Beating a Dead Wild Horse (AKA shortening Jonny's Leash)
by Stop-n-Pop on Jan 11, 2010 10:30 PM CST
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PrintLet's start tonight's game wrap with an idea from last year's post Big Al injury madness: The problem with losing Big Al wasn't that his minutes were replaced by Kevin Love, rather that Kevin Love's minutes were replaced by the motley crew of Mark Madsen, Craig Smith, Shelden Williams, and Brian Cardinal. This year we have bellyached a bit about Kurt Rambis' annoying tendency to pull both the Big Piranha and Big Al from the game at the same time. As you can imagine, these stints are, more often than not, completely disastrous.
What should also set off some warning signals are the overall lack of minutes that the two bigs play relative to other squads. Big Al averages just over 33 mpg coming off of a serious knee injury. The Big Piranha is averaging 31.5 mpg. If you look at Denver's front line, their starting bigs (Nene Hilario, Kenyon Martin) both average over 34 mpg. They are back filled with a competent backup (Chris Andersen) who averages 22 mpg. Portland gives LMA over 35 mpg with a split between competent backups at...well, before they were all injured, they had a nice split at the 5. Utah gives a big chunk of minutes to Carlos Boozer with the remaining minutes being filled heavily by competent players like Paul Milsap and Mehmet Okur. The Wolves give modest minutes to their two best players and back fill them with D- League talent.
The Wolves have run out a surprising number of power forward/center combos this season. The one with the most minutes is, obviously, Love and Big Al, logging just over 455 minutes with a net +/- of -7 and a net OE/DE rating of -1.6 points/100 possessions. The 2nd biggest combo is Jefferson and Ryan Hollins. This duo is straight up horrifying, -138 and with a -26.4 OE/DE differential in 226 minutes.
Long story short, the Wolves are a level of hell at the 4/5 when both Love and Jefferson are not on the court together. They are merely a freak show when only one of them is out there with Hollins, Ryan Gomes, Brian Cardinal, Stewie, or Nate Jawai.
We spent a lot of time yesterday talking about how the Love/Jefferson pairing is probably not long for this world, but it should be noted that this duo is far and away the best this team has to offer. It should also also be noted that they still are in the red when it comes to point differential and efficiency numbers.
Anywho, getting around to the dead horse angle, one of the big things that will have to happen in order for the Wolves to maximize the talent of their two best players is for Jonny Flynn to pass them the ball. It's really fairly simple. Good things happen when Big Al and the Big Piranha touch the ball. Good things sometimes happen when Corey Brewer touches the ball. Ditto for Ryan Gomes and less so for everyone else. I don't know if this team is in need of a Randy Ratio but they are in need of a reminder for their rookie point to get the ball to their two best players. Even in a motion-based offense, you have to make sure one of these guys touches it every time down the court. There should be no excuse in a 1/2 court setting for anything less. The next time Ramon Sessions gets in the game, count how many times he gets the ball to Jefferson or Love compared to what happens with Flynn. The dude knows where his bread is buttered. OK, this is going to be the last time I beat this dead horse for a while. I know Flynn is a rookie and with full understanding that we can get a bit repetitive with stuff like this, I'll move on to something else.
If I had to create a Stop-n-Pop Fab 5 for the NBA, here are my starters"
- Deron Williams
- Manu Ginobli
- Carmelo Anthony
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Yao Ming
That being said, and as much as I like Melo, he is one offensive fouling S.O.B. Seriously. He's the Larry Fitzgerald of the NBA. He will literally mug people in order to get to the hoop. I love his diversified game and I think he'll get a title before LeBron but holy crap does he foul people going to the hoop. Last night's game featured an arm bar to Corey Brewer's solar plexus, a couple of shoulder dips to Damien Wilkins, and too many uni-grabs to count. He is one of my very favorite players and I would love to see him on the Wolves, but holy. frickin'. crap. Blow a whistle on the guy.
