1/23/25: Bulls at Dubs

[Onus]

Moody and Santos raining down 3s from the wing. What a welcomed sight. This is why Cam J would've been the most impactful pickup and why BKN is wanting the most for him. If they really do settle on a King's protected 1st that would be devasting. Fox, Monk, Murray, Cam, Sabonis would terrorize people on offense.

[cpower]

Moody and Santos raining down 3s from the wing. What a welcomed sight. This is why Cam J would've been the most impactful pickup and why BKN is wanting the most for him. If they really do settle on a King's protected 1st that would be devasting. Fox, Monk, Murray, Cam, Sabonis would terrorize people on offense.

absolutely....Curry Hield Wiggins Cam Post would be so good for us..

[Onus]

GP2 should not be a part of the regular rotation. He needs to be used as a specialist where if guys don't have it then he can come in and give some defensive pressure, but him starting or always being in the rotation needs to stop.

[Crazy-Canuck]

Moody and Santos raining down 3s from the wing. What a welcomed sight. This is why Cam J would've been the most impactful pickup and why BKN is wanting the most for him. If they really do settle on a King's protected 1st that would be devasting. Fox, Monk, Murray, Cam, Sabonis would terrorize people on offense.

absolutely....Curry Hield Wiggins Cam Post would be so good for us..

Great spacing, but defense would be problematic. If we start post, I'd want dray next to him.

[Crazy-Canuck]

GP2 should not be a part of the regular rotation. He needs to be used as a specialist where if guys don't have it then he can come in and give some defensive pressure, but him starting or always being in the rotation needs to stop.

The last 2 games have shown that gp2 isn't a starter. Hes a specialist that can come in vs certain match ups so he can expend all his energy.

Against the lakers, id try:

Steph, buddy, Wiggins, Santos, and Post.

Buddy has been in a shooting funk, but he still provides gravity and hes active defensively.

And early rotation of if either one of the heild, Santos, or post struggle.

Podz in for heild
Moody in for Santos
Loon in for post

[Onus]

GP2 should not be a part of the regular rotation. He needs to be used as a specialist where if guys don't have it then he can come in and give some defensive pressure, but him starting or always being in the rotation needs to stop.

The last 2 games have shown that gp2 isn't a starter. Hes a specialist that can come in vs certain match ups so he can expend all his energy.

Against the lakers, id try:

Steph, buddy, Wiggins, Santos, and Post.

Buddy has been in a shooting funk, but he still provides gravity and hes active defensively.

And early rotation of if either one of the heild, Santos, or post struggle.

Podz in for heild
Moody in for Santos
Loon in for post

GP2 starting just aint it. And really we need the shooting that Moody/Gui are providing at the wing.

I think I'd rather have Looney start than Post, just because Steph knows how to use Looney while Looney and Schroeder aren't going to work on offense. But yea I'd start Santos or Moody over GP2.

Curry/Schoeder
Buddy/Podz
Wiggins/
Gui/Moody
Looney/Post

Think we'll need Wiggins, Gui, Moody to play all the 3/4 minutes.

[Crazy-Canuck]

GP2 should not be a part of the regular rotation. He needs to be used as a specialist where if guys don't have it then he can come in and give some defensive pressure, but him starting or always being in the rotation needs to stop.

The last 2 games have shown that gp2 isn't a starter. Hes a specialist that can come in vs certain match ups so he can expend all his energy.

Against the lakers, id try:

Steph, buddy, Wiggins, Santos, and Post.

Buddy has been in a shooting funk, but he still provides gravity and hes active defensively.

And early rotation of if either one of the heild, Santos, or post struggle.

Podz in for heild
Moody in for Santos
Loon in for post

GP2 starting just aint it. And really we need the shooting that Moody/Gui are providing at the wing.

I think I'd rather have Looney start than Post, just because Steph knows how to use Looney while Looney and Schroeder aren't going to work on offense. But yea I'd start Santos or Moody over GP2.

Curry/Schoeder
Buddy/Podz
Wiggins/
Gui/Moody
Looney/Post

Think we'll need Wiggins, Gui, Moody to play all the 3/4 minutes.

Loon struggles with AD. And with post, AD could be dragged out to the perimeter.

[Onus]

The last 2 games have shown that gp2 isn't a starter. Hes a specialist that can come in vs certain match ups so he can expend all his energy.

Against the lakers, id try:

Steph, buddy, Wiggins, Santos, and Post.

Buddy has been in a shooting funk, but he still provides gravity and hes active defensively.

And early rotation of if either one of the heild, Santos, or post struggle.

Podz in for heild
Moody in for Santos
Loon in for post

GP2 starting just aint it. And really we need the shooting that Moody/Gui are providing at the wing.

