Illini in the Pros (Basketball)
- Status
Took him a second to find his role with his new team, but now he’s averaging 18-7-4 over his last 10 games.
It's helped that Ant has been out for most of that time too, getting starts and more minutes helped him flourish.
Ayo out tonight with the calf issue…TSJ with 33 points
can we get this guy more minutes! I thought he was primed this year to earn solid minutes until the injuries. almost wish he got traded now that ayo is there. no room on the team
Funny how that works sometimes. Ayo getting traded to Minn at this point in time was, I think, ideal for his career. TSJ not getting dealt was, I think, bad for his career. TSJ would benefit from being on a team that's not competing in the short term, where he can get consistent court time.
unless you are a super stud in the NBA, it's so much about situation and circumstances. kinda like the NCAA tournament with matchups and draw
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
Incredible performance. So happy for TSJ. I wish he could get to a team where he could do this regularly.
I love Ayo the most. TSJ, KJ, Riley, (Podz?) all being in the league is great. However, the league is a joke. This from a lifelong NBA fan. 14 teams tanking is ridiculous. Load management is pathetic. The league is deteriorating. There’s not enough time or space to elaborate on all of this. Good luck to former Illini in the NBA. Get paid! The league is a mess.
I’ve always thought the T Wolves should have had more patience with TSJ. I hated the G League up and down and just plain not using him. I think some of it is on their clueless coach. The guy has a stacked roster with serious talent and he does not know how to use it collectively, especially with TSJ. Kind of surprised he committed to Ayo.
rbillini
- Redondo Beach, Ca
I predict that he'll get a regular role next year and be drafted by the Super Sonics in the expansion draft and be the star player for that team in Seattle/
Absolutely. TSJ on a team like the Wizards gets chances to play and we see a lot more games like this. We see how beneficial that has been to Riley.
I will also die on the Hill that Malcolm (pun very much intended) was an NBA player, evidenced as much in the limited opportunities he got as a 2-way player, but things just never broke his way opportunity wise.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
A TSJ trade would be good for all parties. The Timberwolves will get good value for him, as he’s contributed whenever he’s had a fair chance to play consistently. TSJ would benefit as he would go somewhere that he’d play consistently.
TJ's day will come, as long as he keeps showing out when given opportunities. There is a lot to be said for being on a veteran team that knows how to win, when you are tying to find your way in the league. We know how hard he works, but the NBA season grind is a different beast. Playing behind Ant and Ayo isn't ideal for this year, but Ayo will be a UFA after the season. Someone is going to make him a BIG offer, and I doubt Minny will be able to match... Ayo definitely has had to wait his turn, now its paying off. TJ just has to follow his example. Continue to work on his weaknesses, and gain confidence. It's coming. I guarantee we aren't the only ones who are taking notice.
This article didn’t age well after he just put up 33! Agree that he hasn’t had impact this year, but when you are playing or just get thrust in with limited minutes - it’s hard to show out- Finch has a very old school approach to things- didn’t develop Dillingham at all either.
If you give TSJ starter minutes he’s shown what he can do. Even in the playoffs last year he was a key contributor- there is no questioning his ability. Ayo did essentially take his role after the trade which didn’t help
Assuming Minnesota wants to trade TJ this summer. This was a good showcase for him
TSJ needs to get away from the Minnesota coach.
Just can’t find the court consistently. When he has, he’s been effective.
Just can’t find the court consistently. When he has, he’s been effective.
Maybe the Bulls could trade 14 second round picks for him. They carry them around like a Frosty Halloween coupon book from Wendy’s.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
The story in Minnesota is that they are an extremely expensive roster built to win right now, and with the new NBA apron rules that severely limits their ability to make moves or add money.
They've got big decisions to make in the summer for which TSJ is a pretty secondary consideration. He could be a trade chip to rework the roster, or the fact that he's cheap could lead to prioritizing him to step into a larger role.
Would Ayo accept the smaller taxpayer mid-level exception to stay? That will be a big factor for their offseason.
They've got big decisions to make in the summer for which TSJ is a pretty secondary consideration. He could be a trade chip to rework the roster, or the fact that he's cheap could lead to prioritizing him to step into a larger role.
Would Ayo accept the smaller taxpayer mid-level exception to stay? That will be a big factor for their offseason.
- Status