I very much argee.SameOldNudityDrew wrote: ↑Sun Sep 20, 2026 3:48 pm Lyles shot the ball really well from 3 last year, 68/148, which is like, 45%, well above his career average of 35%.
If he shoots anywhere near 45% this year, he should honestly play a lot. We need that floor spacing.
If his shooting is more like 35%, he'll definitely play less, but we need both size and 3 point shooting this year, so that could still get his number called a decent amount, even if he's not hitting the 3 like he was in Spain.
Personally, I'm sorry that Clark and Bones probably won't play as much this year. Bones was a ton of fun in transition, and Clark's defense is so good. If Clark is hitting 3s at a halfway decent clip, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some of those minutes that would otherwise go to Shannon and/or Kuminga if they're not playing well.
The thing about having Lyles or Clark on the floor if they're hitting three's (no guarantee) is that they are players with no friction.
A solid team defending big who can stretch the floor is playable in any lineup.
An elite defensive wing/guard who can hit his open shots can play in any lineup
Both Shannon and Kuminga have something to prove whether that's the case for them. The upside with them is they can both be force multipliers who can take a lineup to another level.
I'm hopeful for both of them, but have what I believe are very reasonable doubts.
Regarding TJ: is he going to prove to be so effective with the ball in his hands that it warrants Ball or Ant to sacrifice touches or minutes? Bones is also right there if TJ fails to deliver the goods. Can Shannon take any steps off ball? How about his defensive?
Regarding Kuminga: he has a legit offensive bag, but will he demonstrate the necessary temperament to deploy that skill set? And more importantly, can he be the glue for the starting 5? That's what he needs to be if this is all really going to work at high level as opposed to a very entertaining high wire act. Problem is, he hasn't exactly earned the benefit of the doubt that he can serve this purpose
