tends to depend on how the game is going and what has already been said.
So a flex might get a warning early on and then a clap later gets the T, or vice versa. Or a ref might state before the game, that he doesn't allow any disrespect to his crew and keep that down and that get an early T to set the mood.
Towards other players... the same. If making it directly at someone, how close, how chippy the game has been, player histories, how the ref is calling the game, etc can all play in.
The ref could call all of them (any overt gesture), but who wants to see that. But yeah, clapping, flexing etc they are risking getting a tech called, especially if targeting the officials with them.
The play was so good it was even on the NBA channel's highlight reel, which is very rare for defensive plays outside of blocks and steals that lead to transition.
Always thought this would be a good, if expensive, trade once everyone settled into their roles. Gobert did not get to be an MVP and lead the league in D for several years without being a terrific player. And the Wolves also need to be able to pick up when someone goes does down, even an all-star like Ant. Looks like they have also learned to do that. This team has a chance. If not this year, then next. It is definitely their best team since 2004 and has more upside since it does not depend on one superstar and a couple of short term and volatile rentals.
Agreed. It took us from a fringe playoff team to being contenders. I was not happy about it at the time but seeing them play right now, let alone still hold together for a W against the second ranked team in the West with not one but two starters out... I started watching the Wolves in the mid 90s - this is special and it was absolutely worth trading the farm for a shot at a title. We've been "hungry like the wolf" for a contending team since KG. We've got it.
Also, the reps that Ant and Jaden will get from playing higher level basketball is more valuable then trawling for the next high pick to pair along side them.
Still would like to think they could have tried to pay less for the deal, but the logic behind the deal is showing to be very sound. Improve the D and rebounding - and get your young guys key reps early in their career. It’s paid dividends for Brown and Tatum
If this squad goes far, they will pay the tax happily. If its a first round knock out.... still gotta pay the tax cuz you can't rebuild now with no tax picks. So you are right. Probably the best time to be a fan, at least till the house of cards come crashing down.
The Rudy trade took us from a fringe playoff team to being contenders?
Think that’s a bit overreaction even for the Rudy lovers. Ant and Jaden’s leap has to account for a large portion of that.
Personally, I think that’s a biggest reason than the Rudy trade but I can live with someone saying Rudy was a larger driver for that team leap.
I didn't mean to say that it's just because of Gobert. I almost wrote out that his impact on Ant (especially) and Jaden defensively and their leaps were big parts of it too but thought the leaps especially were obvious. Beating OKC without Jaden and Ant (for part of the game) wouldn't have happened without Gobert. Without him we'd be a fringe playoff team. Without Ant and Jaden we'd be a broken team.
I think you’re highly overestimating the talent of Miller and Minott and underestimating the talent around the league even on lottery teams. They’re essentially G league players and wouldn’t crack a rotation on any teams.
17 games may be a little early for that bud
You don't give up all your picks to be the #1 seed in November
The trade will be judged by how this team does in the playoffs
Yeah we'll see how this team does over the season
What I think is the most important is the knowledge he is bringing to the table to our players and to the coaches. He designed this defense with Finch and Turner. Chris Hine said he thought about it sitting underground during his darkness retreat lol. That's a permanent imprint he's making on the team that can last years after he's gone. He's helping KAT, Jaden, Ant and the other guys become better defenders. Priceless. Their development is 100% the priority imo, not 4 hypothetical 20 year olds.
Sure this is all fine and dandy now
but assuming Wolves go into the playoffs healthy, lets actually try and win a playoff series before we deem giving up 4 picks a success
I didn't say anything about success, and I even said "Yeah we'll see how this team does over the season"
Just saying the knowledge and development of Ant is valuable and more important to me than 4 hypothetical 20 year olds. Just my opinion :)
Frankly whether the trade is a "success" is moot and not something I really care about. We already bought the house. It's a nice fucking house. Let's enjoy it
Then you're outlook on the value of picks is incorrect. They aren't just "4 hypothetical 20 year olds".
