I'll say it an open myself to attack...

[countryboy667]

I think this team, with everyone healthy (meaning Dipo back to where he was before the injury) and a year of experience playing together, is a year away from being a legit contender.

I seriously don't see any other team with clearly superior talent OVERALL, and quite few highly touted ones with considerably LESS overall (Philly for instance)

That doesn't mean that there aren't teams with maybe one player somewhat better than any we have (again, Philly). But while superstars are important, basketball is still a TEAM game and I think we have all the ingredients. Sabonis is going to be a star. Assuming Victor comes back at anything near his previous capacity, he already is one. Warren and Brogdon--especially Brogdon--were steals on the scale of grand larceny. Turner is still a work in progress, but barely old enough to drink and already has skills any NBA franchise would be glad to have. Bitadze and A. Holiday are going to be VERY good. The others on the roster seem to have the makings of a capable bench. They showed me a lot of grit in the last game against the Pistons.

comments?

[Scoot McGroot]

They're still too much of a feast or famine type bench. It could be competitive, or it could be a huge negative. Not much in between.

But I do love a long-term pairing of Brogdon and Oladipo. I love Sabonis and Myles (individually, still learning to love them together). I'm still not yet sold on TJ Warren as a positive 3 for us. And the 4 is still a huge confusion for us. But there's some solid long-term pieces.

[Wizop]

I'm not sold on AHoliday yet. So far McConnell is much better. Aaron has neither size nor great speed. He is strong. Sumner is bigger and I think faster too.

Sent from my phone.

[boomershadow]

Time will certainly tell. There are a number of pieces on this team I like. I dont know if i see a definite contender, but I do see solid potential.

I'm 32. The last and only time Nate McMillan coached a playoff series win was the year I graduated high school. And you dont really see coaches break through like that after long years of trying. I think with Nate at the helm the team will stagnate as probable first round exit
/ second round ceiling type of team. I would love to be wrong though.

[Scoot McGroot]

I'm not sold on AHoliday yet. So far McConnell is much better. Aaron has neither size nor great speed. He is strong. Sumner is bigger and I think faster too.

Sent from my phone.

I'm with you. Part of me wonders if it's the concept that Aaron is trying to be All-World and future star PG, while guys like McConnell and Sumner thrive on defined roles and are given the proper avenues and time to really develop and maximize their strengths. Aaron can have a big game every now and again, but, much like most of the roster right now, I'd love to see him develop consistent, positive play.

[SmashMouthRod]

I know the ship has sailed but ..... I think this team could use Lance Stephenson off the bench. His energy, hustle and playmaking; especially with Oladipo out. The talent of the roster is better than it has been but they dont really play with an edge. I watched the two losses to Detroit minus Griffin and the loss to Charlotte that shouldnt have happened considering they were once up by almost 20 at one point. Derrick Rose both times gave detroits bench energetic minutes that Lance couldve probably matched. The bench could use his ability to attack the basket at times. It would open up more space for the bench; which is comprised of jumpshooters (McConnell, J & A Holiday, McDermott). Leaf who looks to score mainly around the basket; would probably be a better, more consistent player as well.

[8305]

A Holiday more nights than not is just plain bad. He has bigger upside than McConnell though. Tough to draw a conclusion on him.
I think Turner and Sabonis will be fine. To a large degree they need each other if they are going to play on a contending team. Turner covers Sabonis inability to protect the rim and Sabonis covers the lack of toughness that I see as a permanent weakness overall to Turner. Can’t wait to see Brogdon and Vic. Warren looks promising to me but, need to see how it goes when he has to go against big time competition. It may take another year but it seems to me a bench of Bitadze, Lamb, Sampson/McDermott and Sumner could be elite. I still like Nate.

Lance......yikes

[Tom White]

I know the ship has sailed but ..... I think this team could use Lance Stephenson off the bench.

There were times I really enjoyed watching him play, but............

One of the things I like about this team is the ball movement, and player movement. Passing has gotten much better than the previous couple of years when I thought they needed a "passing coach". That is not a problem now.

If Lance were added to this team the ball movement would suffer. I don't think he is an over-all selfish guy, but there were times you just wanted to scream at him to "pass the damn ball", and instead of doing that he looked to get his own numbers. Or sometimes he would try to make the spectacular play instead of the simple effective play. For all there was to like about him, he could still be a bit of a me first bonehead at times.

