It is almost like Morey and McHale are preparing us for the slower pace of the playoffs. If the playoffs grind you down to half court basketball, perhaps interior rebounding and defense are at a premium. This is more pronounced when you consider that teams are more focused in the playoffs, play better defense, and are less prone to defensive lapses that allow easy baskets, particularly in transition. If that's the case, you can understand the insertion of Greg Smith and Terrence Jones. That and TJ has the best upside and has earned a spot, while Dmo and Trob have been unable to lock down the job. Maybe TJ's opportunity coming in the weeks before playoffs is coincidence. Maybe not. But you can argue his strengths help us in the post season.
I think its about fit and personnel. Its basically the same questions of PFs thats usually for guards and swingmen. You can have a STRETCH 5, and need a banger 4. (Chris Bosh/Udonis Haslem, etc). Overall I think its a stretch 4 thats needed now. Its not to say that Pete Chilcutt & David Andersen are better fits on a team than Zach Randolph and Blake Griffin. Or that Ryan Anderson is better than Kevin Garnett. The game still involves interior efficiency, drawing fouls and free throws, and of course rebounding and defense. Greg Smith is shooting over 60% thats more than adequate over a stretch 4. In the Bosh/Haslem duo, its just as much about who guards who on defense. rather than their offensive skills. You can get a good offensive fit, but you can't keep asking Carlos Delfino to guard Lamarcus Aldridge all game long. But nowadays a PF needs to have a jumpshot or at least PRESENT a THREAT from outside. Thomas Robinson is close to 40% FG, hats not gonna cut it in today's game. Patrick Patterson with the same FG% but occassionally stepping out for 4 is a better offensive player. (Its then if the other parts of the game make up for it. Its another reason why I wouldnt sleep on D-Mo just yet, he's got passing and low post game along with his shaky jumper)