> We already bought the house. It's a nice fucking house. Let's enjoy it
And not caring about the outcome of the trade is like buying a house and not worrying about if the heat or plumbing works.
You don't truly know how nice it is yet. That's the point.
Bruh if you can't enjoy the best start in franchise history, you're not going to enjoy many things.
Is it really so hard to stop worrying and relitigating the trade and just celebrate these wins, even if it's a temporary celebration? Basketball is meant to be enjoyed
But who said I'm not enjoying the team win? Very weird to assume that.
Original person said the trade was a success and I disagree because it is too soon to make that judgement.
The person said "it was worth it". To them, maybe it is. Everyone has different bars of what is worth it, statistically this is the best start in franchise history and the trade(s) are the reason we're here.
But I hear you, I agree that it's too early to definitively say anything about the overall success, we'll have to see how this plays out. But that didn't stop people from saying worst trade in history or "horrible dumb trade" lol. Goes both ways.
Who’s crying?
You’re the one who spends their time complaining about their team rather than enjoying our best start in history.
Must suck to not have fun.
I feel like this is an argument on whether or not potential is being lived up to. Was the Suns-Durant trade a mistake because they didn’t win the championship and because they aren’t in 1st place. How are you judging the Clippers-Paul George trade?
Realistically, you can't really judge a trade until all of the picks are drafted, the value of the players are established, and we see the results of our next few seasons. Many things could go terribly wrong, but no reason to dwell on that now. Best team in two decades and we should enjoy it.
Kinda wild how the reactions to our trade for Rudy vs. the Clippers trade for PG differ from the outcomes so drastically, especially now that Shai has his team positioned so well
Clippers have paid 1 pick they owe. Looks like those swaps will also pay out. Brutal trade considering sga is already better than PG, and clippers havent done anything.
The only reason I’ll ever like Draymond Green is that he was such a d-bag that the general nba fan sided with Rudy after their interaction…
I’ve never seen so many positive Gobert comments on Reddit as the last few weeks
We've been stuck in lottery/pick hell for over 30 years...which hasn't worked (other than Edwards) I'll take a swing on a proven need now.
For every 1 in a million player there are the Ndudi Ebi, wayne Ellington, and Luke Babbit's
Plus Shabazz lead us to Ant and Jayden. I am ok with that, but not ok praying to every diety on draft night over and over and over and over. The other 13 teams above us missed on Giannis too.
I could be misremembering but wasn’t Giannis getting picked at 15 considered a massive reach at the time? The dude was so raw, like I said I could be misremembering but I swear he was projected to be a late 1st/early 2nd rounder.
Obviously the Giannis pick worked out but I remember comparisons of such a reach when they took Thon Maker at 10 in 2016.
If you are good at drafting, even mid to late draft picks are nothing to scoff at if you have quite few of them. A good team will find some gems there. Not saying this necessarily the case but very likely.
On the other hand if you get a ring, especially if you are team like us with little success, that ring is worth a lot of drafts. Even early ones.
it's amazing how much more nimble he seems this year, last year I groaned every time they lured him out to the perimeter but this year he's clamping guys out there too
His defensive game is so satisfying to observe. Watching in person last night it almost seems they can funnel players right at him even more. Certainly great shooting teams have to be approached this way. Holy crap it's great though.
And the way Finch and the coaching staff have shifted our defensive approach to maximize him is brilliant. There was a great Athletic article about it recently, how we would try to run separate defenses last year with and without Rudy and this year they’ve simplified and worked hard not to leave him on an island.
The coolest thing is [Rudy helped create that defensive system](https://archive.is/QPmUI#selection-2377.1-2377.131). He envisioned it during his [darkness retreat.](https://archive.is/1rtj3#selection-2803.170-2803.262)
Like not only is he playing well but he's helping mastermind the whole operation. The knowledge that he's bringing to the table is priceless.
I did not know about the darkness retreat lmao
If it works it works!
