Line-ups, rotation, analysis thread.

[deneem4]

I wouldn't use the term "deeply", but I agree with this. Hachimura is superfluous when everyone is healthy, but whenever one of Beal, KP or Kuzma are out, Hachimura's offense has been very helpful. I don't think the Wizards would have lost 13 of 14 if Hachimura was healthy. He would have gotten hot and helped us win maybe 2 or 3 of those.

I would disagree. I think Hachimura is still valuable when everyone is healthy because it allows Porzingis and Beal to take breaks. I did not mention Kuzma in my original post because Kuzma has not shown the ability to consistently create offense. A lineup where Porzingis and Beal are out and the offense runs through Kuzma will not be able to consistently score. What's our record when Rui is injured/not playing?

Our record is bad when Rui doesn't play. But his on/off when alongside Beal is also bad, which speaks to my point.

Rui only helps when he gets enough scoring opportunities to offset his generally poor defense and playmaking. That scenario arises when Beal or KP are out, but not when they play.

Perhaps if rui played with the starters…

[deneem4]

The best teams put they’re best players on the floor together… we have had numerous games without Beal and/or KP to start rui, (arguably) our 2nd most gifted scorer… did Wes do it? No….
I understand from a front offic pov we want to be in the wembanya sweepstakes, but we could’ve atleast let rui upped his value these past couple weeks, and got some better picks,
I look forward to rui and Bryant playing together again though, Bryant eagernesss and rui proximity defense mixes well

[Kanyewest]

If we are talking about the first minutes of the second quarter, those were played by Gibson. It wasn't a KP-Kuz-Deni rotation.

Just helping...

Maybe because he was in foul trouble? Still probably should have been put back towards the end of the quarter over Rui.

No problem with the 24 minutes in the last game.

Speculation here (and unfair speculation but a response to your Thomas Bryant post). I would much rather have had a Porzingis/Bryant/Gafford rotation. Than what we started with a Porzingis/Kuz/Gafford rotation.

Now the unfair and wild speculation part. Guessing that Wes saw Kuz as his starting PF being the way to go to make Bryant expendable.

Yes, we would have had a very crowded rotation at SF of Kuz, Deni, Rui and Kispert. But I am not trying to be fair on this one. I am pushing my Wes likes to go small simple minded narrative.

Also, you were prescient on giving Rui minutes...

I have to admit, I wasn't a big fan of Thomas Bryant towards the end mostly because of his defense and on some nights he waas getting more minutes than Gafford. I don't think he would have been willing to come back for the minimum and play the Taj Gibson role - he was probably more willing to do that in a different change of scenery.

But glad he's playing well with the Lakers.

I think Gafford could play more though, and hopefully he does. His minutes were relatively low last night but that was due to foul trouble and guarding Luka .

[dckingsfan]

Maybe because he was in foul trouble? Still probably should have been put back towards the end of the quarter over Rui.

No problem with the 24 minutes in the last game.

Speculation here (and unfair speculation but a response to your Thomas Bryant post). I would much rather have had a Porzingis/Bryant/Gafford rotation. Than what we started with a Porzingis/Kuz/Gafford rotation.

Now the unfair and wild speculation part. Guessing that Wes saw Kuz as his starting PF being the way to go to make Bryant expendable.

Yes, we would have had a very crowded rotation at SF of Kuz, Deni, Rui and Kispert. But I am not trying to be fair on this one. I am pushing my Wes likes to go small simple minded narrative.

Also, you were prescient on giving Rui minutes...

I have to admit, I wasn't a big fan of Thomas Bryant towards the end mostly because of his defense and on some nights he waas getting more minutes than Gafford. I don't think he would have been willing to come back for the minimum and play the Taj Gibson role - he was probably more willing to do that in a different change of scenery.

But glad he's playing well with the Lakers.

I think Gafford could play more though, and hopefully he does. His minutes were relatively low last night but that was due to foul trouble and guarding Luka .

I was thinking that Gafford couldn't play more than low 20 minutes and still be effective. A very small sample size on the Rockets game but... I am hopeful.

[deneem4]

Goodwin
Beal
Deni
Kuzma
KP
Should be the starting lineup

Nunn/kispert/gafford off the bench first

Denver wizards rotate in
(Wright/morris/barton)

[doclinkin]

It's been said in game threads but: I like the guys on this roster and how they play. We finally have depth in fierce scrappy defenders, and players who are unselfish. Tough-minded. Yeah your record is your record, but watching them play you wonder why their win total isn't better. Though yes, there will be high variance on any given night in that we miss too many threes especially with our front court inverted. We can expect to be streaky. Still. The team is fun to watch and can look good even against the tougher teams on their schedule.

