Set lineup determines subs' roles ? Reserves will be used sparingly so there won't be a huge drop-off in talent OAKLAND -- A positive sign heading into the season is how well the Warriors' rotation is working itself out. Last season at this point, the starting lineup was the furthest thing from coach Mike Montgomery's mind, let alone who's coming off the bench and for how long. This year, the lineup is already etched in stone and it's becoming clearer how the reserves will be used. The preseason has revealed a pretty steep drop-off from the first team to the second at each position, and from the second to the third. It makes Montgomery's job a heck of a lot easier. "It would be better to have guys that can win for you, however many that takes, than it would be to have 10 guys that can't win for you. That are good players, but they can't (win for you)," Montgomery said. "It's better to have players that can win and then you fill in and bolster that. ... If it's a 50-50 proposition, you're always thinking 'Gee, should I have the other guy in there.'" Guard Derek Fisher, swingman Mickael Pietrus, forward/center Andris Biedrins and forward Zarko Cabarkapa figure to get the most time off the bench. Rookie forward Ike Diogu, when he returns from his broken left hand, also is likely to get some action. Montgomery said it's better for this roster to filter in one or two reserves with the starters than to have a second team. It's especially important to have either point guard Baron Davis, shooting guard Jason Richardson or small forward Mike Dunleavy be on the floor at all times because of their ability to create offense, which is not a prevalent skill coming off the bench. So fans might see Biedrins come in for starting center Adonal Foyle, or Cabarkapa replace starting forward Troy Murphy, and play with the other four starters. Pietrus would play with Richardson or Dunleavy, and Fisher would run the point with three of the starters rather than four reserves. "It's unlikely that we would substitute and not have any of our five starters on the floor at any given time," Montgomery said. "So you rest a guy and you have somebody else in there who is certainly capable of doing the job, but you want him in with other players. You try to work out your rotation so you have key people on the floor at all times." Fish's finger Fisher practiced a little Thursday, limited by his dislocated right middle finger. He sustained the injury early in the second quarter of Wednesday night's 108-96 win over visiting Phoenix. The trainers snapped the finger back into place, and Fisher did not return. He is listed as a game-time decision for Saturday's home exhibition game against Seattle. "If there's any risk that he would potentially damage it (he won't play)," Montgomery said. "It wasn't a complete dislocation." Tip-ins The Warriors are holding an open-to-the-public practice tonight at the Arena in Oakland from 7 to 8. Admission and parking are free. ... The Warriors entered Thursday leading the league in scoring for the preseason at 103.0 points per game in four contests, including a high of 112. -- Marcus Thompson II http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctime...rs/12959848.htm I'm going to the open practice tonight. Should be fun.
Have fun at the practice. This injury to Fisher is going to be huge for both Miles and Ellis. Also I think when Ike comes back he will take Zarko's PT. Hopefully Taft will be able to get some minutes also...
