Could be wrong on this, but I think we're going into the season with Reed penciled in as the primary backup for both backcourt spots. Trying to give him a chance to sink or swim. Amen will have the ball in his hands a lot more this season and will of course continue to start. Eye toward a future Amen/Reed backcourt, which on paper is a really nice fit if both reach their potential. If this isn't working out at the trade deadline, they may make a deal then for a guard.
I predict this starting lineup by opening night: FVV Amen KD LeBron Giannis Bench: Jabari Reed Adams Capela Tate Holiday
FVV - Sheppard - Holiday Durant - Williams - Kevon Harris?/2way Amen - Tate Jabari - Tari - Finney Smith - Jeff Sengun - Adams - Capela Something like this? It's thin on the guard depth but I think Ime wants to bring the pain. Maybe Sheppard is cooking in practice?
It seems from The Cat interview that the Rockets believe any of generally considered forwards (Tari, Jabari, KD, etc.) can all defend guards. I am skeptical but Ime has been good on the defensive side. So I am willing to give them benefit of the doubt for now. But if they lose a playoff series because guys like Jabari and KD are getting torched by quicker guards, then they have totally screwed up this summer.
We have FVV, Amen, DFS and Tari to guard any guard. Even Reed Sheppard is already an above average defender at the 1. Jabari doesnt need to guard any guard just like Celtics didnt ask Horford and Porzingis to guard guards either.
FVV has trouble on defense now. Reed is short, bigger guards can roast him. DFS is unfit right now. Jabari can't defend guards, only Amen can do this consistent. Tari is pretty good, but he's better at guarding forwards.
With this roster, it's mainly about playoff matchups, right? Amen is obviously going to be the guy against bigger guards who are dangerous offensively. And he doesn't have to switch off his matchup often because he recovers so quickly and has such a huge wingspan to challenge shots. Outside of OKC, do any teams in the west have two big guards who are both a serious offensive threat? I feel like Fred is probably okay enough against 6'4", 6'5" guys who aren't truly elite like Jamal Murray and Austin Reaves. I guess if we're looking to get past OKC, that could be something to think about. Obviously Amen is going to be on SGA. How well do we think our forwards can cover J-Dub specifically, I guess would be my question?
Who was doing all of this excellent defense on guards last season? Dillon Brooks is no faster than any of our other current forwards. Are you telling me Jalen Green's amazing defense is what we're gonna be missing? What the team may lack in guard quickness, we will more than make up for with our absurd recovery length 2-4.
Bingo our defense got better not worst. Amen > Jalen, DFS/Tari > Dillon, Jabari starting again, Capella > Landale (who played significant minutes last year). KD still one of the best one on one defenders in the league. It’s all about length and Ime fellas.
Along with tweeners like Eason and maybe Bari. The starting 2/3 will be Amen/ Durant. Sengun gets moved to the 4 with Capela being the starting 5.
I think Amen's got serious wingspan/reach and maybe some height over SGA. He can play back 4 with those physical attributes plus outstanding athleticism.
