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VGOSWAMI wrote:According to an interview with Coach Van Gundy on AM 750 WFLA, when asked if it's possible that Rashard Lewis come off of the bench, he responded by saying "It's reasonable."

Also, when asked about it today, Rashard agreed with the statement and said, "Starting in the next game you're going to see a totally different Rashard Lewis."

I'll look for a link to support this, but I heard the interview today. Also, in reference to the comments, I saw this coming at the end of the last game. Our 4 best players are Jameer, JJ, Bass, and Howard and all 4 should be starting. They bring the most energy and play with the most toughness and heart. I'd bet Vince is moved to the 3 and JJ starts at the 2. And hopefully Rashard can live up to his words. Thoughts?

laVal03 wrote:What's he getting a haircut?

MickaelPietrus wrote:Just have both Vince and Rashard off the bench. I'd have QRich starting.

Nelson
Redick
QRich
Bass
Howard

Williams
Carter
Pietrus
Lewis
Gortat

Hilltop wrote:As a punishment, it sounds like a good idea. Let him come off the bench until he decides to play harder or perform better.

Then again, is it the best solution? Rashard can't create for himself and I don't see how playing with inferior players helps his situation at all. It's one of Nelson or Carter IMO who should be playing with the 2nd unit.

Much to my surprise, Van Gundy didn't reject out of hand the notion of Lewis as a sixth man.

"It's reasonable," Van Gundy said.

Van Gundy even indicated he has toyed with rearranging all the furniture in the lineup — except at center, of course.

But Stan says he has no plans to change Lewis' role, adding that the defense already has lost its identity during this skid.

"I don't know if it would necessarily be better," Lewis said. "But I understand what you're saying. Like [Dallas guard] Jason Terry. He comes off the bench, but plays starter's minutes."

Instead, Lewis told me that, beginning Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers, people will see a new Rashard Lewis. Which, he hopes, looks like the old Rashard Lewis — aggressive from opening tip.

"I don't blame anybody. You got to look in the mirror sometimes," he said. "I have to get back to being my old self that got me in this position, got me this contract."

He is averaging 12.2 points and shooting 41.9 percent — down from career averages of 16.7 and 45.6 percent.

"This season I've been deferring to Vince, Jameer and Dwight," he continued. "I've been kind of sitting around, watching these guys play and then try to get myself going.

"It's not working, me deferring."

Mad Balla 15 wrote:

Hilltop wrote:As a punishment, it sounds like a good idea. Let him come off the bench until he decides to play harder or perform better.

Then again, is it the best solution? Rashard can't create for himself and I don't see how playing with inferior players helps his situation at all. It's one of Nelson or Carter IMO who should be playing with the 2nd unit.

Agreed. If anything (since Stan won't change his substitution patterns) Vince should come off the bench. I guess the only benefit of this is Rashard will get most of the plays called for him during the "bench unit" time.

magicfan4life05 wrote:
Here's what Lewis thinks about it:

"I don't know if it would necessarily be better," Lewis said. "But I understand what you're saying. Like [Dallas guard] Jason Terry. He comes off the bench, but plays starter's minutes."

Instead, Lewis told me that, beginning Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers, people will see a new Rashard Lewis. Which, he hopes, looks like the old Rashard Lewis — aggressive from opening tip.

"I don't blame anybody. You got to look in the mirror sometimes," he said. "I have to get back to being my old self that got me in this position, got me this contract."

He is averaging 12.2 points and shooting 41.9 percent — down from career averages of 16.7 and 45.6 percent.

"This season I've been deferring to Vince, Jameer and Dwight," he continued. "I've been kind of sitting around, watching these guys play and then try to get myself going.

"It's not working, me deferring."