Who has better defense and who is the better 3pt shooter: KCP, Matthews or Schroder. Also who closes out games?

[heezyo2o]

A lot is being made about Schroder being in the starting lineup, but I think the bigger question is who finishes games. Schroder not known for his 3pt shot or defense was solid in both last season with OKC. Can he continue both at a high level this season? I think Schroder's defense will decide if he consistently closes out games.

Guess you can throw in Caruso in there when comparing defense. Vogel likes Caruso in there at the end and the numbers show him being effective in the lineup. I think KCP closes out most games and if Matthews 3pt shot is on, I can see him getting the nod at the end too. Overall I'd expect Vogel to play the hotter hand, but it'll be interesting to see how it plays out

Last season they had this 3 guard lineup lots of the time at the end, but with Harrell and Morris, I doubt you see much of that 3 guard lineup to close

[zimpy27]

Schroeder, LeBron, Davis, Harrell

Plus whoever has had the better shooting game out of KCP, Caruso, Matthews, THT

[heezyo2o]

I can see Morris over Harrell at the end for his 3pt shooting

[Ball so hard]

KCP is probably the better 1 on 1 defender of the bunch. Caruso is probably the more disruptive on defense of the three. Haven't watched Schroder a great deal last season, but his advanced stats show he's more than capable on that end. However, Schroder is probably the least versatile of the three based on his size.

KCP is a slightly better 3pt shooter than Schroder. I'm giving KCP the edge here since he has a more proven record. Last season could be an anomaly for Schroder. Caruso is currently a below average 3pt shooter.

Answer to who closes out games - I'd say Schroder is a near lock to close out games. It's likely a tossup between KCP and Caruso for the final spot. KCP is known to be very inconsistent... in these games it will be an easy choice for the coaching staff. It becomes very difficult to chose when both KCP and Caruso are having a good game. Since both players are good on defense, and KCP is the better offensive player, i'd guess KCP will close out more games than Caruso.

Edit: Forgot about Matthews. Highly unlikely THT will get much playing time in closing out games.

Matthews/KCP/Caruso will be fighting for that final spot. KCP has the advantage. KCP and Matthews are very similar on both ends of the court. I'd go 45% to KCP 35% to Matthews, and 20% to Caruso. Three quality players fighting to close out games... this a great problem to have.

[lazybatman]

Shooter - KCP
Defense and close out - Wes