I am curious as to what everyone thinks about this. Back in the 93-94 and 94-95 seasons, Kenny Smith would start, but Sam Cassell would often close out games. Another example is the current Spurs. The Spurs don't always start Ginobili, but he is usually there in clutch situations in the 4th quarter. I think we'll put out the best shooting and smartest team: Yao Scola (as long as he is not a bust) Battier TMac James Of course if Bonzi or Steve are particularly hot during a game, I think they will be left in there sometimes.
If the Kings are any clue to what Adelman will do, the closing lineup will be: Francis James TMac Battier/Scola (depends on opposing PF) Yao
All depends on if we are behind at the time. On the other hand if we're ahead by 30 scrubs close out the 4th. Lack of legit scrubs will make that a problem.
I think it will be tough having Battier defend many 4s in the West. He can't match up to Duncan or Boozer. Besides, we will still need Battier to defend the perimeter, because we know James and Francis won't.
Then move tmac to the 4, he can handle some 4s, and only playing them in the 4th quarter wont hurt him too much
I think it will vary each game depending upon matchups and foul trouble. That is the beauty of the team Morey and Adelman are putting together, very versatile. DD
I agree with the above comment. But, not necessarily the comment about James not defending the perimeter. I thought he did a pretty decent job during his previous stint with the Rox. Though I admit I only watched him play against the Rockets last year. Didn't watch many T-Wolves games otherwise.
We can play zone to take the big man out and force the other team to shoot jump shots. I think Yao will be fully utilized as a defensive presence as the anchor in a zone.
Mike James T-Mac Battier/Bonzi Scola Yao that would be the lineup. you have three great defenders in james, t-mac, and battier. i dont mean to hate but francis is pretty terrible at defense because he's too slow laterally and he's too slow on screen and rolls. Bonzi is underrated defensively but he's a good defender in his own right.
For those of you putting Battier as PF, it won't happen. He can't play that position. This was shown in the 06-07 season. Plus he barely averages 4 rbs/game in extensive playing time meaning he is a poor rebounder for a SF much less a PF. My guess would be Francis Wells Tmac Scola/Hayes? Yao
I still don't get all the love for Mike James. What's his excuse for his performance last season? He was given all the opportunity to be the starting PG with his only competition was a rookie. Yet he was sent to the bench after just two months with the team. What makes you believe that he will do any better with Rockets?
because he's home, in a familiar setting....he should be better than last season but not so sure about his best year.
it depends who we're facing teams like Phoenix or Dallas PG Mike James SG Tmac SF Battier PF Bonzi C Yao teams like S.A. PG Mike James SG Tmac SF Bonzi PF Scola C Yao
i would feel much comfortable having mike james play defense and making decisions with the ball in the 4th than steve francis.
It goes both ways, Duncan and Boozer will have to defend Battier at the 3pt line and having Battier play Duncan or Boozer for 6 to 8 minutes isn't the worst thing. Also James is a pretty descent defender on the perimeter.
My guess would be the one that works best together and matches up best with the other team on the floor.
IF this is assuming we have our current roster going into (which we wont), then spurs slow ball 1.francis 2.bonzi 3.tmac 4.scola 5.yao this is highly optimistic b/c im assuming scola and bonzi give us what we deserve. im hopefull about scola but i dont know if he will be quite the presence everyone is banking on. suns fast ball 1.brooks 2.james 3.tmac 4.battier 5.yao this also assumes brooks has high bball iq and that james gives a damn about team basketball. both remain to be seen. but truth is that our real end game lineup will be: 1.francis 2.tmac 3.battier 4.haslem 5.yao
