KAT is currently averaging 22.2 on 50.3-41.8-91.1 shooting splits, while Naz is averaging 12.6ppg on 51.4-40-90.6 shooting splits.
This is not a post crowning either of them as the newest members of the 50-40-90 club; it’s really early in the season and is kind of an arbitrary mark to begin with. Just a few days ago, Halli was also at 50-40-90. There’s no guarantee that either Naz or KAT stay at 50-40-90 (in fact, I would be shocked if they did). But it’s pretty remarkable that not only are the only two players currently averaging 50-40-90 shooting splits both centers, but they both play for the same team.
I get a little annoyed by the comments from both wolves fans and others about “everyone else wanted us to trade him!” “Wolves fans wanted to trade him!” Who fuckin cares? I have been the biggest KAT fan in the world, but why not welcome folks to change their minds based on what’s happening this season?
It is OK for people to change their minds based on the growth he is showing and it is OK to say, I thought one way about him in the past and things are looking different now. I expected him to get back to form as an elite scorer and all-NBA type offensive talent. I did NOT expect him to get way better on defense, to start showing signs of maturity re: fouling and refs, and to accept his role so willingly and effectively as a 1B at times and still step up as “the guy” when we need him to (and do so while still letting Rudy dictate so much of what’s happening when they’re on the floor together)
He is playing the best basketball of his career and who gives a fuck what you or me or whoever thought in the past.