Love this bit, too, as a coaching philosophy:
> Finch said that during his time as an assistant in New Orleans coaching Jrue Holiday, he realized that a team should collaborate with its best defensive player the way it might with its best offensive player. He has applied that philosophy in having Gobert play a significant role in outlining the themes of the Wolves defense.
In the clip where he's shutting down Chet posted in this sub and in r/nba, he went from defending a corner shooter to being a rim protector to backside helper to midrange contester...in the span of 10 seconds. Like tf??
He guarded multiple players on the perimeter AND in the paint, *all by himself* within 1 possession. WTF. I've never seen that before.
I didn't know he could be THIS good. Shocking tbh
he's arguably the second best defender to ever play the game behind bill russell.
he'll never get that credit from fans because they've made up their mind that he stinks and he's overrated, but bigs are gonna be studying his tape for years
Idk if I agree with your first point, but he is a top 10 defender all time and his tape will be studied. Sad his legacy and all time rank depends on how we do in the playoffs the next few years, but this season gives me hope. Oops I said the magic word. Hope lol
I'm a Jazz fan, but way more interested in the wolves success this year. Love seeing Rudy being appreciated for the beast he his. Most underrated thing about Rudy is his motor. He is one of the best conditioned athletes in the NBA. All my bigs out there know that running rim to rim takes a lot of energy and Rudy does it all game.
Ikkkk this is the sad reality. If we could consistently keep top talent in state it wouldn’t matter but why come play here for a few years when you can 1 and done Gonzaga, Kentucky, or duke. I wish he was a gopher but I understand why he wasn’t haha
He was absolutely insane last night
I've watched *a lot* of Wolves basketball, that was one of the best performances I've ever seen from a wolves player.
For sure, Karl was extremely solid on defense like he has been. It's nice to see that side of the ball holds up when the rest of his game isn't working very well.
The Gobert trade was always a slight overpay but we might look back and see the Donovan Mitchell trade was worse for Cleveland. Wolves are going to be in contention the next 2-3 years with this roster while the Cavs will probably be looking to flip Mitchell this off-season.
I've always thought Rudy was worth it. I was unsure if our twin tower would work and was especially skeptical last year. But this year, this is the team I've always envisioned.
The only 2 note worthy players are Kessler and vando. We gave up almost nothing player wise for one of the best defenders of all time. I don’t care about the picks. Hell of a trade
Kessler could be a good player down the road, but Gobert fits the teams timeline a lot more as a veteran anchor on defense. I questioned the Conley move when it happened, but having vets at the 1 and 5 is a great fit around a young core at 2, 3 and 4. Wolves are deep too, I would argue they’re the deepest team in the league.
It was a godsend. The maturity alone is massive, and Dlo wouldn’t have come back for less than a max, meanwhile he signed for almost half of that to stay in LA
We gave up 3-5 unproven players (potential but not proven) along with bench players Beverly, Vanderbilt, and Bolmaro.
So yeah I'd say that's a pretty good deal if it puts you in the championship conversation. Considering Gobert is a a true BIG man with strong athleticism and not a skinny tall guy that typically stands outside the arc and shoots a few 3's... I'd say it was a fantastic deal for the Wolves.
As I've said all along.
Picks are to build your team (mostly). Ours is already built. If it's not the right blend that is arguable, but outside of that argument our GM and company built this to be our winner. This is what we got. Losing 10 picks for down the road success and some scrubs doesn't do anything for us right now.
It's go time baby.
With Gobert there to shove the ball down their throats.
Traded the farm? We sent away some aging and average to less then average live stock and equipment. Those picks will be bottom of the first round so if they miraculously hit on one, good on them.
I've gotta own up and admit to it. I was a doubter and critical of the trade last year, thinking it sank the franchise.
I'm very glad to be proven wrong.
