Define "(h)e is way to talented to just keep on the bench". The bench is where he should be. Or behind it, in street clothes.
Jazz starters according to Jazz produced Media Notes:
- Thread starter Mr. McGibblets
- Start date
Define "(h)e is way to talented to just keep on the bench". The bench is where he should be. Or behind it, in street clothes.
InGameStrategy
Well-Known Member
This is when astute coaches (i.e., not named Sloan) analyze the opposing lineups and see what would match up better.
Okur might be able to do OK against an aging Nowitzki (although I don't recall that he did particularly well in the past).
As for Odom, I suspect that Haywood will start and that LO will compete with Marion at the 3 spot; see the Mavs media guide.
https://www.nba.com/mavericks/news/notes.pdf
Jefferson, Favors, and maybe even Kanter can handle Haywood.
And I reckon that Millsap, Hayward, and maybe even Evans can handle Odom.
Possible optimal lineup vs. Mavs starters:
Harris-Hayward-Millsap/Evans-Favors (playing tough, getting in Dirk's face)-AJ.
-- CJ is too poor a defender to start vs. Odom or Carter, and I don't like the idea of CJ trying to outscore anyone, much less a borderline or former All-Star.
-- Okur might be OK as a sub, but I don't want him to be the first try on Nowitzki. But as soon as Jefferson dogs it defensively (especially on help defense), bring MO in to show Jefferson that minutes aren't to be taken for granted.
-- Hayward can stay with VC speedwise and can beat him offensively; he just can't be faked out.
-- I don't recall that Millsap has done so well vs. Odom; that's why I added Evans as a unique second option at the 3 (more realistically, first off the bench).
InGameStrategy
Well-Known Member
Portland is another situation where it makes sense to start height. Camby is a great defender, even at his age, but Okur can keep up with him defensively, so Okur-Jefferson might makes sense.
Starting Millsap at anything but the 3 spot would be mere experimentation, because Paperboy gives up 3 to 5 inches in height on both the PF and the C. But backup big Kurt Thomas is far shorter, and Earl Barron is far worse. This is a situation where making PM come first off the bench (or move from the 3 to the 4/5) would make most sense strategically.
I wouldn't be surprised if the starting lineup is Jefferson-Millsap-Hayward-Bell-Harris, though, just out of loyalty to last season.
Don't make loyalty a habit, Ty.
footawn
Well-Known Member
why is everyone talking like Millsap is a 3? He has never been effective as anything but his natural position at the 4! I remember a lot of speculative talk in the past about whether he could MAYBE give us spot minutes at the 3 in case of necessity... but PLANNING for him to play the 3 or acting like he could be anything but a stopgap at that position is LUNACY!
fallenchicken
Well-Known Member
Get rid of The Smell and you have a good lineup.
DutchJazzer
Banned
maybe for the lockout season jazz could try something different.
substittuing whole lineups. or 4/5th of a lineup.
i mean both lineups could start for certain nba teams
jazzrule
Well-Known Member
+1 Rep'd
I mentioned a few months ago that I though Jefferson/Okur would be our best 4/5 combination, if healthy.
Maybe they just disagree with you on the defensive potential of the line-up.
If this team can put ego's aside there is some incredible depth here. I think the Preseason games will be mostly looking at how different combinations work together. The eventual starting lineup is yet to be determined, but however it works, the depth will be a strength.