Aloha,
Perhaps I’m not as upset with last night as some are. First the Jazz were at home and are extremely hot right now. 5 of their last 7 wins have come against the Nuggets, the 76ers, the Bucks, the Heat and the Mavs, so they were going to be a challenge to beat.
2nd the Jazz threw AD’s rhythm off, sent a double every time he touched the ball. Usually the two bigs. He had 10 assists but missed a lot of shots he normally makes. Now with LeBron there would be no way they could defend AD the same way. Plus they could not have stopped LeBron inside. None of their bigs are strong enough.
3rd. Other guys stepped up. DLO was unconscious. He showed his value when he is the primary ball handler without LeBron. Even when LeBron returns I think he should start. Austin, who also played well was much more comfortable as the off guard and wasn’t over dribbling into the teeth of the defense. Off the bench he was in the conversation for 6th man of the year. I think that’s his best spot.
It was nice having Rui back. It was a shame he was on a minute restriction because they clearly had no answer for him. Like LeBron he was just too strong for their bigs. After a stretch of good play, Darvin had stated he would be starting before his last injury. He should start Rui as soon as he is back up to speed. Cam is clearly fighting an injury after having to leave the game after 11 minutes. It’s the perfect time to insert Rui.
I don’t see a trade happening anytime soon. So until a trade materializes I think a starting lineup of DLO, Prince, Rui, LeBron and AD gives us the best chance. With proper rotations I think our 2nd unit would be solid as well.
While Rui isn’t as good as Vando or Cam on defense, he is pretty good and he is a real offensive threat with helps open up things for AD and LeBron.
Let LBJ play a wing shooter.
Michael, I would say, for some reason, I did not feel any pain in the loss last night besides only adding to our loss column. The guys played well, and, as you said, the outcome would have been different had LeBron played. Regarding the starting lineup of Dlo, Rui, Prince, LeBron, and AD, I think Ham needs to try that, as I, just like you, don’t expect any trade. That might be the lineup that could unlock our secret. Who knows?
I The think it’s worth a try too Buba. Thing about Rui, he got hurt. Came back played well. Got hurt came back, played well and got hurt again. With injuries it’s easy to forget about him. But last night he way having his way with the Jazz and played well on defense. It’s a shame he was on minutes restriction. He could have been a difference making when our offense stalled in the 4th.
I agree.
We’re already 2 games under .500 with 12 games to go before the trade deadline. This team just needs to play better and it would help if the coach removed Cam and Vando from the starting lineup. Neither is helping enough defensively to make up for their cost offensively. They’re not starters at this point.
I think your suggested lineup is as good as we’re going to get. At least start five guys who can shoot so we can play 5 on 5 instead of 3 and 4 on 5 like we have been doing so far this season. I like moving Prince to the two and playing Rui. Another way to get more size and athleticism into the starting lineup.
Bottom line, though, I’m hoping we have a trade lined up to execute now because a lineup change is not going to be enough in my opinion to allow us to have a better record at the deadline this season than last season. We need a trade and now, not after it’s too late.
I agree that we need a trade but that could be weeks a way. Not many sellers. I think the sellers wait to see what they can get.
Also there will be a lot of competition for the few guys on the market.