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December 11, 2014,

http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... ason-debut

Martell Webster fully practiced for the first time since last season Thursday, and according to a person with knowledge of the situation, he plans on being back on the court for game action "in a week-and-a-half."

Thats somewhere in this range.

Dec 23 CHI
Dec 25 @ NYK ESPN
Dec 27 BOS

What does Randy say ?

We haven't had a lot of contact here lately but he's headed in the right direction," coach Randy Wittman said after practice. "I can't give you a time but he's getting closer."

"Martell has had three of these [surgeries]. We could have nine guys [available] and we wouldn't hurry," Wittman said.

Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

hands11 wrote:December 11, 2014,

http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... ason-debut

Martell Webster fully practiced for the first time since last season Thursday, and according to a person with knowledge of the situation, he plans on being back on the court for game action "in a week-and-a-half."

Thats somewhere in this range.

Dec 23 CHI
Dec 25 @ NYK ESPN
Dec 27 BOS

What does Randy say ?

We haven't had a lot of contact here lately but he's headed in the right direction," coach Randy Wittman said after practice. "I can't give you a time but he's getting closer."

"Martell has had three of these [surgeries]. We could have nine guys [available] and we wouldn't hurry," Wittman said.

Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

This is gonna be a nice boost for this team, especially if Martell returns to his 2012/2013 pre-injury level. I mean when our starters go out, we could be bringing Webster and Butler off the bench together, with Miller and Nene.

I think this will benefit Pierce the most if he returns to '12-'13 form. We should be able to rest Pierce for back 2 backs and sporadically here and there with him coming back. Also, Butler being 35 (I think) it affords him a chance to being rested. Randy ought to play the hottest hand between Butler/Webster, even though Porter has fallen off since the start of the season, I don't see how burying him in the rotation again does him any good.

Would any one be in favor of trading or cutting rice with Webby coming back? maybe open up a spot to sign Miroslav Raduljica

SUPERBALLMAN wrote:

hands11 wrote:December 11, 2014,

http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball ... ason-debut

Martell Webster fully practiced for the first time since last season Thursday, and according to a person with knowledge of the situation, he plans on being back on the court for game action "in a week-and-a-half."

Thats somewhere in this range.

Dec 23 CHI
Dec 25 @ NYK ESPN
Dec 27 BOS

What does Randy say ?

We haven't had a lot of contact here lately but he's headed in the right direction," coach Randy Wittman said after practice. "I can't give you a time but he's getting closer."

"Martell has had three of these [surgeries]. We could have nine guys [available] and we wouldn't hurry," Wittman said.

Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

This is gonna be a nice boost for this team, especially if Martell returns to his 2012/2013 pre-injury level. I mean when our starters go out, we could be bringing Webster and Butler off the bench together, with Miller and Nene.

That's pretty promising now isn't it. They are leading the league in 3P% at .389 up from .380 last year. They just don't shoot them at a high rate. Season average is 16 which is 27th in the league. But remember how they started the year ? They hardly shot any 3s. Beal was out. Rasual was new. Temple was hot for a moment but didn't shot a ton of them. Pierce wasn't shooting the 3 well to start the year either.

But we all know Martel is a green light from 3 and Wall looks for him. And now Beal is back. Rasual is hot. Peirce has warmed up. Add in Wall who can make them when wide open and Otto who has the range but needs to settle in, plus Gooden as a big with range and you can see how things can vastly open up.

A big reason some of those early games were so close in score was because they were doing it 2 pts at a time. Its near impossible to get a big lead that way.

So we are 27th with 16 per game. Last year we were 19th with 20.8 so let say they work their way but up to that range. That 4.8 more attempt per game x .385 = 1.848 more made x 3 = 5.54 more pts

They are already + 4 pts in plus/minus net point over other teams. Moving to plus 9.5 would be significant. That would be 2nd in the LEAGUE

By the numbers ? They are a top 4 defense. If they end up at 2nd with plus 9.5 net pts.....

Thats a TITLE CONTENDER

The only team that would range better D and higher point spread is the one I keep saying they are most similar to ..... GSWs

hands11 wrote:Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Dat2U wrote:

hands11 wrote:Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Otto should continue to get his ops.

