When will Reed be placed into the starting lineup?

Reed starting doesn't change ball handlers when the starting unit isn't out there at all. Reed still plays the minutes that Amen is on the bench. Amen still plays the minutes that the starting lineup is not entirely out there, and Reed isn't in the game.

The only thing stopping Reed from starting is proving he's good enough on defense to start. I don't know if that will happen this season.

 

You are right, if the coach would adjust. Right now it’s only the first 6 minutes of the game we are talking about so if we are still winning those first 6 minutes with the starting unit, there is no reason to change. Basketball is played on both sides of the floor as you indicated and Reed can get more minutes coming off the bench if his defense improves quite a bit and Ime is smart with his rotations.

Right now, our defense is pretty spectacular when the starters are in the game, not so much when we play double bigs or when we have Reed on the floor without Amen. Ime is showing more flexibility this year. If Reed’s defense can improve enough, he will get more of Josh’s minutes, but unless Josh falls off dramatically or gets injured there is no real reason to start Reed. Of course it’s not just Reed, but the defense gets worse for anyone when Amen is off the floor. That’s what happens when a DPOY candidate sits.

 

He could. But Amen is growing into the role. Reed could too. We don’t want to ruin that do we? The only way I’d be ok with CP starting is if we got close to playoff time and there were big concerns. Right now though, we have the best offense in the league and both of our young guys are getting to make mistakes and learn.

 

I don't think it matters if Reed starts or not so long as Okogie keeps playing well. If/When Okogie's play regresses back to his career norms, Reed has to take his spot.

 

Let him cook against bench squads. That will help build his confidence.

 

There is no reason Reed can’t fit in with our PG rotation and Amen is improving and will be spectacular by season’s end. We could use another bench player with handles in case Amen, Reed, or Okogie gets hurt, but not to take minutes from any of them. Once the synergy gets entrenched, we are OKC ‘s biggest competitor for the championship. We play them tough and match up with them better than most anybody.