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Hardwood Paroxysm: 7 young players we’re excited to watch in 2015-16

By HP Basketball Network

Dec 9, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) drives the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Anthony Morrow (2) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Target Center. The Utah Jazz beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Target Center. The Utah Jazz beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-84. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach LaVine: Minnesota’s “Other Guy”

Derek James (@DerekJamesNBA) — Hardwood Paroxysm

The title to this section is a little humorous because LaVine’s personality is far from that of an “other guy.” No, LaVine stands out with his gregarious personality. In this way, LaVine is a stark contrast to his fellow 2014 rookie classmate Andrew Wiggins. Often times, Wiggins prefers to keep to himself while LaVine enjoys soaking up the whole experience.

In 2014, LaVine found himself in the starting lineup alongside Wiggins, but that wasn’t supposed to happen. The Timberwolves’ backcourt was decimated by injuries to Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad, Kevin Martin, and seemingly everyone else over 6’4 in the 612 area code. Because of this, LaVine was thrust into the starting lineup– at point guard, no less.

It was clear that LaVine was hurried onto the court; the cheese wasn’t melted in the center and the crust wasn’t golden brown yet. Over time, two things became clear: 1) LaVine could do some things; and 2) those things were best-suited for playing off of the ball rather than as a point guard. It was apparent that LaVine had probably never had to play a lot of point guard before, and looked awkward at times trying to learn the most difficult position in the NBA.

Still, LaVine showed flashes despite playing earlier than expected and out of position. LaVine hit 34.2 percent of his 2.2 three point attempts per game, which isn’t bad for a rookie. LaVine also rebounded well for his position, averaging 2.8 per game or 4.1 per 36 minutes.

The best news for LaVine, Timberwolves fans, and the team itself is that LaVine is finally moving to his rightful position as the off-guard. Moving to his natural position should help LaVine curb his turnover problem and lower his 20.4 percent turnover percentage. To put it another way, LaVine turned the ball over once every five possessions, which is not conducive to winning. Focusing on spot-ups and cuts, LaVine should become more efficient and minimizing his turnovers.

The team’s draft day trade for rookie point guard Tyus Jones all but sealed it that LaVine would no longer be the team’s backup point guard. Barring injury, LaVine will play at the shooting guard almost exclusively.

LaVine went to summer league as a bit of a formality. In two games, Lavine didn’t shoot very well, but it’s hard to take too much away from that. LaVine was hurt in the second game and the Timberwolves pulled him out of summer league altogether, if that tells you how concerned they were about those numbers.

With Karl-Anthony Towns and Wiggins on the roster, it’s easy to forget about LaVine at times. He’s often left out when people talk about the pieces that make Minnesota’s future brighter, but LaVine showed last year that he should have a place in this league as well. And not just in the slam dunk contest.

Next: Nikola Jokic

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