Murphs56 wrote:
Thoughts:
Kevin Love's hand is nowhere near 100% but you probably already knew that. His spacing on the floor is also concerning. Yes, when he's going well he's getting to the line, but when he gets the ball at the high post, he really doesn't know what he wants to do it seems. He needs to get that hand healthy because it's also affecting his shooting.
Ridnour has played well recently but more so in the role of off guard. When Shved/Barea or whoever else handles the ball, Luke can make his open shots. However, in crunch time when he's forced to handle it, you can tell he gets completely flustered and generally makes god awful decisions. I think he'll thrive once Rubio comes back and he's not asked to handle the ball as much. The only issue will obviously be an extreme liability on the defensive end matched up with big shooting guards.
Lee I really like these last few games. The dude is severely offensively challenged, but I like his jumping ability which will help get some rebounds from the guard spot and he's also the best defender on this team outside of AK. If the dude can work his butt off to become a better offensive player, he'll really help the Wolves down the line.
Pekovic is hit and miss. As others have mentioned, his touch around the glass is alarming. There are so many putback opportunities that he completely messes up. I don't blame this all on him though. We aren't going to him enough in the post. Early in the game it seems he'll rack up the points but down the stretch the only way he seems to be contributing is if he's hitting the offensive glass. Rubio will make world of difference with him because he'll put him in situations to succeed.
Shved is a rookie. I think people forget that sometimes. He's being asked to do a lot here but for the most part I like everything he brings to the table. He's got a good jumper when he's feeling comfortable but we're going to have to deal with his erratic play all season. Sometimes he's going to be terrific, sometimes he's going to be absolutely terrible.
While everyone is extremely optimistic about the return of Rubio, everyone should know there's only one Adrian Peterson. In basketball, it took Al jefferson and David West an entire season before they became themselves again. Rubio's strengths are his brain when it comes to decision making so that shouldn't affect him all that much. However, what i'm worried about is the defensive end. It was such a strength for this team last year, but you wonder with the knee how that's going to work out. Having to guard quick guards like Chris Paul will certainly test his lateral movement. It may not be for a few months that we actually see "The Real Ricky Rubio."
Next up is a home game against the Bucks. If this Wolves team is thinking playoffs, a team like the Bucks is one you should beat.
Whoa, awesome post. Thanks a ton for all the tidbits, good stuff! Howl to you Murphs.
