Grades: Wolves vs. Pacers - The game that shall not be named.
by gastrovan on Feb 1, 2012 11:25 PM CST
Email
PrintSo, I don't want to do grades for this game. I mean I really DO NOT want to do grades for this game. As a former resident of the state of Indiana I was all ready to do an entire Hoosier's related post. Instead, it was like watching Ricky Rubio get knocked into a trophy case for two and-a-half hours while Mrs. Gastrovan yelled "please let this game end before somebody gets hurt". All I can say is "my team is on the floor".
Now, on to the grades
Kevin Love: A- | 21pts| 17 reb | 2 ASST| 2 TO| +1
Love's shot wasn't falling and this might be one of the quietest 21/17 we'll see from any player all year. However, he worked his tail off all night and it's a pity more of his teammates didn't follow suit. He didn't give up and for about 3 1/2 quarters did a pretty good "psycho-T" impression by throwing his body into much larger players while getting pummeled from all sides.
Ricky Rubio: B- |10pts| 4 reb | 6 Asst | 1 TO | - 5
Ricky wasn't horrible but he didn't do much to affect the game. Not sure I can blame him. He seemed to have quite a bit of trouble working his way around the length the Pacers threw at him and got absolutely punished by Roy Hibbert picks on every possession.
Speaking of Roy Hibbert... anyone interested in giving him a bunch of money in free agency? I think the answer is yes.
Darko!: C | 4 pts| 3 reb | 0 Asst | 1 stl | 1 blk | 2 TO | -15
I actually felt like Darko did a better job than his line shows. Yes, on the offensive end he was pretty dreadful but he huffed, puffed, and gasped his way to a decent defensive job on Roy Hibbert. At least for a while.
Also, have we talked about giving money to Roy Hibbert yet?
Wes: Eh
I don't really care enough about what Wes did or did not do tonight to give him a grade. Seriously, this game was such a drag that some of these guys aren't going to get letter grades. Wes is one of them.
Luke: B |16 pts| 2 reb | 4 asst | 2 TO | -8
Luke wasn't great on the defensive end tonight but there were stretches (before we were pummeled into submission) where his scoring kept things close. Also, his floaters are a thing of beauty.
JJ: C- :) | 7 pts | 2 reb | 3 asst | 2 TO | -8
JJ was lost out there. His lay-ups wouldn't go in and on defense there were times where he looked around only to realize that he was guarding air. But, he gets a smiley face because it was good to have him back.
When the game began and I was planning my "Hoosiers" fantasy I was hoping that JJ would ice the game for us with a few granny free throws. It didn't happen.
Pek: D | 13 pts | 12 reb | 2 TO | + 2
A 'D' you ask? True, Pek had one of the best games for our squad but Danny Granger walked out of Target Center under his own power. This should not have happened.
I'm worried. I'm worried that we've all built up the brute strength of Pek but all we're getting is a teddy bear who accidently commits acts of brutal violence ala Lenny from "Of Mice and Men" when what we need is a "Mountain that Rides" (if you don't get the Game of Thrones reference please go read the books right now). I was eagerly awaiting Granger's demise as soon as he asked Love if he "wanted to dance" but it didn't happen. This was the turning point of the game. You can't convince me otherwise.
Beasley: C- | 11 pts | 1 reb | 0 asst | 0 stl | 2 TO | +1
For most of the game it seemed like "Bad Beasley" decided to play. Though he finished with a positive +/- Be-Easy often settled for the long-jumper, didn't pass, and didn't rebound. However, he did have Love's back during the aforementioned Granger incident and he hit all of his free throws.
Okay, so this was my first stab at grades and I know I've left off Martell, Wayne, and D-Will but it's getting late and they really didn't do much to contribute in any way to this crappy, crappy game. One thing that became obvious from this tilt was that our pups need to get a lot more physical. It seemed like it was Love thrashing about alone among three guys on the opposing team for much of the game. It'd be nice if others joined him.
135 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
yes to hibbert
Am I first? That’s a first.
Wolves 2011-12: Crossing the Rubikahn....alea iacta est...... " et tu Ricky?"
by Tangerine dream on Feb 1, 2012 11:33 PM CST reply actions
Great job on the post!
Sounds like a pretty fair assessment of the game. I think it shows just how far we have yet to travel – we’re not going very far with Luke Ridnour as our best bet at the 2/3 position (Luke is a solid player, but ya know…). Wes? Is “craptastic” too strong a word to sum up his career so far??? Again, this game is a great example of how badly Kahn (and Taylor, as well) has botched the draft and free agency game. I have to give credit to Indiana and their brain trust – this is a team that has real potential (especially in this crazy season).
