Frank Lee wrote:I see. That game plan was in effect last yr too, as mugging CP coast to coast is the best defensive deterrent when facing the Suns, Book or not.
I was raining on Saber’s roster content parade. This is the all in on CP syndrome… and to a lesser degree Crowder and now Shamet and Payne. Monte don’t want to and James just won’t(can’t) trade any of these guys as it’s counter to the ‘We are Family’ routine sans Willie Stargell
I’m not sold on this roster obviously… but the superior play of stars seems to be what wins championships. At least we have two that can pull that load…
Next yr will be here all too soon and Outside of Mikal and CamJo taking big steps forward, Sham and CPayne to be more consistent, we lack the ability to get much better.
This is the yr folks. You do not get many chances.
Once Paul is gone with no PG back up plan (that we know of) in place, or even with one, it will be a huge downgrade from Paul. The only + is that Ayton and Bridges and Cam would all be more utilized and I think they still have upside and those parts will be better.
The only possibility to potentially come close to maintaining our level is if Book can basically play a Harden/Doncic role and do the primary ball handler and we can get a solid secondary guy for the other guard spot who can handle and shoot. Bridges is a great passer when he needs to be and can handle so it could be him if we get a PF with better size and move Cam to starting at the 3. We could handle bigger teams too.
I still think even a steady not so expensive PG like Tyus Jones would be fine. Can shoot, has very high ast/to ratio and is a high iq player. I think Bridges and Ayton can regularly take more shots like they did last night with Paul out and be efficient so we don't need some PG who can take over, just someone who is smart and steady.
But yes, this year we have as good as opportunity as ever with a guy like Chris Paul being the most clutch guy in the NBA I think and Booker up there near the top as well, as long as our role player shooting turns around. Our defense can keep us in pretty much any game. The competition just may be tougher in the WCF and Finals, as well as the 2nd round will be tougher than Denver could give us last year.
