If we are counting on Nolan to be the 6th man and provide the main scoring off the bench... It's gonna be a lonnnnnng season....
It's gonna be a lonnng season. If our team goes with the following starters: 5 - Hickson 4 - LA 3 - Batum 2 - Wes 1 - Lillard Then the reserves should be: 5 - Leonard 4/5 - Freeland 3 - Claver, Babbitt 2/3 - Barton 1/2 - Nolan Nolan Smith should see plenty of playing time this season. He may not be the 6th man. He should be able to show a huge improvement from last season to this season.
That's why I don't agree with Hickson being a starter. IMHO He needs to come off the bench like a PF version of Ginobili.
Tend to agree Dviss. Freeland can be our new Joel Pryzbilla (Apparently his father was a street figher in London). And our units would be better balanced. Lillard Mathews Batum LMA Freeland Smith Batum/Barton/Morrison Claver/Barton/Pavlovic Hickson Leonard And people are hating on Pavlovic, but he can defend and knock down the three ball
Just to be clear, no one said anything about Nolan being the main scorer off the bench, just that he may add some scoring. But you are right, that bench lacks any go to guys. I agree with bringing Hickson off the bench as well for that reason. There is no doubt in my mind that there has to be a starter on the floor at all times. (Lillard, Nic, or LA)
I agree with that as my preferred starting lineup. Yet, I doubt Morrison and Pavlovic will see that many meaningful minutes.
Well Pav was brought in for a few reasons. Playing in the game was probably one of the last reasons. Even though his salary hits our cap, Boston is paying it. Since it's not guaranteed next season that will mean another 1.399 Mil in cap room. Pav and Jefferies are in the same situation. Jefferies is also being paid by NY. And his non guaranteed 1.541 Mil salary will fall off of our books next season too. We are positioning ourselves to have 16+Mil in cap room next season. Enough to outright sign a max deal or make a hugely lopsided trade.
But if Hickson starts the whole season then that's what happens. Not saying you advocate it. But Hickson starting means that we have no 6th man.
Yeah I think Freeland should start at center over Leonard. Bring Hickson in first and move LA over to center. Then Leonard in for LA to start the 2nd. At least the first couple of months. Freeland has a little more experience at this point even if it is international and not NBA. Unless Leonard kicks ass in preseason.
Batum is lookin like the frontrunner, thank you Terry Stotts. [video=youtube;oQHpg0ePwxQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQHpg0ePwxQ&feature=youtu.be[/video] Hollinger: Blazers F Nicolas Batum To Have Break Out Year