I’m worried that we’ve all built up the brute strength of Pek but all we’re getting is a teddy bear who accidently commits acts of brutal violence ala Lenny from “Of Mice and Men” when what we need is a “Mountain that Rides”
This is fantastic! Again, great job with the post!
"Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously."
— Hunter S. Thompson
Agree on Indiana
They are a team that is absolutely built for the playoffs. I feel like so many teams are going to go into the post season banged up that a team full of bruisers like the Pacers could just plain destroy.
gastrovan.. thanks for taking the report card for this brutal game.
I almost feel like I owe you an apology. I have to say you were much more lenient than I would have been because I probably would have failed nearly everybody with how angry their poor play made me during the contest. JJ gets a bit of a break from me, but Darko, Wes, Beas (defensively in particular), etc., were awful. I’m just glad Ricky and Kevin didn’t get hurt during this game.
I have been one of Beasley's most staunch supporters
and will remain so for awhile. However, whereas the Canis community seems to be more concerned with his offensive decision making, my biggest concern has always been his defensive play. I don’t care if he gets it on the offensive end, if he doesn’t start playing subpar to average defense he cannot be retained. His defensive play today, as it has been in all 4 games since his return, was atrocious. He does nothing on defense and often times is guarding nobody. This cannot continue. Here’s to hoping RA can help with this.
He did a particularly poor job of
chasing Granger through screens. I’ve always felt that Beas is an adequate onball defender. It’s when his man doesn’t have the ball, that he gets torched.
by Jerwol on Feb 2, 2012 8:54 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Your perception fits with his numbers last season...
His synergy stats for isolation defense were exceptional last year, but he gave up a ton of ppp on spot-up situations.
What I would do
To be yours or SnPs intern and see how you guys analyze all of these stats
It really is astounding thanks
by WolvesBigTicket on Feb 2, 2012 1:20 PM CST up reply actions
Only if you agree to be unpaid,
empty all the wastebaskets in the Canis Hoopus building nightly, and put in at least 40 to 55 hours a week. In other words, all the usual unpaid intern stuff.
Yo ho ho and a FirstRow stream!
The unpaid intern game is a racket
I actually had to work for money in my summer vacations while I was in school, which put me behind the game once I started looking for career jobs. It sucks.
+100
Beas seems to have internalized the Rambis notion that there is no point sticking with a guy at the 3 point line when you can double down on a potent offensive threat like Luke Admunson.
guys.. this is the updated report card list. Please let me know if you want to take a stab at doing one.
2/3 NJ – already taken by Michael Boosalis
2/4 Houston – already taken by Jones the Cat
2/7 Sacramento – already taken by Google..
2/8 Memphis – already taken by Matt Leisen
2/10 Dallas – already taken by Darth Paxton
2/11 New York – already taken by MAYNHOLUP
2/13 Orlando – already taken by Malastare
2/15 Charlotte – already taken by ol’ weird harold
2/17 Houston – already taken by Michael Boosalis II
2/19 Philadelphia
2/20 Denver
2/22 Utah
2/28 LA Clippers
2/29 LA Lakers
3/1 Phoenix
3/3 Portland
3/5 LA Clippers
3/7 Portland
3/9 LA Lakers
MAYNHOLUP is doing a report card?!
Oh, yes! Get your reading glasses polished up, J. Pete!
by I.M. Fletcher on Feb 2, 2012 12:49 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
I'll take Philly
If I'm pissing you off its probably sarcasm
by CoffeeJanitor on Feb 2, 2012 1:43 AM CST up reply actions
whoops, that was meant for bsg007
If I'm pissing you off its probably sarcasm
by CoffeeJanitor on Feb 2, 2012 1:44 AM CST up reply actions
dat game wrap iz gon' be an event yall.
juss wait
MAYN HOL UP!
by MAYNHOLUP on Feb 2, 2012 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Beasley just pisses me off
After his 2 good games, he goes back to the selfish guy who just throws up junk after junk, drive to the hoop damnit, im sick of him, he plays good once in awhile, but most of his games are like this
by RaysOfHope on Feb 1, 2012 11:54 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Pek gets a D?
When he’s the third leading scorer and second leading rebounder? Blargh! He was one of the bright spots. You could see him coming into the picture as the refs broke up the scrum. He couldn’t do anything without being really stupid, and then he’d have gone from “The Mountain that Rides” to Hodor.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 1, 2012 11:56 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I'm really interested in your take on the Game of Thrones
Really, really. I thought you’d have reservations.
I was pestered to read Martin for a decade before I broke down.
And I hadn’t read fantasy for several years, other than Terry Pratchett, who I think transcends fantasy. Martin’s books were as good as advertised. I was surprised. The story moves slowly at times, but most of a fantasy writer’s job is world-building, and Martin does that well.