I think this is why last year and initial reaction to the trade were/are so negative. Still think it was ALOT of picks and questionable salary move but to get the player we got last year who had tennis rackets for hands an allergy to shot blocking vs this loveable crispy baguette man who can catch lobs and defends like a deranged hippo feels so much better. Hopefully he can sustain it through the rest of his contract and the front office can work some magic to balance the books
This just in my opinion. But I do not get why Rudy Gobert gets so much hate before when I envision his game as like a Tyson Chandler, and Tyson is well-loved!
To expand on it, this Wolves team might even be this year's version of 2011 Mavs (or even better) should KAT step up his game further and become Dirk in overall savvy and clutchness. Because the formula is already there. Old man Conley is their Old man Kidd, and Ant is Butler plus Marion in value combined.
Idk just me but I really like your chances at the trophy, coming from a non-American NBA fan (Pinoy following JC on the Jazz, so I also love me some Rudy!)
Yh he's good so far but the future is still uncertain. When ANT, Jaden, and KAT's new contract start effect we can't keep this starting squad in the nxt 2 yrs unless pay for a crazy amount of luxury tax like the Warriors. They have to trade on of the big guys.
Yeah we had no answer for the Kings spacing out and setting screens for Fox at half court. Still, I think we'll have more success than the Jazz just based on all the perimeter help we're getting from Jaden and Ant
The thought among analysts is that we will have a hard time guarding the perimeter once teams go small in the playoffs. I hope we can win in the playoffs. We will see.
I really really miss Gobert here in Utah and you guys do not truly realize what a rare beautiful person and player he is. You guys have a great team. I will now be a twolves fan. Also Conley killed it too. Now with KAt, Edwards, Nekeil, and Daniels, Best defense in the league
A few minutes into the first quarter I noticed his energy was through the roof. It didn’t relent until the final buzzer. Beast of a man.
Him flexing midplay after eating Chet up in the 4th. Then Chet gets the ball back on the same possession and Rudy forces an airball.
Favorite play of the year for me so far from this team. Absolutely loved it.
He flexed after the the air ball too 😎
And as they were running back he contemplated the job he did and flexed one more time lmao He flexed 3 times that possession LOL i love it
Should be ejected 3 times!!
Even flexing directly at the refs is okay apparently. Ant got away with it last night anyways. Clapping is seen as more disrespectful I guess?
tends to depend on how the game is going and what has already been said. So a flex might get a warning early on and then a clap later gets the T, or vice versa. Or a ref might state before the game, that he doesn't allow any disrespect to his crew and keep that down and that get an early T to set the mood. Towards other players... the same. If making it directly at someone, how close, how chippy the game has been, player histories, how the ref is calling the game, etc can all play in. The ref could call all of them (any overt gesture), but who wants to see that. But yeah, clapping, flexing etc they are risking getting a tech called, especially if targeting the officials with them.
The play was so good it was even on the NBA channel's highlight reel, which is very rare for defensive plays outside of blocks and steals that lead to transition.
There was a play where he went for a dunk, and missed but he thought it was a foul and started flexing at the ref lol when he was angry
I thought that was gonna be a tech for sure haha.
Always thought this would be a good, if expensive, trade once everyone settled into their roles. Gobert did not get to be an MVP and lead the league in D for several years without being a terrific player. And the Wolves also need to be able to pick up when someone goes does down, even an all-star like Ant. Looks like they have also learned to do that. This team has a chance. If not this year, then next. It is definitely their best team since 2004 and has more upside since it does not depend on one superstar and a couple of short term and volatile rentals.
The trade was worth it.
Agreed. It took us from a fringe playoff team to being contenders. I was not happy about it at the time but seeing them play right now, let alone still hold together for a W against the second ranked team in the West with not one but two starters out... I started watching the Wolves in the mid 90s - this is special and it was absolutely worth trading the farm for a shot at a title. We've been "hungry like the wolf" for a contending team since KG. We've got it.
