I wouldn't mind seeing Bonzi control the post-up game with Yao out of the game when the second unit hits the floor. Starting Bonzi is not essential, in my opinion.
Great point. You put it simply and concisely. Everyone is talking about offense for the SG. I agree with you that it's the defense which will be key, one who stops dribble penetration, who sticks to his guy like glue, and who helps on defensive rotation. We got enough post-up guys, shooters, and overall scorers in the starting lineup.
Why do people keep talking about "second unit"? Coaches rarely play all reserves on the floor at the same time unless it is garbage time. You just can't afford having all your starters sitting. They typically sub in backups at various points in the game so that there are always some good players in charge. There are small lineup, big lineup, defensive lineup, instant offense lineup, etc. But there is no "second unit" lineup.
Why wouldn't you talk about a second unit? Who does the first unit scrimmage at every practice? If Alston is injured during a game, which line of thinking does the coach use...my instant offense lineup or my 2nd unit PG? There are times when it's necessary to think in terms of situation, there are times you need to think in terms of rotation and there are times you need to think in terms of depth. All have validity.
I think his point is that 2nd string makes sense, 2nd unit doesn't...except as a practice squad. He's correct in that you rarely see an entire 2nd unit on the court at once. You see some 1st stringers and some 2nd stringers....and some 3rd stringers occasionally.