Now I want to watch the HBO series.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 2:12 AM CST up reply actions
Okay
That story sounds fitting. Since I come from such a backwater country (sadly true a bit), I got to read the books because of the HBO series. I have to say the series are very nice, especially the scenes around the wall are really great, they have a truly chilly atmosphere. I was really interested in how Martin could create that atmosphere in writing.
Some of the schemes are dumbed down a bit (or made more obvious) though and there are some additions too to make the plot easier to follow. The biggest plus for me was that I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better casting for a tv series. The child actors are great. Usually child actors make me cringe, but not this time.
Anyway, I can totally understand why you were reluctant. I wasn’t even sure I wanted to watch the HBO series because the last time dragons were cool was when I was 15. It’s sad actually. I’m still silly, but I am restricted in my silliness. And somehow dragons now irritate me. Especially because I envy people who are awed by them still.
Until now, I'd kinda assumed that Pratchett's work wouldn't have travelled to the states.
Not sure why, maybe it just seems really English.
Live And Stupid From England
by JonesTheCat on Feb 2, 2012 7:44 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I don't mind really English.
Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, BlackAdder, The Young Ones—that’s how I spent my teenage television viewing. That said, I don’t think Pratchett is overwhelmingly English. I know dozens of people here who love him.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think Pratchett's sense of humor hits big in the US
but it sure hits big with select groups. I reread Mort every couple years because DEATH is just so funny.
The Rubio with his passing, I say nothing because it's crazy! As we enjoy!
As an avid fantasy reader
Martins quality of writing, his foreshadowing and scene setting is truly unique. There are plenty of writers (Jordon) who write with tons of detail, but it doesn’t mean much. There are plenty of writers who create an exciting plot, there are even plenty of writers (Abercrombie) who write interesting characters in shades of gray but only Martin (and Gene Wolfe in among older writers) can really give you the complete package.
I really like Martin's approach to plot forming
One of my acquaintances said that Martin does whatever he wants to. I couldn’t disagree more. I think Martin does what is logical in his world. Whatever the characters do, you can see it coming if you think about it. I really love this. It’s a rare trait in a writer and it certainly helps the darkish atmosphere.
Humankind (at least the western culture) really needs this kind of literature because we are so dependent on catharsis,moral justice and that kind of stuff. It certainly makes life both harder and easier but being dependent on it is generally negative, I think.
I didn't read for almost two decades
(unless you count reading 200 blogs and eight newspapers a day as reading), but after getting a Kindle last year I went nuts, reading 90 books on it including Martin’s entire Ice & Fire series (perfect timing, the last book came out just as I was finishing the series). It’s damned good and refreshingly adult like a fantasy version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
I know people who know Martin, including a woman in Chicago who takes credit for there being dragons in the series. Martin is very well regarded but mostly his older fans are gobsmacked by all the money he’s making now that they’re doing the HBO series.
It’s sick, really. You can be the greatest author on earth, but until they do a movie from one of your books you’ll never get stinking rich. My fear is that Martin’s so rich now that the series will never get finished. They’ll find him dead in New Mexico, passed out face first in a bowl of caviar.
Yo ho ho and a FirstRow stream!
One of the really cool things about Steven Erikson
is that in the late 1990s he plotted out a ten-book series, and it’s already done. Plus a couple of associated side-project novels. The books are huge, most over 1000 pages, andsomehow he’s written this whole thing in a decade. No waiting like for Martin and Jordan and Glen Cook.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
I loved those books
If you’re looking for ‘adult fantasy’ Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen is near the top of the list with Zelazny, Abercrombie (First Law), Gene Wolfe (Book of the New Sun) and maybe Glen Cook (The Black Company which heavily inspired Erikson) filling out my list.
heh just realized you mentioned Cook already. I guess I’m not really adding much to this but his torrential writing pace is quite impressive.
I downloaded those on your say so
but can’t seem to get into the first book (I think I’m still fantasied out from reading The Wheel of Time and Ice & Iron series back to back). But I love reading books when the sequels have already been written.
I think I’m going to take a stab at Robert Crais’ Elvis Mitchell books next.
Yo ho ho and a FirstRow stream!
I'd encourage you to find pictures of his wedding.
I don’t think there’s any worry about him not trying to finish it. It’s one of the reasons I’m glad there’s the tv show. It encourages him to work faster. The show can’t overtake him.
Timberwolves as GoT characters
Ricky Rubio = Jon Stark
Kevin Love = Robb Stark
Micheal Beasley = Renly
Darko = HODOR!
Pek = Victarion Greyjoy
Ridnour = Knight
JJ = Tyrion
DWill = Loras Tyrell
Wes = Old Nan
Adelman = Davos
You're being mean
to JJ (even if Tyrion proves to be a loveable likeable not totally detestable villain).