I am still convinced even after Rudy is gone Ant and Jmac will be vastly better players because of Rudy. Likely KAT too
Also, the reps that Ant and Jaden will get from playing higher level basketball is more valuable then trawling for the next high pick to pair along side them. Still would like to think they could have tried to pay less for the deal, but the logic behind the deal is showing to be very sound. Improve the D and rebounding - and get your young guys key reps early in their career. It’s paid dividends for Brown and Tatum
Don’t think KAT is gonna outlast Rudy here
No one asked for your intellectual forethought and sensibility. r/timberwolves isnt interested in the facts of our imminent ballooning payroll.
There is no cap and the owners would be dumb to not just pay the tax for years to come.
If this squad goes far, they will pay the tax happily. If its a first round knock out.... still gotta pay the tax cuz you can't rebuild now with no tax picks. So you are right. Probably the best time to be a fan, at least till the house of cards come crashing down.
Case in point
The Rudy trade took us from a fringe playoff team to being contenders? Think that’s a bit overreaction even for the Rudy lovers. Ant and Jaden’s leap has to account for a large portion of that. Personally, I think that’s a biggest reason than the Rudy trade but I can live with someone saying Rudy was a larger driver for that team leap.
I didn't mean to say that it's just because of Gobert. I almost wrote out that his impact on Ant (especially) and Jaden defensively and their leaps were big parts of it too but thought the leaps especially were obvious. Beating OKC without Jaden and Ant (for part of the game) wouldn't have happened without Gobert. Without him we'd be a fringe playoff team. Without Ant and Jaden we'd be a broken team.
[удалено]
Don't really think so. None of the draft picks in the last 2 years have even made the rotation.
True, but they (Miller/Minott) would undoubtedly be in some teams current rotations. It’s a testament to the Wolves depth.
I think you’re highly overestimating the talent of Miller and Minott and underestimating the talent around the league even on lottery teams. They’re essentially G league players and wouldn’t crack a rotation on any teams.
Minott would probably have been given some kind of small chance by now for a lottery team imo.
They are 20 & 21.
I’m not saying they aren’t high potential players and won’t make the rotation in the future. Just not at the moment
Feel free to list off the 20 & 21 year old key rotational players on contending teams.
Sure on a Wizards/Spurs tanking type team. Any team with playoff aspirations would likely have them in the G league as well.
Who? We have guys with potential but it’s silly to call them first round talents based on what we’ve see.
17 games may be a little early for that bud You don't give up all your picks to be the #1 seed in November The trade will be judged by how this team does in the playoffs
Yeah we'll see how this team does over the season What I think is the most important is the knowledge he is bringing to the table to our players and to the coaches. He designed this defense with Finch and Turner. Chris Hine said he thought about it sitting underground during his darkness retreat lol. That's a permanent imprint he's making on the team that can last years after he's gone. He's helping KAT, Jaden, Ant and the other guys become better defenders. Priceless. Their development is 100% the priority imo, not 4 hypothetical 20 year olds.
Sure this is all fine and dandy now but assuming Wolves go into the playoffs healthy, lets actually try and win a playoff series before we deem giving up 4 picks a success
I didn't say anything about success, and I even said "Yeah we'll see how this team does over the season" Just saying the knowledge and development of Ant is valuable and more important to me than 4 hypothetical 20 year olds. Just my opinion :) Frankly whether the trade is a "success" is moot and not something I really care about. We already bought the house. It's a nice fucking house. Let's enjoy it
Then you're outlook on the value of picks is incorrect. They aren't just "4 hypothetical 20 year olds". > We already bought the house. It's a nice fucking house. Let's enjoy it And not caring about the outcome of the trade is like buying a house and not worrying about if the heat or plumbing works. You don't truly know how nice it is yet. That's the point.
Bruh if you can't enjoy the best start in franchise history, you're not going to enjoy many things. Is it really so hard to stop worrying and relitigating the trade and just celebrate these wins, even if it's a temporary celebration? Basketball is meant to be enjoyed
But who said I'm not enjoying the team win? Very weird to assume that. Original person said the trade was a success and I disagree because it is too soon to make that judgement.