But no, it wouldn't be dumb to use Webster when he returns. That would actually be smart if he can provide the team more in regards to what he does best, make long range buckets. That will raise the + net pts differential because the team will take and make more 3s per game. That will raise the teams TS% and that will help create more blow out games where Wall, Beal and Paul can rest and where Otto can get his minutes. It will also help open the floor up for other players and make the game easier for the team.

Its about the team, not just Otto. Developing him on a winning team like we have is great for his development. Of which he is basically in year one right now having missed most of last year.

Short sighted ? To many variable so nail down that debate but in general, NO. Otto has time. He is getting lots of good minutes right now and those mins are clearly there for him right now. There is no denying that formula changes once Webster returns. They would be stupid not to use him.

Thats the fact I was pointing out.

I see nothing I would consider negative about that. Short sighted ? Was it short sighted to go into more of a win now mode to get Wall and Beal into the playoffs last year so they would not only develop better and be ready to go farther this year but so they could attract players like Paul and Hump and even Blair and Rasaul. So that Gortat would stay. So that Gooden would ink for vet min here ? No. But people called that short sighted all along the way, when in fact, it fit well for the long term planning that people continue to miss.

The moves that have lead to the best and deepest team in 40 years where we can actually worry if Otto will get enough minutes when Webster returns as the team fights to become #1 in the East.

Nice to have depth and options. Like I said, I suspect Otto will still get his chances but over the next 1.5 to 2 weeks, he will have his remaining most clear minutes and I want to see him step it up during that time so its an even tougher decision once Webster returns.

Any attempt to spin that into a negative is unbelievable. There is nothing negative there. Its all good stuff.

Dat2U wrote:

hands11 wrote:Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Agreed. Not only that, Porter is playing extremely well. He may not be *scoring* a lot, but he is reasonably efficient (52% TS%), and he is always contributing right across the board. He doesn't foul much, he doesn't turn it over -- as many steals as TOs -- he rebounds, blocks some shots. He earns his 20 minutes per game, and he's our future.

Then there's Butler. Anyone want to reduce his minutes? I didn't think so!

I like Martell Webster. I'll be happy to see him play -- and even happier for him just that he's healthy. He's just a terrific guy too, which makes me pull for him.

All the same, I sure wouldn't mess much with our rotation at the wing! (and if i could trade martell for a young big... for sure!)

hands11 wrote:

Dat2U wrote:

hands11 wrote:Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Otto should continue to get his ops.

But no, it wouldn't be dumb to use Webster when he returns. That would actually be smart if he can provide the team more in regards to what he does best, make long range buckets. That will raise the + net pts differential because the team will take and make more 3s per game. That will raise the teams TS% and that will help create more blow out games where Wall, Beal and Paul can rest and where Otto can get his minutes. It will also help open the floor up for other players and make the game easier for the team.

Its about the team, not just Otto. Developing him on a winning team like we have is great for his development. Of which he is basically in year one right now having missed most of last year.

Short sighted ? To many variable so nail down that debate but in general, NO. Otto has time. He is getting lots of good minutes right now and those mins are clearly there for him right now. There is no denying that formula changes once Webster returns. They would be stupid not to use him.

Don't start the strawman stuff. I didn't say don't use Webster. I'm saying Porter's minutes shouldn't be sacrificed for Webster. It's not like Porter is getting a ton of minutes to begin with. Secondly, Rasual's play is basically unsustainable for the whole year. At some point, he's likely to return to career norms and Webster can potentially get those minutes as well. Also with Pierce capable of sliding to the 4, there's ample opportunity to go small and spread the floor.

payitforward wrote:

Dat2U wrote:

hands11 wrote:Otto better make good of the load of minutes he can get in the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. And that good modivation to light a fire under his butt.

It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Agreed. Not only that, Porter is playing extremely well. He may not be *scoring* a lot, but he is reasonably efficient (52% TS%), and he is always contributing right across the board. He doesn't foul much, he doesn't turn it over -- as many steals as TOs -- he rebounds, blocks some shots. He earns his 20 minutes per game, and he's our future.

