Sloan names starting lineup

[HolyToledo]

The lineup is as expected:

PG Dwill
SG Bell
C Jefferson
PF Millsap
SF AK-47

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/jazz/50537 ... l.html.csp

[carrottop12]

PG: Deron (37)/Watson (11)
SG: Bell (24)/Miles (24)
SF: Kirilenko (28)/Miles (8)/Hayward (12)
PF: Millsap (32)/Jefferson (8)/Evans (8)
C: Jefferson (24)/Fes (12)/Elson (12)

Deron (37)
Millsap (32)
Jefferson (32)
Miles (32)
Kirilenko (28)
Bell (24)
Hayward (12)
Fes (12)
Elson (12)
Watson (11)
Evans (8)

I think to start the season out that is about what the minute break downs will be. That's quite a bit of wear on our top 5 but we just aren't as many players deep as we were in years past so there is going to be a bigger burden on some of these guys. Bell could get a few more minutes and dip into AK and CJ's, as could Hayward and Evans who could both add minutes.

[Xsy]

You forgot about Ronnie P!

[carrottop12]

...No I didn't.

[QuantumMacgyver]

Ronnie will definitely get some burn. He'll play more than Watson, at least to start the season. Watson doesn't look ready yet.

*edit: Unless he really performed well against the Kings. I didn't get to see much of that game.

[Ming Kong!]

Price is a very inconsistent player, I like him for offensive sparks which he can provide, but not so much to run the offense. He's good at throwing an alley oop, but not so much in smart decision making.

[HolyToledo]

I was surprised when i read Sloan thought a 8 man rotation would be ideal for him, but because of different styles of play he expects a large rotation. Sloan has always been known to play 10+ players per game so I was surprised when he said 8 players would be ideal.

[Luigi]

On second look, I'm hoping for a few differences. Al, AK, and Evans should play more. Miles and Elson should play less.

Williams (36) / Watson (12) / Price
Bell (24) / Miles (24)
Kirilenko (32) / Hayward (16)
Millsap (32) / Evans (16)
Jefferson (36) / Fesenko (12) / Elson

Watson will get the backup spot for his experience and ball control. Price will get minutes after injuries or for moments when Sloan is displeased enough to play him for his energy.

Bell should finish games for his defense and three point shooting. Miles can be offense off the bench, but I don't want to see him getting into the top three shots per game.

We need Kirilenko's influence on the floor as much as possible. Hayward needs enough minutes to have a real shot.

Millsap should be able to handle 32 minutes if he's starting (it spreads out the rest more evenly). Evans can try to be a mismatch, and he'll be closer to the rim to show off his shot blocking while AK is out (he played C in college after all).

--But, if Evans is too small to mismatch at the 4, AK could trade those minutes:
Kirilenko (16) / Hayward (16) / Evans (16)
Millsap (32) / Kirilenko (16)

I'd like to see Jefferson play all of his minutes at center until Okur gets back. Elson is unimpressive. I'd rather see Fesenko play any minute that Elson plays, up to 24. Elson's a third stringer like Price--he should cover injuries, foul trouble, and get minutes when Sloan wants to make a point.

[maccca32]

I was surprised when i read Sloan thought a 8 man rotation would be ideal for him.

Well when Okur is healthy I am pretty confident that he will be playing only an 8 man rotation except for injuries, foul trouble and garbage time.

PG: Williams
Rotation: Watson
Bench: Price

Wings: Bell & AK
Rotation: Miles
Bench: Hayward

Forwards: Millsap & Jefferson
Rotation: Okur
Bench: Fesenko, Evans, Elson

[UTJazzFan_Echo1]

I think you guys are giving too much time to Hayward. I think he will get some burn but not 10+ minutes...