Summer League Game 1: 7pm CST on ESPN

[mvossman]

Agreed. 

Not that I think it truly matters in the grand scheme of things, but in my opinion PJW is the most likely to come off the bench on opening night (given full health to the roster). I understand where people who assume this will be Thompson's ticket to 6th man gets handed to him are coming from, but I think in that locker room he's treated like a hall-of-fame player, and rightfully so. In all honesty, I think the guy who goes to the bench should be Lively, but I don't expect that. I still might find it more likely than them asking Thompson to come off the bench to start the season though, frankly. 

Now, I wouldn't be shocked if Thompson gets moved into a bench role by the end of the year if things don't go well and they start thinking about leaning towards the Flagg timeline a bit more, but outside of Max Christie I'm not sure who's gonna take his spot that's currently on the roster. I think the team will play some stretches where you could call Flagg the 2, but I highly doubt that will be their default lineup. I'll believe it when I see it.

I think PJW and Thompson will both be in the ideal closing lineup, along with Russell (eventually Kyrie), Flagg and Davis (if healthy - Lively if not). That's my prediction at this time. I could see Max Christie taking a bite out of Thompson's role as the season progresses, however. Depending on matchups.

I think PJ makes the most sense to come off the bench even though he is the better player than Klay.  He is at his best at the 4.  Playing him next to two centers and a forward will greatly reduce his value.  He should play every minute AD is not on the court, and with AD when they go "small" when AD is center (probably finishing lineup).