🐺 T-WOLVES POINT GUARD DECISION: EXPANDED VIEW 📈

1️⃣ The Veteran Insurance Policy (Safety First) 🛡️

🎯 Focus: Low-risk depth and stability for a win-now team. 💡 Strategy: Sign an experienced, reliable veteran (like Alec Burks or Cam Payne) to a minimum contract. This player serves as the high-floor, reliable 3rd PG behind Mike Conley. 📊 Rationale: This player keeps the team afloat during injuries to Conley or in games where rookie Rob Dillingham is unplayable due to his size or defensive struggles. Burks is a versatile scorer; Payne is a traditional backup PG. It's the most responsible move for a contender.

2️⃣ The High-Risk, High-Reward Talent Swing (Gamble) 🎲

🎯 Focus: Adding a star-level skillset at a bargain price. 💡 Strategy: Bet on Ben Simmons' upside. Despite his issues (health, shooting), his unique talents offer a high ceiling. 📊 Rationale:

• Defense: Simmons takes pressure off Anthony Edwards (Ant) by guarding the opponent's best perimeter player, letting Ant save energy for offense.

• Playmaking: He provides elite transition offense and can be a "Point-Forward" connector, utilizing Gobert as a lob threat and finding shooters like Ant and others in the half-court.

• The Risk: His lack of shooting and significant injury history make this a culture risk that could backfire completely, but the potential reward drastically raises the team's ceiling.

3️⃣ The Developmental Path (In-House) 👶

🎯 Focus: Prioritizing the long-term future and maximizing the ceiling of a lottery pick. 💡 Strategy: Limit veteran signings to minor depth pieces and commit to giving Rob Dillingham a consistent 15-20 minutes a night, allowing him to "play through his mistakes." 📊 Rationale: Dillingham is the team's best chance at a long-term, dynamic point guard next to Edwards on a cheap contract. The true championship window opens when he is ready. While this may cost the team a few regular-season wins in the short term, the organization signals full belief in the rookie to become the PG of the future.