(05-07-2021, 06:43 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Honest question...Are we getting to the point where we have to admit that the team is better without KP and Richardson? More pick and roll heavy offense, better rebounding and defense from the bigs. Better spacing, off ball movement and defense from other wings/guards.
Not sure whether your question addresses the long term -- getting replacements for them, or the short term, when it's them or someone else currently on the team to play "their" minutes.
For purposes of this answer, I will assume you mean the short term -- the rest of the season and the playoffs.
I would respectfully submit that the answer to that question is no, although some of the items you describe have occurred. I don't know that they especially occurred BECAUSE KP and/or Richardson was off the floor. All of those items can on paper exist whether those guys are on the court or not, and I think there is no question that individuals and the team as a whole appear to be peaking at the right time.
I think KP unquestionably raises the ceiling. Compared to the backups, I think J Rich does, too, although it is a closer question in his case. The guys who would be the naturals to replace his minutes have significant defensive (Brunson, Burke, THJ) or offensive (Green) limitations which will be important, depending on the circumstances. He is still capable of being a starting-level contributor in many situations. As long as Carlisle is willing to give him a hook when he is not able to be a positive factor, I don't think he lowers the floor. He has already been essentially cut out of the closing lineups. Would not be opposed to seeing his minutes reduced, but I think you need him for the stretch run and the post-season.
It's not really possible to test this as a joint matter, since I believe there have been almost no games since the COVID/injury start where both KP and J Rich have been out, and the minutes when neither is on the floor aren't really representative lineups for the playoffs. But, individually speaking, I think that is where I come out. Does the fact that you pose the question indicate that you see it differently?