[Scoot McGroot]

I know the ship has sailed but ..... I think this team could use Lance Stephenson off the bench. His energy, hustle and playmaking; especially with Oladipo out. The talent of the roster is better than it has been but they dont really play with an edge. I watched the two losses to Detroit minus Griffin and the loss to Charlotte that shouldnt have happened considering they were once up by almost 20 at one point. Derrick Rose both times gave detroits bench energetic minutes that Lance couldve probably matched. The bench could use his ability to attack the basket at times. It would open up more space for the bench; which is comprised of jumpshooters (McConnell, J & A Holiday, McDermott). Leaf who looks to score mainly around the basket; would probably be a better, more consistent player as well.

I mean, our bench has been starting and our Emergency is our bench right now, so Lance would probably be better than our 15th guy, I’m sure, but only right now. What about when Lamb or Warren go to the bench? And Holiday? What’s Lance’s use then?

[Wizop]

I’m sure, but only right now. What about when Lamb or Warren go to the bench? And Holiday? What’s Lance’s use then?

I don't think Lance helps but who is pushing Warren to the bench? Sumner or Lamb at 3? JHoliday?

Wait..you said OR not AND. yes Lamb goes to bench and he and Sumner both offer more than Lance. Even McConnell would play 1 ahead of Lance. [all control v no control]

Sent from my phone.

[Scoot McGroot]

I’m sure, but only right now. What about when Lamb or Warren go to the bench? And Holiday? What’s Lance’s use then?

I don't think Lance helps but who is pushing Warren to the bench? Sumner or Lamb at 3? JHoliday?

Wait..you said OR not AND. yes Lamb goes to bench and he and Sumner both offer more than Lance. Even McConnell would play 1 ahead of Lance. [all control v no control]

Sent from my phone.

Right. One or the other. Not both. And may even be somewhat situationally dependent? Agree on all the rest.

[SmashMouthRod]

I know the ship has sailed but ..... I think this team could use Lance Stephenson off the bench. His energy, hustle and playmaking; especially with Oladipo out. The talent of the roster is better than it has been but they dont really play with an edge. I watched the two losses to Detroit minus Griffin and the loss to Charlotte that shouldnt have happened considering they were once up by almost 20 at one point. Derrick Rose both times gave detroits bench energetic minutes that Lance couldve probably matched. The bench could use his ability to attack the basket at times. It would open up more space for the bench; which is comprised of jumpshooters (McConnell, J & A Holiday, McDermott). Leaf who looks to score mainly around the basket; would probably be a better, more consistent player as well.

I mean, our bench has been starting and our Emergency is our bench right now, so Lance would probably be better than our 15th guy, I’m sure, but only right now. What about when Lamb or Warren go to the bench? And Holiday? What’s Lance’s use then?

Im looking at it from the perspective that theres no timetable for Vic. So our rotation now for the most part is what it is for the foreseeable. I know Myles will be back eventually which will eat most of the center minutes which will probably force Leaf completely out of the rotation. And I can agree that the ball movement is much better as a team but sometimes you need a guy who can penetrate to put more pressure on the defense, attack the basket to draw fouls, create spacing with collapsing defenses outside of the offense etc.. I feel that he is better at that; than the players we have off the bench. His ability to get the ball off the rim and push the pace with all that shooting around him could be potent even for 5-7 minutes a game. I remember games his energy, hustle etc.. off the bench changed the momentum when the team was down or losing by double digits (with a healthy Vic). Lamb, McConnell, Hoiiday or Sumner havent displayed an ability to do that. I remember Sabonis and Lance had great chemistry with the bench mob. He could recreate that with Goga. it could be Lance, Goga, Lamb, McConnell or J Holiday with McDermott. Or in the immediate Lance, Goga, J Holiday, McDermott and either McConnell; A holiday or Sumner depending on the matchup. Lance has always been an energy guy so he obviously would only be a use when necessary player. In a couple of the games the team loss I can see where he couldve helped and possibly changed the outcome of the game.

[Pacersike]

We have played a lot of lottery teams, so we need to be realistic.

If everyone is healthy, we will give every team possible a very good fight in the first round of the playoffs and that's a very good thing to start from

[Wizop]

McConnell >> Lance

There is a reason he's in China.

Sent from my phone.

