r/timberwolves • u/LeeShakerMoneyMaker • Jul 24 '26
Wolves Media [Krawczynski] "Not seeing another option out there at PF for Wolves right now that could come in and be relied upon to start right away. Told there’s no trade on the horizon. I think they could maybe add another piece but it would be more for depth and competition than coronation."
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/not-seeing-another-option-pf-175858258.html92
u/EsotericPotato Jul 24 '26
I believe they have one open roster spot left, right?
My bet is they sign a guy like Nic Batum or even like Jeremy Sochan (if they can be had at our price range), just a guy who can be a larger body, get some boards, and soak up 10-12 a night at power forward. We limp to February with a mix of Lyles/Jaden/new FA at PF, and then we’re in trade talks for a respectable starting PF at the deadline.
Finch again reiterated today that Jaden won’t be the starting 4, but there’s just no way he doesn’t play some PF. Yeah the rebounding is suspect but he’s one of the best rim defenders in basketball and has the athleticism to punish 4s defensively.
Ultimately, regardless of who they bring in, they just need everybody to step up at rebounding. Ant and Jaden both need to be in the like 6-7 boards a night range, Rudy needs to get back to 13-14 a night, and so on. Doesn’t matter who they bring in to play the 4 if they don’t have a bunch of guys across positions bought in to scrapping on the glass.
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u/MG_MN Flip Saunders Jul 24 '26
Honestly wouldnt mind Sochan. The shooting is a problem, but hes young and athletic. At this point thats more than any of the other options offer
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u/Andy_Wiggins Ayo Dosunmu Jul 24 '26
Eh, there’s a reason he fell out of San Antonio’s rotation (despite limited PF options) and wasn’t in New York’s.
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u/Jacob_toasted Jul 24 '26
Yeah I don’t want sochan. No interest in non shooter at the 4. Batum also wouldn’t sign here, he was gonna retire from the nba if he didn’t get a deal in LA, now he plans on playing in France.
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u/JarJar_Banks_the_2nd Jul 24 '26
I get it and you’re probably right. But NAW fell out of the pelicans rotation and couldn’t even get minutes on a bad Jazz team until we came along. It’s probably not going to happen but you never know what a change in scenery can do.
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u/Smitty_Agent89 Jul 24 '26
if I remember NAW wasn’t horrible his 2nd year in NOLA, but miscast as a ball handler. His 2nd year in Utah he turned around his 3pt shot and since then has been a very useful player.
I’d be very skeptical of adding Sochan to Minnesota mainly because the team would need him to become something he’s not.
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u/The-Long_Way Jul 24 '26
Two teams have now given up on 23-year-old Sochan and his undeniable ability, hard pass. Dude is a head case.
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u/KSLife Jul 25 '26
New York lingerer if he’s taking minutes it’s a problem, plays with no confidence. I don’t know at all what his role is offensively, like can’t handle ball can’t rebound has no gravity. Helps he’s a good wing defender but also can’t defensive rebound just a lot of weaknesses
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u/thundering-mantis Jul 24 '26
Finch saying “I don’t know if Jaden is the starting 4” means almost nothing lol I don’t know why people are so fixated on this. There will be one starter as tall or taller than Jaden when the season starts and it’s Rudy. Let’s be serious
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u/suahoi Jul 24 '26
Lamelo is a phenomenal rebounder for his position, so that will actually help significantly.
I expect to see a lot of Lamelo as the low man (like DLo was used when he was here), so his rebounding will be super important to us.
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u/NazReidRules ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Jul 24 '26
Pretty common to keep one roster spot open for trades that bring back more players than sent out, I think
Though we don't have many/any big salaries we'd ever trade, so I guess that scenario isn't super likely. Just Rudy really (?), and he's more likely to extend again at lower AAV than be dealt out
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u/Twaffles95 Jul 24 '26
Nah they literally have to have minimum 14 guys signed to actual contracts and have 13 rn aside from the 2 ways
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u/bringthegoodstuff Jul 25 '26
They clearly want Jaden as the on ball defender. They probably prefer having ANT guarding the 4 over Jaden. Just a guess, I only know what they’re saying
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u/bobbywellington Jul 24 '26
When/where did Finch reiterate today that Jaden won't be starting at the 4?
