FanPost

Wolves Pre-Season Player Review


So. We're about three games into the NBA Pre-Season...and each of us has probably only seen about one game...if that. Despite what we all know is a proper sample size, it's never too early to start the hysterical evaluation process on our favorite NBA team. Below the jump is my take on this year's Wolves squad...so far.

PLAYER OBSERVATIONS

Jonny Flynn is All Action. He can get to any point on the court he wants. Sadly, he’s not sure what to do when he gets there most of the time (so far). He has a very high dribble. He palms the ball all the time and will get called for carrying a lot in the regular season when the real refs get back. Lots of behind the back passes when a simple pivot and chest pass would do. Unlimited potential, but seriously wild and in need of polishing.

Kevin Love is lighter, but definitely not any more explosive. Still a below the rim guy that will get blocked a lot. Poor shooting night tonight…shot was not falling. Still a rebounding demon that understands positional awareness better than almost anyone in the game. Defensive awareness improving and was good tonight.

Al Jeff has ZERO hops after his injury…this will definitely negatively impact his offensive game. His fotwork is still immaculate though. Completely toilet on defense AGAIN. Put next to NO effort on the D end tonight. Made ZERO jumpers tonight.

Corey Brewer is Corey Brewer. Elite, elite defensive player…total offensive liability. No handle, clueless shot, and worst of all…no ability to finish on the break.

Pecherov – One word: HORSESHIT. Can’t shoot, can’t play D, can’t run the floor, etc… Not just a bad game…he literally has no skills relevant to an NBA team. And yes, I feel confident saying that after 1 pre-season game. On the plus side, he looks like Stewie Griffin, so we could make lots of Family Guy jokes if he sticks with the team.

Pavlovic is a mad bomber. Hit a couple from downtown…which we desperately need…but jacked up way more that were terrible. Has no concept of the flow of the half-court offense. Total wildcard that could shoot us in or out of any game. Good lane filler on the fast break. Seems to be value add on D.

Ryan Gomes is fast turning into one of my favorite players. His experience as our primary "Go To Guy" last year…after injuries to others…is serving him well. He’s playing adequate defense, and his offensive game is extrmely well rounded. I used to think of him as a good 6th or 7th man off the bench. Now, I want him as our starting 3.

Ramon Sessions was a fantastic signing. His game is so smooth…very reminiscent of John Stockton. Plays the angles, gets the ball in the right place, plays tough D. Good Give ‘N Go guy. Now, we just need him to learn how to shoot the 18 footer like Stockton. Sorry…but his Free Throws and outside J looked awful tonight.

Brian Cardinal still defies explanation. Everything he does is ugly as hell, but we ALWAYS outperform our opposition with him on the court. A brighter mind than mine needs to explain this.

Ryan Hollins – Didn’t get much PT tonight.

Damien Wilkins – Extremely impressive in the 2nd half. Don’t recall him getting any burn in the 1st. Ran the floor, played good D, hit jumpers, finished his opportunities, and was very active. Easily the most surprising, impressive player in tonight’s game.

I'm liking the way Rambis is looking for his ideal combination. I think mine is Sessions, Brewer, Gomes, Love, Big Al. What say the rest of you?