Q12543 wrote:I mused the other day about changing the lineup combinations and didn't think there was a change that could be made to the starting unit. I've changed my mind....
I'd start Tyus in place of Teague. This is NOT because I think Tyus is better than Teague. The reason is that the second unit needs another scorer/shot creator on it. Crawford is trying to do too much, Bazz was a total failure and can't dribble, and Bjelly is trying to grow a new foot. Tyus is not a natural scorer, but he can blend in with our starters as a game manager. Teague on the other hand can be our first option as a 6th man PG and still be part of our "finishing" unit at the end of games. So yes, he'd still play the majority of minutes at PG.
I know Thibs would never do this, but it's the only thing I can think of to balance things out better.
Or Thibs could do what most other coaches figure out and find a way to stager his starters so the bench doesn't play as a unit and get crushed every night. As a group Tyus/Crawford/Bazz/Belly/G are terrible. Start playing some Belly/Tyus with the starters more and let Towns and Teague get more run with the second unit and all of a sudden they probably look like they can play a role on the team like they are an actual role player. Just keep bad pairings off the court like Bazz/Wiggins and G/Towns.
+1
It's not so much who starts and who doesn't, it's more about rotations. I've said since before the season started there should be atleast two out of KAT, Butler, Wiggins and Teague in the game at all times. The only exception 4th quarter blow outs.
Dieng should be playing more minutes and Taj less. Belly once healthy should be playing 20-24mpg. Tyus and Jamal are capable of playing more minutes.
Q12543 wrote:I mused the other day about changing the lineup combinations and didn't think there was a change that could be made to the starting unit. I've changed my mind....
I'd start Tyus in place of Teague. This is NOT because I think Tyus is better than Teague. The reason is that the second unit needs another scorer/shot creator on it. Crawford is trying to do too much, Bazz was a total failure and can't dribble, and Bjelly is trying to grow a new foot. Tyus is not a natural scorer, but he can blend in with our starters as a game manager. Teague on the other hand can be our first option as a 6th man PG and still be part of our "finishing" unit at the end of games. So yes, he'd still play the majority of minutes at PG.
I know Thibs would never do this, but it's the only thing I can think of to balance things out better.
Or Thibs could do what most other coaches figure out and find a way to stager his starters so the bench doesn't play as a unit and get crushed every night. As a group Tyus/Crawford/Bazz/Belly/G are terrible. Start playing some Belly/Tyus with the starters more and let Towns and Teague get more run with the second unit and all of a sudden they probably look like they can play a role on the team like they are an actual role player. Just keep bad pairings off the court like Bazz/Wiggins and G/Towns.
+1
It's not so much who starts and who doesn't, it's more about rotations. I've said since before the season started there should be atleast two out of KAT, Butler, Wiggins and Teague in the game at all times. The only exception 4th quarter blow outs.
Dieng should be playing more minutes and Taj less. Belly once healthy should be playing 20-24mpg. Tyus and Jamal are capable of playing more minutes.
Come 4th quarters our starters are spent.
I agree with all three of you. I agree with Q for the reasons he gave that we should start Tyus instead of Teague. I agree with Kahns that Thibs should do what most other coaches do and figure out a way to stagger our starters. I think Kahn's point is the most critical. And I agree with Matt on evening out the minutes a bit between Taj and Dieng. I could actually start Dieng over Gibson and that's not because I think Gorgui's better. I actually believe Taj is the better player of the two overall. But Gorgui is at his best starting and playing more consistent minutes. Taj has come off the bench almost his entire career and, by Thibs' own admission, Taj performs just as well off the bench as he does starting.
But all of this really skirts the main issue. Thibs needs to go. The fact that he's not already doing what Kahn's has been saying repeatedly about our rotations says it all. But sadly there's so much more. I'll stop there to avoid repeating myself and avoid keep my stress level in check. Fortunately, I don't have high blood pressure. But another year of watching Thibs coach might change that. :).
crazy-canuck wrote:The odd thing for me is that we seem to be getting linked to other C's like Noel and DJ, but not a peep about another wing.
Does Thibs really think that playing Butler and Wiggs 40 minutes a game is reasonable?
I think there is a pretty simple answer to this. What wings are available? Noel might be had for a 2nd round pick or something at this point (his stock is falling about as fast as Bazz but it was much higher to begin with) and Jordon is a terrific center that might be available. Why not at least call?
crazy-canuck wrote:Not just in trades, but free agents as well.
They arent world beaters, but guys like Green, Rush, Dunleavy etc..would help a lot more than bazz.
He takes Bazz out, but he still wont play MGH or Brown. Thats a lot of minutes and responsibilities to pile on 2 guys.
I agree with you. Part of what i meant is what makes news. I've mentioned before that Wolfson reported a couple weeks ago they called on Kuzmimskus. The restriction for a lot of guys signed this offseason that could be traded will be lifted in a few days. Maybe that starts some deals and some movement around the league and the Wolves may have some things in mind. The wing guys you mentioned are probably not quite as newsworthy as a trade of those other big guys. We all agree that they need some help. someone on this roster has to be able to give them something whether its Bazz not sucking or MGH or even playing Brooks as a combo guard and him not playing bad. Are those options enticing? no but I'm not sure which of those guys above would save the season either although I certainly wouldn't be against adding one!