[Scoot McGroot]

I know the ship has sailed but ..... I think this team could use Lance Stephenson off the bench. His energy, hustle and playmaking; especially with Oladipo out. The talent of the roster is better than it has been but they dont really play with an edge. I watched the two losses to Detroit minus Griffin and the loss to Charlotte that shouldnt have happened considering they were once up by almost 20 at one point. Derrick Rose both times gave detroits bench energetic minutes that Lance couldve probably matched. The bench could use his ability to attack the basket at times. It would open up more space for the bench; which is comprised of jumpshooters (McConnell, J & A Holiday, McDermott). Leaf who looks to score mainly around the basket; would probably be a better, more consistent player as well.

I mean, our bench has been starting and our Emergency is our bench right now, so Lance would probably be better than our 15th guy, I’m sure, but only right now. What about when Lamb or Warren go to the bench? And Holiday? What’s Lance’s use then?

Im looking at it from the perspective that theres no timetable for Vic. So our rotation now for the most part is what it is for the foreseeable. I know Myles will be back eventually which will eat most of the center minutes which will probably force Leaf completely out of the rotation. And I can agree that the ball movement is much better as a team but sometimes you need a guy who can penetrate to put more pressure on the defense, attack the basket to draw fouls, create spacing with collapsing defenses outside of the offense etc.. I feel that he is better at that; than the players we have off the bench. His ability to get the ball off the rim and push the pace with all that shooting around him could be potent even for 5-7 minutes a game. I remember games his energy, hustle etc.. off the bench changed the momentum when the team was down or losing by double digits (with a healthy Vic). Lamb, McConnell, Hoiiday or Sumner havent displayed an ability to do that. I remember Sabonis and Lance had great chemistry with the bench mob. He could recreate that with Goga. it could be Lance, Goga, Lamb, McConnell or J Holiday with McDermott. Or in the immediate Lance, Goga, J Holiday, McDermott and either McConnell; A holiday or Sumner depending on the matchup. Lance has always been an energy guy so he obviously would only be a use when necessary player. In a couple of the games the team loss I can see where he couldve helped and possibly changed the outcome of the game.

I respectfully disagree on Lance. If you have him, he's ball dominant. And he took a bench role to play with Lebron. I highly doubt he'd take an emergency, 15th man role to play behind Sumner in Indy.

Otherwise, you've listed the starters (we'll say Brogdon, Vic, Warren, Dom, and Myles), so there's 5 guys. Then, you're planning on Lance around Lamb, McConnell, Holiday, and Sumner, as well as Goga, Justin Holiday, Doug McDermott, and Leaf on the roster. That leaves you with waiving either Jakarr Sampson or Alize Johnson to clear the 15th roster spot for Lance. Which one are you waiving in order to be able to sign Lance to the active roster?

[boomershadow]

I love Stephenson and was really bummed when he signed with the Lakers. That said, he already peaked as a player a number of years ago. There are younger guys on the bench who haven't. He filled a real need for this team when he came back. Now, I'm not sure he does.

[SmashMouthRod]

I mean, our bench has been starting and our Emergency is our bench right now, so Lance would probably be better than our 15th guy, I’m sure, but only right now. What about when Lamb or Warren go to the bench? And Holiday? What’s Lance’s use then?

Im looking at it from the perspective that theres no timetable for Vic. So our rotation now for the most part is what it is for the foreseeable. I know Myles will be back eventually which will eat most of the center minutes which will probably force Leaf completely out of the rotation. And I can agree that the ball movement is much better as a team but sometimes you need a guy who can penetrate to put more pressure on the defense, attack the basket to draw fouls, create spacing with collapsing defenses outside of the offense etc.. I feel that he is better at that; than the players we have off the bench. His ability to get the ball off the rim and push the pace with all that shooting around him could be potent even for 5-7 minutes a game. I remember games his energy, hustle etc.. off the bench changed the momentum when the team was down or losing by double digits (with a healthy Vic). Lamb, McConnell, Hoiiday or Sumner havent displayed an ability to do that. I remember Sabonis and Lance had great chemistry with the bench mob. He could recreate that with Goga. it could be Lance, Goga, Lamb, McConnell or J Holiday with McDermott. Or in the immediate Lance, Goga, J Holiday, McDermott and either McConnell; A holiday or Sumner depending on the matchup. Lance has always been an energy guy so he obviously would only be a use when necessary player. In a couple of the games the team loss I can see where he couldve helped and possibly changed the outcome of the game.

I respectfully disagree on Lance. If you have him, he's ball dominant. And he took a bench role to play with Lebron. I highly doubt he'd take an emergency, 15th man role to play behind Sumner in Indy.

