RealGM

Hayes is hurt....this season is already in the tank. We’re already to the point where wins hurt us more than they help.

I think we should commit to playing the VETS over the kids. Let the kids come off the bench as a unit. Let them play together in reserve roles.

Give the vets 30+ minutes per and let’s inflate their numbers. Let’s see if we can inflate their numbers enough to trade a couple before the deadline.

After the trade deadline - reverse it. Play all the kids big minutes.

From now until the deadline:
PG - Wright / Rose / F.Jackson
SG - Ellington/ Svi / Jackson
SF - Grant / Bey
PF - Blake / Sekou
C - Plumlee / Stewart

Starting 5 after the deadline:
PG - Whoever we still have left or Frank Jackson
SG - Jackson
SF - Bey
PF - Grant / *Sekou (Sekou getting 25 minutes per)
C - Stewart

*In this scenario, Grant would still get 30+ minutes per with getting minutes at SF, PF, and maybe even small-ball C

I’d rather get kicked in the nuts than watch our vets. Already getting close to tuning this team out.

If Casey continues to chase wins with 34 year old shooting guards, I’ll come back after he’s fired.

Me too, but I’d support this plan temporarily for both bettering our chances at trading some vets and bettering our tank.

I don't think it really works like that anyway. Casey has been doing a decent job of mixing vets and rookies. Sekou hasn't gotten as much minutes as I'd like, but with Blake and Grant in front of him, it's somewhat understandable. And as Piston Pete said, if you would like to see Plumlee, Rose, and Griffin traded, they have to play.

Let's compare us with OKC's team, former Weaver's one, still managed by his mentor.

1. Both teams are mixed with vets and youngsters.
Pistons have 8 guys over 25. Thunder has 7. Both have 1 guy in the frontcourt with a fat contract out of it plus a not very expensive vet PG.

2. Quantity of players under 25 who play over 15 minutes per game.
Pistons have 5. Thunder has 7.

3. Quantity of players under 25 who play over 20 minutes per game (over 15 included).
Pistons have 3. Thunder has 5.

4. Quantity of players under 25 who play over 25 minutes per game (over 15 included).
Pistons have 0. Thunder has 3.

5. Quantity of players under 25 who play over 30 minutes per game (over 15 included).
Pistons have 0. Thunder has 2.

6. Both teams have played competitive games.
Thunder won 4 and lost 4. Pistons have won 2 and lost 8.

Now questions:
1. Which team is the most interesting to watch? Thunder obviously as they give a maximum playing time to their youngsters while winning more games.
2. Which team's future is looking brighter? Harder to answer, but at least Thunder is trying their best to make their young players exceed expectations.

We should get Rose traded, start Wright and play Frank Jackson as back-up PG. Wright would increase his value, Jackson is worth a flier and Rose game is not good for the young guys.

Outside of Rose, this team had no real assets in the term of vets. It’s just a waste of time to play vets. Who is really giving anything for Ellington?