Speaking of fouls, Jonny Flynn was thrown to the floor on at least 3 occasions tonight. He was felonized on two of them. I may not think Flynn will pan out as a point guard but he is a scorer. He is eventually going to need those calls and he deserves them....because, you know, he was frickin' fouled.
As I am writing this paragraph, the Wolves' bench is 0-10 from the field. Here's hoping that Kurt Rambis follows through on his desire to switch up the rotation. Here's what I would roll with:
- Sessions/Flynn
- Ellington/Brewer
- Wilkins/Gomes
- Love/Cardinal
- Jefferson/Jawai
Ger'r'done.
Well folks, I wish I had more for you tonight but the Stop-n-Pop family is expecting child number 3 and the Honey Do list is a mile long before Saturday the 16th, when the pregnant Mrs. n-Pop goes in to get induced. In other words, yours truly needs to turn off the game and go finish re-tiling the bathroom before the baby comes. I may be away from the site for a while so we might have to lean on the FanPosts for a bit. Keep those FanPosts coming. We love them.
Wrapping this little ditty up, here are the baby names we have narrowed the list down to:
- Phalen (girl; short being "Faye")
- Lincoln (because Hamilton is too pretentious for this lover of American history and we already have a Madison).
- Jonny (and no, not for Flynn; Grandpa Jonny is an Oklahoma dairy farmer without anyone named after him.)
- James
- Holland (girl;short being "Holly")
- Nate Jr.
- Emile (we're French)
- Jean Pierre (again, we're French)
- Shawnee (my wife's side of the family has Shawnee roots all the way back to the 16th Century)
That about does it. If the Wolves made a miracle come back, I apologize for missing it while grouting some tile. The 4th quarter is all yours.
Until later.
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Love and jefferson are minus 1.6 per one hundred possessions. If that applied to the team, the wolves would rank 18th in the NBA or there abouts, I think
Note: I’m just looking at scoring differential. If we surround these two guys with a couple of shooters and a PG who could pass (not saying Flynn can’t get there, but he’s not there yet) and that should improve big time.
by Kevin Love Jefferson on Jan 11, 2010 11:11 PM CST reply actions
People probably don't realize what a revealing stat that is.
This is a team that loses by an average of 10.0 points per 100 possessions. But Love and Al, surrounded by those some crappy teammates lose by only 1.6 points per 100 possessions, an 8.4 point improvement. Bear in mind, the best efficiency differential in the league is Boston at +7.4.
I don’t see how you can look at the Love/Jefferson combo and say unequivocally that they will never work together on a winning team. This crappy team plays like a .500 team based solely on the impact of those 2 guys being on the court. Upgrade the other 3 positions, and you’re good to go.
"Lincoln (because Hamilton is too pretentious for this lover of American history and we already have a Madison)."
There was this guy who was super smart and influential at the most important time in our country’s history. Although his surname would make a great first name for young man, it escapes me at the current time . . .
Isn't it synonymous with "complete and total domination of the low block?"
Or am I thinking of someone else?
no but he wrote another important document, if I'm right in my guess...lol
by Kevin Love Jefferson on Jan 12, 2010 12:45 AM CST up reply actions
I like the idea of presedential names
And I may eventually steal the name Madison from you errr…James. I would also add Rutheford, Millard, and Van Buren (Van-Bur for short) to the list.
JD, KJL: I don't think it's a president
Come on Poor Richard. Vindicate me!
(P.S., it’s got to be Benjamin Franklin).
by I.M. Fletcher on Jan 12, 2010 8:11 AM CST up reply actions
Agree completely on the front line...
it’s a mess when Love and Jefferson are both on the bench. In fact, it’s often kind of a mess when either is on the bench.