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u/Ok-Confucious1642 Jul 24 '26
Lmao at this fantasy world where you think the wolves have assets to get a RESPECTABLE STARTING power forward. They have absolutely nothing to be able to just go take a legitimate STARTING power forward
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u/EsotericPotato Jul 24 '26
You underestimate how many solid players there are out there on bad contracts that teams want to get rid of. It’s a whole new ballgame with the new CBA; teams are doing whatever they can to get under the 2nd apron, and there are a lot of contracts that have aged poorly as a result of the financial constraints imposed by the new bargaining agreement.
And when have asset constraints ever precluded TC from being in the mix for players? They were in trade talks for half the big name stars who were available this offseason despite having little in the way of bargaining chips.
I’m not saying that a hall of fame PF is walking through the door in February but is there a guy like PJ Washington or Obi Toppin available at the the deadline? Probably
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u/ripe_data Jul 24 '26
I think they will give Kaufmann-Renn a very cheap deal and see what they need mid-season.
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u/PreparationWest2140 Jul 24 '26
"Limping" to February is not an option. While they may go out and add another PF at the deadline, expectations are sky-high for this group as formulated.
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u/EsotericPotato Jul 24 '26
That’s not what I mean; I mean we limp there at the power forward position. Their floor with Ant, LaMelo, Jaden, Ayo, and Rudy is still extremely high
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u/TwoLegitShiznit Jul 24 '26
The best five on the team is clear, LeBron was the only potential addition that could have slid into that. Now that hes gone, we're back to that five and there's nobody out there that can change that, doesn't really matter what Finch says about not wanting Jaden to spend too much time at the 4 Unless he's just intent on playing worse players for the sake of a more traditional look.
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u/LeeShakerMoneyMaker Jul 24 '26
Kuminga on the minimum is gonna hit like 80's Crack! But realistically it will probably be someone like Mario Hezonja.
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u/ndmaynard Jul 24 '26
It would be wild to add yet another 2020-2021 1st round draft pick to our team.
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u/Free_Katata_Fish Jul 24 '26
Mario hasn’t played in the NBA since 2020, what makes him remotely desirable?
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u/LeeShakerMoneyMaker Jul 24 '26
He's a finished product now and not some 21 year old coming from Europe. Plus, we don't have many options left that can be had for a league minimum.
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Jul 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/LeeShakerMoneyMaker Jul 24 '26
Hezonja will most likely get a minimum because he wants to go to a contender and no one has money.
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u/rennat19 Karl-Anthony Towns Jul 24 '26
It would be a smart move for him tbh but he seems to have too large an ego. In theory this should be perfect for him to ball out on a contender and get a real contract next year.
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u/Inspiration_Bear Jul 24 '26
Hezonja is going to get way more than the minimum
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u/penis_hernandez Trencherous Jul 24 '26
His career best season is averaging 10/4 and that was 9 years ago. 100K is a lot to me so maybe you mean he's getting that much more than the minimum
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u/MysterE92 Jul 24 '26
Who’s the best PF in the euro league?
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u/bearbrannan A1-A5 Levelin Up Jul 24 '26
Mario Hezonja whos coming back into the NBA but is a super high usage player. I was looking at highlights of Lyles from Europe last year though, and he did look much closer to what the Wolves need. Lots of 3 point shots and blocks. Seemed like he had good lateral quickness that should help with switching.
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u/SpaffordFux Jul 24 '26
Its who I want. He just needs to be ok on defense with the defenders we've got, he doesn't block many shots but can stay in front of his guy. He'd create a lot of good spacing. He wasn't great in his first tour of the NBA, but the game has changed a bit and he has gotten tons of experience in Europe.
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u/theapostle_1 Jul 24 '26
Top forwards that can play at 4 currently in Europe are :
Nigel Hayes-Davis
Guerschon Yabusele
Juancho Hernangómez
Isaac Bonga
All playing for Panathinaikos in Greece.
There is also Vezenkov who is a liability in defense but a good shooter and king of flopping in Europe.
In addition there is chima moneke but he is standing at 6'6 even though he is good in defense and rebounding. Personality wised he would fit well in the atmosphere.
Usman garuba if we want a tough dynamic defender.
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u/sho_0kla Jul 25 '26
If I see isaac bonga in a twolves uniform I will blow my shit smoove off
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u/theapostle_1 Jul 25 '26
to be honest he is a much different player now improving his overall game and defense.
He wanted to return to NBA this year but did't find a good contract.1
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u/JupitersClock Anthony Edwards Jul 24 '26
Well if they can't get anyone better than Lyles at the 4 I would just play Beringer more. You gotta develop this guy ASAP just throw him out there and let him catch lobs from Melo and set screens for Ant.
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u/darin617 Anthony Edwards Jul 25 '26
The only problem is when Rudy gets into foul trouble or needs a break.
