It's the most balanced configuration, but dismissing the need to ever go small or big limits the team's focus of attack/defense under different circumstances especially at the end of games when seconds really do count.
I believe, contrary to Voice of Aus, you're right here. I don't see the twin towers Howard/Asik nor do i see twin towers Asik/Camby. They are all pure centers and there will be only one center at the time on the floor. Therefore, the above lineup is the natural 2nd unit. Also in the case that McHale does not play a 2nd unit and rotates players into the starter unit, it will be pretty much these players that will rotate.
Good thread. Damn, I love our options going forward. No more defensive collapses once Asik comes out, now Asik will be coming in for Howard. Camby can pull minutes at the 4 and 5 here and there to fill in gaps and take advantage of mismatches. Parsons is flexible and we have a couple of decent guys behind him and Harden now. Harden won't have to play iron man minutes anymore, of course, there are still plenty for him to be had. We have a hole at the 4 of course but we can move guys around and take advantage of the situation, so I don't think it will be pronounced. I think landing even a decent starting 4 would take us a long way, though, which would leave PG as the weakest link. Which isn't much of a weak link with Harden on the floor.
If we base it just on the second unit to literally beat other teams benches, I would rate it below average because of a lack of people who can create their own shot.. However if we base it on the spot minutes each of them will play with the starters I would rate this about average for a playoff contender. What's unique is that our 6th man is like no other in the nba where it's a 7"0 defence and rebounding force, something I have no idea how it works.. I like our question more than the one chosen by the op, and I think it could drive really positive discussion.
I would rank that lineup above the average NBA 2nd team. First, there are not that many really deep teams. Second, that lineup is not that much different from the Rockets starting lineup last year. Sure, Garcia is not Harden, but when his at it, he can really do things. He is also taller and tougher in the defence than Harden, which is a plus. If DMo is the PF, there are two legit 7 footers in the front line. Casspi is not Parsons, but he can shoot similar numbers and is a better rebounder, shot blocker and a stealer than Delfino for example. I would not be too worried about their ability to create their own shots. With Asik in the middle, they will get ample chances to shoot. Actually, I think it is looking good.
Start Lin and stagger minutes, it's not like the whole first team has to come out and the second team comes in. Hopefully either Harden or Lin will always be in the game. I like Beverley but the offense just doesn't flow when he is in the game for the most part.
Harden and Howard will log at least 38 minutes a game. Unless its a blowout or foul trouble. I also believe Coach will keep a Superstar on the court , especially in close games.
Lin will continue to "start" but will effectively end up playing most of his minutes with the second unit. Lin Williams/Garcia Garcia/Casspi TJones/DMO Asik Honestly I think your best lineup (if Williams can get back to shooting well, which i think not being on the bobcats should help) is: Lin (Distributor, PnR, average defender) Williams (Shooter) Garcia (Shooter, pesky defender) DMO (PnR finisher/Post threat) Asik (Defensive and Rebounding Juggernaut)
Oh and I highly expect Williams to bounce back with the rockets. I feel as though we get the best out of most of the players we acquire. I'm not sure why it is. It must be a product of asking players to do what they're already good at.
