http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives...od_over_mopete/ I had a feeling he was going to END the season as a starter but i didnt think he was going to start it as one.
Let's not get carried away. RealGM has a way of overhyping statements, look especially at what Mitchell had to say. I don't think it was anything close to "Graham's starting." Mitchell was just throwing it out there. That said, Graham showed me a lot this preseason, and I think he's the real deal. He will be fine fit for the team defensively, and can take the ball to the hoop. He seemed a bit selfish, and they may well need his rebounding off the bench, but I could see him working in either role.
I think starting Graham is a good idea. Like Mitchell said between Rose and Bosh shots for Mo are going to be hard to get. If he comes off the bench he could provide a sort of instant offence role. Personally I would rather have Jalen Rose coming off the bench. His skill set is perfect for the 6th man role. When the Raptors had him coming off the bench last season they actually went on a winning streak. Then again bringing his ass off the bench might be even more detrimental to team chemistry. Also it would feel kinda foolish to bring 13 million dollars off of the bench....but I digress.... My ideal starting lineup would be: PG- Calderone SG- Graham SF- Villanueva PF- Bosh C- Hoffa (only because I have no other choice) Let the young kids play Sam....let them play.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Crywalker:</div><div class="quote_post">Let's not get carried away. RealGM has a way of overhyping statements, look especially at what Mitchell had to say. I don't think it was anything close to "Graham's starting." Mitchell was just throwing it out there.</div> No, there's a similar article in the Toronto Star, so I think it might end up being the truth. My only concern is if Graham has the guard skills to start at the 2 (unless he switches positions with Jalen). Otherwise, he provides some much-needed defense in our starting lineup and can post up on smaller guards.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Chutney:</div><div class="quote_post">No, there's a similar article in the Toronto Star, so I think it might end up being the truth. My only concern is if Graham has the guard skills to start at the 2 (unless he switches positions with Jalen). Otherwise, he provides some much-needed defense in our starting lineup and can post up on smaller guards.</div> All in all, not a bad move, I could see him making a significant difference on the front line.
I think this is more about having Peterson off the bench than having Graham in the starting lineup. As of now, Peterson is better, but with him off the bench, our second unit will be much better and it will make Mo first option on offense in the second unit. He'll get more touches that way, and Graham in the starting lineup will add more toughness and give us a similarly good defender. If Graham is starting, though, he'll need to work on his outside shot because teams are laying off him already. If he can draw defenders closer, he can attack the rim more often, being a slasher that our team has always lacked.
Mitchell just said he was experimenting and trying to find a balance between experience and rookies. Bringing Jalen or Mo off the bench could be useful. Also giving Graham some starting experience could help his game, but I wouldn't expect it at the start of this season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Locke:</div><div class="quote_post">If Graham is starting, though, he'll need to work on his outside shot because teams are laying off him already. If he can draw defenders closer, he can attack the rim more often, being a slasher that our team has always lacked.</div> I was under the impression that Graham actually had a good outside shot. But, I'm not sure on the issue, can anybody clarify?
If by outside you mean 3PT shot, then no, he has a decent one, but he has a nice catch and shoot mid-range jumper.
