Case for LaVine Starting

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

We're not bringing the number 1 overall pick off the bench coming off a 16 win season. We just aren't. Wiggins started every game last year even with a rough start. I would expect to see the same with Towns.

[Lipoli390]

Zach averaged 20/6/5 his last 15 games as a rookie and looked exceptional in Summer League. This is a rebuilding team at least several years away from being an upper tier contender. Against this backdrop, there should be no doubt that the starting SG slot should be Zach's to lose. Not a close question in my mind. Martin will be a nice piece off the bench as part of a second unit led by Miller at the point.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

We're not bringing the number 1 overall pick off the bench coming off a 16 win season. We just aren't. Wiggins started every game last year even with a rough start. I would expect to see the same with Towns.

I think we are talking about different situations, khans. Wiggins was clearly the best 2-way option Flip had at SF from day 1 and gave the team the best chance of winning...there really wasn't any competition. If Towns shows that he is clearly the best 2-way option at center, then he should also start. But we all saw him come up short physically in Las Vegas against marginal competition, so I'm not convinced he should be ahead of Pek (if healthy) on opening day, or even Gorgui. In time, he has the ceiling of a perennial all-star...at center or PF, but unlike Wiggins, Flip may have the luxury of bringing him along more slowly.

I've never been a proponent of anointing a player as a starter. Let them compete in October and see who gives the team the best chance of winning.

[bleedspeed]

I am glad we have Gorgui on this team for Towns to practice against, but really don't see him ever starting over Towns. I think Towns starts at center in name only. If he is on the court with KG or Pek he is guarding PF's. I will be curious how physical Bjelica is. I don't think he is, I wish we had another big that was younger that had a little nasty to him. Like a younger Scola.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

We're not bringing the number 1 overall pick off the bench coming off a 16 win season. We just aren't. Wiggins started every game last year even with a rough start. I would expect to see the same with Towns.

I think we are talking about different situations, khans. Wiggins was clearly the best 2-way option Flip had at SF from day 1 and gave the team the best chance of winning...there really wasn't any competition. If Towns shows that he is clearly the best 2-way option at center, then he should also start. But we all saw him come up short physically in Las Vegas against marginal competition, so I'm not convinced he should be ahead of Pek (if healthy) on opening day, or even Gorgui. In time, he has the ceiling of a perennial all-star...at center or PF, but unlike Wiggins, Flip may have the luxury of bringing him along more slowly.

I've never been a proponent of anointing a player as a starter. Let them compete in October and see who gives the team the best chance of winning.

I still think Flip's overarching philosophy, and one I don't necessarily disagree with, is a blended vet/youth approach to his lineups - similar to how he wanted to do things last year until all hell broke loose with the injuries. As a result, I am 100% positive that Towns will start next to KG, whether he truly earns it or not.

I actually think the LaVine/Martin question at the 2 is a far more wide-open question than who starts at Center, or any other position for that matter.

[mjs34]

I think the competition level at center isn't that great, which is why guys like Whiteside, Gobert and others seem to rise out of nowhere. Gorgi had trouble holding position just like Towns did and Pek creates a list of other problems when it comes to guarding PnR and protecting the rim. Offensively I think Towns will be able to hold his own from day one. I would start him so he gets more minutes with KG, and also because it won't be a huge shakeup when Pek goes down with his next injury.

For Lavine, I don't think it is as important for him to start, and feel the amount of minutes is the most crucial element for him.

[Monster]

The only C that can for sure hold his position is Pek and heck maybe even KG I am not sure but Flip said KG is starting at PF and its a pretty safe bet Towns is starting. He is similar to what Wiggins was last year number one overall pick great athlete that's supposed to be pretty smart high ceiling guys supposed to be raw etc. unless Towns falls flat on his face in TC he will be starting unless Dieng does something amazing.

It seems clear to me Flip is gonna take it easy with Pek and bring him off the bench. Man he is gonna kill teams in that limited role if healthy. Also let's remember Pek when healthy really doesn't slow down an offense he is actually better in an uptempo team on that end. He runs the floor hard and gets easy buckets off feeds it also allows him to be able to beat his an down the floor to bury him deep in the paint. Pek is also a good offensive rebounder so that's a good thing when it comes to a team going uptempo. Pek may not be good for an uptempo team on the defensive end but offensively he is fine.

[Monster]

Bleed, that's a good question. First, if they truly are neck and neck, that means LaVine has made tremendous strides since last season, which is a good thing. I think we all want to believe that his last month or so of games is going to automatically carry over to the new season, but I'm a bit more cautious on that front.

So....If they are neck and neck, I'd look at chemistry. Who blends best with which set of players? I honestly don't know. I'd probably still start Martin because it offers the best blend of vets/young guys on both the 1st and 2nd units. We know Towns and Wiggins are starting, so that is collectively one year of NBA experience between the two of them. I'd like them to be surrounded by vets. In the second unit, you can afford to have a bit more youth, especially with Andre Miller running the show.

Good post Q I agree 100%

[bleedspeed]

Flip the PBO should have Rubio/LaVine/Wiggins/KG/Towns start. I think that is what fans want. If we don't win more then 35 games with Martin starting I really won't understand what the point is for this team and its future.

[Monster]

Flip the PBO should have Rubio/LaVine/Wiggins/KG/Towns start. I think that is what fans want. If we don't win more then 35 games with Martin starting I really won't understand what the point is for this team and its future.

To me whether Lavine starts or not is how much of a wildcard he is. What I mean is he has to have some sort of consistency on both ends of the court. He can be unpredictable in a variety of ways both good and bad. You know what Martin is and isn't going to give you on both ends so you can plan for that good and bad. Flip says he gives guys responsibilities and if they are up to it he gives them more. Everyone wants Zach to succeed but a lot of fans want to see some good basketball. Martin to me (based on the info I currently have) still gives the team more of that but we all hope Lavine comes along enough he can start and play big minutes. If that happens look at this bench unit.

Miller
Martin
Bazz
?Dieng/Bjelica
Pek

That's a pretty legit lineup for 15-20mpg by itself offensively. We have injury concerns but there is some talent on this team it COULD surprise people IF they stay healthy.