Case for LaVine Starting

[bleedspeed]

I think one thing that has not been discussed is that it is easier for players know there roles and in general a starter knows his role better then a reserve. Martin seems to be able to do both.

If you look at Zach's stats last year. He shoots better %s starting then coming off the bench. The minutes seem to help him. Coming off warm up and going into the game ratehr then cooling on the bench might be part of it. It certainly is a balancing act of what to do. If they are close I go with LaVine as the starter and don't look back.

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/splits/_/id/3064440/zach-lavine

[Coolbreeze44]

If Zach can win the starting job, and I hope he does, would there be a more exciting team in the league to watch? I can see the popularity of the team soaring around the country. As soon as they start winning they should be a very popular choice for the national television schedule.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

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.

Interesting statement. Normally, most coaches don't give a crap about what the fans want. But our part owner/POBO/Coach has all sorts of potentially conflicting interests. As part owner, I could absolutely see him do some things to cater to fans and getting butts in seats that a coach would not agree with.....but he's the coach!

The real cynical side of me believes Flip the Owner was behind the KG bait and switch last season and the Tyus Jones draft pick. Flip the POBO would have acquired KG in the offseason and kept those three 2nd rounders if he were a separate person from the Owner.

As for the future, what matters more to me than who starts/who doesn't start is ensuring players are put in a position to succeed. What are the best 5-man units and who fits best with who? That to me is ultimately a more important question in terms of long-term development than whether someone starts or not.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

All other things equal, how much more of an impact does K mart starting have? Probably not enough to change the win total.

I think Rubio, Zach, wiggy and Towns should get as many minutes together as possible

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

All other things equal, how much more of an impact does K mart starting have? Probably not enough to change the win total.

I think Rubio, Zach, wiggy and Towns should get as many minutes together as possible

Check out some of the games Martin had last year, dude had an impact. What's wrong with starting the better player?

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

All other things equal, how much more of an impact does K mart starting have? Probably not enough to change the win total.

I think Rubio, Zach, wiggy and Towns should get as many minutes together as possible

Check out some of the games Martin had last year, dude had an impact. What's wrong with starting the better player?

If he's not significantly better, the long term benefit of building the continuity between Ricky, Lavine, Wiggins and Towns now is worth more than what Martin will contribute this year. I think it's pretty dumb to focus on only winning this year and throwing long-term plays out of the window for the sake of going for a playoff spot this year. The West is still a gauntlet so spending more time now preparing the team for the future makes more sense. Yes Lavine can still develop coming off the bench, but he can't build familiarity and continuity with guys if he doesn't play a lot with them.

[Lipoli390]

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.

Interesting statement. Normally, most coaches don't give a crap about what the fans want. But our part owner/POBO/Coach has all sorts of potentially conflicting interests. As part owner, I could absolutely see him do some things to cater to fans and getting butts in seats that a coach would not agree with.....but he's the coach!

The real cynical side of me believes Flip the Owner was behind the KG bait and switch last season and the Tyus Jones draft pick. Flip the POBO would have acquired KG in the offseason and kept those three 2nd rounders if he were a separate person from the Owner.

As for the future, what matters more to me than who starts/who doesn't start is ensuring players are put in a position to succeed. What are the best 5-man units and who fits best with who? That to me is ultimately a more important question in terms of long-term development than whether someone starts or not.

I agree that who fits with who is an important question, although I'm not sure it's the most important question right now. But in any event, who fits with Martin or Miller doesn't seem to matter for this team given where it's at on its development curve. If the Wolves are to eventually become a title contender, it will depend on the development of Wiggns, Towns and LaVine. That's the core that could eventually make us a title contender without the need for any breakthrough acquisitions. So what we really need to find out as soon as possible is how well those three fit together. And those three need to begin learning to play together.

That doesn't mean all three should necessarily play 35-40 minutes a game. And it doesn't mean any of the three should play if he consistently sucks without showing any significant improvement. But the goal should be to have those three starting and playing as many minutes together as possible. And each should be first in line to get and hold the position they play.

[bleedspeed]

Lip, Very well put. Honestly those 3 need 30+ minutes a night and at least 20 should be together. I think Towns will struggle this year with fouls and it will be hard for him to get to 30 minutes a night.

[Big O [enjin:13874644]]

Lip, I agree with your post except that I believe you need to add Rubio to that core. No more serious injuries Ricky!!!

[bleedspeed]

Lip, I agree with your post except that I believe you need to add Rubio to that core. No more serious injuries Ricky!!!

Did you mean Jones? (jk)