03-02-2020, 01:06 PM
(03-01-2020, 10:53 PM)mtrot Wrote: Great synopsis, as usual, thanks! I just wish I could be as optimistic about Wright, and I was all about Wright early in the season. To me, he just looks worse and worse as the season rolls on. Brunson's return, whenever that is, will be a big help for our point guard contingent.I hear you on Wright.
It may be that I am overreacting to the bench's collapse in the last several games, and that, when/if the players are all healthy and available, that unit will stabilize on its own. I hope so.
However, Powell is not coming back this season, and part of the problem is other guys having to step into situations where they are not completely comfortable. The longer this debacle goes on, the more I have tried to puzzle out some solutions that would fill the gap caused by Powell's absence without devastating the bench. The bench won't play long minutes in the playoffs, and there is room for some creative tinkering, which is Rick's specialty.
Using Wright in the starting unit for a few minutes is one option, and was a jumping-off spot from something they were doing in this game. Anyone looks better next to Luka, and that would presumably apply to Delon. Staggering KP and Luka is an option, and I look for that to happen in the playoffs -- it's a solution that Rick has used in postseasons. We could go on. But it is clear at this point that the reserves HAVE to include a player with substantial scoring punch, and if it means you have to use Curry there, the starting unit can probably stand his loss for a few minutes better than the bench can.