Ok, i've wondered this for a while. To me Trenton is one of the best perimeter defenders in the L. He can guard the 1, 2, or 3. He forces so many bad shots, but seems to get NO attention for it. His jumper isn't bad either. What do u guys think?
I've always liked Trenton Hassell, you're right he does get overlooked a lot for his defensive contributions in Minny. The reason he probably doesn't get much credit is the fact he plays with Kevin Garnett. Most coaches probably feel Hassell's defense is a direct result of KG's presence on the inside. Hassell has the lateral quickness to stay in front of his player, and also has the strength to prevent a player from backing him down in the post. If the TWolves start winning again, he'll get more attention.
Thank you, im glad im not the only one. I was so mad that year in the playoffs when hassell shut down melo, Peja (the year he was a beast) and guarded Kobe TOUGH and got one vote for any defensive all team. Also i think you are right about how the teams success will get him noticed more like bowen but that year we were in the WCF thanks to his D
I hated Hassell when he was on the Bulls, he sucked. He couldn't make a freakin shot. But, he has gotten better and he is a great defender. But, he probably doesn't get any votes and stuff because he doesn't put up impressive stats.
^^ True but his mid ranged jumper had him leading the league for a litle bit in FG% this year. He keeps improving every year but until he starts getting respect from the refs like bowen and artest do, he will never be apprecciated
I always liked his game. I remember him getting some credit when he was in that starting lineup (because Sczerbiak was injured) with KG, Cassell, and Sprewell.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting SP23:</div><div class="quote_post">I hated Hassell when he was on the Bulls, he sucked. He couldn't make a freakin shot. But, he has gotten better and he is a great defender. But, he probably doesn't get any votes and stuff because he doesn't put up impressive stats.</div> Im in the same boat as SP. I am just wondering he never played with Skiles right? I just would think Skiles would love his attitude and his defense.
^^ i agree and i find it interesting that whenever a trade idea comes around involving minni hassell is a "throw in" everytime. It seems like others around the league dont take him lightly or anything, but the league itself doesn't even realize him. i mean he started as a defensive stopper (before this was a popular thing to do) over some descent players with Flip as a coach for a reason.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheFreshPrince:</div><div class="quote_post">^^ i agree and i find it interesting that whenever a trade idea comes around involving minni hassell is a "throw in" everytime. It seems like others around the league dont take him lightly or anything, but the league itself doesn't even realize him. i mean he started as a defensive stopper (before this was a popular thing to do) over some descent players with Flip as a coach for a reason.</div> They say he is a throw in, because his contract is long and pricy for a guy that plays great defense, but doesn't do much else. He'll knock down the open jumpshots here and there, but he is pretty one-dimensional.
im saying "throw in" in that he is always just put in there, but we have madson on a bid contract which would be much more of a throw in player. I'm just trying to say that it appears a lot of teams wouldn't mind him for cheap
Well Hassell's defense if just amazing. I mean, when you look at him you think well just another decent playing guard. If you have ever watched the Wolves play you will find yourself feeling dumbfounded for saying that. He doesn't get enough respect. He wasn't anywhere close to the Defensive Team at all. Shame.
That is good to hear. Whenever we play the lakers or houston, i look forward to watching hassell guard kobe and tmac great. Too bad he gets no respect from refs and is usually in some kind of foul trouble. If hassell got the calls artest and bowen got, he would definately be a defensive all teamer.