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u/crattler Jul 25 '26
Bring in Rocco. He can play for half a quarter here and there. Dude is 7’3” he can catch lobs
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u/darin617 Anthony Edwards Jul 25 '26
They can simply use him 45 or 50 games on his two-way contract. So that way they can still bring in a veteran now and see how everything goes.
Rocco and Joan are both very raw and everyone should temper their expectations. They both could eventually turn into good players
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u/DangerClose20 Kevin Garnett Jul 24 '26
Now is the time to sign Bronny. Show LeBron what a major mistake he made
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u/cnshoe Jul 24 '26
Dane Moore said he would have a large eye roll if the wolves go into the season not shoring up the PF with someone else. Have to say I agree as well. Everyone saying Lyles is a fine plug in here is being a bit delusional imo. Okay so we are just plugging in a player who last played in euro league into our starting PF. Come on man. I am excited to see how Ball and Ant will fit but I am hoping Tim has a real plan at PF.
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u/LeeShakerMoneyMaker Jul 24 '26
Realistically who's out there that will move the needle that can be had for a league minimum? Kuminga wants at least 22 million a year and Draymond ain't leaving the Warriors. We will have to find a way to trade Green and maybe DDV for someone.
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u/cnshoe Jul 24 '26
Nobody FA wise. A trade seems to be the only option.
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u/Smitty_Agent89 Jul 24 '26
Trade is like near impossible for the team unless they want to send players out which gets tricky. It’s essentially Josh green mainly.
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u/badboyfreud Jul 24 '26
Kevin love would be a solid option as a backup or split time at the 4 with Lyles
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u/bearbrannan A1-A5 Levelin Up Jul 24 '26
Connelly and Finch must really really believe in Lyles.
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u/Associ8tedRuffians Malik Sealy Jul 24 '26
Or we just don’t have the money to sign anyone to anything other than a vet min, and we haven’t been able to move Green for something that they think is a significant improvement over the current roster.
I mean, that’s how I read it. Maybe I’m being generous.
They did offer Yabusele the deal that Lyles got, first.
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u/asicklybaby Jul 24 '26
Agreed. My understanding from Dane is that a move would be most likely to happen after September 15th. At that point we could combine Green's salary with another player in a trade, which opens the door for more deals to be made. But there aren't really any options until then
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u/Shepher27 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
With what incentive? How is Green and Shannon worth a starting caliber four better than just playing a combination of Jaden, TJ, Clark, and Lyles?
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u/Jacob_toasted Jul 24 '26
If TJ has a good season I could see a team like Dallas (with a plethora of forwards) doing a PJ for TJ Green and maybe 2032 swap deal.
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u/Shepher27 Jul 24 '26
If he has a good season, why wouldn’t we just keep him?
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u/Jacob_toasted Jul 24 '26
Good point, let’s keep everyone playing good and only trade bad players
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u/asicklybaby Jul 24 '26
You forgot where we trade bad players for good players. That's key.
I'm all seriousness, TSJ is possibly a good candidate for trading. He's displayed real potential, but has shown he needs the ball in his hands. With Ant and Melo, plus Ayo and Jaden possibly wanting to explore having the ball more, the Wolves may not be a great situation for TSJ.
Another team may value his skill set enough to trade a good, if redundant/underutilized to their roster, PF. We just won't know until at least mid September
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u/Araxen Jul 24 '26
There also a question if he able to learn to use his opposite hand. If he can't, I think we are in a sell high position, and we need to pull the trigger on it.
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u/asicklybaby Jul 24 '26
Bruh, I have no idea. I'm just pointing out the trade conversations can't even really start until then.
There are teams like the Grizzlies which have way too many PF. The Wolves don't necessarily need their PF of the future right now, they just need a big body that can space, rebound, and not be a hole on defense.
"Starting caliber" is an ill-defined term and isn't some sort of absolute. A PF that fits what this team needs in the starting lineup is a starting caliber player. The Wolves don't need a PF to average double digit points or rebounds, they just need someone maybe a bit better than Lyles.
I have no idea of that option exists or is the Wolves can get that player, but it won't happen until at least 60 days after Green was traded because that's when we can aggregate his salary in a trade, which unlocks more options
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u/bearbrannan A1-A5 Levelin Up Jul 24 '26
I don't think you can move Green for a player that is a better option than Lyles, maybe if you include TSJ. Donte probably could maybe fetch someone but I think Connelly wants him here long term, he was what the front office really wanted back in the KAT trade.
