We can't call up Pierre. He belongs to New Orleans. It would be interesting to see what they would want though.
So many prognosticators and the media kept referring to Lillard when talking about CJ but anyone watching his game at all knew he wasn't even close. It's why I wanted Steven Adams with that pick. Not that Adams has torn it up but is much more of a center than Leonard and I just didn't see enough in CJ as an undersized SG to warrant using a lottery pick on him. He does have some game and should get better but isn't very explosive and can't create space like he did in college at the small college level.
i wasn't sold on adams from his time at pitt but he has def proved me wrong. He looks like a really nice prospect and would be great off the bench for us this year.
I echo the TRob/MyLe for Hawes suggestion earlier in this thread. Then I'd bring in Howell. I'd have Batum sit for 2-4 weeks to get healthy, and I'd have Wright start in his place (he has rarely played worth any more than two starters, but has been relatively successful in the few lineups with him and three or four starters). I'd have Barton and Crabbe back up Matthews and Wright, but never in the game at the same time, and I'd send CJ back to Boise.
My vote: Try Crabbe at SG, and Barton at PG. Then try Claver/Robinson/Freeland at the other spots. I think that team would at least be better defensively and likely wouldn't be worse scoring.
Sadly, the bar is that low and you might be right. Barton is certainly not a PG but can handle it a bit. If he is in there with Batum, not sure they would be worse and defensively like you said, could be better. When Barton gets some confidence (certainly a rhythm player at this point) he can creatively score. It is a very small sample but his game against Dallas last year was something akin to the 2nd highest PER rookie game in the last 20 years.
Did you watch him in preseason? He really toned down his game and made some nice plays for others. He has good handles and good instincts. And, with his length can play decent defense. Stott's uses him at times at the point. I would like to see more of that.
Ok, so right now I think I would play Mo, CJ, Wright, Freeland, Robinson. Try to get the starters some more rest, especially against bad teams.
Who said anything about a defensive upgrade? I think that 40 y/o Nash is a better player than Mo. Right now. And I think if Nash had Mo's exact role, we'd be a MUCH more efficient offense. But to your point, how much of a downgrade is it on D?
I keep wondering why Claver gets no time at all, he must have done something to really piss Stotts off
I just really don't think he's very good. I've never seen the fans clamor so much for someone who clearly has very little talent.
18 points is better than 6. Unfortunately, the benched guys who probably should be the ones in the game. Probably didn't get the message.