The Dane Moore NBA Podcast

Today's show is Part 1 of our two-part Timberwolves Media Day coverage with Kyle Theige of CanisHoopus.com. This episode is an immediate reaction to the introductory press conference for Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore. Dane and Kyle describe what was said before and after the presser, plus the general atmosphere at the Timberwolves facility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Andy Grimsrud (@PDWolves) from PunchDrunkWolves.com to recap the Gersson Rosas Era and discuss the Philadelphia 76ers potentially losing leverage once training camp begins next week. Andy, a notable Thibs Stan and Rosas Questioner, wrote an article on Friday recapping the Rosas regime and the questions he’s had about Rosas dating back to Rosas’ hiring in 2019. We go back and forth and break it down.— Rosas’ endorsement of Ryan Saunders as the best head coaching candidate available in 2019— Cleaning out the roster Rosas inherited + why many of Rosas’ moves amounted to only being half measures— A very successful 2020 Draft— How a Ben Simmons move would impact the Timberwolves timeline, and how Sachin Gupta, now in charge, might pursue that venture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of The Athletic to discuss the firing of Gersson Rosas and what this signals for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In which Dane and Britt discuss:— The rumblings of discontentment between Rosas and the rest of the Wolves organization and front office— Why the timing signals something egregious or serious procrastination— Karl-Anthony Towns being blind-sided by the move— Why this should have little impact on Chris Finch and what he is able to make of this talented Timberwolves roster— Going through the history of Rosas’ bigger moves made over his two-year tenure as President of Basketball Operations— How new President of Basketball Operations Sachin Gupta may approach roster construction differently than Rosas did— A collective exhale that this team is very weird Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane talks about the Timberwolves defense this upcoming season. Specifically the impact Ben Simmons would have on the defensive end if the Wolves were to pull off a trade to acquire him. Additionally, clips included from Timberwolves new defensive coordinator Elston Turner on his vision for the Wolves’ defense this year, and Turner’s view on how drop coverage can effectively be played in today’s NBA. And lastly, we get to the team-friendly contracts that Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan McLaughlin recently signed.— Comparing Ben Simmons’ defensive impact next to Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Jimmy Butler’s defensive impact next to KAT— What sort of price in a trade would be justifiable given Simmons’ expected impact?— New Defensive Coordinator Elston Turner on his vision for the Timberwolves defense, and how that vision might be different than David Vanterpool and Jospeh Blair’s— The impact of Vanderbilt and McLaughlin signing long-term, team-friendly deals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Chris Hine of The Star Tribune joins the show to discuss his extensive feature story on new Timberwolves owner Marc Lore. Dane and Chris discuss their interactions with Lore in Las Vegas at the NBA Summer League, and Chris gives his take on what Marc Lore might bring to the Timberwolves organization and the Minnesota community. Topics include: Lore’s love for magic tricks — and the two acts Lore pulled on Dane and Chris in Vegas The vision of using three core values to change the culture of the Timberwolves organization Chris’s read on Lore’s personality from his sit down with the new owner Lore’s on-the-record commentary about the team staying in Minnesota, and how a new stadium likely factors into that equation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of The Athletic to discuss some of the details uncovered in Britt’s two-part, 75-minute one-on-one interview with Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. The topics covered in the Britt-Finch Q+A are abundant, and we tried to hit on as many of those as possible.-- Finch’s style of specific play calls vs. a free-flowing offensive emphasis — and how that differentiate’s from the previous style under Ryan Saunders (and Gersson Rosas)-- Finch’s relationship with personnel vs. scheme — and how Finch freely admits the defensive plan will be different this season-- A Scottie Pippen comparison for Jaden McDaniels from Finch-- Finch’s acknowledgement of separate timelines and his job as a coach for navigating those two paths effectively-- The Timberwolves “Core Four” of KAT, DLo, Ant and McDaniels-- Britt's heaping of praise on the Patrick Beverley trade: “Rosas best trade to date” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Rand of the Star Tribune joins Dane on the show for another reaction to the Patrick Beverley trade, plus we dig into the