Putting Mo at the 2 would be a horrible idea as that puts one ball handler on the floor and teams would just put more pressure on Lillard. We need more ball handlers and players that can create their own shot rather than less on the floor.
You’re probably right, but for short stretches I think that would be a really good defensive line up.
Do we, though? If a common criticism of the team's current offensive system is that there's too much dribbling and not enough ball movement, why is adding more ball-handlers/shot-creators desirable? If we had fewer "ball-handlers", wouldn't that then necessitate more passing and off-ball movement in order to facilitate an effective offense?
I am all for starting two real big in Nurk and Collins. Give me a SF like Kawhi to go with CJ and Dame and we are set. Bring Aminu off the bench to cover spread 4's. But we need that highly skilled SF.
Because ball handlers are typically better passers also and when the offense breaks down a ball handler and shot creator can get to the basket or pull up for a shot. Look at Boston as they have several ball handlers/ passers on the floor at the same time. Same with GS. Some of our best early offense is when we added Napier into the 3 guard rotation and ball movement was much better. As an example, would you consider Aminu a ball handler? Would you consider him a good passer?
Great post. This is so true. Ball handling, shot creating, and basketball IQ makes for a great passer
It will be interesting to see if Wade Baldwin earns a bigger roll on the team next season - for this very reason. BNM
Well, he wasn't even with the team for most of the season. MEM waited until literally the last possible minute (on the eve of opening night) to cut him. So, we didn't sign him until after the season started. That meant he didn't get to spend summer league, training camp, or the preseason with us. I really look forward to what he can do next season, after a full summer/training camp/preseason with the team. The thing that really intrigues me about Baldwin is that even though he has PG skills, he has the size, and especially the length, to guard shooting guards. In theory, that would seem to make him the perfect 3rd guard to complement Dame and C.J. If he can consistently knock down the open 3, he could be a much younger, cheaper, better passing version of Courtney Lee, a player many here would like to add using the Crabbe TPE. BNM
He will likely get his opportunity in summer league and preseason to show what he can do and if he can help the team. Remember he had surgery at the start of the season and the plan was to let him play in the G league to get into playing shape and gain experience.
As much as small ball cna be enjoybale to watch... faster paced, more shots... I do miss the dominate giants who used to own the NBA. How about we go get Bropez and play him at PF along side Nurk?