I thought our perimeter defense was terrible in the first half. Maybe this is typical and I just don’t usually see it, but the Nuggs were taking us off the dribble with ease — and not only when we had to close out or were scrambling but in simple, one-on-one situations. Brewer was the only guy playing a little bit physical and moving his feet. It’s very hard to get good help defense when the dribbler is completely toasting his man off the dribble. If that weren’t the case, then it wouldn’t matter how slow anyone was, because you can always help. I hope we start to place a higher emphasis on individual defense on the perimeter.
I’m trying to imagine Corey Brewer playing next to some bona fide stars in the backcourt. Would he relish the opportunity to cut in open space and get easy buckets, or would he be an obvious liability because his defender could leave him to help on the star(s)? It might be a little like Rondo in Boston. He can’t shoot for shit, but he makes teams pay when they leave him entirely, the way Flynn did that night he got so many layups.
Random comment as I watch Cleveland-Golden State. I’m convinced that Delonte West is a very good NBA guard. Cleveland always looks better when he’s in the lineup. If anyone has some stats on this, I’d be interested to see them. I know he has some off-the-court issues, but if LBJ bolts and Cleveland blows that thing up, I’d love him on the Wolves. Seems like the kind of guy that Rubio could rack up assists playing with.
Congrats on child number 3.
Dave Berri's Wp48 rates Delonte pretty well
He has a .0163 last year (average is 0.100) close to a tie with Varejao for 2nd most productive on the team. I’ll let you guess who number 1 was.
No props for Jawai tonight?
I agree on the starting lineup. When Flynn gets moved to the bench, it’s almost 100% necessary to move Corey there too. Plus I think Ellington’s game would benefit more when surrounded by guys who demand attention than Corey’s. Corey will obviously be more efficient with a better supporting cast, but he will get his breakaways and his crazy layups and dunks either way. Just slightly fewer probably. Then again, it might be better for his development to make him option 2 for a lot of his time out there.
Jawai showed some offense
He made some moves that were positively Al-like. I did a double-take when I saw who it was.
I think I know the two plays you were talking about
and I did the exact same thing. Think he has been working with Al and the coaching staff lately? I do.
Can't wait for the announcers
to start asking if they want fries with that shake when he “Big Als” them.
supersized, of course
We all know that art is not the truth, art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.--Picasso
Congrats on #3
Rumblebees decided the hive was big enough with two.
As to Carmelo, if the refs don’t blow the whistle, it ain’t a foul!
Regarding the names…
I kind of like Lincoln (Link for short….the North Stars had an enforcer named Link Gaetz).
Phalen could be neat, but being a St. Paul Eastsider, the person the lake is named after is a bit notorious (might want to look this up if you ever plan on living in the cities).
Jean Pierre is kinda cool. Kid can change names over time and JP is an awesome nickname!
Congratulations SnP
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Oh, hes in the laegue two and Jayson Thomson and that Boggins dude on Milwokee, and Occur for the Jizz. Its a talented laegue.--Kfan in Korea
As a Packer fan and a Wolves fan...
I really have had a problem with refs these last 2 days and not calling offensive penalties
I say you name the kid Rasho… after the famous musician Sargon Rasho, of course
Hey, I'm one of those too!
I’m mostly at peace with the loss. The Packers had to catch so many breaks just (2-2 on 4th downs conversions, Jennings’s ridiculous TD catch, successful onside kick, and Rackers missing a gimme FG to win in regulation, winning what appeared to be a game-deciding OT coin toss) that it really felt like they were playing with house money toward the end. That said, the refs were definitely not counted among the list of things that broke the Packers’ way. Two of the hits on Rodgers in OT might have gotten a flag thrown had his jersey read ‘Brady.’
Rasho’s a good suggestion. Middle name Stojko. Rasho Stojko Stop-n-Pop. :D
And all of it wouldn't have mattered.....
…had Rodgers been able to make the easiest completion of the game on the 1st play in overtime. ;)
I don’t watch enough of the NFL to know, but do they “let em play” in the playoffs and in overtime like in the NBA?
