So I was talking with some guys during the game about what the closing unit should be in the final stages of the game and I was feeling: PG: Lin SG: Kobe SF: Young PF: Davis C: Hill I want Boozer nowhere to be found in late games as he doesn't protect the rim/do anything on defense and I don't want Wes in the game either because he's a liability on offense. Hill is meh as well, but he provides rebounding, has a somewhat respectable jumper, and his terrible rim protection is somewhat neutralized by Ed Davis' ability to challenge shots. What does everyone else think the closing unit should be?
PG: Lin SG: Kobe SF: Young PF: Boozer/Randle C: Davis 1 to 3 are pretty easy decisions. At 4, I would like to see Boozer for the beginning of the year, but as Julius gets more comfortable, I i think he will be ready to take over that spot. At 5 I think Ed Davis should definitely be closing. He is by far their best defender. He gives them a legitimate rim protector, and he already seems to have a nice chemistry offensively with Lin. Unless Hill can knock down that 15 footer consistently, I don't think Hill and Davis should play together. Boozer or Randle can both rebound as well so that doesn't worry me.
Hard to say right now. Was great connecting with everyone during game. I think we need to see how Davis Randle et al defend against a gasol, Duncan, lbj before we say. But if this team defense takes off Davis and Randle might be the guys as mamba and young with Lin makes for a nice offense. Price? He's making a case for himself. I know who we all vote against WES! Hate to talk bad about him especially after his hitting big buckets and bad comments hurt his head which is his biggest issue right now. Season starting less than a week!
Kobe is obviously a must. Doesn't matter what kind of game he's having. Other than that, I really wouldn't have a fixed lineup to finish games. Also situation might be important (are we coming from behind? Do we need to keep a lead safe?). As of now, we have a weird roster with no clear superior guy in any position but shooting guard. We'll see if maybe Randle grows into the clear better PF throughout the season, but that'll most likely take some time.
Randle and Davis at the 4 and 5 ... a season with no expectations is a perfect opportunity to develop young players and give them experience at the NBA level . PG : Lin SG : Kobe SF : Young PF : Randle C : Davis
Lin Kobe Young *open* Davis I like Price, I really do especially on the defensive end but for some reason I feel more comfortable with Lin in the lineup. He seems to have a knack for getting to the rim and getting fouled which could be key against certain opponents. But with him, Kobe, and Young and we have sure things on offense, and Davis is a sure thing for defense. I left the 4 spot open because I feel it would depend on who's having the better game between Hill and Boozer.
Last 5 minutes: Lin Kobe Young Boozer Hill/Davis Defense: Price Lin Kobe Davis Hill Offense: Lin Kobe Young Boozer Hill With Young out, I'd rather run a Price-Lin-Kobe, than have Wes out there.
Depends on the match-ups. If the team we're playing is "normal" sized- Lin/Kobe/Young/Boozer/Davis If the team we're playing is "small"- Price/Lin/Kobe/Randle/Davis I switch out Boozer for Randle because Julius is more mobile against a smaller team. The only people who should close no matter what are Kobe, Lin, and Davis. Davis for his defense, Lin for his versatility on the perimeter and ability to get to the basket, and Kobe because you know why.
Price has been good, but Lin clearly sparked the comeback last night. I guess I am not getting why Lin is being viewed as the guy who has to prove himself. Lin more than makes up for any defensive woes on the other end. If he is healthy, he should start and close games.
