Of course I don't want Dame to get injured, but I can't help but think that him sitting out more games will be good (a) for Anfernee, (b) for the defense, (c) for Sharpe (a) Anfernee always plays better when he's the primary ball-handler. He's too passive next to Dame, and, while he's not a natural PG by any means, he's a willing passer when that's his role. (b) Who doesn't hate the Dame/Anfernee backcourt from a defensive standpoint? Now either Sharpe or Hart will be the starter at SG, and that's better size and better defense. Depending on how long Dame is out, we could even see Gary Payton start alongside Simons, and that should be MUCH better defense. (c) Sharpe should definitely see more minutes now, which should accelerate his progress. Of course, it's not supposed to be good for our win rate to be without our only star player, but we've been pretty mediocre the past few games anyway, and this might be a good shakeup. I think everyone plays better (and follows the laws of Chaunceyball more) when there's no Dame to defer to.
Sharpe definitely needs more touches and PT. This opens it up to him. The positive is that this is happening at the start of the season where we have a good record.
Our new medical and training support staff is taking load management seriously. This isn't about players mailing it in. It's about having them ready when it counts. Take the time Gary and Dame need to get right and build a playoff ready bench.
I think we may be at least as good a team when only one of Dame/Ant are not playing, we will find out about that this week!
