10-05-2023, 06:50 PM
(10-05-2023, 06:41 PM)surfpuckmd Wrote: It was a disappointing preseason opener. Neither rookie looks like they should be in the rotation at this point. Lively showed some potential but really struggled against Gobert. Nothing nice can be said about Omax's performance.
A few positive thoughts:
The Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy and Josh Green grouping was really successful and really fun to watch. All three are quick, can handle the ball and shoot the 3. Exum and Green both provide good defense. I would really like to see that grouping with Derrick Jones Jr and a center who can shoot- either Kleber or Grant Williams as a small-ball 5.
Speaking of Josh Green, he clearly needs to be the starting small forward. We need at least two plus-defenders in the starting lineup. I believe he and Grant Williams can do that for us.
Jaden Hardy has a better chance of being 6th man of the year than Tim Hardaway Jr. Hardy is so wildly dynamic and fearless. Plenty of star potential there.
Richaun Holmes looked better than expected. Naz Reid is a backup beast but Holmes had some nice stops against him. If Kleber can't recover, I think Holmes might serve as a decent platoon center until Lively is ready.
My greatest concern is our coaching. Kyrie and Luka seem like they've never played together. The Timberwolves dominated our starters while missing their best player. It looked like we hadn't practiced. Kidd doesn't seem to even understand who his better players are. I don't see that any other NBA coach has that same deficiency. I think a team with Kyrie and Luka should win at least 45 games. If Kidd can't get to that number, I hope we'll have a new coach next summer.
45 wins may be a stretch. The West is a bloodbath, and there are some talented teams. I don't care what other's say about some teams being old and washed. Age is experience and if some teams can stay healthy, this won't be any cake walk.