ARod's playing days aside. As an owner, he's been a cheerleader for TJ since Day 1
Illini in the Pros (Basketball)
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ARod's playing days aside. As an owner, he's been a cheerleader for TJ since Day 1
When is the last time we've had 3 different former Illini score 30+ pts in the same NBA season? KJ also had 20+... Podz too if you really want to count him.
And the Minnesota stuff is so cool. Actually getting me a little interested in the NBA for the first time since Duncan was still in the league.
And the Minnesota stuff is so cool. Actually getting me a little interested in the NBA for the first time since Duncan was still in the league.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
But…we have to watch the Bulls…Also, how amazing is it that fans in Minnesota have to adore two of our greatest Illini of all time!
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
pretty good:
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Or you trade TSJ and/or let Ayo walk in free agency.
It does not make very much sense to have Ant, Ayo and TSJ all on the same team.
But man, I did not see last night coming, great job TSJ, it was awesome to see him looking like himself out there.
Ayo should be making 20-25 million a year next year. Could Minnesota afford to keep him. Regardless he is going to get paid
blackdog
- Champaign
TSJ with 12 points and 4 rebounds at the half. Seems to be feeling more comfortable and locked in. Also looks like he studied the game plan pretty well
He definitely played with a bit more energy on defense but he looks so different from the intensity he showed his last year here. If he would consistently lock in like that he would be an absolute menace on both ends and they wouldn't be able to take him off the floor. As it is he definitely floats too much and isn't always engaged off the ball.
I think the Wolves will make every effort to keep Ayo. He is equally valuable with the ball in his hands or complementing Ant. TSJ, on the other hand, needs the ball in his hands, as Finch seemed to discover just last night. He'll either be the guy that spells Ant for a few minutes, or he might be a trade chip as he could be a nice piece for certain teams that would utilize his strengths. On the other hand, the Wolves more than any team know you need depth to navigate the NBA season and then the playoffs.
If Wolves are willing to spend, keeping Ayo is a no brainer. They need a PG who can play off ball. I don't think the Wolves are stupid enough to trade Shannon this offense season. Best way is to let him play 6th, 7th man where they put the ball in his hand.
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Not to mention, Divincenzo... Though he is probably out for the next 12 months... and he will be a UFA after the 26-27 season.
I'd be more inclined to see if I could move Donte to a team in need of cap relief after next season. He and Ayo are extremely similar in production, efficiency, and role. Ayo is younger, and hasn't had a potentially career altering injury...
Obviously, Ayo is in line for a 2-3X pay increase, but continues to be an ascending player. They have his Bird rights, which will certainly help them get to agreeable terms.
TJ has a club option next year for a little over 5 million next season, which could be a bargain if he has a more defined role. He has clearly been making an impression when he gets his chances. I'd definitely be listening to offers for him, but I wouldn't be inclined to move him unless the compensation is substantial, at least not before next year's deadline.
They have a lot of high priced players that fit together pretty well, so it could be a cap squeeze that forces them to deal TJ. He is a bit of a luxury on this roster, but one they definitely need right now...
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
I agree about them wanting to keep Ayo based on his role flexibility, which by the way is the biggest thing scouts failed to appreciate about him in the draft. His role was scoring-focused at Illinois because that's what the team needed, but he always had complimentary skills (Billy Donovan understood that immediately)
But then that's another expensive long term deals, which Minny already has with not just Ant, Gobert and Julius Randle, but Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels too.
TSJ is cheap, which is valuable to Minny, but affordable depth elsewhere is probably more valuable to them.
Just spitballing, but the Bulls may be hiring some of Minny's braintrust shortly
Tre Jones and Isaac Okoro for Donte DiVincenzo (expiring), TSJ and picks?
Tre Jones is a solid player on a really good contract the Bulls have no use for, finding a buyer should be a priority this offseason, and Jones and Okoro are quality flexible vets that would give them much better depth, especially with Mike Conley and Bones Hyland leaving.
To what extent that last year of DiVincenzo is an asset versus a liability heavily depends on exactly when he'll be back, which is probably unknowable today, but the Bulls would (should) be happy to just eat the money for cap flexibility and future assets.
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Doris Burke was chomping at the bit to ensure the viewers knew that TSJ was struggling on the defensive end of the floor and that is why Finch didn’t play him much. Silence on good help side covers and defensive rotations but as soon as someone had to rotate to help him, she was all over it letting us know.
Said multiple times late in the 4th quarter that she would assume TSJ would be taken off the floor due to his defense. Comical commentary..
Said multiple times late in the 4th quarter that she would assume TSJ would be taken off the floor due to his defense. Comical commentary..
It has been interesting to watch A-Rod as an owner, and I generally like this side of him.....but he needs to ask his coach WTF were you thinking the last two years. It takes like 14 playoff-ending injuries for you to play the guy who along with McDaniels carried you to the series clinching win?View attachment 50196
ARod's playing days aside. As an owner, he's been a cheerleader for TJ since Day 1
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
Tell me you never watched any of Terrence's college tape without telling me you never watched any of Terrence's college tape
Like many that follow on here, I want to see the former Illini succeed in the pros, but watching the wolves religiously since Ayo joined, I have been impressed with Finch as a coach. I love Ant as a player, but like most A list players, he’s a handful. That’s where coaches earn their money. In a world where many think the NBA plays no defense (watch closer) I also noticed Shannon struggles on defense at times. Defending on the switches is really difficult considering illegal screens are mostly ignored by officials.I imagine it takes time. It’s no different than Podz playing time situation as a freshman . Some think Underwood should have played Podz more. There aren’t many things easier in this world than second guessing coaches. JMHO
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