"Saunders going deep into the bench with his rotations and playing so many players is starting to look less like open-mindedness or situational coaching and more and more like throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks."

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Daily content and conversation, on Twitter and Facebook.

Our weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Wild related) and Thursday (Minnesota Timberwolves related). The first and third Fridays will feature content from our non-active pro sports teams, the Vikings and Twins respectively at the moment. 

The Wolves lose embarrassingly to the 76ers, a little less embarrassingly to the Spurs, Wiggins talk, Saunders talk, and trade possibilities in this edition. As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Wolves analyst Beartrap McManus.

Thanks for your support!

So, what the hell happened in the 76ers 149-107 drubbing of the Wolves?
The Wolves didn’t show up. At all. They got murdered in the paint on both ends and the Sixers pretty much got what they wanted all game. I’m not sure if Jimmy Butler is still in Wiggins and Towns’ heads but that game was embarrassing. The less said about it, the better.

The Wolves had a decent first half against the Spurs, but then the wheels fell off and they lost 116-113. Your thoughts?
KAT was the victim of some lousy calls, but his penchant for getting into foul trouble is really becoming an issue. He had 23 points in 21 minutes and I’d imagine would’ve made an impact in the final minutes of such a close game. Wiggins had a pretty lackluster game and disappeared for large stretches as well.

Wiggins continues to be infuriatingly inconsistent. What are your thoughts on his recent play? Would you trade him if you could?
I’d absolutely trade him for the right price at this point. He’s often shown his potential but has yet to live up to it for any significant stretch of time. There’s still plenty to love about Wiggins as a basketball player, but the Wolves have so much of their salary cap tied up in him they’d be foolish to not explore all their options.  

If they can find someone to take him in exchange for either a more productive player on a similar contract (I saw Mike Conley brought up on Twitter and found that quite intriguing), or a package of future assets/expiring contracts that won’t tie up their salary long term, they should consider it. It’d be a tall order to get such a deal done but they shouldn’t see Wiggins as at all untouchable. 

Speaking of trades, do you think the Wolves should make any moves?
They should be taking a serious look at moving Jeff Teague. He’s too inconsistent and has a developed an infuriating habit of passing up wide open 3s just to drive into traffic. He also dribbles too damn much and slows down the offense. Tyus has played better with the starters, both this season and last, and for a fraction of Teague’s contract. That being said, I’m not sure what we could trade him for without attaching more assets. 

What is your assessment of Ryan Saunders job as coach so far?
It’s still early on in his tenure and tough to say, but I do think that his going deep into the bench with his rotations and playing so many players is starting to look less like open-mindedness or situational coaching and more and more like throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. The Wolves could use some consistency in their rotations and hopefully he’ll begin bringing that soon. 

Beartrap McManus is an NBA and Timberwolves expert. He has been a life coach for Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland since before time, a consultant for Rambling On since its founding, and Timberwolves analyst beginning in Series Five. He resides with his wife and twelve kids in Hurley, Wisconsin, where his wife owns a popular supper club.

"The Kloos for Aberg trade was actually bigger than dealing Nino. Yes, Nino was a fan and teammate favorite, but the move filled a larger need. Aberg is a goal-scoring, fast, extremely skilled RIGHT shot forward. He fills in so many gaps that this team hasn't had for years. Considering that he's a restricted free agent with a meager 650k cap hit, he's also low-risk."

Rambling On is your home for Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content, and join the conversation, on Twitter or Facebook.

Our weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Wild related) and Thursday (Minnesota Timberwolves related). The first and third Fridays feature content from our non-active pro sports teams, the Vikings and Twins respectively at the moment. 

Three ugly losses, two big trades, and more in this weeks edition. Wild analyst Peter Ripka, along with new contributor Jeff Hartfiel,  answer questions from Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland.

Thanks for your support!

When we last left our heroes, the Wild had won four of five and were looking like we’d gotten out of the winter swoon. Since then, of course, we’ve lost three of four to terrible teams. 

What have been the worse problems? 
Peter: The same thing that seems to always plague Minnesota sports teams: playing down to their opponents. For some reason, they go onto the ice and think it will come easy, with simply no desire to compete and showing no effort. Several times our forwards on the back check just stopped skating and players in the defensive zone just watching the play.

