Game Day: Timberwolves (14-48) @ Suns (33-32), Wed 3/11/15

[Indy]

McD talked about our core being Bled, Knight, Warren, the Morris twins, Archie, and Len. Not that none of those guys could be moved, but it didn't sound like he was looking to get rid of any of them. I guess it could be Tucker pushed out the door, which I'm fine with. One of Tucker and Marcus simply has to go.

I know Jeff has been pretty stubborn about guys earning minutes, but I really think that if TJ keeps it up, he will be a starter. Then it becomes clear you can't keep both PJ and Marcus. And I think the FO likes Keef. If so, there is no way they move Marcus. Which sucks.

[OE32]

I don't think either of those guys has any legitimate inside info on the Suns.

I know mate. If you read what I wrote though you see that they are reacting to the McDonough interview & speculating based on the FO's recent actions.

But doesn't it make sense for the team to protect them if they plan to keep them as well?

[carey]

But doesn't it make sense for the team to protect them if they plan to keep them as well?

Yeah, sure it does. I think a case can be made for either scenario.

[carey]

I know Jeff has been pretty stubborn about guys earning minutes, but I really think that if TJ keeps it up, he will be a starter. Then it becomes clear you can't keep both PJ and Marcus. And I think the FO likes Keef. If so, there is no way they move Marcus. Which sucks.

Right. It could mean PJ Tucker, which although he isn't my favorite player, I concede that some nights he is the only guy with a Suns jersey on that looks like he gives a damn. But then there's the off court stuff that doesn't really mesh.

Honestly, a case can be made for trading anyone on our roster except for Len right now. We're not in nearly as good of a shape as guys like Amin would have us believe.

[Indy]

I don't think either of those guys has any legitimate inside info on the Suns.

I know mate. If you read what I wrote though you see that they are reacting to the McDonough interview & speculating based on the FO's recent actions.

Got it. I know people get tired of hearing me say this, but I would love to shed all non-rookie contracts and just re-up BW for a reasonable deal.

[Indy]

I know Jeff has been pretty stubborn about guys earning minutes, but I really think that if TJ keeps it up, he will be a starter. Then it becomes clear you can't keep both PJ and Marcus. And I think the FO likes Keef. If so, there is no way they move Marcus. Which sucks.

Right. It could mean PJ Tucker, which although he isn't my favorite player, I concede that some nights he is the only guy with a Suns jersey on that looks like he gives a damn. But then there's the off court stuff that doesn't really mesh.

Honestly, a case can be made for trading anyone on our roster except for Len right now. We're not in nearly as good of a shape as guys like Amin would have us believe.

Agreed. As much as I like what I see out of TJ, Len is our only must-keep guy. That is sad.

[OE32]

I think TJ's must-keep as well.

[carey]

Got it. I know people get tired of hearing me say this, but I would love to shed all non-rookie contracts and just re-up BW for a reasonable deal.

Yeah, someone at RealGm is saying move Bledsoe to Sac for #7 and Stauskas. I'm fine with it. Draft Hezonja, draft Harell with our own pick. Tell Keef and Marcus to fuck off and roll with the youth movement. No more one foot in and one foot out the rebuild. Of course this doesn't jive with ANY of the moves the FO has made lately but it is my preference going forward.

[Indy]

Of course this doesn't jive with ANY of the moves the FO has made

That is what is so disappointing.

[OE32]

Yeah, someone at RealGm is saying move Bledsoe to Sac for #7 and Stauskas.

I started a fight with Indy over that idea more than a week ago. I like Stauskas. How would a Knight/Stauskas back court fare on D?

If it gets us Miles Turner, I say go for it. Turner & Stauskas would be a great haul.

Of course this doesn't jive with ANY of the moves the FO has made lately...

I disagree.

[Indy]

I disagree.

What have you seen that tells you the FO is thinking about going full rebuild?

[carey]

I disagree.

What have you seen that tells you the FO is thinking about going full rebuild?

You keep that Lakers pick if you are going full rebuild. End of story there.

[Indy]

I disagree.

What have you seen that tells you the FO is thinking about going full rebuild?

You keep that Lakers pick if you are going full rebuild. End of story there.

Right. You can't tell me that having Ennis under contract was more of a burden than not having that pick.

[OE32]

I disagree.

What have you seen that tells you the FO is thinking about going full rebuild?

No two rebuilds are the same. We're clearly not going the Philly route. I'm not convinced their plan will work anyways. Look at Utah, with Gobert and Exum and Burke, but also re-signing Hayward, Burks and Favors. We're similar.