Then there's Butler. Anyone want to reduce his minutes? I didn't think so!

I like Martell Webster. I'll be happy to see him play -- and even happier for him just that he's healthy. He's just a terrific guy too, which makes me pull for him.

All the same, I sure wouldn't mess much with our rotation at the wing! (and if i could trade martell for a young big... for sure!)

I think it's really going to depend on which Webster shows up. If we get the Webster from last season, then I agree that he shouldn't take minutes from Porter. But let's not forget how freaking good the Webster of two seasons ago was. Through the first 65 games of the season (before having back issues again), he averaged 15 and 5 per 36 minutes with a TS% of .625, a 3P% of .450, an ORtg of 116, and decent defense.

Dat2U wrote:

hands11 wrote:

Dat2U wrote:
It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Otto should continue to get his ops.

But no, it wouldn't be dumb to use Webster when he returns. That would actually be smart if he can provide the team more in regards to what he does best, make long range buckets. That will raise the + net pts differential because the team will take and make more 3s per game. That will raise the teams TS% and that will help create more blow out games where Wall, Beal and Paul can rest and where Otto can get his minutes. It will also help open the floor up for other players and make the game easier for the team.

Its about the team, not just Otto. Developing him on a winning team like we have is great for his development. Of which he is basically in year one right now having missed most of last year.

Short sighted ? To many variable so nail down that debate but in general, NO. Otto has time. He is getting lots of good minutes right now and those mins are clearly there for him right now. There is no denying that formula changes once Webster returns. They would be stupid not to use him.

Don't start the strawman stuff. I didn't say don't use Webster. I'm saying Porter's minutes shouldn't be sacrificed for Webster. It's not like Porter is getting a ton of minutes to begin with. Secondly, Rasual's play is basically unsustainable for the whole year. At some point, he's likely to return to career norms and Webster can potentially get those minutes as well. Also with Pierce capable of sliding to the 4, there's ample opportunity to go small and spread the floor.

Look again. You are the one with the strawman. What I pointed out was when Webster thinks he will return. Then said, Otto has his most clear minutes over that time. Hopefully that lights a fire under his butt.

How the minutes work out once Webster returns is something I don't have the answer to. But I do know it much more likely Otto get a little less. You are the one that made more of it then that, not me. For some reason you wanted to introduce something negative and then become argumentative pulling out your favorite strawman reference which again made no sense.

As for those other things regarding Rasual and PP. Sure. They will have more depth and options. Regarding Rasual, What he is doing is looking smooth and in the flow. He is a vet. More likely its just the right fit at the right time. Sometimes things just come together. Hey, TA isn't looking as good in HOU. Its the Wall affect. Rasual can shoot. It works. Well, Webster can shoot as well. Looking forward to it. Hopefully he turns to prime form now that he is healthy again.

If so, Its going to be nasty. With 3 sharp shooters, they can always have two out there if they want and at some point, we might even see all three. Getting Webby back is a welcome addition in my book. And with the way this team is united as a team, I feel comfortable the minutes will get worked out. Specially since they don't have to rush Webby back.

nate33 wrote:

payitforward wrote:

Dat2U wrote:
It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Agreed. Not only that, Porter is playing extremely well. He may not be *scoring* a lot, but he is reasonably efficient (52% TS%), and he is always contributing right across the board. He doesn't foul much, he doesn't turn it over -- as many steals as TOs -- he rebounds, blocks some shots. He earns his 20 minutes per game, and he's our future.

Then there's Butler. Anyone want to reduce his minutes? I didn't think so!

I like Martell Webster. I'll be happy to see him play -- and even happier for him just that he's healthy. He's just a terrific guy too, which makes me pull for him.

All the same, I sure wouldn't mess much with our rotation at the wing! (and if i could trade martell for a young big... for sure!)

I think it's really going to depend on which Webster shows up. If we get the Webster from last season, then I agree that he shouldn't take minutes from Porter. But let's not forget how freaking good the Webster of two seasons ago was. Through the first 65 games of the season (before having back issues again), he averaged 15 and 5 per 36 minutes with a TS% of .625, a 3P% of .450, an ORtg of 116, and decent defense.

