an NBA-ready college player, take that gamble, and wait for Rubio (if he's not 39 years old by the time he comes over). Play Johnson at the two and create mismatches, Williams at the three, Beasley behind him, Love and Darko up front, and [insert name here] at the point. Hell, trade Beasley for a vet PG.

 

I don't know. This team is truly too complicated to figure out.

[?QuestionMark?]

Chris Kaman is available if they need a center. Has a decent post game to compliment Love's outside shooting.

 

Minny's biggest problem is they don't have a true player to build around. Love doesn't count. They have a lot of great complimentary players but they need that one player to take them to the next level.

[JYD]

I'd consider trading for a guy like Monta Ellis for the #2 pick. I think he's better than anyone in this draft.

 

But, I agree with RD's take on this - who are you going to get? I doubt there's a star out there you can acquire that can take you over the top...You're better off just finding the BPA at #2 and drafting him.

 

There's something about this draft that jumps out at me as "terrible." Not sure why, but it just does. I'll probably end up looking like an idiot...but IMO, the top 5 BPA are not that impressive to me and I think all will have average/mediocre careers.

[Dash]

Granger and Iggy are what the Wolves want in return, I don't trust Beasley as the 'featured' player in the offense and either one of those players would be a HUGE upgrade over him.

 

If Granger and Iggy aren't available then Kevin Martin fits the blueprint, he wouldn't be expected to carry the Wolves as their primary option but rather play off Ricky Rubio and Beasley.

 

Rick Rubio - distributor

Wesley Johnson - shooter/defender

Michael Beasley - featured offensive player

Kevin Love - rebounder/stretches the floor

Darko Milicic - blocker

 

Iggy and Granger could easily replace Beasley (and then the Wolves can deal Beasley) but if neither of those two are on the table, Martin wouldn't be a half-bad option because I'm not very impressed with Wes Johnson.

 

#2 for Bogut would be pretty bad, only listed him because Kahn is supposedly after a veteran center as well. Steve Nash is only wanted as a mentor for Rubio, I'm not sure if Kahn wants a mentor so bad that he would deal the pick. Monte Ellis would be amazing for the Wolves but I honestly don't see the Warriors handing him over.

 

The reason Kahn was so pissed when the Cavs won the lottery was because the return value he could get automatically dropped from a superstar/all-star to a borderline all-star. Kahn apparently likes Rubio more than Irving as a prospect and so he wanted to deal the pick regardless of the position.

 

Kahn has recently visited Rubio in Spain and is more confident than ever that he will be able to sign him.

[Poe]

He just needs to go with an NBA-ready college player, take that gamble

 

Kahn has taken enough gambles, and he's given them all time to play out. Now is time for sure-things, and that's trading a pick for a player of proven value.

[JYD]

Kahn has taken enough gambles, and he's given them all time to play out. Now is time for sure-things, and that's trading a pick for a player of proven value.

Yeah but who man? That's the question. It's not like there's a Carmelo or CP3 or Deron Williams or Dwight Howard sitting out there that the other team will swap for the #2 pick.....

[Poe]

Yeah but who man? That's the question. It's not like there's a Carmelo or CP3 or Deron Williams or Dwight Howard sitting out there that the other team will swap for the #2 pick.....

 

It doesn't need to be. The draft is likely to be a weak one. They already have a lot of young talent. Instead of adding talent and more youth to wait on, they should look to fill specific needs.

 

Let's take a look at some team stats:

 

Strengths

2nd in Offensive Reb% -- 29.6

6th in 3PT% -- 37.6

10th in Blocks -- 5.1

 

Weaknesses

21st in FT/FGA -- .217

24th in effective FG% -- 48.3

27th in Defensive FT/FGA -- .251

27th in Defensive effective FG% -- 51.4

27th in Defensive 3PT% -- 37.4

30th in Turnover Percentage -- 15.1

 

uhh.. Middle Ground

16th in Defensive Reb% -- 73.7

16th in Defensive Turnover Percentage -- 13.1

 

 

First let's address the strengths.

 

Rebounding. This is an element the T-Wolves have successfully built this season through Beasley (9.6 Total Reb% at the SF position), Randolph (14.4), and especially Kevin Love (23.6 - #1 in the league). It is essential they keep these players so that they can keep virtually their only strength as a team, and build from there.

