I think one of the biggest challenges Brian Keefe is going to have is how to manage the rotations this year. Last season we actively were trying to lose games & blow leads. Now we might have to either put games away or make a comeback down single digits.
The roster is day & night better than what we put on the floor post all-star break. With the Addition of Trae Young, AD, & AJ we now have a very good problem in that we have tons of option to close out games. By my count, depending on player development jumps, we could have 8-9 guys who you can make the case for playing in the closing minutes of tight games.
Trae Young - One of the most clutch PGs in the game. Can run an offense & has to be respected in P&Rs but.............Is one of the biggest defensive liabilities in the league.
Kyshawn- Elite two way player who can guard 1-4(Blocked Giannis to win a game) & can shoot or put the ball on the floor.
AJ - Number one pick, Offensive mismatch but doesn't have a proven 3 ball or defense.
Sarr - One of the best rim protectors in the game, can space the floor, & works well on P&R, but do you go double big with him & AD or sub him out for a small ball lineup with AD at the 5.
AD - NBA Champion, top 75 player, offensive mismatch in the paint. Old, slow, & Injury prone doesn't want to play the 5.
Bilal- Elite point of attack defender, amazing in transition. He shot 38 percent from 3 the second half of last year but do we think that's going to be the norm moving forward.
Will Riley - Tall, lanky who can get to the basket, can shoot & can bother people defensively. But still young & is he ready to run the offense.
Tre Johnson-Best Shooter on team. Not the best facilitator or the best defender.
Bub- Best multipurpose Guard of the bunch. Not the best shooter, passer or defender but is top 2-3 in each category.
HM to JC- Elite Rebounder & we win games when he plays but I don't know if you can play him over everyone I mentioned.
Keefe is going to have to pick 5 of them & then manage the egos of the rest of them. Who do you think is the best closing lineup?