2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[KillerLeft]

If you think that JRich is good enough in the playmaking department, and that Brunson can be trusted to run the team when Luka sits (head scratch....)

Yeah, so this is a good point of distinction to identify carefully.

1) I think offensively, Richardson shoots a little and handles a little. Based on our small sample size, my early feeling is that the handling part is better and more comfortable for him than the relocating off ball for off the catch shots part. Based on the way he’s being used early, I feel like Richardson’s ability to help on offense by handling/playmaking a bit is part of why they wanted him.

2) I believe adding another player to the mix who’s better in that secondary playmaker role would go a long way towards making Richardson less comfortable, less effective and less meaningful on the offensive side, especially if the new player was a guard. I think that would effectively turn Richardson into a 3&D guy, and best case, I think that would require him to play a style with which he’s less comfortable and lessen the width of skills he has to offer. Worst case is that he hits major shooting dry spells and seems like a complete non-fit on offense at times.

3) I DO NOT think he’s a PG in the sense where I’m anxious to see him as the main initiator while Luka sits. So, a Brunson, Burke or better version of those guys is still needed. 

4) Due to #3 and my agreement that the 2 guards+Luka lineup needs to be an option that’s available for Carlisle, I can’t object too strongly to the idea of adding another ball-handling guard, other than my thought that Burke might just be good enough, if given time. If not, I think the easier to attain option that’s sufficient is probably a higher end bench guard, rather than a starter who handles the ball.