What about Kahn? I’m thinking Petyr Baelish, with Eddard Stark as Kevin McHale.
I also disagree with Beasley, who should be cast as Jaime Lannister (I hope).
Yo ho ho and a FirstRow stream!
It’s more a reflection of JJ/Tyrion’s intelligence and passion I felt.
I WAS thinking Jaime for Beasley but then got taken away with the idea of Renly as a character with much promise but so far little to show for it (as of 1st book/season).
Kahn definitely is Baelish/Littlefinger and Kevin is perfect as Eddard.
So, what about the bad guys?
I'm more curious what you think is going on between DWill and Beasley
since you’re effectively casting them as a gay couple.
You mean Pratchett?
I can’t say I really have a favorite, but Small Gods is the one I recommend to everyone as a starting point.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 4:09 PM CST up reply actions
Have you read Good Omens
by Pratchett and Gaiman? A rather brilliant book IMO, not terribly serious but a very fun read.
That book
was my introduction to Neil Gaiman. Really funny, and I hear they’ve been trying to get it made as a movie (It’s listed on IMDB as “in development.”)
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 3, 2012 7:40 AM CST up reply actions
excellent
Gaiman has lots of excellent books but I have some trouble keeping him and Simon R. Greene separate in my mind. I wish he would write more adult books and fewer young adult & kids books however.
As horrible as this game was
the twolves beat themselves. Yes, Indy was physical, but minny was in this for a long, long time. Twolves need to slow down sometimes and not be in constant motion. It would be nice to see the players have more poise and be more strong with the ball. If twolves shot a little bit better and didnt miss as many free throws as they did, twolves still would have been in the game despite seemingly being manhandled the entire game. That said, I think this team just had too many unfamiliar pieces, and will not have this terrible of a game for a while.
3-point shooting
47% them; 18% Wolves. Wolves lost 12 points beyond the arc.
They shot poorly overall, but the Wolves had more chances with 6 in offensive rebounds. They were virtually even at the stripe (2 for the Wolves). Wolves did have 4 more turnovers.
I think they’re up and down because you never know how they’ll do in turnovers and 3-point shooting. TO’s are a given. I think they need to hit 3’s because they just don’t have any finishers outside of maybe Pek. They’ll usually win the FTA and rebound battle. So, days when they’re giving the ball away (-4 tonight) or when they’re cold beyond the arc, they’re just not dynamic enough yet on offense to get away with it.
As it is now, this team definitely lives/dies by the 3. Not sure if that’s a good thing.
If I'm pissing you off its probably sarcasm
by CoffeeJanitor on Feb 2, 2012 1:45 AM CST up reply actions
We are streaky with the 3, and that's the problem
Sometimes we rain hell on opponents, sometimes we miss every opportunity. We could’ve beaten them with just a normal (33%) 3p shooting night I think. The whole dynamic of the game changes when you make your 3’s over 30%.
We're also second guessing ourselves when we play at home
I’m really glad Section 121 has stopped chanting Rubio’s name when he tries to make free throws….
Yo ho ho and a FirstRow stream!
New rule
I am calling FOUL! on anyone who decides that a 1-3 game period defines the new reality. Wayne Ellington is not a rotational player, Beasley has not “gotten it,” and the Wolves are not playoff-worthy. From what I can tell, the reality is the Wolves have two of the best young players to build around in the NBA. And they may have an okay center, perhaps one who is better as a backup. And the coach is really good. There is some hope for some players, and there are some questions on others, but until certain players do the right things really well most every game, their one hot game or three games playing well do not define them as the answer!!!!
Okay, I feel better now.
You can't...dust...for vomit.
by twinstalker on Feb 2, 2012 12:00 AM CST reply actions 6 recs
Agreed
Some people get upset when SnP says things like “Great outlier game by Beasley/Ellington” and “Wish they wouldn’t regress back to the mean, but their 5000 minutes already in the NBA (or whatever) strongly indicates they will.” It is not fun medicine to swallow after a fun game. But neither is riding the highs and lows of guys like that.
Please Kahn. Turn our one really valuable “non-core” guy + some of these “best case scenario” guys for a wing who will bring it every night and make a few shots.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Feb 2, 2012 12:12 AM CST up reply actions
well
tihs is actually the first time twolves got manhandled. And ellington didnt even play in this game. If anything this game is the aberration because there are so many new and unfamiliar players playing together.
I’m not going to say twolves have the best talent in the league or anything like that, but twolves have went through so many changes that it takes time to get better as a team. Thinking that bringing in a player by trade isnt going to miraculously turn this team around, and the best option as a franchise is to give the team a chance to develop chemistry.
