looking ahead

[gene kirkpatrick <gk_tyler@xxxxxxxxx>]

Some ideas about players #3 thru #12:

Kenny and Battie are signed and deserve to continue their roles as starters.  Battie, in particular, should continue to improve as our veteran big man.  Williams is an enigma.  He's been a favorite of mine, but my early season opinion was that if he got twenty minutes a game, we would be in trouble.  Well, yes and no.  We had something building when Joe Johnson started and showed flashes of all-around play, but I think that O'Brien and Wallace were not on the same page regarding rookies and veterans.  Wallace drafted for long term development and contribution while O'Brien clearly favors vets.  I'm with Wallace, because finding a Kobe or a Kidd or Parker or a Kedrick ?? means a 12 year ride.  Alas, we chose a faster ride and it took us to the championship round in the East.  OK, I digress.  Williams gives us a lot, but we won't go further without Kedrick taking over there.

Off the bench:  Rogers is very helpful.  I think he developed both an inside game and a defensive presence that had not been required of him before.  Plus, he has the presence that allows him to play without undue deference to Antoine and Paul.  Delk is just another small two guard.  He's not bad, but if he's all we keep from the trade, then we gave away Joe Johnson.  I wouldn't want to make the decision on Strickland.  If he could restrain his offensive bluster, he would be a keeper, but he's still a back-up point.  I suspect he's a luxury since we must develop a starting point guard.  McCarty and Blount can be number ll and 12, I guess; somebody has to be.

Vitaly.  Anybody's guess with his injury.  I would trade him unless we plan an offense that actually uses our big men, both decent scorers.

Forte is better that Delk and Strickland, but it would take a year of playing him to show that.  I expect our penchant for vets will cause us to lose him, too.

And Kedrick.  I saw the flashes, too.  Maybe he can develop.  If he doesn't, I lay the fault at the coaches not the drafter.

So, McCarty and Blount and Delk and Strickland, plus Vitaly and Forte are expendable.  That would have us fill in with cheap veterans and hope that Kedrick and Cook develop into special players.  Let the bargaining for a rebounder begin.

Gene
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