2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[mvossman]

So, let’s say KP @ PF is a rousing success in the playoffs...same with THJ as the starter.  I think it changes the way we look at the roster.  Suddenly C is not KP/DP/WCS.  C is DP/WCS and PF is KP/Maxi.  With last night’s rotation in mind, what is now the weakest link?


C:  DP/WCS

PF: KP/Maxi

SF: DFS/JRich

SG: THJ/..............Green

PG:  Luka/JB (JB also gets minutes at the 2)


If the playoffs are successful, it probably means DP and WCS played well.  Could you get away with simply adding a fifth big (Theis?) who can play both positions.  Or, do you try to spend money here to get someone more consistent than WCS (Holmes?) and push Powell to the backup?

If there is a SF/Defender position, is JRich right for it?  If little offense is expected from this position, can Green do it almost as well for a fraction of the cost?  Or, might you go for a more expensive 3&D SF moving DFS to the bench?  Or, a starting level Guard and move THJ back to sixth man?

Just wanted to point out that a lot of our scenarios (the ones where KP is part of the team) are predicated on KP being the starting C.  It may not happen that way.

Edit:  One more thing...If THJ is a keeper, we might as well work over the cap and try to use the MLE and/or a trade or S&T of opted-in or UFA JRich...assuming he’s the odd man out.

I have a really hard time believing that a KP/Powell/Luka/THJ grouping can possibly be good enough defensively for the playoffs.  KP/Luka/THJ lineups (there is not enough sample with Powell) have a 119 defensive rating and net -5.  

Come playoff time I don't know why they would not stick with their most used starting lineup, KP/Maxi/Luka/DFS/JRich.  That lineup is 124 and 111 for a plus 13.  It has been great.  Its only been used 22 games due to health, but is still more than twice the sample size of any other 5 man lineup.  THJ, Brunson and Powell have all looked good coming off the bench and are well suited to that role.  That is your primary 8 man rotation.  

To be honest, I am way less concerned about whether KP is a 4 or 5 offensively (he can be either).  He has to be a 5 defensively, and he has to be good enough at the 5 to allow the team to be good defensively.  As bad as it seems like his defense has been this year, I find it interesting how good that starting lineup defense has been.  If we are going to eventually contend with KP, it will require putting someone next to him (Maxi, Powell, Holmes?) that will make this defense good.