Beal is playing efficiently and unselfishly this year. Kuz is generous with the ball (okay generous to both teams when he is turning it over) fights for rebounds, and can get hot any game. Yes he is playing *like* a star even if he actually isn't as efficient as a star, and that will put us on the wrong side of efficiency about half the time. But some nights he is exactly as good as he thinks he is, and on those nights we are tough to stop. Porzingis is a match-up problem for opponents and forces teams to adjust to our line-ups instead of the other way around. Healthy and lean Porzingis is a better player than prior years where he was trying to bulk up. In any case those ~20 points a game from each of them should be enough offense.

But more than any supposed Big 3, it's everybody else playing their roles that keep my attention even in a mediocre year.

Monte, mistake free game manager. An ideal fit on offense next to 3 high usage guys.
Wright, a savant on defense, clutch game-closing swing guard.
Jordan Goodwin, hustles every damn play.
Deni, starting to attack and play aggressively on offense, and really has been precocious on defense. Young players just don't defend with that level of competence and effectiveness, it truly is remarkable.
Kispert, a smart smart guy. Whatever his lack of length or springs in his shoes, he makes up for his shortfalls by playing decisively. Backdoor threat every play so he has use on offense even when his 3-ball isn't firing at a prolific rate.
Gafford, when he can see it coming, he stifles attacks on the interior. Next to Zinger he forces teams to play their big on him, leaving KP matched against a shorter player.
Gill and Taj, ideal deep bench veterans. Smart players who understand the nuances of the game.
Nunn brought energy and defense his first game here.

If 27 is the NBA prime, we can look for improvement from Deni, Corey, Gafford, maybe Goodwin (all 24 or younger).
Kuz, Porzingis, Monte and Nunn are each 27 now, so this may be peak for them over the next couple years, health allowing.
Wright, Gill and Beal are each 29-30, and play with that veteran energy. Picking their spots and playing their roles efficiently.

Not saying we should be better than we are. I'm saying in contrast to teams we've seen in the past, this team is fun to watch. We look good in wins, and don't seem to get blown out in losses. That hasn't been the case in prior years. For all that I want the tank to roll for us, we don't have many guys who are going to quit. Or play stupid. That at least is worth cheering for, even if our upside is limited. What you see is what you get. But what you see is worth watching most nights.

[nate33]

The team is pretty likeable, particularly when Kuzma is hot.

I still want to see them try Wright as a starter for a little while, particularly when Beal, Kuzma and KP are all healthy.

[CntOutSmrtCrazy]

The team is pretty likeable, particularly when Kuzma is hot.

I still want to see them try Wright as a starter for a little while, particularly when Beal, Kuzma and KP are all healthy.

They're most likeable when they are locked in on D. They've shown they can be pretty good on that end of the court when they're not too worried about jacking shots up.

[payitforward]

I agree with this series of posts 100% -- the team is almost always enjoyable to watch, & it's easy to like the players -- plus they give the impression of liking one another, enjoying playing together.

Are we good? Nah. But at least it doesn't seem like a weird group!

[dckingsfan]

Goodwin
Beal
Deni
Kuzma
KP
Should be the starting lineup

Nunn/kispert/gafford off the bench first

Denver wizards rotate in
(Wright/morris/barton)

I like the start 4 of:

Beal
Kuzma
KP
Gafford

At this point I don't think the starting PG makes a difference unless you are looking into the future. In that case, back to the trade thread of which PG we should move.

I hope in the future Deni could run the point some as well.

[Dat2U]

Eh, i guess i'll be the grinch. I'll be happy when the Wizards stop lurking in the lukewarm waters of mediocrity and pick a side. I'm not enthused by a bunch of hard working nice guys if the result is still the same.

[payitforward]

Eh, i guess i'll be the grinch. I'll be happy when the Wizards stop lurking in the lukewarm waters of mediocrity and pick a side. I'm not enthused by a bunch of hard working nice guys if the result is still the same.

I don't disagree -- & I'm proud of you for finally unveiling as the grinch!

