I think it really depends on his efficiency in shooting. I wouldn't expect more than 10 - 12 min to start. If his presence really opens up the offense then maybe he'll push 20 but he's got a lot of experience ahead of him in the lineup. He would have to be way ahead of expectations.
i just wanna see: Reed Sheppard Cam Whitmore Amen Thompson Tari Eason Steven Adams Wreck other benches. I do not know if they are too young to do it but it will be fun to watch.
I believe he'll be in the rotation, but his minutes will depend on the adversary, game situation, and how he's doing. Ime rewards guys who are contributing and if Reed is hoopin' he'll get more time.
Nothing is for certain, but there's not a lot of competition at the 1, it's really just him and FVV. He'll still have to earn it, but he's the kind of player that makes others around him better with his gravity and passing. The main thing I could see going wrong for him is issues related to conditioning. It was an issue in summer league after the first few games and it'll be something that will limit his effectiveness and playing time if it doesn't improve.... but I think it will.
It will also depend on what the other guys look like. If JG, Cam and Holiday are all playing out of their minds, Reed may get few to no minutes. But given the unlikelyhood of that happening, I agree Reed will play significant minutes by xmas time.
I see Holiday as the new Boban, if he gets non garbage time minutes beyond MAYBE the first month of the season, a lot has gone very wrong.
That will definitely be a better defensive unit. Mainly because of Adams, Amen and Tari. One hell of a defensive front court. But I don't see any world that is a better offensive unit and not even close. Reed Sheppard is the best creator in a half court set here? Maybe? He hasn't played a NBA game yet so we have no clue. So who is going to create in this line up?
Yes, best lineup could be FVV Reed Amen Tari Sengun Love Adams, too. Could be FVV Amen Tari Sengun Adams We will have a lot of flexibility. Not counting out Jalen and Jabari and Cam at all.
Love ya ATW, but.... Jabari is the starting 4 on this team for a long time. Reed is not starting as a rookie. Amen will play the 3 or out top. We'll see how long FVV is here. Although Adams put up something like 12 and 15 over his last 30 games before getting hurt, he's a backup 5 here.. Tari's health and progress on the court are questions. He MAY not be here either longterm. And, the way I see it, Cam is on his way to eventually becoming a superstar. Just needs to stay healthy.
I don't know if FVV is going to share the ball with Amen and Reed. He likes to ignore easy fast break opportunities and just run the pick and roll, everyone else is just an afterthought to him
My bet is Ime's rotation begins this year the same as last year ended. The difference being that the guys who don't cut the mustard will get their minutes reduced quicker than last year and the replacements wont have as long to prove their better as last year either. If some of the starters don't play well, it may very well look like a rotating door at those positions until someone proves themselves.
Reed is a much more dynamic fast break player. Jalen/Reed/Amen is an absolutely filthy fast break unit. Reed's hands and vision with Amen and Jalen on the break is game over.