You may be right
Just wait to say it, please, after we’re sure. Like a reasonable statement after someone’s shown over at least 10 games who he is, instead of a coronation after two. My including Ellington has nothing to do with tonight. Okay, I’m done again. This is more a nagging pet peeve that boiled over tonight.
You can't...dust...for vomit.
Totally agree, but this works the other way too
Seems like it’s common to swing so dramatically from We’re Awesome to I’m Worried We Might Suck Again. No, we are not going to suck again. The improvement from last year is significant and real. But, like you say, that doesn’t mean we’re going to be contenders this year or anything. It doesn’t mean the roster is “set,” and we just have to let guys develop.
We have two awesome young players, and that’s really exciting. Bad games shouldn’t take away from that excitement. But at the same time, we still have less talent than the good NBA teams do.
by LoveTo on Feb 2, 2012 12:22 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
Except that Pek still has the chance to be a very good center.
If I'm pissing you off its probably sarcasm
by CoffeeJanitor on Feb 2, 2012 1:45 AM CST up reply actions
Just remember
Kahn is happy with our wings but we might be looking for a center. Prepare yourself for Chris Kaman in a Wolves uni.
" the Wolves are not playoff-worthy"
What exactly do you mean by ‘worthy’? They definitely have a shot at making the playoffs, so if worthy == making, then yes, they may in fact be. If ‘worthy’ means legitimate threat to the top teams in the West, then no, they definitely are not worthy.
by domesticllama on Feb 2, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
Combination of problems for the Wolves in that game IMO
1) JJ’s rustiness was understandable but wasted a bunch of possessions
2) Darko continues to struggle passing and catching the ball.
3) Wes continues to struggle with just about everything on offense
4) As mentioned, Beasley referred to selfish bad shot Beasley
5) The entire team played poorly offensively, missing bunnies and having sticky fingers
6) Defensively the team did not seem to assert itself, especially in the 2nd half.
For the next game:
1) Pek starts and gets as many C minutes as the fouls will allow
2) Webster starts and Luke goes back to being a backup PG. He has battled valiantly, but with a full roster I don’t see the need for a 6’ SG with iffy speed.
I have a feeling the Wolves will actually struggle a bit with the newly healthy roster. Too many guys getting a small amount of burn and not really getting into a groove.
Sure wish we had a single wing who could do positive things two games in a row.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
I really am dying inside waiting for them to make a trade for a real 2 guard
This team could be so good with a decent 2 guard who can shoot and play good D
by RaysOfHope on Feb 2, 2012 12:10 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I feel ya...
But I go to the Trade Machine fairly often and I just don’t see a 2 that is available in any sense.
Looking at this list, http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics/_/position/sg, imo you’re down to JJ Redick as one player who would fit with what we need. However, I simply don’t think Kahn is going to put a $6,000,000 salary on this roster at this point- he’d rather wait for the offseason and remain flexible.
After JJ, it’s down to Rudy or OJ has players that would prolly help but they are on playoff teams and are only being dealt if it gives their teams that one specific piece they need to advance and such. Wolves don’t have players like that.
It stinks, but the SG that we will go forward with prolly doesn’t arrive until summertime.
side note: when does Kahn go to RA and say “Look, Beas is quite probably not going to be with us beyond this year. We need to find out if Derrick is our 3 or not. How about you play him and we find out, come what may?” If Beas actually plays well, I think he receives an offer that the Wolves won’t be much inclined to match. If he plays poorly, well, he just makes the decision to part ways all the easier.
I too am a lone wolfpack.
by OR-7 on Feb 2, 2012 2:26 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
There are no 2G’s avail. This position.
by fanslaststand on Feb 2, 2012 7:04 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Brandon Rush
is one of the only SG’s out there that will fill a need and I believe is gettable without giving up a lot. With Monta Ellis and Klay Thompson, they can probably part with him cheap. Not sure about his defense, but he is filling it up from 3—over 50% so far. I feel confident that Rubio can get him at least as many open shots as Golden State’s guards.
by Imyourhuckleberry on Feb 2, 2012 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think his eFG% (3pt shooting) is sustainable
but the guy has gotten better every year and has always been a great 3 point shooter. If nothing it would be like getting our own version of Morrow. I think he’s a good target for immediate improvements to this team.
Yeah, his 60% from 3 won't last
but he WAS very obtainable this off-season. GS got his for the serviceable Admunson. I think we could have matched that offer with our glut of bigs. If only there was some way one could have known before the season started that there would be a need at SG.
The lost opportunity costs of this overly optimistic route of roster evaluation, this endless patience for development miracles, are very heavy indeed.
Morrow himself is likely available
NJ tried to swap him for Mayo.
NJ supposedly wants an expiring contract in return to get more cap space.
definitely agree
It is going to take time for this team to develop and grow together. That said, having rubio and love will help speed the process up. Patience is the key word.