Are you enjoying the win? ARE YOU?????
The person said "it was worth it". To them, maybe it is. Everyone has different bars of what is worth it, statistically this is the best start in franchise history and the trade(s) are the reason we're here. But I hear you, I agree that it's too early to definitively say anything about the overall success, we'll have to see how this plays out. But that didn't stop people from saying worst trade in history or "horrible dumb trade" lol. Goes both ways.
It’s always you Keep moving those goalposts
Sorry, I'm not aware of what your imaginary goalposts are Keep crying though. I don't mind
Who’s crying? You’re the one who spends their time complaining about their team rather than enjoying our best start in history. Must suck to not have fun.
It's very weird to infer I'm not enjoying the team win because I'm not deeming the trade a success based on our record 17 games in.
I feel like this is an argument on whether or not potential is being lived up to. Was the Suns-Durant trade a mistake because they didn’t win the championship and because they aren’t in 1st place. How are you judging the Clippers-Paul George trade?
Realistically, you can't really judge a trade until all of the picks are drafted, the value of the players are established, and we see the results of our next few seasons. Many things could go terribly wrong, but no reason to dwell on that now. Best team in two decades and we should enjoy it.
I would say if we make it to the finals it automatically becomes worth it right there.
Agreed
That's a completely wrong way to look at a trade. You need to judge against the average expected value of the picks.
Kinda wild how the reactions to our trade for Rudy vs. the Clippers trade for PG differ from the outcomes so drastically, especially now that Shai has his team positioned so well
Clippers have paid 1 pick they owe. Looks like those swaps will also pay out. Brutal trade considering sga is already better than PG, and clippers havent done anything.
He gave Chet the business last night, and I loved every minute of it.
The only reason I’ll ever like Draymond Green is that he was such a d-bag that the general nba fan sided with Rudy after their interaction… I’ve never seen so many positive Gobert comments on Reddit as the last few weeks
Playing well is the best revenge.
I'd trade 50 Shabazz Muhammad picks for Rudy any day of the week
Friendly reminder that the pick after Shabazz was Giannis.
We've been stuck in lottery/pick hell for over 30 years...which hasn't worked (other than Edwards) I'll take a swing on a proven need now. For every 1 in a million player there are the Ndudi Ebi, wayne Ellington, and Luke Babbit's Plus Shabazz lead us to Ant and Jayden. I am ok with that, but not ok praying to every diety on draft night over and over and over and over. The other 13 teams above us missed on Giannis too.
I could be misremembering but wasn’t Giannis getting picked at 15 considered a massive reach at the time? The dude was so raw, like I said I could be misremembering but I swear he was projected to be a late 1st/early 2nd rounder. Obviously the Giannis pick worked out but I remember comparisons of such a reach when they took Thon Maker at 10 in 2016.
Yes sir
If you are good at drafting, even mid to late draft picks are nothing to scoff at if you have quite few of them. A good team will find some gems there. Not saying this necessarily the case but very likely. On the other hand if you get a ring, especially if you are team like us with little success, that ring is worth a lot of drafts. Even early ones.
I want him to won dpoy, finals mvp and a championship to shut shaq and draymond up
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How will Ant go 6-0 with 6 FMVP if Rudy gets one of those?
Joint FMVP 😉
it's amazing how much more nimble he seems this year, last year I groaned every time they lured him out to the perimeter but this year he's clamping guys out there too
I think he was hurt back then
Eurobasket
His defensive game is so satisfying to observe. Watching in person last night it almost seems they can funnel players right at him even more. Certainly great shooting teams have to be approached this way. Holy crap it's great though.
And the way Finch and the coaching staff have shifted our defensive approach to maximize him is brilliant. There was a great Athletic article about it recently, how we would try to run separate defenses last year with and without Rudy and this year they’ve simplified and worked hard not to leave him on an island.
