…all the discussion on speed that I see on this excellent site seems to be about how fast a player can run — foot speed.

I think we need to look at speed in a different dimension. How fast can you get off a pass? How fast does it get to the target? How does that accelerate your offense?

Kevin Love can take a rebound & push it up the court faster than anyone. If we have guys that can run or are already at midcourt when Love gets the rebound, we might be the fastest team in the league when he is in that position.

It’s not about how fast Love can run up the court, it’s about how fast he can get the ball to a runner who is already up the court.

He is a fast player. Maybe not in foot speed, but he accelerates the way the game is played.

We need Wayne to get going with his outside jumper and perhaps a leap in minutes and a green light will do the trick.

… Jonny has his strengths, but Curry would be a much better fit on this team and in this system. He can score just as well, he has better range, he’s a better passer, and he’s a better defender. And, it isn’t as inconceivable that Curry’s versatility would enable him to play alongside Rubio someday, whereas I think we’re all rightly skeptical that Flynn would be able to do so. All in all, Curry was the right choice after Rubio.

…a guy who has arguably the best low-post moves in the league has “very poor” BB instincts is kind of short-sighted. put him on a team with talent and we’d all be shitting ourselves with fear over al’s game.

I bet they would if they’re getting paid and it means winning more. They could still get 34+ mpg on average, and more depending on matchups and foul trouble. I think Brendan Haywood would be ideal in this role. He’s huge, plays good D, finishes near the hoop and will be a UFA next summer.

so I’m not sure why we all lament the fact that he will never be a #1 guy. At full strength, he is absolutely a solid value at his current paycheck. In Boston, he’d be the 4th highest paid player. In L.A., he’d be paid well behind Pau and Kobe. In Orlando, he’d be paid behind Carter, Lewis, and Howard. Most of us agree that at full strength he is a #2 or #3 type player. Well, if that’s the case, we have an excellent value in Al Jefferson.

Remember that if it weren’t for the butthole factor, Randolph is a pretty damn good player. By that I mean if he tried harder and at least made an effort to improve on his weaknesses like Al does. Randolph’s issue has always been his immaturity and attitude, which have never been concerns with Al.

N. Pekovic.

Hopefully he’s willing to come over for next year. I’d like to see us scout him well, sign him reasonably and see what he can do. His scouting report reads similar to Al only he’s nearly 7 ft. He’s ranked with the highest PER (equiv) in Europe two years running. If he can provide 75-80% of Al’s low post offense for less than half the price, then trading Al makes much much more sense.

I really think that a lot of us undervalue Pekovic as an player. As an asset, his value hinges on his willingness to come over, but if he’s willing, trading him as a throw in would be underselling. If he’s not coming, we’re not getting anything in return anyway.

…those W’s last January were some evidence that he can be a difference-maker in games. (I’m not a big fan of the #1, #2, #3 thing – too abstract for me.)

Yes, it’s a small sample size. But it was peaking where a guy should be peaking at his age, and a season and a half into being put into a key role on a team. Despite Wittman prior to that.

I think the answer is that you don’t dump Al, you don’t dump Love, I can see Flynn as a playing a role on a good team a la Jameer Nelson. What needs to change is finding an impact wing, so they need to get some luck and do their homework for the upcoming draft and FA/trade market.

How many bigs are cornerstones? There aren’t very many anymore. All contending teams use them as complementary pieces, so I think trying to make a bit man a corner stone is inherently flawed. But with that said, there is no one in the NBA that can score on the low block like Al. He is so talented and he consistently draws a double team every time he touches the ball. With that said, I would trade him for the right package. I would love to net James Harden. That kid would be unbelievable in the triangle offense. I also would love to get Noah, maybe there would be a three team deal that could net us both of those players.

Last night I thought Al had his best game of the season. There were no Jonny Stops and his defense was awesome. He constantly had an eye on the ball and his body on his man. He rotated perfectly and for once so did the perimeter defenders. It was hands down the best defensive game the Wolves have played all year and that usually turned into easy transition buckets. Al also played last night like he wasn’t the #1 option. It was beautiful. When he decided to make a move to the hoop he went into the teeth of the defense and drawing fouls, instead of spinning away. I was really impressed last night. I think he really is going to be special when he gets some great perimeter players around him. The only thing I would have liked him to do better last night would be moving without the ball, but the coaching staff is really teaching Al well and I can’t wait to see what he looks like at the end of the season.

How can you lean toward anyone at this point? It’s way too early to declare who we should pick unless you’re talking about John Wall. I agree Henry is a guy to watch, but these guys aren’t even in conference play yet.

It’s the same thing every year. We covet these lottery prospects on paper and they can do no wrong, but odds are most of them will underachieve their fans’ expectations and some will be out of the NBA 5 years from now.

I am all about upgrading the perimeter. Evan Turner and Xavier Henry in the draft and then trade for an experienced athletic defender that an rebound with the best of them.