I would tweak that a bit
Let Ridnour play the 2, move Webster to the 3. Right now Adelman has to choose between Wes (I offer some defense but am a net negative on offense) and Beasley (no defense, but I have offensive potential if I pull my head out of my ass) at the 3. Webster gives us hustle, some cuts and 3 point shooting and allows us to get another one of our mediocre contributors (Luke) on the floor instead of a negative (our SFs).
Darko is so frustrating to watch. That jump hook is abysmal and he doesn’t pass well. Ellington is a streaky shooter but has at least minimized the TOs this year.
start:
RR/Ridnour/Webster/Love/Pek and ride them as long as you can. Let Barea backup the PG, Ellington the 2, Tolliver or Beas the 3, Williams the 4 and Miller the 5. Let the inconsistent guys ride as much pine as possible and play our best players as much as possible*.
*Right now I’m stretching to include Webster here because historically he’s a .7wp48 (also .7ws48) guy but his production hasn’t been to that levl post-injury yet.
Mad Love
"They take those pills and they’ve got all that toughness," Love said with his tongue planted in his cheek. "I don’t know where that comes from. They all think they’re tough guys. I just don’t know where that comes from. That just blows my mind. They’re all tough. And it makes me laugh."
Love wasn’t laughing for much of the game. He made 6 of 16 shots and was 0 for 3 on 3-pointers and also tangled with Tyler Hansbrough under the basket several times.
"I knew that none of them were going to do anything," Love said. "Just play ball. It’s part of the game. Hard foul. Everybody’s getting fouled out there. They’re silly."
I think these Pacers have a knack for getting under opponents’ skin. Derrick Rose and Ronnie Brewer had some choice words after they played them, too.
Yeah, seems like every time we play them they scrap us to death
If I'm pissing you off its probably sarcasm
by CoffeeJanitor on Feb 2, 2012 1:48 AM CST up reply actions
Regarding Pekovic
At what point does the sample size become large enough to start feeling good about this guy longer term?
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
I think you can start now
That will be $200. Be careful about asking a statistician a question like that.
You can't...dust...for vomit.
Pek, at least,
was the third guy I was referring to! Even though it’s only been 8-10 games, what he’s showing is what he’s always been. I don’t think him hustling or getting position or the other things you think of are things that are going to go away. Unlike a shot, or a better guy guarding him, etc.
You can't...dust...for vomit.
I like Pek too
but I think he’s starting to show something he hasn’t before. He is showing some hops, yes, he is jumping. He has also shown a one handed rebound technique used to great success by Love; where he lets the off arm get tangled with the other team’s defender. Watch him learn to throw the ball back up quickly to get the shooting foul. I think he is going to be a center who does everything but block shots.
As long as he is nimble enough to cut off driving lanes
that is ok with me. He’s a beast on the offensive end so not giving up easy baskets on D makes for a 2 way player.
I've been feeling good about him for a year and a half!
Longer term? Yes, please!
(I might not be the best source, here.)
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
+1
Its not like his game has changed a ton over the past year, he’s just gotten used to fouls, travels, 3 seconds etc in the NBA
If I'm pissing you off its probably sarcasm
by CoffeeJanitor on Feb 2, 2012 1:49 AM CST up reply actions
I'm 90% sure now that the two CJs are the same person.
%
Live And Stupid From England
by JonesTheCat on Feb 2, 2012 7:49 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Keep meaning to ask you
Mod or rocker? Or has the UK culturally moved on?
Yo ho ho and a FirstRow stream!
Neither, as far as I know the culture doesn't exist any more.
Although mod type fashion has kind of come back again, I think.
Live And Stupid From England
the difference in Pek
is that he’s no longer McHale’s guy under Kahn/Rambis. I love Rick Adelman.
He’s adjusting as one would expect to the NBA game – surprisingly fast in my opinion, given how little court time (and quality coaching) he got under Rambis.
I'd say we are pretty close to safe feeling good about this guy longer term.
I’m not saying the TS% doesn’t drop, but his years in Europe gave us a pretty good idea what he is. Last year he couldn’t stay on the court. Now we are getting a look at what he can do when averaging less than 7 PF per 36. He’ll still foul too much, turn the ball over too much, score at a good clip, make his free throws, get some defensive rebounds and get a lot of offensive rebound.
600 N First Ave "like a Pirate's cove".
The genius offensive rebounding
is the only thing surprising me. He has to be the best per-minute offensive rebounder in the league right now. His numbers are insane! The scoring I could see coming. The defense, I could reasonably hope for. The offensive rebounding? No way did I see that coming.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 12:44 AM CST up reply actions
We need more Pek!
