RealGM

With slow starts against the Trailblazers and Spurs (both losses and potential Playoff opponents), I think Denver could do with a minor Starting 5 shuffle which would allow them to come out better with a defensive mindset and energy. Ideally, this could happen once Nene is fully recovered and back to playing consistent minuets, but hear me out.

Why not insert Brewer (6'9) in as the starting SF and slide Gallo (6'10) to the PF spot with Nene (6'11) at C. This would allow Denver to have 5 defenders starting the game with 3 good outside shooters (Ty, AAA, Gallo). Sure it would depend on who we are playing each night and if Gallo can actually play the 4 spot well, but Im only talking about Brewer playing 14-16 mpg. Have him play for 6 mins in the 1st qtr, then replace him with Big Al, slide Gallo back to the SF spot. Or sub Miller in for Brewer and have Afflalo play the 3.

This would give Denver a great defensive mindset starting the 1st and 3rd quarters and allow George Karl to stretch the defense by having Gallo float around at the 3 point line as a PF. Minutes would look like:

C - Nene - 28, Koufos - 10, Mozzy - 10
PF - Gallo - 16, Harrington - 28, Nene - 4
SF - Brewer - 16, Gallo - 18, Rudy - 14
SG - Afflalo - 28, Miller - 12, Rudy - 8
PG - Lawson - 32, Miller - 16

Starting Brewer means we have options to throw at the Durants, Kobes, Wades, LeBrons etc. Brewer knows his role and he understands that he's not here to score points. I think if we maximise his strength which is play defense and surround him with great playmakers/scorers, then Denver benefits by playing an uptempo game with someone who can run around the court harassing the opponents scoring threats.

could happen but i don't think it is a long term answer. gallo was getting destroyed by dejuan blair. i'd much rather see that lineup when/if wilson chandler returns. chandler can play the 2, 3 or 4 which we could greatly use and if he gets to start then he might stick around. gallo can create many mismatches on offense but he can't guard certain pfs. i guess it all depends on the team we play. either way brewer needs to get more playing time.

lawson/miller
afflalo/fernandez
chandler/brewer
gallo/harrington/faried
nene//mozzy

Lawson / Dre
Afflalo (minutes reduced to 20 until he plays defense) / Fernandez
Gallo / Brewer
Faried / Harrington
Nene / KK

GK just has to find a way to get Brewer more minutes, the guy is playing very efficiently and his productivity is off the charts. For the month of January his numbers are:

Brewer - 13.1 mins, 2.8 rebs, 1.0 asts, 1,5 stls and 8.0 ppg. His PER is over 20.

Compared to Rudy and Afflalo, his numbers are actually better. Shooting wise, hes at 47% for the year (limited attempts) but his FG shots are usually close to the basket, and he can draw fouls - has shot 15 FTs in 78 mins (one every 5 mins).

He should be getting 16-20 mpg whilst Afflalo and Rudy are struggling with their shooting, plus he brings a ton of energy and plays hard.