Any Reason Lavine Is Not Starting?

[LAZERUSS]

As most of you know by now, I have not been a big fan of Zach Lavine. I thought he was way over-rated considering what little he did at UCLA.

Having said that, though, while I didn't see the game tonight, it appears that h played well in his limited minutes, while Gary Neal shot poorly.

Is there a reason that Lavine is not being given more playing time? Let's give him his shot, and see what he can do? Does anyone in their right mind believe that Neal is the future of this team?

And please don't suggest that they are "hiding" Lavine to "tank", either. If that were the case, why are Wiggins, Rubio, and other's playing?

The team is 13-46 forcryingoutloud...what do they have to lose?

[ralph_i_el]

he's not good at basketball

[Prime_Shaq]

His shot is broke, still extremely raw.

[outbreak]

I think it's more to do with the make up of the team right now. Neal is supposed to be a three point threat (although i think he's shooting poorly this year isn't he?) which is needed when you have Rubio and Wiggins a long side him. Wiggins isn't terrible but he is still finding his range and Rubio will never be a reliable three point threat. I think if either one of those guys were a lights out shooter Lavine would edge out Neal.

[305Baller]

He's too raw. Needs rubbers.

[Le Shaqtus]

Just because he can dunk really well doesn't mean he's good at basketball.

He's proper crap.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Because it isn't the 60s

[KNOW1EDGE]

Because he is not worthy of starting for the Wolves.

Pretty simple. Not sure why you even needed to ask this question

[nba_55]

Nobody watches Minnesota in here.

[Bless Mathews]

He hasn't let loose.

Still playing conservative.

[The Iron Sheik]

unfortunately i think the dunk contest will be the highlight of his career. i can't see him playing more than 25mpg on a decent team

[ClipperRevival]

He's just too raw. His skill level and game is just not up to par. You don't want to throw him to the fire and kill his confidence. You need to bring along a guy this raw slowly and let him develop his skills. Even tonight, he made like 5-7 bad, rookie mistales which resulted in turnovers. If he works on his game, it will happen because he has Gerald Green type explosivness. But he's just a rough diamond right now. It needs a lot of polishing.

[ClipperRevival]

unfortunately i think the dunk contest will be the highlight of his career. i can't see him playing more than 25mpg on a decent team

How on Earth can you already judge a guy with his off the charts athleticism who is only 19? You can always improve your skills but you can't teach his athleticism.

[hawksdreamfan44]

They wouldn't have had any shooting in the starting lineup had LaVine started last night.

[Eric Cartman]

Minnesota should play Lavine more, dude is a future superstar and they need to get all the rust of that young blood before he can start pimping.

[TaLvsCuaL]

Cuz Rubio is almost healthy and is the true leader of the team. 18/12/11 last game.

[CeltsGarlic]

Any reason LeBron is not shooting jumpers with his left hand?

[ZenMaster]

What is best for his development right now is playing against second tier NBA players so he comes in off the bench.

[Dave3]

His decision making still isn't great. He forces fastbreaks a bit too much, and quite a bit doesn't make the right pass. Rubio on the other hand has been running the offense really well and fits much better on a team where the rest of them were very bad at moving the ball. I agree he should be playing a bit more.

[FreezingTsmoove]

Do any of you see how freaking physical the NBA is. The kid is 19 of you give him starters minutes someones going to knock his lanky ass on the ground. Let him get stronger and put on more muscle before you throw him into the fire before you risk serious injury and hamper his athleticism which is the only reason hes in the league. Seriously this guy shouldnt have even come out of college but he knew of he declared he was bound to get picked up before of his athleticism and size. Hes a toothpick though

[Dave3]

Do any of you see how freaking physical the NBA is. The kid is 19 of you give him starters minutes someones going to knock his lanky ass on the ground. Let him get stronger and put on more muscle before you throw him into the fire before you risk serious injury and hamper his athleticism which is the only reason hes in the league. Seriously this guy shouldnt have even come out of college but he knew of he declared he was bound to get picked up before of his athleticism and size. Hes a toothpick though
Dude what? You're saying his fragility is the reason he's not getting playing time? :oldlol: He's not getting playing time because he starts behind a very good point guard in Rubio who fits the starting lineup infinitely better, and he's also behind Martin (best scorer on the team), Wiggins (duh), and now Neal (their new sharpshooter apparently) in the rotation. He's not a very good decision maker yet with the ball, but his athleticism and little scoring are his strengths right now. His being skinny would preclude guys like Wiggins from playing just as much as Lavine...

[deja vu]

Because he's a terrible point guard and he can't dislodge a better shooter/scorer in Kevin Martin at the SG position.

[outbreak]

Because he's a terrible point guard and he can't dislodge a better shooter/scorer in Kevin Martin at the SG position.
Martin was out, Neal started

[mattvNJ]

Lavine will get his. Hes a lanky 19 year old who was touted based on his athleticism. I never saw the superstar hype, but his athleticism is elite. He needs to gain weight, train a few more seasons. I think hell be a fringe all star.