02-11-2020, 08:51 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-11-2020, 09:33 AM by DanSchwartzgan.)
I think the way to look at MKG and WCS is they are both basically getting an extended tryout. It means Bro gets cut and Boban gets marginalized any time everyone is healthy. But Bro and Bo are 11-15 types while WCS and MKG have a shot at playing a role in the regular rotation.
I think Cauley-Stein's best position is as a bench center. You have to play him with floor spacers and I don't think we will see he and KP on the floor at the same time. A few years ago...maybe. But not today with so many teams playing smaller more mobile PF's.
It will be hard to play MKG at the same time WCS is on the floor as MKG needs spacing also. I think Maxi pairs well with WCS. As good as Maxi has been this season, he hasn't been as good since Powell went out. Some of that is attributable to Luka being out (almost everyone plays better when Luka is there to take pressure off). But, Powell was +11 pp100 when paired with Luka, KP, THJ and DFS. Maxi is -5.5. It doesn't make sense, but those are the numbers. The issue appears to be that the offense takes a hit when Maxi and KP are on the floor together. Maxi and Powell were actually a much better pairing (so logically Maxi and WCS should be also).
That leaves us still looking for a fifth starter. I can actually see MKG getting almost no time except spot defensive assignments and I can see him starting in the Powell role and strengthening the bench by moving Maxi back to his more accustomed (and effective) super sub role. The starters can use another defender and between Luka, KP, THJ and DFS the spacing is good. It might not happen right away, but it wouldn't shock me to see Carlisle at least give this a try at some point.
I think Cauley-Stein's best position is as a bench center. You have to play him with floor spacers and I don't think we will see he and KP on the floor at the same time. A few years ago...maybe. But not today with so many teams playing smaller more mobile PF's.
It will be hard to play MKG at the same time WCS is on the floor as MKG needs spacing also. I think Maxi pairs well with WCS. As good as Maxi has been this season, he hasn't been as good since Powell went out. Some of that is attributable to Luka being out (almost everyone plays better when Luka is there to take pressure off). But, Powell was +11 pp100 when paired with Luka, KP, THJ and DFS. Maxi is -5.5. It doesn't make sense, but those are the numbers. The issue appears to be that the offense takes a hit when Maxi and KP are on the floor together. Maxi and Powell were actually a much better pairing (so logically Maxi and WCS should be also).
That leaves us still looking for a fifth starter. I can actually see MKG getting almost no time except spot defensive assignments and I can see him starting in the Powell role and strengthening the bench by moving Maxi back to his more accustomed (and effective) super sub role. The starters can use another defender and between Luka, KP, THJ and DFS the spacing is good. It might not happen right away, but it wouldn't shock me to see Carlisle at least give this a try at some point.