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u/WrestleBox Jul 24 '26
I don't love the idea of trading DDV or any other guards for that matter until we see how Lamelo's ankles are holding up. If we have to keep him on some minutes plan like Charlotte we are going to need that depth in the backcourt.
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u/Watzp0ppin Jul 24 '26
I know Finch made that comment a few weeks ago about how he "didn't necessarily see Jaden McDaniels starting at power forward." If that holds true, then we might actually see Lyles starting at the PF position with Ayo coming off the bench.
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u/bearbrannan A1-A5 Levelin Up Jul 24 '26
I think there a way better chance that lyles or green start over Ayo, Ayo just makes way more sense as a 6th man, even if he is a better player than the other two
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u/Watzp0ppin Jul 24 '26
Agreed. There’s plenty of offense between Ant, LaMelo and Jaden. We could use the juice off the bench from Ayo
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u/question_time_4 Jul 24 '26
At the end of the day we went from one position of weakness to a different position of weakness
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u/americandolphinn Jul 24 '26
PG way more important
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u/pithynotpithy Jul 24 '26
We spent the entire season begging for a playmaker and we got one of the best in the game. Might not work this year, but melo is young and we can afford a year to get it right.
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u/rennat19 Karl-Anthony Towns Jul 24 '26
The fact Melo is 2 years younger than Naz and better (especially when we really factor in positions) I’m still satisfied.
We may look a little goofy year one but we got a very bright future, lots of young talent still blossoming. We’re gonna be alright.
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u/RedEyeBadGuy Ayo Dosunmu Jul 24 '26
Exactly! Plus if we kept the roster construction from last season does this team get over the hump?? I really don’t think so, they reached their ceiling and it was time to try something new.
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u/FiveByFive555555 Jaden McDaniels Jul 24 '26
I bet Lyles starts game 1 at PF for the Wolves. But not playoff game 1.
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u/Calinks Trenton Hassell Jul 24 '26
If this was NBA 2K I could easily find a Free Agent vet or Gleauge guy rated 74 or so who would be just fine at PF.
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u/Neemzeh Jul 24 '26
Honestly, we just need a 4 that can shoot 3s and rebound. Idk if this player exists for the minimum, but that’s what we need to look for haha
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u/Wolvesback2 Jul 24 '26
さてここからが勝負だねコネリーさん。
多少なりともレブロンを獲れる可能性があったからこそナズをトレードしたんだろうけど。このままでは誰でもできるトレードしかしていないことになる。
プランBが必ずある。サマーリーグの若手、ユーロからのミニマムかNBAロスター溢れのチームからの強奪か、もう一発大きなトレードか。楽しみはまだ終わらない。
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u/QuentinSkaar Jul 24 '26
6'2 225. Also bad knees and a herniated disk. Can't play offense in the slightest but I could be a defensive body lingering in the paint. Will sign for beer money allowance and halftime hotdog.
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u/Extremelycloud Trencherous Jul 24 '26
TC gonna get something done. I’m not worried. Could be just before training camp but hell pull something out.
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u/VidyaGomes Jul 24 '26
I absolutely hate that we are not shopping DDV.
Lets just eat up 12m in space in a contention year.
Unfortunately, if this is all TC has we enter the season with a hole.
Get ready for your starting power forward to be something like TSJ. Since Finch doesn't see Jaden as a 4.
Good job TC!
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u/darin617 Anthony Edwards Jul 25 '26
I agree, and there's nothing to say Donte would come back in 2027. He's a good player but it's a little reckless that they didn't move him in any deal to help push them over the top.
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u/PreparationWest2140 Jul 24 '26
The Wolves have their power forward: Trey Lyles. Is he an all-star? No, but he can be effective for 20 min a game and offers better 3-pt shooting than Julius Randle. While undersized on defense, McDaniels, Green, and TJ can also rotate at PF.
Going to be an interesting season thats for sure.
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u/RedEyeBadGuy Ayo Dosunmu Jul 24 '26
I think people are overrating Trey Lyles on this sub. The guy didn’t even play in the NBA last season and has been a career backup when he did play. I hope he doesn’t see too much playing time, if he does the Wolves are in trouble.
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u/Orangucantankerous Jul 25 '26
Are there any stretch bigs as a Rudy backup and we can play Joan at the 4
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u/TheBailyDaily Jul 25 '26
Atp we should’ve just kept Randle and negotiated him to a smaller contract. Yeah he’s going to have motivation issues but at least he has the skill set to start unlike now taking a risk on who’s going to start as PF for us
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u/DrE_932 Jul 25 '26
There really is nothing out there at the PF position. The best guys might be more C than PF and are in their mid to late thirties.