Timberwolves Vegas over/under of 34.5 wins. Rand brings the history of the Timberwolves "over" versus Vegas. (Hint: History does not indicate that the Wolves over has been a good bet)We also dig a little further into Beverley's specific fit within the Wolves rotation, asking whether or not Beverley might be able to be a better option at the position than Rubio was. And, naturally, a little conversation on whether Ben Simmons lurks as a possibility -- and what his price tag might be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's pod, Dane is joined by Kyle Theige to instantly react to today's news that the Timberwolves have traded Jarrett Culver and Juancho Hernangomez for Patrick Beverley from the Memphis Grizzlies. Kyle and I put this trade together with the Rubio for Prince swap and assess the Wolves offseason thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Jon Krawczynski and Britt Robson of The Athletic join Dane is Las Vegas to take stock of the future of the Timberwolves. Topics discussed include: How Jaden McDaniels might be a perfect fit — even if he doesn’t reach his ultimate ceiling Why this is a pivotal year for Karl-Anthony Towns’s future with the team Reasons for real optimism over the next three seasons. How the Wolves are in a stunningly good place for future team building Will the Wolves again be terrible on defense, or will they be able to find a way to be mediocre? What are the odds the Wolves still make a big move before the season starts? Once the Ben Simmons shoe drops, how will the Wolves be positioned to involved themselves in the move — whether that be for Simmons or as a third team in a deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Chris Finch and Gersson Rosas join Dane in Las Vegas to have a conversation about where the Minnesota Timberwolves stand and where they might be going. Topics with head coach and POBO include: After a whirlwind first two years as chief decision-maker, what is next for Rosas — and how does Finch fit into that? Rosas big bet on Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards — and what Finch envisions from those three. Balancing personnel versus scheme in the process of improving the defense What Rosas and Finch think KAT needs from his frontcourt partner. Why the power forward position remains a swing spot for this team Can Jaden McDaniels be the answer as a high-impact, low-usage player? Skinny KAT What are the expectations for this season? Playoffs? Do Rosas and Finch feel pressure? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to the show to discuss the thing that have actually came to fruition this offseason for the Timberwolves — from the Ricky Rubio for Taurean Prince swap to the two-way signings — and for what might yet transpire in regards to Jarred Vanderbilt and on the trade market. Along with some thoughts on the squad entering Summer League.— Britt gives his thoughts on the Rubio trade— How teams might be assessing Vanderbilt’s price tag in restricted free agency— The difference between the free agency part of the offseason (where the Wolves were silent) and the trade market portion of the offseason (where the Wolves could still make a move)— Trusting Rosas on two-way signings— Dane suggests a specific type of player the Wolves might be able to target on the trade market— Why it sounds like the Wolves may be changing their defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Joseph Blair— What we’ll be looking for from Jaden McDaniels and Jaylen Nowell in Summer League Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Darren Wolfson of KSTP and SKOR North joins to discuss the latest rumblings in the Timberwolves offseason pursuits. Doogie and Dane run through what and why the Wolves have thus far been quiet in the free agent market place and what could potentially come. Specific topics include: The latest names Doogie has heard the Wolves have been in contact with and shares some names the Wolves have not touch based on this offseason (including Larry Nance Jr.) A conversation about Lauri Markkanen and how real the buzz is surrounding Chicago’s restricted free agent The pattern of Gersson Rosas making one move that suggests there might be a subsequent move — and whether or not that will happen this time with the Taurean Prince trade The negotiation process between the Wolves and Jarred Vanderbilt/Jordan McLaughlin McKinley Wright and Nathan Knight signing as two-way contracts What Dane and Doogie think the impact of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore might be Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into the Minnesota Timberwolves draft night. A night that included no draft picks, but a rather meaningful trade of Ricky Rubio in exchange for Taurean Prince and a 2022 2nd round pick. Mixed into the pod are audio snippets from Gersson Rosas’ late-night press conference that help clarify what the Wolves were doing on draft night and what they may have planned for the offseason.