As with the rest of the players not named AD and LeBron, they do much better with consistent minutes. Rui was great for us last season when he had a defined role and was used consistently. I do agree that his rebounding and defense need to improve.
Depending on what would come back am a lot worried about DLO + Rui going out = Kuz and KCP we wind up missing.
Agreed. We should never make a trade just to “shake things up.” I’m hoping that Rob learned a lot from the Brick Debacle.
Unfortunately I still get flashbacks to that nightmare when Cam/Vando fumble the ball away in spectacular fashion
at least those two defend. having russ out there doing that and then just getting torched at all times by everyone was so brutal.
The more I think about this, the more it makes sense. I actually like Rui and don't even mind Dlo that much, despite his inconsistencies. But these are two solid players with good contracts we could use to get guys who simply fit better because: a) Wood has shown that he can produce really well (easily a double-digit scoring player who can give you 7-8 rebounds and a block, and shoot nearly 40% from 3 when you trust him consistently), but he can't get minutes with Rui there. b) We want to develop Max who is clearly talented, can play on both ends of the floor and even get you some rebounds, but we can't quite do that, because again... the Black Samurai eats his minutes. c) If we can get a guard who can defend and score, or an athletic guard who can go downhill and score very well with slightly less D -- then you could get away with having Cam & Vando being less productive on offense and specializing in defending like madmen. It opens up space for Wood to be the first off the bench with Reaves (yes, AR should definitely be a 6th man). This is why I am not so much against LaVine trade (if they compensate us with Caruso or Drum), because he'd fit extremely well with three defensive specialists in the starting 5. You basically put him in a situation to do what he does best, and he'd excel. It's not Zach's contract, and certainly not his talent, that scares me. It's the possibility of getting injured, since he plays above the rim a lot. d) then you bring AR + Wood of the bench and you're golden. e) In case of Caruso, he fits PERFECTLY next to LeBron, and would mesh with anyone due to his ability to defend and shoot the 3 without demanding the ball much; and f) in case of Drum... eh, at least he's big and not afraid of contact, and can actually box out & rebound since there aren't many players in the NBA stronger than him. He'll get you 9-10 rebounds, 2 steals and a block on a regular basis and that's valuable. He's just not starting and not wasting shots, no way, no how. In any case, he's a much better fit than Hayes since he is actually big and plays big.
Probably from hearing Pimple's motivational speaches. I'd get migranes too. Hell, I get a migrane from just looking at his ugly mug...
He's been playing awesome - time to up his minutes. The rebounding goes from a disadvantage to a plus when he plays which by itself is a huge help. He needs to be at 25mpg
He and Vando are our best rebounders not named AD. We need both of them playing more minutes Ham. Less for Prince.
He was awful against the Nets: wish it wasn't the case because I've been advocating for more minutes but he looked lost