Probably something in between. He was a starter most the time when he was doing that I believe.

BUT

Now the 2nd unit has Professor running the show which would help him off the bench. So yeah, I expect some

Miller Webster Rasual with those two nailing 3s. And some Beal and Webster as well.

Having another sharp shooter creates all kinds of options for them. Hopefully they are a full strength when Webby returns.

nate33 wrote:

payitforward wrote:

Dat2U wrote:
It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Agreed. Not only that, Porter is playing extremely well. He may not be *scoring* a lot, but he is reasonably efficient (52% TS%), and he is always contributing right across the board. He doesn't foul much, he doesn't turn it over -- as many steals as TOs -- he rebounds, blocks some shots. He earns his 20 minutes per game, and he's our future.

Then there's Butler. Anyone want to reduce his minutes? I didn't think so!

I like Martell Webster. I'll be happy to see him play -- and even happier for him just that he's healthy. He's just a terrific guy too, which makes me pull for him.

All the same, I sure wouldn't mess much with our rotation at the wing! (and if i could trade martell for a young big... for sure!)

I think it's really going to depend on which Webster shows up. If we get the Webster from last season, then I agree that he shouldn't take minutes from Porter. But let's not forget how freaking good the Webster of two seasons ago was. Through the first 65 games of the season (before having back issues again), he averaged 15 and 5 per 36 minutes with a TS% of .625, a 3P% of .450, an ORtg of 116, and decent defense.

First, on Webster. If he's healthy, I'm not concerned. Last year, he still put up a TS% of .591 (vs. .601 the previous year) and shot 43% from deep (vs 44% the previous year). He was less productive in other areas, and couldn't stay in front of anyone on D -- but I think that's because his back was a mess. If he can move, I think he'll be able to help.

I am in complete agreement with Dat and PIF on Martell and Otto. In fact, I'm even a little hopeful that Martell's return has the net result of more minutes for Otto as times goes on. Having a healthy Beal, Pierce, Webster, Butler and Otto is going to necessitate more small lineups in order to get everyone minutes. The players -- Pierce, Beal, Gortat -- have now all publicly said they love going small and what it does for the offense. Wittman seems more open to it than he did last year, and he has commented on Pierce's stretch 4 capabilities.

Wittman, earlier this year, commented that he foresaw Otto playing some four down the line. Something to the effect of "when he got a few more froot loops in him." Otto rebounds really well, and as PIF points out, has been quite productive this year. A bench group of Miller-Webster-Butler-Otto-Nene could work against teams. So could Miller-Beal-Otto-Pierce-Nene.

We also have to allow for the possibility that Butler could stop producing. He almost certainly won't continue producing at this level. His age and career productivity would make that seem nearly impossible. So I think there will be opportunities.

The simple answer is to give Seraphin's minutes to Webster and that everything will be fine. I'm just not sure Wittman will go so quietly on that.

Anyhow, depth is a good problem to have. It's particularly weird as a long time Wizards fan.

fishercob wrote:

nate33 wrote:

payitforward wrote:Agreed. Not only that, Porter is playing extremely well. He may not be *scoring* a lot, but he is reasonably efficient (52% TS%), and he is always contributing right across the board. He doesn't foul much, he doesn't turn it over -- as many steals as TOs -- he rebounds, blocks some shots. He earns his 20 minutes per game, and he's our future.

Then there's Butler. Anyone want to reduce his minutes? I didn't think so!

I like Martell Webster. I'll be happy to see him play -- and even happier for him just that he's healthy. He's just a terrific guy too, which makes me pull for him.

All the same, I sure wouldn't mess much with our rotation at the wing! (and if i could trade martell for a young big... for sure!)

I think it's really going to depend on which Webster shows up. If we get the Webster from last season, then I agree that he shouldn't take minutes from Porter. But let's not forget how freaking good the Webster of two seasons ago was. Through the first 65 games of the season (before having back issues again), he averaged 15 and 5 per 36 minutes with a TS% of .625, a 3P% of .450, an ORtg of 116, and decent defense.