I think I'd rather have Looney start than Post, just because Steph knows how to use Looney while Looney and Schroeder aren't going to work on offense. But yea I'd start Santos or Moody over GP2.

Curry/Schoeder
Buddy/Podz
Wiggins/
Gui/Moody
Looney/Post

Think we'll need Wiggins, Gui, Moody to play all the 3/4 minutes.

Loon struggles with AD. And with post, AD could be dragged out to the perimeter.

True but Looney is going to tank the bench unit. I'm just talking in general not specifically for the Lakers.

[superunknown]

it's a game like this that makes you realize how bad kerr has been as coach in the last few years.
post, santos, moody, they all should've played more minutes and since long time ago rather than been treated like last option or desperation move.
post is clearly the type of big man this team has lacked for long time, santos provides positional size and hustle at the wing position (which means also better defense at the wing position than the one you get with the midget lineups) which has been another big issue, moody is def a more consistent player than the likes of waters and others before him when given more consistent minutes.

Yep. Yep.

So many things stand out.

Santos stands out simply because he has size and can shoot. He's not great defensively by any means but again he gives them something they haven't had.

Post also stands out, especially when he's on the court with Steph. How many times did Steph get doubled and pass to Post who had wide open looks? Post knocked down several of those. Looney & TJD get those balls and don't even look at the basket (and aren't even guarded). Personally, I'd love to get Vuc and play Vuc and Post at the 5. Either trade Looney or TJD in the trade for Vuc. Yes, neither of those guys are great defensively. But it would help your offense so damn much its unreal. As Kerr said, Steph was the happiest guy in the building. Passing to wide open guys who can't do anything with the ball has just gotten so old, man.

Watching the game, I also noticed how smooth and athletic Lavine is. Mortgage the future? Heck, all you had to do was offer CP3 and filler and Lavine would be here now. A backcourt of Curry & Lavine would be a holy terror on offense. I also believe the Bulls were willing to attach a 1st round pick in that trade. The FO never making moves and having no vision is just difficult to watch.

Did you notice the lineups to start the game? Starting GP2 and Buddy with Steph (3 guards again) resulted in falling way behind. Starting the second half, starting Santos instead of GP2 was the beginning of the onslaught that lead to a Warrior rout.

Bottom line: lineups matter. Spacing matters. Size matters.

Playing midget ball is something we've seen far too often these last few seasons with Kerr. At least now we know there are other options -- options that Kerr likely will soon forget.

simply baffling. they could've used paul+filler or even klay's contract straight-up at the trade deadline.
but I guess it's better to have saved the $$ to offer kuminga 35+ M a year next summer....

[whatisacenter]

it's a game like this that makes you realize how bad kerr has been as coach in the last few years.
post, santos, moody, they all should've played more minutes and since long time ago rather than been treated like last option or desperation move.
post is clearly the type of big man this team has lacked for long time, santos provides positional size and hustle at the wing position (which means also better defense at the wing position than the one you get with the midget lineups) which has been another big issue, moody is def a more consistent player than the likes of waters and others before him when given more consistent minutes.

Yep. Yep.

So many things stand out.

Santos stands out simply because he has size and can shoot. He's not great defensively by any means but again he gives them something they haven't had.

Post also stands out, especially when he's on the court with Steph. How many times did Steph get doubled and pass to Post who had wide open looks? Post knocked down several of those. Looney & TJD get those balls and don't even look at the basket (and aren't even guarded). Personally, I'd love to get Vuc and play Vuc and Post at the 5. Either trade Looney or TJD in the trade for Vuc. Yes, neither of those guys are great defensively. But it would help your offense so damn much its unreal. As Kerr said, Steph was the happiest guy in the building. Passing to wide open guys who can't do anything with the ball has just gotten so old, man.

Watching the game, I also noticed how smooth and athletic Lavine is. Mortgage the future? Heck, all you had to do was offer CP3 and filler and Lavine would be here now. A backcourt of Curry & Lavine would be a holy terror on offense. I also believe the Bulls were willing to attach a 1st round pick in that trade. The FO never making moves and having no vision is just difficult to watch.

Did you notice the lineups to start the game? Starting GP2 and Buddy with Steph (3 guards again) resulted in falling way behind. Starting the second half, starting Santos instead of GP2 was the beginning of the onslaught that lead to a Warrior rout.

Bottom line: lineups matter. Spacing matters. Size matters.

Playing midget ball is something we've seen far too often these last few seasons with Kerr. At least now we know there are other options -- options that Kerr likely will soon forget.

simply baffling. they could've used paul+filler or even klay's contract straight-up at the trade deadline.
but I guess it's better to have saved the $$ to offer kuminga 35+ M a year next summer....

No team wanted to touch LaVine last year with his injury history and contract.