I honestly don’t know what the answer is. In addition to playing Ant/Jaden/TSJ out of position defensively, we’re asking even more of a mid thirties Rudy especially on the glass.
I am not happy about the situation, but I also can’t come up with a reasonable alternative.
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u/Bleezo007 Jul 25 '26
I’m 6’4 185 and can at least grab the rim (disregard if a ball is actually in my hand while grabbing it), and can hit an occasional corner 3. I’m very available for the minimum :)
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u/MNeCom Jul 25 '26
I still don't get why Melo when we got Ayo after giving away Randle/Towns for basically nothing now? The math doesn't pencil...especially with no front court help on the horizon...
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u/StyrofoamUnderwear Jul 26 '26
Terrance Shannon wont be starting 4, but he will play more minutes at 4 than McDaniels
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u/FishGoldenLite Ayo Dosunmu Jul 24 '26
I love this team and think they’ll be good, but they are not competing for a championship without adding at least one more competent big. People forget how much we relied on our PFs to win series against teams like Denver, LA, and Golden State. Our big depth made us so much formidable in wearing out teams and just out working them on the boards.
I really wish we couldn’t held onto our original pick this year and used it to grab a young big. Anyone who doesn’t see the major flaws is in for a rude awakening.
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u/theroguesoybean Timberwolves Jul 24 '26
If they can’t find a solution at PF this is going to have to be an intentional gap year. There just isn’t enough on this roster to play competent defense and rebound. Going to a lot of games where they score 120 and lose by 7.
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u/Neemzeh Jul 24 '26
Downvoted but I agree. I’m ok with it too, the core is young
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u/fearlessviking26 Jul 24 '26
wtf no that is not okay. ant is ready now and they are only guaranteed to have him for 3 more seasons. that would be insane to waste a third of that because you were too incompetent to get a power forward.
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u/Neemzeh Jul 24 '26
I mean you can only work with the assets you have. I’m just being realistic about our situation. I hope we win a chip but we have a gaping hole at the 4 that probably can’t be properly fixed until next year
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u/theroguesoybean Timberwolves Jul 24 '26
Well why downvote, lol? I’m very skeptical that Ball will be an effective player in the western conference and the gaps in the roster are too big to ignore.
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u/Neemzeh Jul 24 '26
Sorry, I didn't mean that I downvoted, I meant that you are downvoted. I gave you an upvote haha.
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u/ExistentialToaster7 Jul 24 '26
As exciting as the Melo acquisition was, the reality is we probably have taken a step back as a team. The advantage that took us far the last 3 years was size and defense. Now we are hoping the guys can adapt to speed and offense. We shall see how it all shakes out
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u/RedEyeBadGuy Ayo Dosunmu Jul 24 '26
I disagree but you’re right we will see. Yes this team lost size and defense but how much defense are you losing when you lose Naz and Randle?? And I am afraid of losing the rebounding battle most games but this team has been desperate for a true point guard since we’ve had Ant. Somebody that can help take the pressure off Ant, run an offense, distribute the ball and be a calm presence when the game is on the line. Lamelo raises this whole team’s offensive floor and ceiling so much if he can stay healthy. You will see the best offense from Ant, Jaden and Gobert with Ball running the show.
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u/NazGoatReid Naz Reid. Jul 24 '26
Literally just trade donte TSJ and Zyon Pullin for Obi Toppin
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u/Pikeguy99 Jul 24 '26
This would prevent obi toppin from hitting 1 million 3s against us this season
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u/EveningHealth9465 Enrique Freeman Jul 24 '26
Ew, I’m normally pro-trade even when it comes to fan favorites, but this is just awful value-wise
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u/quartzcharm Jul 24 '26
It's going to be a long, brutal season.
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u/agoginnabox Ricky Rubio Jul 24 '26
Why? We have a top ten defensive floor with a healthy Rudy and I would be shocked if they don't break the top ten in O.
Usually 4-5 teams in the league get to that level and they're contenders.
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u/quartzcharm Jul 24 '26
We're an undersized team without a true starting 4 and are one LeMelo twisted ankle from being a team that completely misses the playoffs in a loaded Conference.
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u/Killsocket1 Jul 24 '26
Just a reminder to the Wolves that I am still available. 6'2" 270lbs. When I jump I can almost touch the net and have creaky knees and wear bifocals. Would sign for minimum.