First, on Webster. If he's healthy, I'm not concerned. Last year, he still put up a TS% of .591 (vs. .601 the previous year) and shot 43% from deep (vs 44% the previous year). He was less productive in other areas, and couldn't stay in front of anyone on D -- but I think that's because his back was a mess. If he can move, I think he'll be able to help.

I am in complete agreement with Dat and PIF on Martell and Otto. In fact, I'm even a little hopeful that Martell's return has the net result of more minutes for Otto as times goes on. Having a healthy Beal, Pierce, Webster, Butler and Otto is going to necessitate more small lineups in order to get everyone minutes. The players -- Pierce, Beal, Gortat -- have now all publicly said they love going small and what it does for the offense. Wittman seems more open to it than he did last year, and he has commented on Pierce's stretch 4 capabilities.

Wittman, earlier this year, commented that he foresaw Otto playing some four down the line. Something to the effect of "when he got a few more froot loops in him." Otto rebounds really well, and as PIF points out, has been quite productive this year. A bench group of Miller-Webster-Butler-Otto-Nene could work against teams. So could Miller-Beal-Otto-Pierce-Nene.

We also have to allow for the possibility that Butler could stop producing. He almost certainly won't continue producing at this level. His age and career productivity would make that seem nearly impossible. So I think there will be opportunities.

The simple answer is to give Seraphin's minutes to Webster and that everything will be fine. I'm just not sure Wittman will go so quietly on that.

Anyhow, depth is a good problem to have. It's particularly weird as a long time Wizards fan.

Agreed. A very simple answer to a simple problem. If Wittman can see it the same way, then we'll be in great shape.

hands11 wrote:As for those other things regarding Rasual and PP. Sure. They will have more depth and options. Regarding Rasual, What he is doing is looking smooth and in the flow. He is a vet. More likely its just the right fit at the right time. Sometimes things just come together. Hey, TA isn't looking as good in HOU. Its the Wall affect. Rasual can shoot. It works. Well, Webster can shoot as well. Looking forward to it. Hopefully he turns to prime form now that he is healthy again.

Ariza isn't struggling because he's missing Wall. He's struggling because with other Rockets injured, he's been asked to take on a bigger role offensively & play more minutes. Rockets fans will tell you it looks like he's simply dead on his legs at the end of games from the heavy minutes and being asked to be much more than a spot up shooter while still trying to defend at a high level. I love Wall to death but not everything is related to his impact. Rasual has been playing far above career levels, with or without Wall on the floor with him. To me that's a guy playing at an unsustainable level. Eventually I see Martell or Otto taking those minutes once Rasual's play level's off.

Hope he improved Defense and Ball handling over this break would help the Wiz out a lot.

nate33 wrote:

payitforward wrote:

Dat2U wrote:
It would be incredibly shortsighted and just plain dumb to bench Otto because we have a healthy Martell Webster.

If we can run your boy KSLife out there with no regard for how bad he actually is and how much he actually hurts the team, then we can continue giving Otto burn in hopes that he'll continue to improve and gain confidence.

Agreed. Not only that, Porter is playing extremely well. He may not be *scoring* a lot, but he is reasonably efficient (52% TS%), and he is always contributing right across the board. He doesn't foul much, he doesn't turn it over -- as many steals as TOs -- he rebounds, blocks some shots. He earns his 20 minutes per game, and he's our future.

Then there's Butler. Anyone want to reduce his minutes? I didn't think so!

I like Martell Webster. I'll be happy to see him play -- and even happier for him just that he's healthy. He's just a terrific guy too, which makes me pull for him.

All the same, I sure wouldn't mess much with our rotation at the wing! (and if i could trade martell for a young big... for sure!)

I think it's really going to depend on which Webster shows up. If we get the Webster from last season, then I agree that he shouldn't take minutes from Porter. But let's not forget how freaking good the Webster of two seasons ago was. Through the first 65 games of the season (before having back issues again), he averaged 15 and 5 per 36 minutes with a TS% of .625, a 3P% of .450, an ORtg of 116, and decent defense.