— Myles Turner Fodder: Rosas’ suggests they will be pursuing a big man in the offseason to play next to Karl-Anthony Towns, potentially even a center— What Prince would bring if he is in fact the starting power forward— The financial flexibility created by swapping Rubio for Prince— Why Prince presents the same problems Robert Covington and Jaden McDaniels presented as small-ball partners for KAT in the front court Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by University of St. Thomas assistant men’s basketball coach Will DeBerg to go through each of their top 14 prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft. It’s the second annual lottery Big Board pod Dane and Will have done together. And in this episode they contrast the film watching process between the 2020 class and the 2021 class before getting into their top 14s for this class.— Why we feel Cade Cunningham is in a class of his own— Where we see the drop offs point to be, from players with star potential to players that will likely only be asked to fill roles— Why Dane is bullish on Jonathan Kuminga— And the interesting questions that arise with unique prospects like Alperen Sengun, Davion Mitchell and Josh GiddeySubmit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s pod is a film review of three prospects likely to go in next week’s NBA Draft lottery: Davion Mitchell, James Bouknight and Moses Moody. Will DeBerg (University of St. Thomas) joins the show to go through what stood out on the film. We discuss: Davion Mitchell’s dominance at the college level, what is likely to translate to the NBA game, and a reasonable conversation about his size not necessarily being a death knell James Bouknight’s stunning film — for better or worse — and why he would be the player we think an interview process would be most helpful in his assessment as a prospect Asking whether or not Moses Moody is just a 3 and D prospect, or perhaps something more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks being the NBA champion for the 2020-21 season. We also get into the news of the Timberwolves pursuing Danilo Gallinari. What that type of move signals for how Gersson Rosas might be pursuing this offseason. And finally we get into Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez being approved by the NBA’s Board of Governors as limited partners of the Minnesota Timberwolves ownership team. I ask Britt what impact he would like to see the new owners have next season. And I assert my hope that Lore and Rodriguez are able to meet with Rosas in an effort to make a long-term, sustainable plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, Will DeBerg (University of St. Thomas assistant coach) joins the show to do another film review of another trio of prospects — Scottie Barnes (Florida State), Franz Wagner (Michigan) and Keon Johnson (Tennessee). How we graded theses prospects and whether or not we see any of them having a case for cracking the top-5 of this draft class. With Barnes, an elite defensive prospect, what is his best position offensively? And how might his lack of shooting hold down his ceiling? Will Wagner’s defensive impact at the college level translate to the NBA game? Why Wagner isn’t at all your typical euro prospect who can shoot but can’t defend Johnson might be the best athlete of the class, but how will that translate to the NBA. How high can a team justify drafting him given the question marks in his game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the show to discuss a terrific Game 4 of The NBA Finals and everything that has now transpired with series back tied at 2-2. In the second half of the show (30-ish minute mark), we discuss watching these Finals through a Timberwolves lens — asking ourselves how Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell might be able to duplicate similar things to Khris Middleton and Devin Booker if the Timberwolves were ever were to reach The NBA Finals. And then we look ahead to the offseason and Summer League. The dominance of Middleton and Booker Phoenix losing the possession game on the boards and with turnovers Where we think this series is headed Watching The Finals through a Timberwolves And then Britt shares a story about drinking with George Karl at Summer League 30 years ago Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s episode we check in on the six Timberwolves players who have been playing for their national teams this summer in advance of the Olympics. What I’ve been hearing for injury updates on Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid and Juancho Hernangomez, and then how Leandro Bolmaro, Josh Okogie and Ricky Rubio have been performing in slightly different roles for their national teams. What position does Leandro Bolmaro play? How has Bolmaro looked defensively and what is he most comfortable doing offensively? Josh Okogie playing point guard for Nigeria. How will that benefit him in the NBA next season? Why doesn’t international Ricky Rubio translate to the NBA? What can happen this season so more of Rubio’s international dominance shows up for the Wolves? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Will DeBerg (Assistant Men’s coach at the University of St. Thomas) joins to breakdown the film of Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga from the G-League’s G-League Ignite team. Green and Kuminga are like top-5 picks in this month’s NBA Draft. We discuss: The environment Green and Kuminga played in this year in the G-League and the level of competition they went against compared to other prospects we have watched The similarities between Green as a prospect to Zach LaVine when he came out of UCLA Why Kuminga’s ceiling is not just about being a “freak athlete” How Dane and Will rank Green and Kuminga compared to Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs as prospects Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to compare notes on our reactions from Gersson Rosas’ mid-offseason press conference from earlier this week. Rosas’ commentary led Britt and I to dig into these topics amongst others: How much of Rosas insistence about trade talks being underway is a smokescreen for not having draft picks? Rosas basically saying we have enough young players already Rosas saying the Wolves need for “veteran leadership” — and where Ricky Rubio might figure into that If Karl-Anthony Towns is ultimately a 1B or No. 2 star, how might the Wolves proceed? The Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels timeline versus the Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell timeline, and whether or not the Wolves should be picking a path Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to take stock of what has been one of the most bizarre, but also fun, NBA playoffs. We start to look ahead to the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns as the likely NBA Finals contenders, while also giving the Atlanta Hawks their due respect for an impressive run. As always, the conversation ranges all over the NBA, with many veers back to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Topics include: Milwaukee triumph without the traditional star core Chris Paul’s performance and his impact on his teammates, specifically DeAndre Ayton The Atlanta Hawks being a team who have left their mark in these playoffs as a team who has trappings of being a perennial contender in the East going forward Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to discuss the Timberwolves offseason outlook now that we know they will not have their first round pick in July’s draft. That variable being removed hones the focus on the 12 players currently under contract for next season and makes ideas about how to adjust the roster more direct. We discuss: The caliber of this Wolves team if they make no meaningful additions to the roster prior to next season What archetype of added big might bring out the most from this roster — using Myles Turner, Ben Simmons and John Collins as examples of three archetypes What Britt would be willing to give up for Ben Simmons versus what Dane would be willing to give up Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Jake Paynting of CanisHoopus joins to discuss his film review of Leandro Bolmaro — the Timberwolves’ 23rd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, who seems poised to join the team after playing for FC Barcelona last season. We discuss: Bolmaro’s sure-fire NBA-ready skill: On-ball defense What Bolmaro’s game looks like offensively The swing skills that will determine Bolmaro’s ultimate ceiling Bolmaro’s one clear weakness entering the NBA How Bolmaro might into the construct of the Timberwolves’ current roster, and how his presence further affirms the need to address the power forward position at some point this offseason Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, we (finally) talk potential Ben Simmons to Minnesota trades. While any trade being consummated is inherently unlikely, we get into why the Simmons idea no longer feels like completely reckless speculation. How Gersson Rosas has talked about making moves for star players since he took over the front office — and why Simmons might check those boxes, and why he might not Rosas’ history of trading for players whose values have recently dipped — both D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley How Simmons’ everything-other-than-shooting would be a great fit What it would take to match salaries in a potential trade What sort of draft capital I’ve been hearing it would take to acquire Simmons in a Wolves package Three different trade frameworks Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we begin our series NBA Draft prospect film reviews for the pod. Will DeBerg of the University of St. Thomas is again joining me in this venture, as he did last summer. And to start off the series, and on the day of the NBA Draft lottery, Will and I take a look at the top three prospects in 2021 Draft class, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs. For each of the three prospects, we run through what stood out from their games on each side of the ball in their college film and speculate on what might and what might not translate to the next level. So start your NBA Draft research with today’s show. Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report joins to highlight the many Timberwolves-related anecdotes from his new book “Built To Lose: How The NBA’s Tanking Era Changed The League Forever”. The ties from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Houston Rockets and even to the acquisition of Andrew Wiggins and selection of Karl-Anthony Towns are abundant. Sachin Gupta’s role in The Process with Sam Hinkie The impact the lottery odds flattening might have had on the Timberwolves not tanking this season Flip Saunders motivations going into the 2015 Draft in regards to Jahlil Okafor versus Karl-Anthony Towns And much more If you would like to purchase Jake’s book, you can do that from our friends at SubText Books here.Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod for a second time this week, where on this episode we discuss the recent Minnesota Timberwolves news and notes since the season ended one month ago. Topics discussed include: Iowa Wolves coach Sam Newman-Beck ousted as Chris Finch and Gersson Rosas begin to build out a new coaching staff from top to bottom, moving on from the majority of the remaining members of Ryan Saunders’ staff (first 15 minutes) A timeline of what is proving to be a messy transition of power from Glen Taylor to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore (second 15 minutes) Laying out the path to the Timberwolves staying in Minnesota under new ownership + the doomsday path Rodriguez and Lore could pursue if they opt to be aggressive about relocating the franchise (final 15 minutes) Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the show to discuss a wide open NBA playoff field, with three series tied at 2-2 and the Phoenix Suns ascending to the conference finals. We discuss: Chris Paul’s dominance and the Suns exploding into championship contention The Nets title odds through a bundle of injuries + what is left to be desired from Giannis and the Bucks. Adjustments for the remainder of the series Assessing the Sixers as title contenders, Joel Embiid’s health and Trae Young inspiring the Hawks through Ben Simmons’ defense A still fascinating, toss-up of a Clippers-Jazz series + sleeping on Kawhi Leonard + where Rudy Gobert ranks amongst the other top centers in the league Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brendan Hedtke of CanisHoopus joins the pod today to discuss the potential paths for the Timberwolves to take this summer to become a respectable defense next season. What can Gersson Rosas add to this roster and what can Chris Finch adjust to make the Wolves’ defense good enough to make the playoffs? We discuss: The Wolves history of being a below-average defensive team, specifically over the six seasons Karl-Anthony Towns has been on the roster Where do the Wolves need to rank defensively to make the playoffs next season? Should the Wolves consider adding a true rim-protecting center? What are the paths to doing that? Why Jaden McDaniels’ best position may be small forward instead of power forward Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBACreate a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Britt Robson of The Athletic again joins the show. This time to discuss the now set, eight-team field for the second round of the playoffs. We spend about twenty minutes on all four of the second round series, in this order: Bucks-Nets, Nuggets-Suns, Clippers-Jazz, Sixers-Hawks. Topics discussed include: Our announcement of a live show on NBA Draft Lottery Night, June 22nd, at Forgotten Star Brewery in Fridley, Minnesota. Britt and I will be at Forgotten Star to see how the lottery balls bounce in the draft lottery, and immediately record a live episode following the Lottery’s results How Brooklyn still looked like they had more than enough for Milwaukee even once James Harden went down The X-factors for a Denver team against a more sturdy Phoenix squad Dane and Britt come down on different winners for the Jazz-Clippers series How the Sixers can recover against the Hawks the rest of the series Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, Jack Borman of CanisHoopus joins the pod to chat about our Timberwolves-related thoughts that have been triggered while watching these playoffs. We’re calling it “watching the playoffs through a Timberwolves lens”. And, in that, we discuss:• The idea of this playoff role player-type of John Collins being on the Wolves next season• Buy low guys that could be acquired via trade this summer by the Wolves who are playing in these playoffs. Guys like Daniel Gafford of the Wizards• The power forwards the Timberwolves pursued this offseason — like Derrick Jones Jr., Paul Millsap and JaMychal Green — having relatively small playoff impacts. How does this impact our view of the midlevel exception?