Jeff: The worst problems have always been consistency and execution. Recently, it's like they are playing with no sense of urgency or heart.
​
This is why Paul Fenton is making changes. Most of this group has been together for a few years and we always get the same result. Fans are blaming the coach, but this was going on before Bruce. It's time to bring in some new players to shake things up and hopefully light a fire.

If that is trading fan favorites, so be it. I'm a Nino fan, but I understand what Fenton is trying to do. It is time for a culture change. Sacrifices are going to be made to get to the ultimate goal. It is not going to be easy, but I'll go along for the ride in hopes that he is doing what is best for the teams future. Hopefully the players start to recognize things and start playing with some heart and urgency. 

Is there any silver lining in these games?
Peter: It showed the new GM some of the issues that this team may have been hiding from him. It showed their true colors.

Jeff: As far as play goes, there is no silver lining in losing to three of the worst teams in the league. It shows you where the Wild are as a team, and how there is no real accountability or leadership in the locker room.

If there is anything good coming out of this, is that Paul Fenton is just as sick of seeing this team playing like this as the fans are. Hence the trades he has made and I am pretty sure ones he isn't done yet.

What was the worst loss?
Peter: The Philadelphia game stands out most to me. Although the Red Wings game at HOME is right up there. The Philly game to me was the worst because Dubnyk said he felt good and he was seeing the puck well and he flat-out stunk.

Jeff: It's tough to pick the worst loss. You can't go in expecting to win every game. Coach Boudreau said that the Detroit game is the worst he's seen the team play, so you could say that was the worst loss.

At least during he Flyers game they tried to come back until the third. As for the Ducks game, Stalock gave up three goals on eight shots, which took the wind out of our sails quickly. After Dubby came in for Stalock the scoring stopped for the Ducks, but the Wild couldn't get any lucky bounces or quality shots.

All in all, I would go with the coaches opinion and say the Detroit game was the worst loss on the whole.

The Wild made two trades, one medium sized and one a bit bigger. First the bigger name: what do you think of the trade of Nino Niederreiter to the Hurricanes for Victor Rask? Who got the better deal? Who do you think is the better player?
Peter: That trade confused a lot of people, including me. Looking at the stat lines, the Canes got a much better end of this deal.

However, after I started thinking about it more, I feel like the Wild got what they needed. It was a bad contract for a bad contract trade, but the Wild got 1.25M in cap relief and another center to make them a little deeper and younger down the middle.

Jeff: The trade features two struggling forwards who needed a change of scenery. Nino is a left-handed shot who was playing on the right side and it wasn't working. Maybe with him going to the Hurricanes he can move to the left side and his game elevates for the Hurricanes. In Rask, the Wild get another center who could benefit from the change of scenery, in addition to giving them more depth at the position. 

In the other move, prospect Justin Kloos was sent to the Anaheim Ducks for Pontus Aberg. Your thoughts?
Peter: This trade was actually bigger than the Nino trade. Yes, Nino was a fan and teammate favorite, but this trade helped fill a larger need. Aberg is a goal-scoring, fast, extremely skilled RIGHT shot forward. He fills in so many gaps that this team hasn't had for years. Considering that he's a restricted free agent with a meager 650k cap hit, he's also low-risk.

Jeff: The Wild gave up a prospect who hadn't played much for a guy who has a little bit more NHL experience. He's also a right handed shot, something the Wild desperately need. On paper this looks like a good trade for the Wild. People say a lot of good stuff about Aberg, so let's hope it translates and he finds a line to fit on.

As for losing Justin Kloos, I'd love to see him succeed with the Ducks and have a great career, considering that he is one of us. I wish him all the best and look forward to see him play in the future.

What is your assessment of the new look Wild?
Peter: The team needs help to be a true contender for the Cup. The two trades might be setting up bigger moves as we approach the trade deadline. The team needs to show some heart and compete before I'll buy into the owners viewpoint of being a Cup contender. 

Jeff: It is hard to assess until you see them on the ice with their new teammates. What lines are they going to be on? Who are they playing with on those lines? It'll be interesting to see how Bruce mixes and matches the lines to find the consistency the Wild need and are looking for.

I'm also pretty sure Fenton is not done dealing, so we will be seeing some more changes coming, which I'm looking forward to. Fletcher left this team in disarray, and Fenton is trying to fix it by finding the best value and getting his team back to winning.

Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer.

Jeff Hartfiel is a Minnesota sports analyst specializing in the Wild and Vikings. He's been a part of Rambling On since 2018.

​"With Saunders, I also expect we’ll see a coach that makes a much greater effort to connect and get through to his players. I’m sure Target Center will be a much more enjoyable atmosphere for fans and players alike without Thibs’ grindcore vocal stylings emanating from the sideline."

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Daily content and conversation, on Twitter and Facebook.

Our weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Wild related) and Thursday (Minnesota Timberwolves related). The first and third Fridays will feature content from our non-active pro sports teams, the Vikings and Twins respectively at the moment. 

Thibs firing fallout, including when he should have been fired, Saunders as coach, what the Wolves should do now, and more in this Timberwolves edition. As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Wolves analyst Beartrap McManus.

Thanks for your support!

If you were in charge, when would have you fired Thibs?
Before the season started, most likely. The Butler fiasco was cause enough for me. He never seemed to have the patience for player development. As de facto GM he burned through cap space to bring in and rely on veterans that clearly weren’t enough to allow the team to meaningfully compete.

Is there anything Thibs could have done to make you want to keep him?
At this point, no. He had his chance to prove he could adapt and more or less refused to do so. By just about every account, he created an incredibly toxic environment at Target Center and Mayo Clinic Square.

It was really enlightening to hear Wolves broadcaster Jim Petersen talk about his experiences with Thibs on ESPN 1500’s Raised By Wolves podcast. He went so far as to describe it “a traumatic tenure” and “oppressive.” It’s similar to the behavior that contributed to the end of his tenure in Chicago. The podcast is a great listen (as most things involving Jim Pete are) and a testament to his professionalism that he never let any of that out during his broadcasts.

I'm sure that eventually we’ll find out a lot more about the specifics of Thibs’ behavior during his time as Wolves head coach and that it won’t make him look good. 

Wound have you chosen Ryan Saunders to replace him? If not, who?
I probably wouldn't have chosen Saunders. On one hand, I’m glad he’s not a retread or necessarily a safe pick, but it’s still indicative of Glen Taylor’s notorious country club mentality. I’m fine with him, though. He’s forward-thinking and the players seem to like him. 

Who do you think will be the next Wolves coach?
Sam Cassell’s name has been tossed around on Twitter and I wouldn’t mind that.

If you had been asked to take over as coach, what changes would you make to how the team plays vs. Thibs’ philosophy?
I’d modernize the defense by implementing more switching to account for the importance of three-point shooting. The offensive schemes under Thibs' were terribly unimaginative. Late game strategy has been to let Teague, Rose or Butler dribble for 15-20 seconds before going one-on-two for a bad shot. I’d like to see better utilization of both Towns and Wiggins as facilitators and playmakers and more set plays and less isolation at the end of games.

If you had been asked to take over as GM, what would you do?
I’d love to see them find a way to shed Teague and Dieng’s contracts without taking on any large, long-term deals in return. Retaining Tyus Jones would be a priority. They could benefit from a defensive-minded backup center as well. I'm not sure how easy to accomplish, realistic, or likely any of that is, though. 

What differences do you think we’ll see with Saunders as coach?
In one game he already shown more flexibility and creativity with his rotations, especially at the end of said game. Thibs’ substitutions always seemed to be based more on the clock than the situation and Saunders seems much more willing to adapt on the fly. 

I also expect we’ll see a coach that makes a much greater effort to connect and get through to his players. I’m sure Target Center will be a much more enjoyable atmosphere for fans and players alike without Thibs’ grindcore vocal stylings emanating from the sideline. 

What do you think of Wiggins re-emergence? Will Rose coming back hamper that in any way?
I’m hesitant to call it a full on re-emergence just yet, but he’s been playing great lately. The game against OKC might have been his best yet. 

I’m not sure Rose’s return will hamper Wiggins individual play at all, but he will likely take away opportunities and shots that Wiggins is more deserving of, based on the recent play of both. 

Beartrap McManus is an NBA and Timberwolves expert. He has been a life coach for Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland since before time, a consultant for Rambling On since its founding, and Timberwolves analyst beginning in Series Five. He resides with his wife and twelve kids in Hurley, Wisconsin, where his wife owns a popular supper club.