Pek should start. His game is pretty consistent and I like him at the start of games. Less concern about which Darko shows up if we just start Pek. Darko can play with Ridnour and Beasley on the 2nd unit, assuming we can get Ridnour off of the starting unit as well. He cannot D a starting 2 guard.
by Imyourhuckleberry on Feb 2, 2012 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
He's a bargain right now
And I disagree with the Hibbert take because of him. They need to invest on the wing.
To clarify
They need another center (if only to take Darko’s minutes), but I think Hibbert’s going to cost a lllloooot of money.
Hibbert is quality.
He scored whenever he wanted last night, no matter who was guarding him. And he can pass! Damn.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 1:27 AM CST up reply actions
He's a scaled to center version of Craig Smith.
Good and bad.
by Ray Williams? on Feb 2, 2012 8:35 AM CST up reply actions
I'm there
this is how he played in Europe. Not to mention Darko is still doing all the things I hate with his hook shot and turnovers and Pek’s defense isn’t as bad as advertised (similar to Love’s). Give Pek as many minutes as he can handle please.
Looks like this will have to serve as a game wrap as well.
(This is such a weird day.) I wonder if SnP and TimAllen went looking for PoorDick and they all wound up in the Land of the Lost!!
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
Pekovic is playing either Alice or Grumpy.
Ricky Rubio is "Chaka (sp?). " The beard.
I will be appearing briefly as Enoch, the good Sleestak.
"First, I'd like to blame the Lord for causing us to lose today."
Just my 2 cents:
-I actually like Pek. He is still adapting and has to learn some things, but does his stuff consistently enough. If Adelamn could be somewhat convinced to switch his playing time with Darko´s, I would be satisfied with the C position. If we could get a better C and get rid of Darko… That would be awesome.
-About Beas, I still have faith. Maybe being the 6th man is the perfect place for him, only problem is that we lack 3 good starters. Just hope he improves. On the other hand, Wes is absolutely lost to me.
-What worries me the most: Now that Barea is back, it looks like Adelman has decided that we need to play 2 of our 3 PG all the time. What really happens is that either Barea or Ridnour always get the ball and lead the offense, relegating Rubio to do… ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. In some way it makes sense for them because they are much veteran players, and have been PG all their lives, but it really spoils the flow of the game.
If Rubio plays, he MUST lead the offense. Rick must hammer this idea into JJ and Luke´s heads. Not just because Rubio does much better, he becomes useless otherwise.
by Hasdrubal on Feb 2, 2012 5:46 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
By the way
I´d like to recommend a spanish forum dedicated to the Timberwolves: http://foros.acb.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=447548&start=11805
They are some crazy guys who love our team, and do things like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvPBBm8zoFc
Enjoy!
I love the timbertrolls forum
Though I don’t understand a word. Okay, that’s not true. I used to be a Real Madrid fan (boo!).
I wonder where ‘Troll’ came from.
I love Trolliver Twist though.
Awesome!
We could have used some “Sad Dog” in the Pacers game.
by Imyourhuckleberry on Feb 2, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
Tolliver's lack of minutes at the moment is concerning me.
As you may know, I am a huge fan but I have a bad feeling he’s gone.
Unless he’s injured without me realising.
Live And Stupid From England
by JonesTheCat on Feb 2, 2012 7:52 AM CST via mobile reply actions
This has gone fairly unnoticed. His minutes are dwindling. He seemed like a good shot of defensive energy earlier this year – something we could use in 4th quarter recently.
by Jordan Seiffert on Feb 2, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions
He hurt his wrist
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Feb 2, 2012 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
I first read that as "he hurt his waist."
I laughed really hard. Then I read it correctly, but my version is still amusing me.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
Indiana looked the best they have in years
Like the Wolves, seems like the Pacers have found themselves a coach. They look real solid.
As for the Wolves, they just don’t seem ready to take that next step into being a winning team. Their season is almost like those get down early individual games — they get down (in the standings) and work hard to pull even (.500), but then run out of gas.
Something has to help them make the next leap forward and I don’t think it will be Malcolm Lee’s return. We need a trade. And yes I would love Roy Hibbert as a FA next year, absolutely.
signature
I am particularly disappointed that Lee
got hurt. He would have had every opportunity to prove the FO right for signing him for multiple years.
by pirahna on Feb 2, 2012 8:57 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I agree...
I think Lee might be the 2 guard we’re looking for. But he needed the year to figure the game out. Now….we’ll be lucky if he’s playing well by the end of the year.
"But this one goes to eleven..."
Didn't see anyone post Ricky's thoughts from last night...
…he doesn’t sound happy:
Bad night. We have to improve. Next game is at NJ on Friday. Have a good night everyone.
his team lost.
of course he’s unhappy!
http://www.davechisholmmusic.com
by davechisholm on Feb 2, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
Taylor needs to update Kahn's job description...