 

Three Point Shooting. Wesley Johnson led the team in threes made with 1.3 per game (35.6%), and Martell Webster and Love each with 1.2 per game (both 41.7% each), then Luke Ridnour with 1.0 (44.0%). With Johnson and Love being definite core pieces, three point shooting should continue to be a strong part of this team, plus Beasley making 0.8 per game (36.6%).

 

Shot Blocking. Darko led the way with 2.0 per game. However, he is also foul prone, leading his team with 3.3 fouls per game (in only 24.4 minutes). Considering the team is already among the worst in keeping their opponents off the free throw line (27th in Defensive FT/FGA), AND the fact that Darko is not a strong rebounder for a center (11.8 Total Reb%), NOR is he a good scorer (10th in his team in Points Per 36 minutes with only 12.9, plus among the worst True Shooting Percentages on his team with just 48.2), it may be best to move the center to the bench and replace his starting role with Anthony Randolph. They lose shot blocking, but they gain rebounding, scoring, and less fouls, plus some added ball handling.

 

 

Second, weaknesses.

 

Scoring Efficiency. They don't make many shots inside the arc and they rarely get to the free throw line. Looking at free throws, Kevin Love is best on the team with 5.8 free throws made per game. Then comes Beasley with 3.0, however, he attempts 17.1 shots to get his 4.0 attempts, a very poor free throw rate.

 

Scoring efficiency. Of the players to play at least 20 MPG, Kevin Love leads the team once again with a TS% of 59.3. Second is Anthony Tolliver with 58.5, third is Martell Webster with 57.5, fourth is Luke Ridnour with a 56.7, and fifth is Anthony Randolph with 53.7. Those are the only players on the team to shoot above the league average of about 53.5. Michael Beasley only shot 51.0.

 

Defensive Scoring Efficiency. The team has had the best success defensively when Darko Milicic, Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph, Kosta Koufos, and Corey Brewer were on the floor individually, using Defensive Rating (an estimate of points allowed per 100 possessions). This shows that the better part of their defense lies in the interior, meaning they need perimeter defenders, particularly when taking note of their extremely poor defense on shooters (27th in Defensive 3PT%). The team has size, but needs foot-speed to increase the pressure on the perimeter, without fouling (27th in Defensive FT/FGA).

 

Turnovers. Dead last in the league, which is extremely disappointing considering the team supposedly ran the Triangle Offense. Nearly all Phil Jackson led teams were at least top 10 in the league in turnover percentage, both with the Bulls and the Lakers. Something went very, very wrong between the teaching and the learning of this offense.

 

The team's worst players at taking care of the ball are Jonny Flynn with a turnover percentage of 26.4, Pekovic with 22.5, Darko Milicic with 19.4, Sebastian Telfair with 19.3, and Sundiata Gaines with 18.5

 

 

Last, Needs.

 

Reviewing the above, this team needs:

 

1) Ball handling / Guard-Play / Discipline when running the Triangle

2) Perimeter Defenders

3) Players that score around the basket and draw fouls

 

 

The above can be acquired through their trade pieces. Players that have value but don't fill any needs, along with their #2 draft pick. Jonny Flynn, Nikola Pekovic, Darko Milicic, and Wayne Ellington can all be traded without damaging the team's strengths or overall talent level. Luke Ridnour could also be trade-able depending on who they get in return.

Edited May 18, 2011 by Poe

[AboveLegit]

I also read that they're interested in Biyombo, who would be a much better fit next to Love than say, Kanter. A frontcourt of Love/Kanter just doesn't have the athleticism to keep up with other NBA bigs, and they're both relatively undersized (none of them are legit 7 footers).

 

I would think the Wizards would be a nice trade partner, but they don't have any veterans worth talking about. I highly doubt Golden State would be willing to deal Monta Ellis (who's coming off his best season) for a second pick in a weak draft. Sixers seem like the most likely trade partner, they could definitely benefit from drafting Kanter or Williams (I'm leaning towards Kanter for them).

[Built Ford Tough]

I also read that they're interested in Biyombo, who would be a much better fit next to Love than say, Kanter. A frontcourt of Love/Kanter just doesn't have the athleticism to keep up with other NBA bigs, and they're both relatively undersized (none of them are legit 7 footers).

 

Kanter measured just under 6'11 at the Hoops Summit last season as a 17 year old. I don't think it is too far fetched to think that he could've grown to a legit 7 feet in the past year. Even if he didn't grow an inch, I wouldn't say that in this day and age that a near 6'11, 260 pound center is undersized. He is lacking in athleticism, that is for sure, but I wouldn't say that he is undersized unless those measurements from the Hoops Summit last year were inflated or something.

