12-29-2023, 04:41 PM
(12-29-2023, 04:21 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: I have to disagree with Williams at the 5 without a shot blocker. I think it is going to be terrible.
I hope they play Grant as the 4, and decide on Powell or Holmes as backup 5. At least until/if Maxi comes back.
Opponents strength on offense was weaker in recent period so some of the improvement might be fools gold, but I dont think activity is (turnovers, deflections...).
I think they can survive on D with DJJ as the 4, next to Exum, Lively and Luka in the starting 5.
I just don't like smallish 4 guard lineups off the bench and minutes with THJ, Curry or Hardy as primary point of attack defenders.
But I was wrong before so let's wait & see.
So, I don't think you're crazy or wrong about any of the above or anything like that. It just seems like you're stuck in one way of thinking. Bigger isn't always better. Sometimes, it's the worst way you can play/think.
Williams FACTUALLY can be good at the 5 - IN THE RIGHT SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. There will come a time when what the team needs most from the 5 is running and shooting. That will happen, as it does each and every year in the modern NBA. There will be matchups where Lively is just too big and too slow (especially as he ages).
I'm not suggesting that they play Williams at the 5 exclusively, or even nightly. I'm saying that what I think I see is Kidd giving him some burn at that position to make sure he CAN play there when needed. He's learning the rotations, how to play differently in transition, etc, etc, etc. It's not just a matter of putting combos of guys out there - they have to have LEARNED the positions they're playing.
I get the distaste over what Williams has given so far, I really do. He isn't shooting well enough, he's trying to do WAY TOO MUCH with the ball on offense, and his defense, while highly effective at times, hasn't been consistent enough for him to be the defensive leader we thought he'd be. But, it's 30 games! I haven't given up. I still think he'll find his groove here, and might even get his starting job back.