Forever splitting the Cheechakos from the Sourdoughs
www.canishoopus.com
No, the NFL doesn't have biased officiating. A penalty is a penalty is a penalty.
Except in instances involving Tom Brady.
"Biased" isn't quite synonymous with "incompetent amateur," then?
Good to know.
"It has come to the editor’s attention that the Herald-Leader neglected to cover the civil rights movement. We regret the omission."
I've had nightmares
about that missed pass. I’m not gonna hate on a guy that was running for his life most of the game, threw for 400+ yards, 4tds, and lead a 21pt 2nd half comeback with no help from the defense…
down 21 in the 2nd half and no defense… Maybe Rodgers should take Pecherov’s spot on the roster and we could win a couple more games
Yeah right, like Minnesota is gonna bring in...
a guy from Green Bay to be the missing link in our offense! Psht.
Favre did the same thing
in the Super Bowl he lost to Denver. Had a receiver (can’t remember who) wide open on a crossing route and missed the throw badly. It was an eerily similar situation. If Favre makes the throw, he probably scores the tying TD.
This is a great blog
That picture you have of nene cracked me up – I’m a nuggets fan and I’ve seen it before on numerous occasions on Nuggets ands, promos and stuff. You have great analysis here. I also want to give a shout out to both the T-wolves fans and team -both are class act, and I haven’t seen a team with better character as likable human beings since the timberwolves, as far as I can think.
oh, and I definitely agree with you about the Jefferson/Love being pulled at the same time. I think “the big piranha”, as you call him, is underappreciated as a rebounder and defensive presence in the post. He is a better rebounder than Nene, even though he shouldn’t be. Nene just does a poor job of locating his man to box out.
by Missing Lynx on Jan 12, 2010 1:02 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks a ton
And yeah, Love really does defy all sorts of physical characteristics to dominate the boards like he does. We don’t mind though ;-)
Let's focus on what is most important here:
- Phalen is an interesting and excellent name, but Faye is not, so best not to risk this…it’s just so…fey
- Lincoln, great name, though a bit of a heavy expectation to carry, i think it’s too much
- Jonny, like the spelling, nice to have the family touch
- James, eh, so common
- Holland, very solid name and a great country, my fave so far
- Nate Jr. – good name
- Emile, i like this alot, but then i’m an artist. based on your musical predilections i think you are too – thus a great name and he will do well with the ladies.
- Jean Pierre, not as crazy about this as Emile, but a reasonable selection
- Shawnee – looooove the tradition and carrying this forward, but as a name…hmm…and it will get shortened to shawn, unfortunately. a little too soft i think as a sound.
Best of luck, it’s only the most important first decision you will make for your child and a sound they will hear tens of thousands of times in their life. It is the first word they will respond to and the last word they will forget. No pressure.
Agree with most all of these takes
I’m suddenly a huge fan of Holland as a name. I think my initial fear that instead of Holly folks might start using The Netherlands is probably unfounded. But to be sure, you don’t want that outcome. I’d stick with Holland.
And Shawnee. Part of it is connecting it to my first college crush, Shawnesee, but you’re obviously French (and Shawnee) so no need to go Irish. Shawnee is solid, unique and charming.
From first hand experience, I recommend against naming sons after fathers, which I guess rules out Nate jr. But the nod to Grandpa Jonny is a nice touch. I prefer some of the more distinctive names, however.
And yes, Emile est beaucoup mieux que Jean Pierre.
At any rate, huge congratulations on #3. And thanks for all the work on this site to date. It is much appreciated.
Jawai is good for us
He can score on almost anybody, I liked when he bulldozed Nene in the paint. I think we should keep him.
Jawai is a beast
Why is he not getting more burn? He literally scores at will in the post and is improving faster than any player I have seen in awhile in a wolves uniform.
by TheMorningAfter on Jan 12, 2010 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
Need to keep an eye on him
For a guy with zero NCAA D1 or Euro experience, it’s pretty impressive to see how nice of a feel he has for the game. I really think he has a fair amount of upside. Hopefully he keeps getting minutes and we hang onto him. I could see him being part of the long-term solution at Center.
