06-04-2024, 01:55 PM
(06-04-2024, 11:12 AM)F Gump Wrote: One thing that doesn't get enough attention in these discussions is the issue of minutes. That's especially true when we think of THJ being used to bring back a useful player - ideally, one who can provide offense off the bench (one example would be Bogdanovic in ATL).The question about minutes is, would there be more available if a good third option (6th man) would be here. Would Luka and Kyrie play less? Otherwise it is I think obvious that this new guy would take most of Green/Hardy/Exum playoff minutes and our playoff bench rotation would mostly be a center, Maxi and new guy. During regular season, there will always be minutes for Hardy, Exum and Green due to injuries and less playing time by the core rotation.
If they do that, who sits so that BB plays? Because trading THJ doesn't open up any minutes, since he isn't getting any.
When all are healthy, this is where they are in minutes next season
C - Gafford-Lively take all 48, and DP is the veteran backup
PF - PJW-Maxi take all 48, and can Omax force his way onto the floor? Morris is your DC (Designated Cheerleader) ... even if you limit Maxi to 20-22, PJW is only playing 26-28.
SF - DJJ-Green
SG - Kyrie-Hardy
PG - Luka-Exum
It looks to me like their ideal move is to pay the price to trade THJ into space. That then leaves 2 open roster slots (Lawson may get one of them). And it lowers their payroll significantly.
If there is a viable 6th man option, then I wouldn't worry about Green/Exum and Hardy minutes. Just go for it.