 

Besides, if a Kanter/Love front court is undersized, what would you classify as a Biyombo/Love front court? Biyombo is like 6'9 and I don't care how long he is, how ridiculous his wing span is and how athletic he is, but that is an undersized center. I doubt he actually plays center in the NBA anyways considering his height. You have to be a special kind of player to actually make a bonafide impact at center if you are 6'9 at best and Biyombo certainly isn't a Ben Wallace type of defender.

[AboveLegit]

Good points, but why does Draft Express have Enes measured at 6'10?

 

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Enes-Kanter-5168/

 

And it's kind of ironic that Draft Express compared him to Kevin Love lol, I somewhat agree with that comparison, but I think he's a better scorer overall. Either way, it would be redundant having two players that have similar skillsets. The C and PF positions should compliment eachother rather than bringing the same skills to the table.

 

And while Biyombo is undersized, who's to say he can't play PF and Love as the center (like he was all season)? Wouldn't that bring a different dimension to a team that desperately needs help on defense?

[Real Deal]

The above can be acquired through their trade pieces. Players that have value but don't fill any needs, along with their #2 draft pick. Jonny Flynn, Nikola Pekovic, Darko Milicic, and Wayne Ellington can all be traded without damaging the team's strengths or overall talent level. Luke Ridnour could also be trade-able depending on who they get in return.

Flynn, Pekovic, and Ellington aren't going to get you anything...and nobody in the NBA will want Darko because of his contract, and because he sucks.

 

If this were a #2 pick in the 2003 draft, you have a point (ironically, that was Darko, but it could've produced Wade). But, you're assuming that people actually want this pick, and won't be getting other offers (better offers) for someone like Granger. Indiana already has a team full of "maybe someday" players. They are banking on Paul George to become a decent starter. Why would they want the #2, really?

 

I'll note it once more: moving someone like Kevin Martin over to the Wolves will turn them into a 30 win team, like the old Kings. What's the point? What if Derrick Williams becomes an all-star? He actually plays defense, has proven he can score the ball, and is a versatile player that can basically play three spots on the floor.

 

You say Kahn has taken enough gambles? Yes, but not just in the draft.

 

He needs to settle with picking the best player available if he's not going to be Monta Ellis or Andre Iguodala (which is probably unlikely). Otherwise, he's going to screw up again, and trade for pieces he really doesn't need, and miss out on a player that could be something for him.

[Built Ford Tough]

Good points, but why does Draft Express have Enes measured at 6'10?

 

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Enes-Kanter-5168/

 

And while Biyombo is undersized, who's to say he can't play PF and Love as the center (like he was all season)? Wouldn't that bring a different dimension to a team that desperately needs help on defense?

 

Because technically he did measure out as 6'10? I honestly have no idea, but according to everything I have heard/read he was close to 6'11 when they measured him at the Hoops Summit last season, and I believe that considering pictures of him that I have seen back that up reasonably well.

 

Does it really matter who is listed as the center or the power forward in a Biyombo and Love duo? Either way they are vastly undersized and would be at a disadvantage on the defensive end of the floor, as well as the offensive end considering neither one of them are much of a threat down low considering Love is more of a jump shooter and only scores in the paint off of put backs and offensive rebounds.

 

Just to make it clear, I don't think a Kanter/Love pairing is very appealing, either. The only center prospect in this draft that I think would mesh well with Rose, at least in terms of a stylistic/size standpoint is Jonas Valanciunas, but he is a huge project (much like Biyombo) and that, in addition to him being at least 2-3 years away from coming to the NBA makes picking him a terrible decision from a Wolves standpoint.

Edited May 19, 2011 by Built Ford Tough

[The Regime]

Here's something that was posted on TLN, I'm surprised no one mentioned it here.

 

Pacers are ones making seriously play for No. 2. Granger is being mentioned. So are Rubio and Beasley. Again, more later on FOX.

 

http://twitter.com/#!/SamAmicoFSO/status/71273195768004608

[Built Ford Tough]

Here's something that was posted on TLN, I'm surprised no one mentioned it here.

 

 

 

http://twitter.com/#!/SamAmicoFSO/status/71273195768004608

 

It has been mentioned, just in the Pacers forum.

 

http://www.otrbasketball.com/forums/topic/23214-sam-amico-indiana-pacers-making-serious-play-for-2-overall-pick/

 

It was pretty much shot down by Kahn immediately, which is no surprise to anybody considering the mention of Beasley and Rubio as well as the pick.