Phil's major off-season acquisitions were Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. Melo has always played best for defensive coaches. Phil didn't even try to interview Tom Thibadeau. Now our major issue is defense.
Also, Thibs ran 25% Triangle plays in Chicago. Does Hornacek even run 25% Triangle now?
Only 2 other teams have worse opponent FG% than the TWolves. Sota is 24th in defensive rating. They are a horrific defensive team. Why hasnt Tom fixed that?
fishmike wrote:Only 2 other teams have worse opponent FG% than the TWolves. Sota is 24th in defensive rating. They are a horrific defensive team. Why hasnt Tom fixed that?
Who knows but Thibs would have been paired up with Rambis to create one of the best defensive staffs in the league.
Thib had butler, Gibson, and Noah all playing great defense. You need some players who want to kill it on defense
Thibbs wanted control.... he's not just the coach in Minnesota, he's the team president too. He has the same power SVG has in Detroit. So I know you guys want more narrative to bash Phil, but Thibbs went to a place he is familiar with in Minnesota with more power than Phil has in ny. I bet Thibbs told the media in Minnesota that he was so happy to be back home. So cut it out you rather bastards. Let that ish go!
fishmike wrote:Only 2 other teams have worse opponent FG% than the TWolves. Sota is 24th in defensive rating. They are a horrific defensive team. Why hasnt Tom fixed that?
I expected more defense from that team and a better record from them... you have some good athletes in their starting lineup, and I figured they needed some defensive direction, something TT was supposed to give them.
I have not watched them play except against the Knicks, so I don't know what the issue is with them on D, whether it is a perimeter issue or interior weaknesses, but I've been surprised at how they have been on D.
One thing we do know...swapping Rose for Rubio is not going to help them defensively, or so it would seem, and you wonder who he would influence their offensive chemistry.
As I've always said the MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THE PLAYERS!!! If you bring in great 2 way players you will win regardless of the coach. Now a great coach can get more out of great players but he still needs the right talent.
Thibs has all the know how and a tough demeanor but still can't work magic if the players aren't talented enough or have the defensive ability you need to dominate on defense. Being a great defender takes talent too!
I agree. I don't understand how TWolves aren't better on Defense? Wiggins was supposed to be a plus defender, Rubio is solid, Towns is supposed to be good. It's a little strange no? Is TT's defensive system very tricky and takes a long time for players to grasp and maybe that is the reason why?
SkyWalker wrote:I agree. I don't understand how TWolves aren't better on Defense? Wiggins was supposed to be a plus defender, Rubio is solid, Towns is supposed to be good. It's a little strange no? Is TT's defensive system very tricky and takes a long time for players to grasp and maybe that is the reason why?
I think it essentially boils down to youth and immaturity. I don't think it is an indictment on Thibs or on the players... just sort of the standard growing pains
fishmike wrote:Only 2 other teams have worse opponent FG% than the TWolves. Sota is 24th in defensive rating. They are a horrific defensive team. Why hasnt Tom fixed that?
Yep, both Thibs and Vogel have struggled installing their defenders this season- looks like we were doomed whoever we took!