If it was such a no-brainer why didn't he get traded?

He is having a good season this year and we shall see if he gets moved at the deadline.

[superunknown]

Yep. Yep.

So many things stand out.

Santos stands out simply because he has size and can shoot. He's not great defensively by any means but again he gives them something they haven't had.

Post also stands out, especially when he's on the court with Steph. How many times did Steph get doubled and pass to Post who had wide open looks? Post knocked down several of those. Looney & TJD get those balls and don't even look at the basket (and aren't even guarded). Personally, I'd love to get Vuc and play Vuc and Post at the 5. Either trade Looney or TJD in the trade for Vuc. Yes, neither of those guys are great defensively. But it would help your offense so damn much its unreal. As Kerr said, Steph was the happiest guy in the building. Passing to wide open guys who can't do anything with the ball has just gotten so old, man.

Watching the game, I also noticed how smooth and athletic Lavine is. Mortgage the future? Heck, all you had to do was offer CP3 and filler and Lavine would be here now. A backcourt of Curry & Lavine would be a holy terror on offense. I also believe the Bulls were willing to attach a 1st round pick in that trade. The FO never making moves and having no vision is just difficult to watch.

Did you notice the lineups to start the game? Starting GP2 and Buddy with Steph (3 guards again) resulted in falling way behind. Starting the second half, starting Santos instead of GP2 was the beginning of the onslaught that lead to a Warrior rout.

Bottom line: lineups matter. Spacing matters. Size matters.

Playing midget ball is something we've seen far too often these last few seasons with Kerr. At least now we know there are other options -- options that Kerr likely will soon forget.

simply baffling. they could've used paul+filler or even klay's contract straight-up at the trade deadline.
but I guess it's better to have saved the $$ to offer kuminga 35+ M a year next summer....

No team wanted to touch LaVine last year with his injury history and contract.

If it was such a no-brainer why didn't he get traded?

He is having a good season this year and we shall see if he gets moved at the deadline.

that what is called "vision" and also balls, which is exactly what the original post refers to. evidently, our FO is not the only one lacking it, many others around the league are.

[whatisacenter]

simply baffling. they could've used paul+filler or even klay's contract straight-up at the trade deadline.
but I guess it's better to have saved the $$ to offer kuminga 35+ M a year next summer....

No team wanted to touch LaVine last year with his injury history and contract.

If it was such a no-brainer why didn't he get traded?

He is having a good season this year and we shall see if he gets moved at the deadline.

that what is called "vision" and also balls, which is exactly what the original post refers to. evidently, our FO is not the only one lacking it, many others around the league are.

Maybe crystal balls

[TB]

Two games in a row of Kerr benching Dennis and adjusting his set rotations to find the hot hands. Its led to minimal minutes of Steph/Dennis (he almost closed with it to end 3rd quarter, but after 2 awful minutes he took Dennis out and we pushed the lead back up). Its also led to extended minutes for guys playing well like Moody, Santos, Post over players struggling like Lindy, GP2, Buddy, Loon.

The interesting part is going to be when Kuminga and Dray get back... we may want to try and trade Kyle in the next week to clear some space for Kuminga/Santos/Post if those are legitimately players Kerr wants to give a shot.

[EvanZ]

It's funny how people took until last night's game to realize GPII isn't a starter. Neither is Buddy. Neither is Shroder.

This team right now should be starting Steph, Moody, Wiggins, and whomever else is playing best. I highly doubt Gui and Post are long term answers but if they are the other two starters right now, that's fine with me.

[DAWill1128]

simply baffling. they could've used paul+filler or even klay's contract straight-up at the trade deadline.
but I guess it's better to have saved the $$ to offer kuminga 35+ M a year next summer....

No team wanted to touch LaVine last year with his injury history and contract.

If it was such a no-brainer why didn't he get traded?

He is having a good season this year and we shall see if he gets moved at the deadline.

that what is called "vision" and also balls, which is exactly what the original post refers to. evidently, our FO is not the only one lacking it, many others around the league are.

I know the Bulls lost last night but that situation with them goes far beyond Lavine. Lavine isn't the top player on a contender. I don't even know if Lavine can be your unquestioned 2nd best player on a contender. But Lavine would be a nice 2nd option scorer for sure.

Just athletically how he glides and moves around the court is really impressive, just absolute pinnacle basketball athleticism. So many posessions the team just looked overwhelmed by Lavines movements. He has an awesome handle for a shooting guard, makes smart reads, nice passes, can relocate for shots. A number of plays guys on the Bulls just are not converting the shots and attacking opportunities he is getting them. His shooting has come around, he can beat you any which way from 3's, mid range, attacking the cup, beat you on the break.

