Quote:
Originally Posted by TaShawn  Manifesto on Sheed/McDyess/Maxiell/and Johnson...
Conclusion:
Some of these stats suggest putting Sheed and Amir together while others suggest Sheed and JMax. There are 2 things that are obviously not going to happen: 1) Sheed is not going to come off the bench, and 2) Flip Saunders is not going to start Amir Johnson this year. Given those 2 constraints, the only logical conclusion is to start CB/Rip/Tay/Max/Sheed. The other benefits to this are that it gives our bench a veteran and it eases the minutes on Dice.
Lee, I know you suggested this several times, but it only makes sense to me now after seeing how Amir plays in real game situations. |
Your analysis looks at hard numbers, but what about the soft side. Certain synergies have been built between the pairings. Sheed and Dice defend seamlessly, with both alternately manning up against the center position. As of yet neither Max nor Amir can do this effectively. Granted Sheed and Dice seem to lack cohesiveness offensively, so there is room for improvement.
The second unit is developing a totally different style of hyperactive defense leading to transition offense which I fear Dice would become lost or ineffective in. That defense relies on Max & AJs shotblocking and pass deflecting abilities.
I wonder if the zoo crew shouldn't be allowed to more completely develop their identity before effecting major changes. At this point I believe the contrast in style will become an advantage overshadowing many stated shortcommings..