Will Zach LaVine play two positions for Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwolves have forced their guards to bounce between the one and two spot in recent history. Alexey Shved was expected to play both positions and his stats suffered. Where Shved has struggled, Zach LaVine must thrive.
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LaVine, at 6-foot-5 and 180 pounds, is well suited for the two spot. His athleticism and makes him a natural fit. But coach Flip Saunders will need him to go outside of his comfort zone and expand him game. He’s already gotten a look at the youngster at practice.
“I thought LaVine was exceptional,” Saunders told The Pioneer Press. “He has an unbelievable feel for the game.
“There is no question that he can play (point guard), his understanding of what we want to do, how to play and his ability to initiate the offense and be creative.”
He made similar remarks about Sved as per Andy Greder of the PioneerPress.com:
"On draft night, Wolves president of basketball operations Flip Saunders said Shved’s longevity in the NBA likely relied on his ability to play the point. On Monday, Saunders said the switch wouldn’t be full time. The bigger point, Saunders said, is reinstating his confidence, which waned a year ago."
It appears that if LaVine wants early playing time and longevity with the team, he may have to exceed Schved’s path through Saunder’s ringer of multi-positional play. Ricky Rubio is certainly the incumbent starter, and could be for quite some time, but Saunder’s likely wants to groom Rubio’s replacement. LaVine might just be that guy.