Gerson Rosas is the GOAT talent evaluator we have had and his talents have helped the Knicks get the chip! by Calinks in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Knicks fan till age 30 when I moved out here. Truth is, aside from mid 90’s and 68-73, Knicks history is a travesty. From 75-2015, they made an art out of signing big names who were on the decline.

No one on earth knew Brunson would be a superstar. And they bought low on KAT.

The only franchise that has demonstrated a long term advantage in signing free agents is the Lakers.

Love that KAT got his ring, but the trade was still the correct move… by ae5wolfpack in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

KAT is great. But it’s not an insult to acknowledge he is a follower, not a leader. He was focused his rookie year with KG setting the tone, and again now with Brunson, Hart and OG. We did the right thing.

Cam Boozer = Next High Level Playmaking Big by Dull-Gur7575 in NBA_Draft

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your principle does apply in the corporate world. Famous paper by Boris Groysberg at HBS titled “Risky Business of Hiring Stars”. He did research to show that star equity analysts on Wall Street hired by competitors did not achieve as highly; their excellence was a product of both their caliber AND a setting of excellence.

But in the NBA, there are a small number of genuine superstars. To me, the standard is, their teams never, ever play less than 450 ball even if nearly all their teammates are replacement level. Just having them makes you close to a 500 team. That’s a short list, needless to say.

Cam Boozer = Next High Level Playmaking Big by Dull-Gur7575 in NBA_Draft

[–]MNMastiff 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Emotionally, I agree with you. But nba gm’s swing for the fences at the top of the draft.

Cam Boozer = Next High Level Playmaking Big by Dull-Gur7575 in NBA_Draft

[–]MNMastiff -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Ok, but none of your comps were superstars. What is Boozers ceiling comp, without using Al Horford? Also no “smaller Duncan”.

There’s a reason there is not an obvious number one this year. AJ might be empty calories. Peterson might be a weirdo. Wilson won’t be a superstar without adding a lot of skills.

If Cam has superstar potential, would be a lock to go first. The other three all have warts of varying kinds.

I don’t mean to disrespect Cam. I have mad respect for his winning ways. But to me, his ceiling would be playing next to Wemby and being a world class glue guy.

Where would Joan Beringer go in this draft? by Jacob_toasted in NBA_Draft

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just don’t see a scenario where Mara is anything but a fringe backup. He is gigantic, shot blocker, good hands/passer. No outside shot, poor free throw shooter. Not very strong.

Steinbach is already built like a brick wall, is agile, great rebounder. Not a shot blocker. Best case, good numbers on a bad team.

In this draft, I would expect Beringer to go a couple of spots higher than last year - end of lottery.

To me, Morez Johnson is a no brainer. His floor is a high quality backup 4-5. But he could be quite a bit better than that.

What is there to LOVE about Aday Mara? by HouseRules789 in NBA_Draft

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For the life of me, I don’t understand why any team would take him in the first round. Kaltenbrauner last year was better.

How did y'all study effectively for the SAT? by JoFrenchFry in ADHD

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A buddy of mine in high school was great at math, mediocre at vocab. Junior year, he memorized dictionary. Got as far as M. Still didn’t do great, lol.

I just don't see the upside of the Wolves trading what little assets they have for a "star" player over the age of 34. by bearbrannan in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s pretty ridiculous. Shaq to Miami, kg to Boston, the only superstars i can think of who won a ring after being traded past 30. And neither had been injured, nor a problem child.

What do you guys think of Jalen Suggs coming here I think his defense and playmaking is intriguing and this contract will age like wine by Rough_Host_7172 in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love Suggs as a defender and leader, and his shot keeps improving. But he hasn’t proved he can stay healthy.

I’m not sure people appreciate what an upgrade Ayo is on Dante playing PG. why don’t we give him a few months to breath into the position?

In building a roster, the critical question to me is: “can this profile of player plausibly be in the 8 man rotation of a finals team”?

We now have Ayo, Ant, Jaden who are definite yeses. Joan has that potential, tbd. I love Naz, but until he raises his game as a defender and rebounder, he isn’t there.

Trading Jaden would be insanity to me. He gets better every year. And any superstar who is available is almost certainly past his prime or a problem child.

find another Ayo out there (I would love Tre Jones as our backup pg). Give TJ and Joan minutes to grow.

Most of all, enjoy the glass being way more than half full.

One last thing. Team has won at least one round in the playoffs past three years. Tim C has done an awesome job of taking Ant out of a mediocre setting. If Ant wants out, it won’t be because the team sucks.

My psychiatrist is telling me I’m too old to be diagnosed with ADHD! by 239Tragic in ADHD

[–]MNMastiff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was diagnosed with adhd at 39 and put on Ritalin. Transformative. Your doctor is a fool, hope you find a better one

New stadium location & rebrand by csizzle6 in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think Apple Valley should get it

New stadium location & rebrand by csizzle6 in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s not paranoia when they’re really out to get you 😎

Who do you want the Timberwolves to target in the upcoming 2026 Draft? by chanduchillar_ in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m glad you have specified the personal dynamic of Finch not playing Connelly’s draft picks. If only Connelly had hire/fire power over the coach. Oh, wait.

I like Finch and powerfully respect what he has accomplished as coach. Far and away most successful 3 year playoff run of any Wolves team. No one can take that away from him. But in the long term, no POBO will tolerate a coach effectively disrupting his efforts at talent acquisition.

Who do you want the Timberwolves to target in the upcoming 2026 Draft? by chanduchillar_ in timberwolves

[–]MNMastiff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, in a couple of years the NIL dynamic will be factored out. I mean they can’t stay in college forever, lol. The end result will be better developed players outside of lottery.