Heck Webster struggled a lot last season and still managed to put up a 59 TS% although his postseason TS% was sub 50%. If Webster goes back to 2012-13 levels, it's going to be hard to keep giving Porter his minutes- although it certainly may give the Wizards some ability to make a trade.

fishercob wrote:The simple answer is to give Seraphin's minutes to Webster and that everything will be fine. I'm just not sure Wittman will go so quietly on that.

One thing that could inhibit Webster is that he is coming off of back surgery which could make it problematic to play the 4 for his long term health. We'll also see if Webster's athletic ability has declined at all although he is still only 28 years old.

As for Seraphin, he has been playing much better lately with Nene in the lineup. Over the last 5 games, Seraphin is averaging 11.6 rebounds per 36 minutes. Go figure.

Dat2U wrote:

fishercob wrote:

nate33 wrote:I think it's really going to depend on which Webster shows up. If we get the Webster from last season, then I agree that he shouldn't take minutes from Porter. But let's not forget how freaking good the Webster of two seasons ago was. Through the first 65 games of the season (before having back issues again), he averaged 15 and 5 per 36 minutes with a TS% of .625, a 3P% of .450, an ORtg of 116, and decent defense.

First, on Webster. If he's healthy, I'm not concerned. Last year, he still put up a TS% of .591 (vs. .601 the previous year) and shot 43% from deep (vs 44% the previous year). He was less productive in other areas, and couldn't stay in front of anyone on D -- but I think that's because his back was a mess. If he can move, I think he'll be able to help.

I am in complete agreement with Dat and PIF on Martell and Otto. In fact, I'm even a little hopeful that Martell's return has the net result of more minutes for Otto as times goes on. Having a healthy Beal, Pierce, Webster, Butler and Otto is going to necessitate more small lineups in order to get everyone minutes. The players -- Pierce, Beal, Gortat -- have now all publicly said they love going small and what it does for the offense. Wittman seems more open to it than he did last year, and he has commented on Pierce's stretch 4 capabilities.

Wittman, earlier this year, commented that he foresaw Otto playing some four down the line. Something to the effect of "when he got a few more froot loops in him." Otto rebounds really well, and as PIF points out, has been quite productive this year. A bench group of Miller-Webster-Butler-Otto-Nene could work against teams. So could Miller-Beal-Otto-Pierce-Nene.

We also have to allow for the possibility that Butler could stop producing. He almost certainly won't continue producing at this level. His age and career productivity would make that seem nearly impossible. So I think there will be opportunities.

The simple answer is to give Seraphin's minutes to Webster and that everything will be fine. I'm just not sure Wittman will go so quietly on that.

Anyhow, depth is a good problem to have. It's particularly weird as a long time Wizards fan.

Agreed. A very simple answer to a simple problem. If Wittman can see it the same way, then we'll be in great shape.

And if they don't do that.... they will also be in good shape.

Dat2U wrote:

hands11 wrote:As for those other things regarding Rasual and PP. Sure. They will have more depth and options. Regarding Rasual, What he is doing is looking smooth and in the flow. He is a vet. More likely its just the right fit at the right time. Sometimes things just come together. Hey, TA isn't looking as good in HOU. Its the Wall affect. Rasual can shoot. It works. Well, Webster can shoot as well. Looking forward to it. Hopefully he turns to prime form now that he is healthy again.

Ariza isn't struggling because he's missing Wall. He's struggling because with other Rockets injured, he's been asked to take on a bigger role offensively & play more minutes. Rockets fans will tell you it looks like he's simply dead on his legs at the end of games from the heavy minutes and being asked to be much more than a spot up shooter while still trying to defend at a high level. I love Wall to death but not everything is related to his impact. Rasual has been playing far above career levels, with or without Wall on the floor with him. To me that's a guy playing at an unsustainable level. Eventually I see Martell or Otto taking those minutes once Rasual's play level's off.

Right. Because we all know Wall finding TA for open looks had nothing do with his improved 3 pt shooting last year.