"The biggest player, though, is Coyle. He has been a beast since he was put back at center. He was our best forward on Thursday against the Jets."

Rambling On is your home for Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Check out our daily content, and join the conversation, on Twitter or Facebook.

Our weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Tuesday (Minnesota Wild related) and Thursday (Minnesota Timberwolves related). The first and third Fridays feature content from our non-active pro sports teams, the Vikings and Twins respectively at the moment. 

The Wild win four of five against good and bad opponents, Dubnyk impresses, and more in our latest. Wild analyst Peter Ripka, along with new contributor Jeff Hartfiel,  answer questions from Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland.

Thanks for your support!

Typical Wild: last article we were talking about a swoon, and now the Wild have won four of five. What are a few things they’ve been doing right to get back to their winning ways?
Peter: As is often the case with this team, the biggest reason they have been warming up is their defense. The forwards are doing a great job providing back pressure on back checks, the defense has limited grade-A scoring chances, and Dubnyk is back to good Dubs.

Jeff: They are executing their game plan and playing a full sixty minutes. Skating, back checking, fore checking, defense, passing, and shooting have all been working. The Wild have shown that when execute they can beat anybody in the league.

What players have been catapulting the Wild to victory?
Peter: The easy answer would be Dubnyk. The biggest player, though, is Coyle. He has been a beast since he was put back at center. He was our best forward on Thursday against the Jets.

Jeff: The Wild both win and lose as a team. The Coyle/Kunin/Parise line hassparked them on their current win streak. Zucker has put the puck in the back of the net a few times as well. To keep this positive run going we need three or four lines rolling so you aren't just relying on the one. The hope is for consistent play.

Of their wins against the Leafs, Senators, Habs, and Jets, which impressed you the most?
Peter: They each had their story lines. Their resilience against the Leafs was impressive, considering that they came back after being down by two about five minutes into the game. They were playing against Toronto's third-string goalie, however, so that had something to do with it.

The Ottawa game was a must-win, as they just aren't a very good team. The story line of the Habs game was Dubnyk, who played phenomenally and deserved the shut out.

The Jets game was the most impressive. For the first two periods they completely dominated one of the top teams in the NHL and the team that eliminated them last season.

Jeff: Two of their wins impressed me. The Maple Leafs game was really strong. Anytime you can beat one of the better teams in the league, especially to jump start a little win streak,  will boost team confidence. They did that in the win in Toronto.

Then there was the Jets game. That's our third victory against one of the best teams in the league, and the biggest factor is they are in our division.

Charlie Coyle has flourished at Center. If he stays there will his improved play continue?
Peter: Coyle needs to stay at center. His body and skating style fits that position better. If he stays healthy he'll continue to trend up.

Jeff: One of Coyle's biggest issues is consistency. He goes through stretches where he looks amazing. He uses his big frame, is strong with back checking, finds the open guy, and shoots well. His shift to center has only helped him flourish.

Jason Zucker has been on something of a skid, but he scored two against the Jets, including the game-winner. Is he back? How much of an impact can he have if playing to his ability, how can he do it, and do you think he will?
Peter: It is one game, so it's hard to say he's back. He's one of the biggest cogs for our success. He needs to play more simply, as he did against the Jets, and use his speed to create space for himself and his linemates. He can snap out of his funk if he keeps his game simple and goes to dirty areas. But he's always been streaky.

Jeff: He is a pure goal scorer and he needs the puck, so if he wants to continue his role he needs to find an open spot and set up and shoot. He needs to be more selfish and shoot more often when he gets the puck, as it is what he does best. When he scores it opens things up for his line mates Granlund and Staal, which could make that line just as dangerous as last year.

Any other thoughts about the last few Wild games? On how they can continue to be successful?
Peter: Their success is completely dependent on goaltending. I am concerned about that because Dubnyk has a history of coming back soft after his All-Star appearances. If they can win games against bottom feeders and build their confidence they will be successful. Staal and Granlund stepping up will also be a big benefit. Speaking of Granlund, he seems to be playing with a nagging lower body injury. The All-Star break and bye week will do him very well.

Jeff: Like I said earlier, if the Wild come out and execute their game plan they can beat anyone. It's getting everyone on the same page playing together that is the issue, in addition to getting scoring from every line. If the defense plays a good game in front of Dubby he will take care of his end, something he has shown since he was acquired.

Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer. ​​

"I’ve never seen Rose through himself-colored glasses, and his decline this season began almost immediately after I begrudging gave him his due right here in the pages of this fine periodical. I don’t think the Wolves can or should depend on him to win, either short or long term.​"

Rambling On is Minnesota sports talk for the common fan. Daily content and conversation, on Twitter and Facebook.

Our weekly Minnesota Sports Ramble blogs are released on Wednesday (Minnesota Wild related) and Friday (Minnesota Timberwolves related). The first and third Tuesdays feature content from our non-active pro sports teams, the Vikings and Twins respectively at the moment. 

The Wolves finish 2018 playing like the 2018 Wolves, Derrick Rose gets all-star consideration, Kat domination, and more in this Timberwovles edition. As usual, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland interviews Wolves analyst Beartrap McManus.

Thanks for your support!

Sort of typically, the Wolves have gone 3-3 since Christmas. Any trends, good or bad, that you've noticed?
The overall trend since the Butler trade, not just the last six games, is that the Wolves are pretty much an average team, maybe a little better. They’ve proven themselves capable of some impressive wins but haven’t been able to win consistently, especially when it comes to taking care of truly bad teams like Atlanta. Though it was nice to see them handily beat the Bulls, Heat, and Magic.

What were the best win and worst loss of that span?
The best win was probably the most recent game against Orlando. Despite a truly awful start, our boys in black with green tree lining (the all-time greatest Timberwolves uniforms, if you ask me) overcame terrible first quarter defense and a 19-point deficit and eventually won by 17.

A returning Jeff Teague had a great night with 23 points and 10 assists and KAT was his usual beastly self with another 20-10 game (29 and 15, to be precise). Tony T. got some minutes with Covington being out and did a great job of spacing the floor and pulling the trigger on threes, hitting three of his five attempts including two big ones on consecutive possessions as they came back in the second quarter.

The worst was the Atlanta game. It was only a three-point loss in overtime, but it came at home against a truly shitty team. Unacceptable.

What Wolves have been playing the best and worst during the stretch?
KAT has been their best player by far. He’s been an absolute monster on offense and pulling down rebounds, and often does an excellent job of protecting the rim (though he's still a bit overzealous down there at times).

As for who has performed the worst? I’d say the Wolves defense as a whole. They’ve consistently failed to defend three-point shooters and have paid dearly as a result. 

Are you concerned about Derrick Rose's injury?
Not really. I’ve just assumed he’d miss quite a bit of time this season based on his injury history. He had also stopped hitting shots at the same rate he had earlier in the season and hadn’t been nearly as productive before his most recent sidelining due to injury.

I’ve never seen Rose through himself-colored glasses, and his decline this season began almost immediately after I begrudging gave him his due right here in the pages of this fine periodical. I don’t think the Wolves can or should depend on him to win, either short or long term.

Do you think Rose deserves to be in the All-Star game? I think he does, it's a good story and he's played well. It's the All-STAR game, not the Best Players game...
No. He had a truly excellent stretch of play to start the season and has regressed since then, and that’s when his bird bones even allow him even play. It really wouldn’t bother me if he did though, as it would be through fan voting which has always valued names over on-court performance. 

The biggest argument I’d have against it is that it’d likely be denying a spot to a more deserving player, likely one on a team with little coverage and recognition. How are new stars going to be created if we continually lower the bar for old ones to retain (or in Rose’s case regain) their former status?

What do you think of the Jimmy Butler situation in Philadelphia? 
If media reports are true, I think Butler needs to stop being given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to any sort of disputes with teammates and coaches. One could forgive him for being unhappy in Chicago and Minnesota (two historically dysfunctional franchises), but he was traded to a contender with probably the most promising young core in the league, and his issues still persist.

His desire to dominate the offense, especially at the end of games, at the expense of the team’s best offensive player (previously KAT and now Embiid), is selfish and misguided and is again causing tensions and likely minimizing their chances of winning close games. 

Beartrap McManus is an NBA and Timberwolves expert. He has been a life coach for Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland since before time, a consultant for Rambling On since its founding, and Timberwolves analyst beginning in Series Five. He resides with his wife and twelve kids in Hurley, Wisconsin, where his wife owns a popular supper club.