He didn't say that, but he did say the person coming in would inherit a top offensive team, and they were going to have to improve the defense end. And he said this in the context of having 80% of the starting lineup returning absolutely. From 15:00 onwards. At 16:57 he saids "They're going to have to prove they have the ability to do that, in much the same ways the coaching hires last summer were able to do it, without a lot of personnel changes." Of course he also says they are always trying to improve the roster, which sure, everyone is. I believe that. That's saying a whole lot of nothing though.
So why did Spoelstra play DJJ in the regular season, then? He consciously made the decision that, while it was fine to play him in the regular season, he shouldn't be on the floor in the playoffs. And we knew this when Olshey signed him. And, what a surprise, same thing happens.
should have been able to beat a battered nuggets team, even with the defense. Did Stotts throw a double at Jokic once the whole series? Or how about not putting an undersized Powell on the 6’10 Porter?
You do realize that Crowder and Iguodala were only in Miami for like 20 games at the end of the season when DJJ's minutes got cut, yes?
That's not the reason: he played Duncan Robinson instead of Jones, because (like Stotts) he knew you need shooters in the playoffs. Are you guys seriously implying that the reason we lost to Denver is that Stotts didn't play DJJ more? Did you not see that streak when Stotts took DJJ out of the lineup and we switched from a losing streak into our best stretch of the season?
Never said that. Just explaining why Jones was taken out of the rotation. Jones minutes didn't get cut because of Robinson, it was cut because of Crowder and Iguodala, who both played defense and were better shooters. If you want to argue they never make the finals without that Crowder/Iggy trade sure be my guest.
Massively overpaying (for too many years as well) in 2016 - Olshey Butchering the 2017 Draft - Olshey Having the 26-29th ranked defense and 15 of 16 in the Playoffs - Stotts (regardless of the roster construction) They both need to go and CJ needs to be moved for an asset that better fits with Dame and Powell can move back to SG. So 1 of 3 things are gone. Doubt Olshey gets moved. 'Maybe' CJ gets moved. It just doesn't seem like enough will be done.
Absolutely not arguing that not playing DJJ is the reason we lost to Denver. All I'm saying is that the Miami-Portland comparison is not like-for-like.
