07-22-2024, 03:39 PM
(07-22-2024, 03:17 PM)mvossman Wrote: Its hard to see a world where hardy gets 24 MPG, even before this signing. With Klay in the mix I expect the bench focus to be more defense oriented. Naji and Grimes are likely getting the big minutes. Hardy will have to compete with Exum and Din for the scraps.
I think that's a smart assessment. Until there's an injury (or a rest day) for Luka, Kyrie, or Klay, it's hard to see how Hardy or SD play much, given their abysmal play on defense.
In addition to your list, I think Exum is also in the mix for bench minutes, because his defense is good. He proved himself to be a 3-and-D ballhandler option last season. I think Maxi is also in that mix for bench minutes.
In practical terms, I think the basic rotation minutes are filled by:
GUARDS (Ball-handlers)(Offense Creators) - 2 positions, 96 mpg - Luka, Kyrie, Klay spilt about all of these (with any leftovers going to Exum or SD)
CENTER - defense, 48 mpg - 1 position - Gafford + Lively (with Powell or Maxi used for odd needs)
FORWARDS - defense primarily - 2 positions, 96 mpg - PJW, Maxi, Naji, Exum, Grimes