Otherwise, you've listed the starters (we'll say Brogdon, Vic, Warren, Dom, and Myles), so there's 5 guys. Then, you're planning on Lance around Lamb, McConnell, Holiday, and Sumner, as well as Goga, Justin Holiday, Doug McDermott, and Leaf on the roster. That leaves you with waiving either Jakarr Sampson or Alize Johnson to clear the 15th roster spot for Lance. Which one are you waiving in order to be able to sign Lance to the active roster?

I wouldnt want to cut anyone but if it was a realistic possibility I would cut Sampson. His minutes can be absorbed by Alize, Warren, Leaf or maybe Doug. I agree that he's more ball dominant and should only be used in moments when the team needs him. I like Lance best when he plays with the chip on his shoulder. So if Nate makes him earn playing time, usage, trust etc... You will probably get more "Good Lance". Considering Lance is a little older now I think he would be ok not playing every game. He wasnt a distraction at all in La last season in a similar scenario.

[AussiePacer]

I think we have the makings of a contender.

If we have a line up with:

Brogdon
Vic
Warren
Sabonis
Turner

With McDonnell, Lamb, McDermott, J Holiday, and Goga, that's a pretty decent rotation.

I'm big on Holiday in the second unit because his D is good and he allows other students to facilitate and score. Summer is the one I also want to include but haven't. I think the rest talk for themselves.

It's a number of good line ups with size, playmaking, defence, shooting, passing... I think it can go deep, although probably not this year.

[Scoot McGroot]

Im looking at it from the perspective that theres no timetable for Vic. So our rotation now for the most part is what it is for the foreseeable. I know Myles will be back eventually which will eat most of the center minutes which will probably force Leaf completely out of the rotation. And I can agree that the ball movement is much better as a team but sometimes you need a guy who can penetrate to put more pressure on the defense, attack the basket to draw fouls, create spacing with collapsing defenses outside of the offense etc.. I feel that he is better at that; than the players we have off the bench. His ability to get the ball off the rim and push the pace with all that shooting around him could be potent even for 5-7 minutes a game. I remember games his energy, hustle etc.. off the bench changed the momentum when the team was down or losing by double digits (with a healthy Vic). Lamb, McConnell, Hoiiday or Sumner havent displayed an ability to do that. I remember Sabonis and Lance had great chemistry with the bench mob. He could recreate that with Goga. it could be Lance, Goga, Lamb, McConnell or J Holiday with McDermott. Or in the immediate Lance, Goga, J Holiday, McDermott and either McConnell; A holiday or Sumner depending on the matchup. Lance has always been an energy guy so he obviously would only be a use when necessary player. In a couple of the games the team loss I can see where he couldve helped and possibly changed the outcome of the game.

I respectfully disagree on Lance. If you have him, he's ball dominant. And he took a bench role to play with Lebron. I highly doubt he'd take an emergency, 15th man role to play behind Sumner in Indy.

Otherwise, you've listed the starters (we'll say Brogdon, Vic, Warren, Dom, and Myles), so there's 5 guys. Then, you're planning on Lance around Lamb, McConnell, Holiday, and Sumner, as well as Goga, Justin Holiday, Doug McDermott, and Leaf on the roster. That leaves you with waiving either Jakarr Sampson or Alize Johnson to clear the 15th roster spot for Lance. Which one are you waiving in order to be able to sign Lance to the active roster?

I wouldnt want to cut anyone but if it was a realistic possibility I would cut Sampson. His minutes can be absorbed by Alize, Warren, Leaf or maybe Doug. I agree that he's more ball dominant and should only be used in moments when the team needs him. I like Lance best when he plays with the chip on his shoulder. So if Nate makes him earn playing time, usage, trust etc... You will probably get more "Good Lance". Considering Lance is a little older now I think he would be ok not playing every game. He wasnt a distraction at all in La last season in a similar scenario.

Sampson’s our starting 4 right now, and our only “big wing” defender on the roster. I’m not willing to do that for a 5th PG or a 7th/8th wing.

[Wizop]

really our problem just isn't in the back court. we're more than a little thin at the 4 spot now that Leaf has shown everyone that he really is only effective at the 5. with Myles out and Sabonis playing the 5 our only options and Sampson and small ball lineups. Ideally we'd try to trade Leaf to a team that needs a backup 5 and has too many 4's but that team may not exist.