..1.a) Feed the unicorn.
..1.b) Make the unicorn happy.
Ricky is all about the Ws
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Feb 2, 2012 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Pacers are loaded with rough match ups for the wolves...
doesn’t look like we had anyone that could stop Granger (Would have liked to see Tolliver get more of a chance)
Hibbert looks like a monster.
and Paul George is a 6’10" SG (yes, he grew two inches over the offseason), that’s gunna kill us with our JJ/Ridnour at SG idea.
Rough game… felt like it might have been…
Like Ricky said, on ward to NJ …
Building a Flock. To God be the Glory. @mikecboosalisii - follow me homies!
by Michael C. Boosalis II on Feb 2, 2012 12:14 PM CST reply actions
There were several times
when Darko or Pek had good defensive position on Hibbert and he’d rise up and hit a seven-foot hook or jumper. He’s a solid scorer. I didn’t notice him too much on defense, though.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 2, 2012 1:11 PM CST up reply actions
updated report card list.. let me know if you're up for one
2/3 NJ – already taken by Michael Boosalis
2/4 Houston – already taken by Jones the Cat
2/7 Sacramento – already taken by Google..
2/8 Memphis – already taken by Matt Leisen
2/10 Dallas – already taken by Darth Paxton
2/11 New York – already taken by MAYNHOLUP
2/13 Orlando – already taken by Malastare
2/15 Charlotte – already taken by ol’ weird harold
2/17 Houston – already taken by Michael Boosalis II
2/19 Philadelphia – already taken by Coffee Janitor
2/20 Denver
2/22 Utah
2/28 LA Clippers
2/29 LA Lakers
3/1 Phoenix – already taken by T-Fear
3/3 Portland
3/5 LA Clippers
3/7 Portland
3/9 LA Lakers
Looking forward to all of these
But especially MAYN’s description of Melo & Baron. Don’t think it will be kind.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Feb 2, 2012 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
every team has games like this.
It’ll be interesting to see how this team bounces back against a team like New Jersey. I’d love to see a blowout win where they just set the tone early and don’t let NJ back in.
Are you referring to "The Hound"?
He is also quite vicious but I want opposing teams to be terrified of coming into the paint. I want Pek to be drunk on battle screaming with glee as the blood from a hundred wounds glisten under the lights of the jumbotron.
Too much? Regardless, that’s what I want from Pek.
But the Hound is like that but with some humanity!
i channelled Joffrey there… perhaps I should go get a mental check up :-/
Oh no doubt he's a more sympathetic character
I just want to see more fear in the eyes of opposing teams.
This
One thing that became obvious from this tilt was that our pups need to get a lot more physical. It seemed like it was Love thrashing about alone among three guys on the opposing team for much of the game. It’d be nice if others joined him.
It is a matter of pride.
We will see other teams use this physical approach against us until we prove that we won’t back down. I won’t dwell on this game, but the unfortunate result begs a response – a physical one.
Mark your calendars – April 16th.
Pride.
Thanks for the report card. Good job.
Thanks for the report card.
I have been having a hard time digesting last night. Just got out played all around. Indiana is a good team with depth and good shooting. Oh how we need shooting.
I give myself a D- because it seems that we lose every game I attend. I’ve been told before that the world doesn’t revolve around me but I still can’t help putting at least some of the blame on myself.
updated list
2/3 NJ – already taken by Michael Boosalis
2/4 Houston – already taken by Jones the Cat
2/7 Sacramento – already taken by Google..
2/8 Memphis – already taken by Matt Leisen
2/10 Dallas – already taken by Darth Paxton
2/11 New York – already taken by MAYNHOLUP
2/13 Orlando – already taken by Malastare
2/15 Charlotte – already taken by ol’ weird harold
2/17 Houston – already taken by Michael Boosalis II
2/19 Philadelphia – already taken by Coffee Janitor
2/20 Denver – already taken by Anthony Real Thing
2/22 Utah – already taken by Dogpile
2/28 LA Clippers
2/29 LA Lakers
3/1 Phoenix – already taken by T-Fear
3/3 Portland
3/5 LA Clippers
3/7 Portland
3/9 LA Lakers
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canis Hoopus
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Could the ‘Shaquille O’Neal-as-Orlando GM’ story have come from … Shaq?
- Behind the Box Score, where the Philadelphia 76ers refuse to go quietly. If at all
- Allen Iverson presented the game ball for Sixers’ Game 6, talked about his future (VIDEO)
- Can the Lakers improve with Kobe Bryant making $30 million?
- Orlando Magic coaching rumors include Jerry Sloan and Scott Skiles
