You can tell Rui that it’s not a “demotion” 1,000 times, but based on what happened last season, I expect it to negatively affect his mental state.
It probably would to some extent. You can see that even DFS coming here screwed with his head for a couple of games. It really depends on Rui. If he continues to play like he did last night, using his physicality, getting boards and hitting open shots he probably keeps the starting job for a while, especially if we are winning. If he falters for several games in a row then maybe he gets switched. I’d rather have him as the bench scorer but really it’s a good problem to have. I feel like Max’s emergence as a solid POA defender has given Rui and JJ a bit more leeway.
It also wouldn't be the end of the world to keep starting Rui in the regular season so long as DFS closes over him and Rui's minutes are structured such that Rui plays more with the second unit after the stretch to start each half.
I think this is where we will learn just how good JJ is at keeping his players engaged when their role (from the outside looking in) diminishes. I felt like it kinda worked with DLO, but using him as a measuring stick isn’t worthwhile since he knew that his name would be bandied about in trade rumors even before the season began. I do love how the FO put it out there early on this season that Rui is in the present, and future plans of the organization. Sometimes we forget that these players are actual humans with feelings. In extremely rare cases, there are the sickos like Jordan and Kobe who’s mental toughness is off the charts.
This is the way. Here is a quick and dirty that would need to be adjusted, but has Rui starting and DFS closing. Rui with 22 min (8 w starters), and DFS w 26 min (18 w starters). Can also play Rui & DFS together with 1 of AD or LBJ when the other is resting, and get them up to 30 min each if warranted. 1Q 4 Rui + starters 4 DFS + starters 4 Rui + AD, rest LBJ 2Q 4 DFS + LBJ, rest AD 2 Rui + LBJ, rest AD 2 Rui + AD, rest LBJ 4 DFS + starters 3Q 4 Rui + starters 4 DFS + starters 4 Rui + AD, rest LBJ 4Q 4 DFS + LBJ, rest AD 2 Rui + AD, rest LBJ 6 DFS + starters
This times 100. We’re playing well right now, why upset chemistry? Rui is just now recovering from the “swing, swing mfer” comment from Lebron. We’re not getting off to poor starts during our current run. There’s plenty of minutes for DFS without inserting him in the starting lineup.
Yeah we have room and time to get there if need be but right now it’s nice to see the starting lineup clicking and we’ve been getting the wins. Ham screwed things up with his constant changes last year. I don’t think JJ is in a hurry to do the same. DFS is a vet and will know how to fit in well as he gets accustomed to the team and staff.
He's going to be starting, IMO. Now, Rui and DFS can play with each other, too. There's a lot of versatility among our front-court and with the ability to guard up when necessary and play whatever coverage defensively without getting burned helps a lot.
There was a possession where Max and DFS were defending in the third and they each stopped penetration by getting their bodies in front of the driver and the possession ended in an off balance shot late in the shot clock that AD contested really well and didn’t even come close. They erased that lead in the third real nice. Going into the playoffs we need to roll with the AR - Christie - DFS - Bron - AD lineup. We could still theoretically upgrade Gabe, Rui and Hayes at the backup guard, wing and big spots. And we don’t know if Vando and Wood have any juice to give.
Vando will answer all questions, by the trade deadline. My prediction is that the Vando, Max, DFS and AD look, will be our defensive death squad.
