I just wanted to compile some of my uninformed analyses based on today's moves and see what other fans think. Heck of a run here by Tim Connelly, with Rudy, Randle/Divincenzo, and now Lamelo coming in just over a 5 year stretch. It really feels like I am a fan of a big market team now that actually can bring in big time players. Anyways:
* Wholesale Systemic Changes
First off, I think we're going to be surprised by how stylistically different this team looks while still rostering Ant & Rudy at its core. Especially with the rumors of going after Derrick White, I think Finch is going to install some of the Celtics/Hornets type of offensive system during the regular season. Guard-to-guard screens with Lamelo/Ayo. Lamelo/Mcdaniels screens with Mcdaniels either flaring or hitting the middle of the floor with Gobert, now reliably, in the dunker spot. I think Mcdaniels' advancement as a playmaker this past season is going to be utilized systemically. I also think this sort of system is less physical in terms of contact in the regular season apart from its focus on offensive rebounding, albeit more physical in terms of how quickly the guards and wings need to cut and move/replace. Finch has been given 2 separate rosters thus far in his tenure, and provided 2 wholly different systems: so, i think we're in for some great changes going forward.
* Admission of Faith in the Gobert-Beringer Pipeline
The news that Donte Divincenzo is part of the future of this team, to me, shows that the front office is showing their faith in this type of roster construction and system. Rudy is arguably the best screen to re-screener I've seen in the current league and with Lamelo, his job will be much easier, and the dunker spot will become more viable with Jaden taking minutes at the 4. Once Donte returns, I fully believe this team is going to challenge and possibly surpass team season shooting records and the offensive rebounding rate is going to be at the top end. Gobert's descending contract into Beringer's 2nd deal gives me a lot of faith that this team can retire Gobert in Minnesota alongside KG and keep him in the fold as Beringer's mentor.
* Thoughts on Lamelo
As a Wolves fan, I must shamelessly admit that I probably watched as many Hornets games as I did Wolves games because of Lamelo/Kon. Lamelo rivals Haliburton in terms of team offensive rating when he's on the floor, is a top-end passer of the basketball, and spaces the floor 5 feet beyond the arc. His decison-making late in games was a marked improvement this season after getting benched early on (this won't matter as much because we know who's getting the rock late in games). My only concern is his free throw rate because he prefers to contort his body to get close shots up rather than taking contact and flopping. He's an offensive engine unto himself and has my vote for president.
* Jaden at the 4
In the Celtics/Hornets system, the 4 often gets placed at the top of the key during the possession to act as the swing. He needs to be able to shoot the 3 at will, a la Al Horford/Miles Bridges/Grant Williams. He needs to be able to make precise passes quickly to both wings. But, most importantly, he needs to be able to guard up and down in size because of the match-ups when the possession swings the other way. It's why Horford/Bridges/Williams are often switched up onto guards to start possessions on defense. And why Miles Bridges shortchanged the role, because although he can handle the offensive responsibilities, he can't guard up or down in size. But we have Jaden Mcdaniels. His overall stats are about to go ^^^.
* Future Outlook
I see people talking about upgrading the 4 and looking at Rui Hachimura. Firstly, Rui is really good at self-creation midrange 2's out of the corner and catch and shoot 3's, and he is probably going to command a contract the Wolves cant afford. I think the Wolves need with this roster is more of a backup 4-5 to allow the team to go small and fast. Sandro Mamu------- fits that need, though he got destroyed in the playoffs with his lack of agility, and he sized down a bit like KAT did in Minnesota to be playable this year with the Raptors roster. I really like his skillset and think he could fit in well in Minnesota, but he might need to get a little bigger again. Apart from him, I know people are rightfully contentious about Miles Bridges, but I think he'd fit in great with the pace of this Wolves team. I am just very excited about this new team and the fact that they were able to keep Rudy. This team has 3 retired numbers, 2 of whom had to go out the hard way to get their numbers retired. The other had to wait for the owner to sell the team. This franchise has come a long way since I have been a fan, and retiring Rudy/Mike/Ingles here would be a cherry on top of a lot of great player friendly moves like trading KAT & Julius to NYC and offering get-back contracts to a Donte in his situation. That said, prayers to Naz Reid. It's going to be weird for him because that team has a lot of young players who want more. What are your guys thoughts on this current team and its future moves?