10-25-2024, 09:50 AM
(10-25-2024, 07:51 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I thought they’d probably platoon PJ and Maxi, but they actually ended the first half without either on the floor. That made either Luka or Naji the PF. I think it is smart to take a look at this lineup (which probably works best next to Lively) so that you know what you have when Maxi inevitably gets hurt. I actually think the Maxi minutes are important and not easily replaced.
Probably a difference of opinion here (we'll see how it plays out), but I see the Luka/Marshall at the 4 thing you're describing as likely to be more than just a "when Kleber is hurt" option. I think playing big was important last night in order to keep Gafford and/or Lively off of Wembenyama when necessary (turned out that they both did some good work defending him, but I'd bet my bottom dollar that was a pre-game concern). Plus, even if they were guarding him, my guess is having a bigger help-side defender was a priority against San Antonio, specifically.
I think there will plenty of nights when Kleber doesn't log a single minute at the 4, but having said that, I thought he looked faster and more aggressive out there at that position than he has for quite some time, so it's nice to know that option is viable.