I think the plan now, as always, is to rebuild around a core of guys in their early twenties, but I really think the only players to whom we're truly committed long-term or Alex and TJ. Any other player in that group - Bled, Archie, Brandon, the Morrises - might stay long-term or go. But the plan is to acquire value and to build. I've said all along that acquiring Knight was essentially a swap rather than giving up on the rebuild. Some people seem to think that the only way to rebuild is selling everyone off immediately. I don't think so. I think we could keep Bled for up to three more years before his value would decline. The Morrises I also think are valuable. Knight I also think will be valuable after we re-sign him. As players develop and gain experience, we move value for pieces that fit our core.

I think if a deal like Stauskas and Turner for Bled came along - and I think a deal like that isn't an unreasonable prospect - we'd jump on it, as it would be consistent with our plan to acquire value. The Kings are in a different spot in their development - the point where they have to move value for pieces that fit with their core - because they have to contend before DeMarcus's contract expires. Compare to us - Bled and the Morrises won't expire for four years, Alex is under control for at least 6, and TJ for at least 7. We're still in the building phase, and I've yet to see evidence the FO doesn't understand this.

[cbesch5]

I would say that at this point, it makes more sense to play Thornton than Green. At least Thornton seems to have a clue on D. He had a couple nice steals last night. I actually liked our rotation last night. I was a bit confused as to why it took so long for Warren to get into the game, but once he did, at least Horny kept him in.

I agree that Goodwin looked decent running the point last night while Bled was resting.

Overall a pretty encouraging game. Sitting only 2 back of OKC and 2.5 back of NO right now, hopefully we can get a W against Atlanta and stay in the hunt.

[Indy]

I would say that at this point, it makes more sense to play Thornton than Green. At least Thornton seems to have a clue on D. He had a couple nice steals last night. I actually liked our rotation last night. I was a bit confused as to why it took so long for Warren to get into the game, but once he did, at least Horny kept him in.

I agree that Goodwin looked decent running the point last night while Bled was resting.

Overall a pretty encouraging game. Sitting only 2 back of OKC and 2.5 back of NO right now, hopefully we can get a W against Atlanta and stay in the hunt.

What is the benefit to staying in the hunt?

[cbesch5]

I would say that at this point, it makes more sense to play Thornton than Green. At least Thornton seems to have a clue on D. He had a couple nice steals last night. I actually liked our rotation last night. I was a bit confused as to why it took so long for Warren to get into the game, but once he did, at least Horny kept him in.

I agree that Goodwin looked decent running the point last night while Bled was resting.

Overall a pretty encouraging game. Sitting only 2 back of OKC and 2.5 back of NO right now, hopefully we can get a W against Atlanta and stay in the hunt.

What is the benefit to staying in the hunt?

Chance at making the playoffs and getting swept by GS

[Indy]

I would say that at this point, it makes more sense to play Thornton than Green. At least Thornton seems to have a clue on D. He had a couple nice steals last night. I actually liked our rotation last night. I was a bit confused as to why it took so long for Warren to get into the game, but once he did, at least Horny kept him in.

I agree that Goodwin looked decent running the point last night while Bled was resting.

Overall a pretty encouraging game. Sitting only 2 back of OKC and 2.5 back of NO right now, hopefully we can get a W against Atlanta and stay in the hunt.

What is the benefit to staying in the hunt?

Chance at making the playoffs and getting swept by GS

Got it. Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page!

That's why I think the longer we have a chance, the longer we are going to see this same rotation. I know we only have 16 games left, but damn I would love to see a completely different rotation these last 16. It would give me hope that there are changes coming.

[Shabazz]

I would say that at this point, it makes more sense to play Thornton than Green. At least Thornton seems to have a clue on D. He had a couple nice steals last night. I actually liked our rotation last night. I was a bit confused as to why it took so long for Warren to get into the game, but once he did, at least Horny kept him in.

I agree that Goodwin looked decent running the point last night while Bled was resting.

Overall a pretty encouraging game. Sitting only 2 back of OKC and 2.5 back of NO right now, hopefully we can get a W against Atlanta and stay in the hunt.

What is the benefit to staying in the hunt?

Chance at making the playoffs and getting swept by GS

Got it. Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page!

That's why I think the longer we have a chance, the longer we are going to see this same rotation. I know we only have 16 games left, but damn I would love to see a completely different rotation these last 16. It would give me hope that there are changes coming.

Are you suggesting that Marcus Morris and his 25% shooting play fewer minutes and the promising rookie who is second on our team in FG% play more?? Because if so, then you, sir, are out of line.

[cbesch5]

I would definitely like to see TJ get 20+ mpg the rest of the way. I don't think it should be too difficult either when you consider all you would really have to do from a rotation perspective is take a couple mins from bled/knight/pj/marcus/thornton/green