• The similarities in offensive structure between what Brooklyn has built to what the Timberwolves have on their roster — three strong isolation players and one shooter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, Glen Willis of PeachTree Hoops joins the pod for a Hawks-Knicks deep dive, a look into what has played out in the Grizzlies-Jazz series and the Sixers Title chances. We discuss: Are Thibs and the Knicks done? Trae Young’s explosion and Julius Randle’s deflation in their first playoff experiences John Collins future in Atlanta? What would Collins cost for the Timberwolves to acquire and what would his impact be on the Wolves’ roster? How these playoffs have suggested a superstar upside for Ja Morant What should we think of the Jazz as contenders in the West? How might they matchup with the Mavs or Clippers in Round 2? Joel Embiid’s dominance and the problems he’ll present in an eventual matchup against the Nets or Bucks? Utter confusion about what is playing out in the Western Conference Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/joinSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod on Wednesday afternoon to review the five playoff series that have completed Game 2 thus far. We discuss: Jrue Holiday and the Milwaukee Bucks new-found talent advantage shining through over the Miami Heat. Plus: Jimmy Butler’s underwhelming first two games of the series The Los Angeles Lakers obsession with their size advantage over the Phoenix Suns and why Anthony Davis at center might be able to end the Suns’ fire. Plus: Phoenix sadly playing with a broken Chris Paul The Denver Nuggets breaking the Portland Trailblazers defense down in Game 2 in a Damian Lillard versus Nikola Jokic battle Luke Doncic handling everything the Los Angeles Clippers throw at him and the potential demise of the Clippers grand plan The Brooklyn Nets are here — look out, world Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins Dane for one final conversation about the 2020-21 Minnesota Timberwolves. A reflection on Anthony Edwards' first season in Minnesota, the status of the KAT and DLo pairing, where Gersson Rosas may take this team this summer, and much more. Thank you all for following along with Britt and I all season. Appreciate y'all. Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we recap Gersson Rosas end of season press conference and media exit interviews with the players on the roster. We hit on the array of topics covered by Rosas on the state of the roster going forward and parse through the player’s refections on their seasons individually and as a group. Rosas and Chris Finch on the plan at power forward going forward. What needs to be addressed at that position and Rosas’ means to address those needs in the offseason D’Angelo Russell on feeling “needed” in Minnesota rather than “wanted”, as he felt at previous stops of his career. Plus a reflection on his individual success after returning from injury Ricky Rubio on how he fits going into next season Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns on making the playoffs next season And plenty more Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We made it through 72 games of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball this season, somehow. It was wild. It was weird. And it was certainly only the beginning... of something. After a win in Game 72 over the Dallas Mavericks, on today’s show, we reflect on the season that was, acknowledge that Anthony Edwards is something to believe in, and turn our gaze onto Gersson Rosas and the front office for their biggest offseason yet. A thank you from me to you for making this season, the pod and my job possible One last look at Anthony Edwards’ insane close to the season. Making the case that Edwards is not only something to believe in but a player that has already arrived Why it’s now go-time for Gersson Rosas and the front office to win the Summer of 2021 Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the Timberwolves second-to-last game of the season, they seemed to run out of whatever good vibes they were running on. Saturday’s loss to the Celtics signaled much of the good JuJu that had been fueling team has either expired or been put on ice until next year — but it also opened up a chance to greatly improve their lottery odds in the final game of the season against Dallas. On today’s pod we discuss: How the Timberwolves lottery odds will be impacted by Sunday’s results Another disappointing loss for a team that is “not a tanking team” Decision time for Rosas on the Rubio and DLo pairing. Does it matter that the Rubio-DLo numbers have been better under Finch than they were under Saunders? How deciding Jaden McDaniels’ position is a sliding door decision for the Wolves this summer Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Minnesota Timberwolves began to play out the string with a Thursday