This. We have already wasted at least 2 games and maybe 3 with Ime’s being stubborn about leaving underperforming vets in the game too long. Making the playoffs is going to come down to one or two games and we shouldn’t be wasting any opportunities. Tonight is a perfect example. Amen can shut down SGA. Nobody else (even Tari) will be able to do that. Ime needs to have a quick trigger to bring in his best defensive team, because we aren’t making comebacks against OKC’s elite defense.
Yeah just cutting down Brooks and FVV's minutes would be awesome. I think Ime is just so cautious about making the playoffs he doesn't want to make any possibly disruptive changes too soon. At some point though he has to see what you're saying because Tari/Amen are his guaranteed tickets to overachieving this season. I truly believe we would win 50 if we just started Tari right now and we/he stayed relatively healthy. If Sengun's 3PT shot becomes respectable, we would be an even better team with Amen at SF. Time to sell high on Brooks. Something roughly like Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart or John Collins and a pick swap would be great.
As much as I want Tari to start (and he should be), it's clear we won't be able to pay all these guys once their rookie contracts are up. Him coming off the bench benefits us there greatly in terms of future contract negotiations. As soon as Stone inks his extension, he can start.
It is apple to oranges. He is largely playing against bench units and is playing with Amen. Jabari is playing with Brooks and against starters. Once FVV is gone and Amen becomes part of the back court, Tari will probably get his chance to start. I love Tari and think he can be a starting SF, but it is not the right time on this team. He is our super sub and every team needs at least one. He also hasn't been on the court for a full season yet. Let's give him a chance to foul less and not get injured before stopping Jabari's progression, who is not the type to provide a huge spark off the bench. Patience is key with both Jabari and Tari.
It's been posted and debunked before, Tari actually plays better as a starter and against starting units with his minutes. Regardless of bench or against starters he produces, so it's not who he's playing against, he's done it for years against many different lineups and players, with or without Amen and other teammates.
The Rockets are not selling their best defender/best veteran contract especially when you have to take back 20m plus of a worse player You should write less and read more about basketball @Mathloom
I’m ok with us starting Tari over Bari now. Smith (IMO) is improving his body but this has hurt his shot. I still think he will be a valuable NBA player. Let him come off the bench for a bit.
If we cared about winning Tari should be starting, if Stone cares about saving money for Tilman then Tari will keep sitting on the bench.
Whatever the lineup configurations are. One thing is certain. Tari needs to play more, obviously over the sad “break-out”-that-would-never-happen Jabari Smith Jr.