I’m a lot more pessimistic with Ryan Hollins. This guy has been in the league for a few years and before that was at UCLA, yet he still seems totally bereft of certain basketball instincts. I love his physical profile, but it doesn’t do any good if he has no sense of timing or how to position himself. If he hasn’t learned how to catch, time his jumps, hold his position, etc. by now, he never will.
by Rascal Flatts on Jan 12, 2010 11:51 AM CST up reply actions
Vive la France!
Emile! Jean Pierre! To the barricades!
by Eric in Madison on Jan 12, 2010 8:17 AM CST reply actions
I like you list of names
One thing to consider – will Phalen end up reminding you of a certain VP candidate that recently released a book?
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
Agreed on the new lineup
At one point last night I looked at the box score. We had 50 points, 48 were the starters and 2 from our bench (Gomes), it’s really sad how bad our second unit is right now. I’d rather see Sessions/Ellington running the triangle with the first unit and Flynn/Brewer just running like crazy on the second unit.
Where are you finding
Two man statistics? 82 games has five man units, but I can’t find anything that’s just the PF/C combinations.
My girlfriend is a nanny and expert in all things child related, especially names (as she’s been planning for her kids since she popped out of her mom), and her most recent complain has been that there apparently a billion Lincolns out there. Her daily routine includes taking kids to pretty much every activity you could think of where she gets a pretty good sampling of current baby names, so she’s pretty hip on current trends.
It’s a great name, but take it for what it’s worth that it’s definitely not going to be unique.
And yeah, the reffing last night was absurd. Nothing like listening to JPete stroke his Melo boner while watching a replay where Melo literally fouls Corey 3 times on a drive to the hoop with one being a blatant nut shot. And that mugging Jonny took from Martin was just absurd. I really don’t know what we’re supposed to do when games are called like that, but I guess I’d start by saying don’t play crappy ball. You can’t fight bad reffing with poor play. This was definitely one of those games I shut off before it was over out of disgust.
When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story.
Just had to let you know, I think your tagline is legen..
wait for it, I hope your not lactose intolerant because this next part is gonna be dery!
Two things in general:
1) The “last name as first name” thing is going to be getting old any second; and
2) Women who’ve been planning on their kids since well before they met their significant other? Scare me just a liiiittle bit less than women who’ve been planning their wedding ceremonies since they were seven.
"It has come to the editor’s attention that the Herald-Leader neglected to cover the civil rights movement. We regret the omission."
This chart
confirms that Lincoln is soaring in popularity, but that another once-prevalent name isn’t quite as common any more (not that there’s anything wrong with it). And for some reason this name started to dwindle in the late 30s and early 40s, although I’m not sure why.
You do realize that Pierre means Stone, no?
I’m contemplating some French names to honor our upcoming baby that was conceived in Paris on the honeymoon. (No, we are not considering Paris as a name.)
I’m skittish on the Pierre front because it makes me think of Stone Phillips. “Good evening. I’m Stone Phillips.” [clears throat heavily]
I tried to talk the (now ex) wife into
Robespierre, but couldn’t get that done. Another option is Danton, a somewhat more subtle nod to la revolution.
by Eric in Madison on Jan 12, 2010 8:10 PM CST up reply actions
Rather inauspicious names
given these figures ultimate lots. But since that is the case, how about Marat?
We all know that art is not the truth, art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.--Picasso
He actually pronounces his own name
“Shtone Phillipsh” (try saying it yourself, and see also “Hanshen, Chrish”
First of all, congrats to you as well
and speaking as a young adult, I know for sure I would want my name to have absolutely nothing to do with anything to do with something that has to do with where/when/how/why/withwhom I was conceived. Yuck.
That said, I just hope you don’t name your kid John…
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