(02-27-2020, 08:44 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: That is part of what doesn't get enough attention regarding Powell (it forces people who are less effective into sub-optimal positions). The other thing that gets almost no attention is third tier guys have to move into second tier roles and a once great bench is less effective. Brunson is another favorite punching bag around here, but he's an on-court positive and gets most of his minutes when Luka isn't on the court. That is incredibly valuable.
I've mentioned before that part of KP's renaissance is related to Powell going down. That doesn't mean Powell wasn't valuable. I suspect he and Maxi will pair up as a dynamic duo off the bench going forward. It does mean we still need a 5th starter to move Maxi, Seth and Wright into roles that better fit their skills. I suspect that 5th starter won't look too much like Powell, but will be more of a Power Wing who is lethal from distance.
Good stuff.
KP setting picks and involved in the offense with the starters, and Powell reunited with Maxi in the 2nd unit is the way I'd play it as well.
I'm still holding out hope for that big 2-way wing addition filling the 5th starter spot.
In the meantime, I thought Courtney Lee looked pretty good live in the T-Pups game. If I were smart enough to be making the coaching decisions I might try Courtney as the 5th starter, not playing starter minutes, just so Seth could be rotated in a way that returns some missing talent to the bench lineups.