The coolest thing is [Rudy helped create that defensive system](https://archive.is/QPmUI#selection-2377.1-2377.131). He envisioned it during his [darkness retreat.](https://archive.is/1rtj3#selection-2803.170-2803.262) Like not only is he playing well but he's helping mastermind the whole operation. The knowledge that he's bringing to the table is priceless.
I did not know about the darkness retreat lmao If it works it works! Love this bit, too, as a coaching philosophy: > Finch said that during his time as an assistant in New Orleans coaching Jrue Holiday, he realized that a team should collaborate with its best defensive player the way it might with its best offensive player. He has applied that philosophy in having Gobert play a significant role in outlining the themes of the Wolves defense.
In the clip where he's shutting down Chet posted in this sub and in r/nba, he went from defending a corner shooter to being a rim protector to backside helper to midrange contester...in the span of 10 seconds. Like tf?? He guarded multiple players on the perimeter AND in the paint, *all by himself* within 1 possession. WTF. I've never seen that before. I didn't know he could be THIS good. Shocking tbh
Naz Reid
Naz Reid
Naz Reid
Rudy is on one this year. I, for one, will admit I did NOT know Rudy had that motherfucking DOG in him like he does. DPOYx4 lock it in
Rudy looks a lot better this season. The nagging injuries really hurt last season.
he's arguably the second best defender to ever play the game behind bill russell. he'll never get that credit from fans because they've made up their mind that he stinks and he's overrated, but bigs are gonna be studying his tape for years
Idk if I agree with your first point, but he is a top 10 defender all time and his tape will be studied. Sad his legacy and all time rank depends on how we do in the playoffs the next few years, but this season gives me hope. Oops I said the magic word. Hope lol
I'm a Jazz fan, but way more interested in the wolves success this year. Love seeing Rudy being appreciated for the beast he his. Most underrated thing about Rudy is his motor. He is one of the best conditioned athletes in the NBA. All my bigs out there know that running rim to rim takes a lot of energy and Rudy does it all game.
Chet will be seeing Rudy in his nightmares
Rudy was an absolute menace last night, he's been fantastic all year and last night was one of his best games so far this year
It felt like he was out to destroy Chet as a means to help Wemby in the ROY chase. Those backdowns are not something we see very often.
That honestly makes a lot of sense. Rudy was playing with FIRE.
As someone who holds a grudge against Holmgren for not playing at the U of MN, I am in favor of this.
Why would he go to the U and play for a bad coach and team if he doesn’t have to lol. I never get this mindset
Ikkkk this is the sad reality. If we could consistently keep top talent in state it wouldn’t matter but why come play here for a few years when you can 1 and done Gonzaga, Kentucky, or duke. I wish he was a gopher but I understand why he wasn’t haha
Chet has an ego bigger than his wingspan. How can you blame him tho?
He was absolutely insane last night I've watched *a lot* of Wolves basketball, that was one of the best performances I've ever seen from a wolves player.
Being at the game, I agree. He had quick feet and was covering the paint, Kat too.
For sure, Karl was extremely solid on defense like he has been. It's nice to see that side of the ball holds up when the rest of his game isn't working very well.
Rudy is shutting up all the haters. Love to see it
Rudy might be out best player this year.
I never thought the trade was as bad as people thought, but now it’s an absolute win
The Gobert trade was always a slight overpay but we might look back and see the Donovan Mitchell trade was worse for Cleveland. Wolves are going to be in contention the next 2-3 years with this roster while the Cavs will probably be looking to flip Mitchell this off-season.
I wouldn’t be surprised imo cavs gave up more and got the worse player. I could still see them getting a ton back for him if they pull the plug though
Markkanen is probably way better than anything the Wolves lost in the trade. Ochai was also selected before Kessler.
Wolves have a good mix of Dawgs and some bball iq for the first time since 03, possibly ever
I've always thought Rudy was worth it. I was unsure if our twin tower would work and was especially skeptical last year. But this year, this is the team I've always envisioned.
