Aloha,
It’s just preseason but it was a nice to get a W. I have seen a lot to be encouraged by so far. I don’t know how good this team will be, but they will play hard. The level of hustle has been so encouraging. The big difference from last years squad is like night. It’s amazing what difference young legs make. They make but they are giving 110% on the court.
Right now it’s obvious that coach Ham is in the lab, experimenting with different players and combinations. I think we will see more of what the rotations will look like.
There were a few standouts for me. It start at Center. AD has looked in mid season form. I am curious to see how much center AD plays this year. Up to this point he has played a lot at the 5. I’m completely okay with that. He’s only a top 3 center in the league.
Does anyone still want to trade Nunn? After AD he’s been the our most impressive player. Like Malik he’s a 3 level scorer but he also can defend. I’m thinking he will come off the bench. We will need a corer for the 2nd until. Now if he can only stay healthy.
Matt Ryan sizzled tonight. 20 points in 20 minutes. He hadn’t shot well until today. If that’s sustainable we could really use a sharp shooter off the bench.
Walker Jr took another step forward. 14 points and 3 for 6 from 3. He also flashed some quality defense. It’s early but if he keeps it up, giving him their mid level will look pretty good.
My current starting 5: RW, LBJ, AD, Reaves, Bryant
My current first five off the bench: Nunn, Walker IV, JTA, Gabriel, Jones
Ryan/Swider/Christie/Pippen Jr and Troy Brown (who has yet to play) all either have big holes in their games or are just super raw and rookies.
Love how this team is playing in preseason, taking it seriously, getting the guys who needs reps the reps they need, and the young kids look hungry.
Schroder and Beverley are ???s for me, especially Dennis who will be behind the 8 ball, but we can’t play 4 PGs every game. Who loses minutes? I say keep Patrick fresh, at least early in the season, since he’s missed a ton of time over the last few seasons and use as defensive ace as needed. We’ll see more after the next game or two of what Ham is planning though. The above is just where we’re at now in preseason.