night loss to the Denver Nuggets, we look forward to what Chris Finch might be able to bring out of Karl-Anthony Towns next season. How Finch’s experience with Nikola Jokic in Denver and Anthony Davis in New Orleans might apply to KAT potentially reaching a new level. Amongst other things, we discuss: Finch speaks on his time in Denver with Jokic — watching Jokic’s breakout season first hand What parts of Jokic’s ascension can we bank on for KAT next season? Anthony Edwards’ 18-point third quarter on Thursday and the Timberwolves relationship with streakiness The Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore ownership deal reportedly crossing the finish line and what the first steps are in this transition of power from Glen Taylor to Rodriguez and Lore Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tuesday night was another blowout win for the Timberwolves. On today's pod, we reflect on the Wolves now being 10-7 with KAT, DLo and Ant all in the lineup since DLo's return (and 12-9 for the season). And then we take a mental note of how much the numbers have been inflated by these last two blowouts. We also touch on DLo showcasing his special passing lately. And close out the pod be wondering what the Wolves in-house options at power forward might be if they don't address the position this offseason. Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With only four Timberwolves games left this season, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod for his final in-season appearance of the 2020-21 season — to take stock of what has transpired this past month and what it might portend for the future. We discuss: Anthony Edwards turning yet another corner, beginning to post legitimate star numbers What role Chris Finch has played in Ant’s ascension and the Timberwolves going 9-9 since D’Angelo Russell returned from injury Forcing Britt to have the Ant vs. LaMelo Rookie of the Year conversation The keeping the pick versus losing the pick offseason paths this summer — and what impact that will have on the futures of Ricky Rubio and Malik Beasley The decision not to tank and whether that will be worth the lottery balls lost in the process Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With another win on Sunday night in Orlando, this time in blowout fashion, the likelihood that the Timberwolves fall to the Number Six slot in the lottery has greatly increased. On today’s pod, we weigh the value winning since the All Star Break (14-18) against the drop in the likelihood that the Wolves keep their pick this summer (probably a 12.5% drop — down from 40.1% to 27.6%). Why the No. 6 slot now seems most likely Has winning since the break had a significant impact on how bought-in D’Angelo Russell is? How good exactly have the Wolves been since the break? Is 11th on offense that big of a deal if they’ve still been 28th on defense? What have been the “soft” values of trying — culture, habits, etc? Where is Karl-Anthony Towns’ head at going into the offseason? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are becoming Anthony Edwards team, too. Friday’s night’s loss to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat was the latest installment of the Edwards ascension story — not only as a player but as a leader of the team. On today’s pod, we dig into the KAT and Butler spat, and how Edwards was there for his teammate. He’s becoming a leader, too. Edwards sticking up for KAT postgame after the exchange with Butler How Ant feels like the Timberwolves Randy Moss and KAT feels like Adrian Peterson — and the ways that might impact the way fans latch onto the team A technical fest that led to D’Angelo Russell getting ejected and Edwards receiving superstar defensive attention Giving Jarred Vanderbilt his flowers — and how he has become one of the Wolves most impactful defenders Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anthony Edwards might have played the best game of his young career on Wednesday night. On tonight’s pod we dig into Edwards’ very-full (not empty) 42-point performance against the Grizzlies — that was completely absent of the rookie mistakes that have plagued much of the rookie’s first year in the league. Putting the 30-game run Edwards is on since the All-Star break into perspective. It’s time to remove the “inefficient scorer” label from Edwards game. The stats back it up. Looking at Edwards’ shooting efficiency compared to other high-volume shooters in the league Is the Donovan Mitchell player comp for Edwards beginning to come into focus? All KAT-DLo 2-man game down the stretch of the 4th quarter. Who gets the ball in late-game situations? D’Angelo Russell moves back into the starting lineup. Has Finch given up on DLo minutes next to Ricky Rubio? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, the Timberwolves are no longer on a winning streak. But they have won five of their last seven and are beginning show signs of an identity. Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the show to discuss the Wolves hot streak and the bumps that have come along the way. We discuss: What went wrong down the stretch against the Pelicans The late-game pecking order — our individual preferences between KAT, DLo and Ant, and what we are gleaning Chris Finch’s preference might be The stylistic defensive identity under Finch and how Gersson Rosas can choose to empower that style with future roster moves The increasingly likely possibility that the Wolves fall down to the 6th slot in the tanking standings — and the impact of the odds of keeping the pick falling from 40.1% to 27.6% Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With what is now a four-game winning streak, the comparison between the momentum this Timberwolves team is generating and the momentum the Phoenix Suns generated in last season’s Bubble is becoming less outlandish. On today’s podcast, we start digging through where this Wolves team’s momentum is coming from — and how it all seems to tie back to Anthony Edwards, who had 18 fourth quarter points against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Ricky Rubio draws similarities and differences between what he is experiencing on this Wolves team and what he experienced as a member of the Bubble Suns (audio included) Anthony Edwards’ late-game mentality, and going off in the 4th quarter again Finch’s new favorite lineup: Naz-Vando-Juancho-DLo-JMac — and what the future of the sixth man role on the Wolves might look like Looking at Jarrett Culver’s future on the team after being shut down for the season on Thursday Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I’ve been toying with an idea: Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing the best basketball of his career? Better than his post-All Star break run during the 2018-19 season? Better than the first 18 games of the 2019-20 season when he led the Timberwolves to a 10-8 start? On today’s pod, we dig into that question. Also: Jarred Vanderbilt’s impact in tonight’s win over the Houston and how he might fit into the Wolves’ big picture. And then we check in on the Flab Five tanking standings. (Yes, I’m calling it that.) Is KAT in the midst of the best 25-game stretch of his career thus far? Vanderbilt’s case for fitting into the Wolves’ big picture plans as a restricted free agent this summer Chris Finch stating he won’t be resting players down the stretch of the season — and how that might impact the Flab Five tanking standings Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If the Timberwolves ever won consecutive games again this season, I promised Kyle Theige (CanisHoopus) that he could come on the pod to celebrate the winning “streak”. Is it a streak if you win two in a row? Sure. The Wolves hadn’t won consecutive games since Christmas. In Wolves World, that’s worth celebrating. We discuss: How both wins over the Jazz were a carbon copies of one another, and how the Wolves no longer feel dead in the water when they fall down by 15 points early in the game Is winning a good thing for this Wolves team right now? We (again) run through the lottery odds — and estimate the likelihood of rest of season wins for the other teams in the tank Jaden McDaniels showing real signs of a Robert Covington/Jonathan Isaac upside Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If the Timberwolves ever won consecutive games again this season, I promised Kyle Theige (CanisHoopus) that he could come on the pod to celebrate the winning “streak”. Is it a streak if you win two in a row? Sure. The Wolves hadn’t won consecutive games since Christmas. In Wolves World, that’s worth celebrating. We discuss: How both wins over the Jazz were a carbon copies of one another, and how the Wolves no longer feel dead in the water when they fall down by 15 points early in the game Is winning a good thing for this Wolves team right now? We (again) run through the lottery odds — and estimate the likelihood of rest of season wins for the other teams in the tank Jaden McDaniels showing real signs of a Robert Covington/Jonathan Isaac upside Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s pod, I am joined by Britt Robson of The Athletic to, amongst other things, discuss his column on the first 30 games of the Chris Finch Era. Ryan Saunders coach 31 games before he was let go, and now Finch has mirrored that number. Britt and I dig into how the results have largely been similar but how many of the coaching dynamics feel like they have changed. The identity Finch is attempting to install in terms of Xs and Os, but also in terms of power dynamics How Finch appears to have far more leverage with the front office than Saunders ever had Finch’s handling of player dynamics — from D’Angelo Russell off the bench to instilling defensive principles in Anthony Edwards How Britt and I see the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference’s power rankings. Plus some around the NBA talk. Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.