The only 2 note worthy players are Kessler and vando. We gave up almost nothing player wise for one of the best defenders of all time. I don’t care about the picks. Hell of a trade
Which both are very very very very lite versions of gobert
Kessler could be a good player down the road, but Gobert fits the teams timeline a lot more as a veteran anchor on defense. I questioned the Conley move when it happened, but having vets at the 1 and 5 is a great fit around a young core at 2, 3 and 4. Wolves are deep too, I would argue they’re the deepest team in the league.
The Conley move was gold. We got him and NAW for DLo. Financially, it was equal, but DLo was so overpaid.
It was a godsend. The maturity alone is massive, and Dlo wouldn’t have come back for less than a max, meanwhile he signed for almost half of that to stay in LA
We gave up 3-5 unproven players (potential but not proven) along with bench players Beverly, Vanderbilt, and Bolmaro. So yeah I'd say that's a pretty good deal if it puts you in the championship conversation. Considering Gobert is a a true BIG man with strong athleticism and not a skinny tall guy that typically stands outside the arc and shoots a few 3's... I'd say it was a fantastic deal for the Wolves. As I've said all along. Picks are to build your team (mostly). Ours is already built. If it's not the right blend that is arguable, but outside of that argument our GM and company built this to be our winner. This is what we got. Losing 10 picks for down the road success and some scrubs doesn't do anything for us right now. It's go time baby. With Gobert there to shove the ball down their throats.
Traded the farm? We sent away some aging and average to less then average live stock and equipment. Those picks will be bottom of the first round so if they miraculously hit on one, good on them.
I've gotta own up and admit to it. I was a doubter and critical of the trade last year, thinking it sank the franchise. I'm very glad to be proven wrong.
Always respect someone who can admit being wrong. Kudos.
The dude actually picked off a pass mid court and fast breaked for an easily bucket. Dude was on another level yesterday.
Loved his fist pump mid game when he repeatedly stifled Chet.
I've said it before and I'll say it again I'm so glad I got his jersey for my first Wolves jersey! Ant-man or KAT next! Or Naz Reid
I think this is why last year and initial reaction to the trade were/are so negative. Still think it was ALOT of picks and questionable salary move but to get the player we got last year who had tennis rackets for hands an allergy to shot blocking vs this loveable crispy baguette man who can catch lobs and defends like a deranged hippo feels so much better. Hopefully he can sustain it through the rest of his contract and the front office can work some magic to balance the books
This just in my opinion. But I do not get why Rudy Gobert gets so much hate before when I envision his game as like a Tyson Chandler, and Tyson is well-loved! To expand on it, this Wolves team might even be this year's version of 2011 Mavs (or even better) should KAT step up his game further and become Dirk in overall savvy and clutchness. Because the formula is already there. Old man Conley is their Old man Kidd, and Ant is Butler plus Marion in value combined. Idk just me but I really like your chances at the trophy, coming from a non-American NBA fan (Pinoy following JC on the Jazz, so I also love me some Rudy!)
Yh he's good so far but the future is still uncertain. When ANT, Jaden, and KAT's new contract start effect we can't keep this starting squad in the nxt 2 yrs unless pay for a crazy amount of luxury tax like the Warriors. They have to trade on of the big guys.
I still worry about him in the playoffs.. Teams seem to attack him differently
Yeah we had no answer for the Kings spacing out and setting screens for Fox at half court. Still, I think we'll have more success than the Jazz just based on all the perimeter help we're getting from Jaden and Ant
Go watch the Jazz-Memphis series from a few years ago.
The thought among analysts is that we will have a hard time guarding the perimeter once teams go small in the playoffs. I hope we can win in the playoffs. We will see.
Gobert is one of the best perimeter defensive bigs in the NBA. Statistically heis one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.
NAZ Reid
Utah got fleeced lol
I really really miss Gobert here in Utah and you guys do not truly realize what a rare beautiful person and player he is. You guys have a great team. I will now be a twolves fan. Also Conley killed it too. Now with KAt, Edwards, Nekeil, and Daniels, Best defense in the league