We still have young core with Amen, Alpi, Bari, Tari (who’s going to have bigger role when DFS is out, basically both can cover each other’s role) and Reed. True, the rest of the roster is not young, but Durant is the only one who’s matters (and Fred but he’s out of the picture, unfortunately), the rest are not that crucial if they miss a game once in a while.
That’s fine we have Holiday, Sheppard, Tari, Tate and Okogie for depth at the 2/3. That’s plenty. Jabari and Durant can cover the PF position defensively. Might be a shaky start but we’ll be ok. Good to be cautious at the start of the season. 2 weeks is nothing for a vet, DFS will catch up to all concepts. He’s mostly a 3&D player (likes the corner 3) which are very plug n play.
What can I say? Injuries are a pain in the a**, and it’s sucks that the season didn’t even start and we’re missing Fred for the entire season, and perhaps DFS in the first few games (hopefully not for a long period). But I don’t think that the aging roster is the one to blame. We already experienced injuries by our young core as well.
Everyone knows what DFS can bring. As a vet, he's probably fine missing out on the grind of training camp. The biggest winner with this DFS injury is probably Tari. Let's see if he can show us he's ready for more.
Defensively, this is roughly how the minutes will play out. Then DFS returns and competition for minutes increases plus he’s been used as a small ball stretch 5 in the past. By the time he comes back we can have Amen guarding the faster guys again. Sengun(28)/Adams(15)/Capela(5) Durant(32)/Jabari(10)/Sengun(6) Jabari(22)/Tari(16)/Amen(10) Amen(18)/Okogie(20)/Tari(10) Sheppard(20)/Holiday(18)/Amen(10) No excuses, that’s still one of the most talented rotations in the NBA. Especially if one of Amen or Sengun becomes a competent 3PT shooter. Sheppard and Holliday both shot better than FVV last season and neither will be doing much but bringing the ball up and waiting for catch and shoot opportunities. I feel confident in getting 32+ good minutes out of both of them. I would still try to go out and acquire a two way veteran backup PG to take over Holidays minutes. However let’s wait and see to December 15th.
I doubt they mean bringing the ball up the court, but I want the ball in KD's hands as much as possible, if he and Alpi are running a PnR - fine by me. DD
I hope Amen can handle all the pressure building up on him this season, lots of responsibilities and heavy minutes. This will show us how strong his stamina really is. It's a true test of how well he can balance his energy on both offense and defense. Unfortunately, hyper athletic players like him carry inherent injury risks. But as he gains more experience, he'll learn how to use his athleticism in a more efficient way.
We have a deep roster, we have enough players to bring the ball up the court, and IMHO we will be better if FVV never plays another game for the Rockets, there are better players that need that playing time. Nothing against FVV, and I wish him a speedy recovery, but this team is loaded, and doesn't need FVV slow it down at the PG spot. PUSH the ball.....and when that fails, PUSH it harder..... DD
Last 3 years at 34 & 35% before the 41%. 39% two years before that. Very inconsistent and ill trust the several years approach as opposed to just last year.
41% from the corners over the last 6 years. The inconsistency is likely when he has to do more than space the floor in the corner because he was money from the corner for Dallas. Also, it looks like he had a considerable drop in performance in Brooklyn (not just three-point shooting). I don't watch much Nets BB, but he may have been nursing an injury before last season or it could have just been a mess prior to Jordi becoming head coach. I think there is a good chance he's allowed to play within his game in Houston.
He was never going to start. It is not why they brought him in. We can manage without him for a month if necessary. Unfortunately, we have to decide on Tari’s extension by the middle of October. DFS’ injury is more catastrophic from that perspective than the few games he is going to miss.