Lavine with athletes like Wiggins and Kuminga with Curry as a trailer 3 and Drays ability to push the ball at center would be a nightmare to defend on the fastbreak.

I wasn't a Lavine guy last deadline or this offseason. But bypassing CP3 and a filler for Lavine and a pick(s) is just one of those hindsight terrible moves.

[Onus]

No team wanted to touch LaVine last year with his injury history and contract.

If it was such a no-brainer why didn't he get traded?

He is having a good season this year and we shall see if he gets moved at the deadline.

that what is called "vision" and also balls, which is exactly what the original post refers to. evidently, our FO is not the only one lacking it, many others around the league are.

I know the Bulls lost last night but that situation with them goes far beyond Lavine. Lavine isn't the top player on a contender. I don't even know if Lavine can be your unquestioned 2nd best player on a contender. But Lavine would be a nice 2nd option scorer for sure.

Just athletically how he glides and moves around the court is really impressive, just absolute pinnacle basketball athleticism. So many posessions the team just looked overwhelmed by Lavines movements. He has an awesome handle for a shooting guard, makes smart reads, nice passes, can relocate for shots. A number of plays guys on the Bulls just are not converting the shots and attacking opportunities he is getting them. His shooting has come around, he can beat you any which way from 3's, mid range, attacking the cup, beat you on the break.

Lavine with athletes like Wiggins and Kuminga with Curry as a trailer 3 and Drays ability to push the ball at center would be a nightmare to defend on the fastbreak.

I wasn't a Lavine guy last deadline or this offseason. But bypassing CP3 and a filler for Lavine and a pick(s) is just one of those hindsight terrible moves.

Hindsight Lavine + 1st for CP3 > Buddy + Melton + Kyle Anderson

[TB]

It's funny how people took until last night's game to realize GPII isn't a starter. Neither is Buddy. Neither is Shroder.

This team right now should be starting Steph, Moody, Wiggins, and whomever else is playing best. I highly doubt Gui and Post are long term answers but if they are the other two starters right now, that's fine with me.

This may be the closest we have ever been to Kerr finally playing Steph, Moody, Wiggins, Kuminga, Dray together... you know, our 3 best players and 2 lotto picks that have NEVER played together.

(kind of a lie, they have played ONE possession in 4 years)

[EvanZ]

One can dream.

[Onus]

It's funny how people took until last night's game to realize GPII isn't a starter. Neither is Buddy. Neither is Shroder.

This team right now should be starting Steph, Moody, Wiggins, and whomever else is playing best. I highly doubt Gui and Post are long term answers but if they are the other two starters right now, that's fine with me.

This may be the closest we have ever been to Kerr finally playing Steph, Moody, Wiggins, Kuminga, Dray together... you know, our 3 best players and 2 lotto picks that have NEVER played together.

(kind of a lie, they have played ONE possession in 4 years)

I actually feel like Gui is ahead of Moody on the depth chart. Doesn't Gui come in earlier than Moody? Wonder what happens when Dray and JK come back

[TB]

It's funny how people took until last night's game to realize GPII isn't a starter. Neither is Buddy. Neither is Shroder.

This team right now should be starting Steph, Moody, Wiggins, and whomever else is playing best. I highly doubt Gui and Post are long term answers but if they are the other two starters right now, that's fine with me.

This may be the closest we have ever been to Kerr finally playing Steph, Moody, Wiggins, Kuminga, Dray together... you know, our 3 best players and 2 lotto picks that have NEVER played together.

(kind of a lie, they have played ONE possession in 4 years)

I actually feel like Gui is ahead of Moody on the depth chart. Doesn't Gui come in earlier than Moody? Wonder what happens when Dray and JK come back

I don't think Moody and Santos are competing for minutes, and Santos has just seemed ahead recently because Dray/JK/Kyle are all out and play PF, which has been the role Kerr has Santos playing. Moody has consistently been battling for minutes with Wiggins, Buddy, Lindy, and GP2.

To me the 1/2/3 positions seem easy enough if Kerr just stops playing Steph/Dennis together and makes the decision to only use GP2/Lindy in emergencies or with injuries...

Steph (30) Dennis (18)
Podz (24) Buddy (18) Moody (6)
Wiggins (30) Moody (18)

Frontcourt gets pretty crowded pretty quick if everyone is healthy. Reality is there is no way each game we just rotate every few minutes to get all our centers minutes, so its easier to look at it like:

Kuminga is getting 26 minutes at PF.
Dray is getting 28 minutes at PF/C.

So 42 available for a whole lot of players (Trayce, Loon, Post, Kyle, Santos). My guess is Kyle and Loon get pushed out initially to see what Santos and Post can do over a stretch of games. Which of course is somewhat typical that Kerr is doing this a right before the deadline instead of already having these answers.