Ime: Amen, KD, Jabari & Sengun are starting, 5th TBD

If they start Tari, he will demand a big extension.

 

I have no issue with Amen going downhill in a pick and roll.

Reed is TBD....

 

They have already said he won’t play in back to back games. If your plan is to have one consistent starting unit, why would you start Tari. If they are planning to have multiple starting units based on matchups then Tari should definitely start in the opener against OKC. Ime was really stubborn with his rotations last year, so I doubt he would make such a radical change.

 

Wants a bigger role and an extension but can't play in the back to backs. Hmm...

 

how many drives per game did KD have last season?
how many drives per game did Amen have in the playoffs?

 

What I'm taking from this is Tari's leg is likely going to be a problem his entire career.

 

Jaesean tate

 

Has it been said that Tari can’t play b2b this year?

I vote start Reed the first 20 games. Give him 30 min regardless of result. Then evaluate.

 

I'm starting to think starting Reed may be the best option. Adams won't play in all the games either.

 

Anyone with their thinking cap on knows it's Reed, unless he really blows it over the next two weeks.

 

I'm rooting for Eason to be the 5th starter...

It's been a while, but I recall pre-injury Eason was a monster analytically. So... if Eason showed up like that again pre-injury, he's absolutely a starter. Now that it's been 2 seasons post-injury, hopefully he's back to full strength now. The mention of him not being able to play b2b, if that's true, means he's still not pre-injury. Hopefully that's not true. Don't also forget that due to this injury, this is basically his 3rd year, not 4th. He says he's ready to play more and wants more opportunity - he will get it if he deserves it. Let's hope for a breakout year for him.

 

I can certainly go along with this, but I think that he has to be able to play back to backs. As well, he’s gonna have to hit the three ball at a respectable percentage, but it could work.

 

You’ve got KD and Sengun, who will command a lot of attention. Amen can be a terror going downhill and getting to the hoop. You’ve got Jabari who is not amazing at any particular thing, but solid at most things. A Swiss Army knife. Reed with his shooting (particularly how he looked towards the end of last season and when he started - 20 and 5 dimes in his 3 starts) will help spread the floor and create space. He doesn’t even need to necessarily be a “traditional” PG. Amen can handle some PG, Sengun can be a playmaker, KD can make plays. He just needs to keep his man in front and try to use those quick hands and instincts to make the right play. I think that will come, as he gets more used to the NBA game. He’s also going to be playing next to the best guard/wing defender in the NBA and a ridiculous amount of length behind him, between the other 3. Let’s not forget he’s a #3 pick - Rockets need to see what they’ve got here. No better chance than now:

Reed
Amen
KD
Bari
Alpi

 

this is why Tari won’t get paid. He’s on the Kwahi Leonard monitor watch at this young age.

 

They looked pretty good without Jalen the other day. Ofcourse they were chucking three's and making them who knows if they can keep that up.

 

Udoka said Tari "might" not play in B2Bs "early" in season. Maybe they've become more concrete since then.

If JSJ is starting, Tari shouldn't start. Those two aren't always the best fit. I'm hoping Reed is ready.

 

I think Reed should start but I don't think that's enough "dogs" for Ime's typical starting lineups. He usually has two very aggressive players on the court. Sengun, Durant, Jabari and Reed don't fall in that category. Brooks, Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, these type of guys.

When DFS is back I have a feeling he'll start him (creating easily the biggest lineup in the NBA, which he'll love and will aid our rebounding). I hope not but that's what I would expect from Ime.

I think Reed wins the role sooner or later. I hope we start the season with him coming off the bench for 4-5 games. Then we start him to do nothing but be a 3&D corner shooter (almost no ball-handling responsibilities). Gradually we start adding responsibilities for him starting with bringing the ball up for the Big 3. I have a feeling he's going to shoot 40% from 3 this season.

 

Aaron holiday

 

Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but during Tari’s post-practice interview, Okogie came over and said he’s starting a petition for Tari to be Sixth Man of the Year. Seems like a good indication of Tari’s projected role, which I think is perfect.

 

Still trying to get up from that wet spot he slipped in back in 2015.