[SUPERBALLMAN]

It's been said in game threads but: I like the guys on this roster and how they play. We finally have depth in fierce scrappy defenders, and players who are unselfish. Tough-minded. Yeah your record is your record, but watching them play you wonder why their win total isn't better. Though yes, there will be high variance on any given night in that we miss too many threes especially with our front court inverted. We can expect to be streaky. Still. The team is fun to watch and can look good even against the tougher teams on their schedule.

Beal is playing efficiently and unselfishly this year. Kuz is generous with the ball (okay generous to both teams when he is turning it over) fights for rebounds, and can get hot any game. Yes he is playing *like* a star even if he actually isn't as efficient as a star, and that will put us on the wrong side of efficiency about half the time. But some nights he is exactly as good as he thinks he is, and on those nights we are tough to stop. Porzingis is a match-up problem for opponents and forces teams to adjust to our line-ups instead of the other way around. Healthy and lean Porzingis is a better player than prior years where he was trying to bulk up. In any case those ~20 points a game from each of them should be enough offense.

But more than any supposed Big 3, it's everybody else playing their roles that keep my attention even in a mediocre year.

Monte, mistake free game manager. An ideal fit on offense next to 3 high usage guys.
Wright, a savant on defense, clutch game-closing swing guard.
Jordan Goodwin, hustles every damn play.
Deni, starting to attack and play aggressively on offense, and really has been precocious on defense. Young players just don't defend with that level of competence and effectiveness, it truly is remarkable.
Kispert, a smart smart guy. Whatever his lack of length or springs in his shoes, he makes up for his shortfalls by playing decisively. Backdoor threat every play so he has use on offense even when his 3-ball isn't firing at a prolific rate.
Gafford, when he can see it coming, he stifles attacks on the interior. Next to Zinger he forces teams to play their big on him, leaving KP matched against a shorter player.
Gill and Taj, ideal deep bench veterans. Smart players who understand the nuances of the game.
Nunn brought energy and defense his first game here.

If 27 is the NBA prime, we can look for improvement from Deni, Corey, Gafford, maybe Goodwin (all 24 or younger).
Kuz, Porzingis, Monte and Nunn are each 27 now, so this may be peak for them over the next couple years, health allowing.
Wright, Gill and Beal are each 29-30, and play with that veteran energy. Picking their spots and playing their roles efficiently.

Not saying we should be better than we are. I'm saying in contrast to teams we've seen in the past, this team is fun to watch. We look good in wins, and don't seem to get blown out in losses. That hasn't been the case in prior years. For all that I want the tank to roll for us, we don't have many guys who are going to quit. Or play stupid. That at least is worth cheering for, even if our upside is limited. What you see is what you get. But what you see is worth watching most nights.

I like this team and these players too! I watch every game and it’s a fun team, and they are good when they are healthy and into it, moving the ball, hustling & defending. Kuz has really stepped up. KP has been really good, and I like when he and Gafford are out there together. I think Morris is still finding his comfort zone with his role and chemistry with everyone and getting better. Love Delon’s game altering D as a weapon off the bench. I like Kispert although I wish he’d look for his shot more and not act like the ball is a hot potato.

[nate33]

Eh, i guess i'll be the grinch. I'll be happy when the Wizards stop lurking in the lukewarm waters of mediocrity and pick a side. I'm not enthused by a bunch of hard working nice guys if the result is still the same.

Yeah, we all agree with this sentiment. But since we know that the team is not going to tank in order to actually get good, we may as well try and appreciate the mediocrity.

[nate33]

I like Kispert although I wish he’d look for his shot more and not act like the ball is a hot potato.

The hot-potato part of his game is actually good. The ball NEVER sticks to him. He either immediately shoots, decisively drives, or swings the ball to the next guy. He understands that the best way to force the defense into mistakes is to never let them reset.

It would be nice if he could boost his usage rate a bit, but I'm not sure he has the ability to do so at the moment. His release point is too low for him to get off perimeter shots while contested. He is an underrated finisher around the rim, but he is still limited in that aspect. He has a way of exploding horizontally off a 2-foot jump stop that is effective enough to get by similar-sized defenders, but he can't finish over bigs with that move, and he hasn't developed much of a floater game.

I just don't know where that extra usage can come from unless he increases the height of his shot-release or unless he develops an off-the-bounce game to work as the ball-handler in a pick and roll. Hopefully he'll work on that in the offseason, but it'll take time.

[DCZards]

A few words about dem Boys from Flint.

Kyle Kuzma is a very talented offensive player. Not many 6-9 players are as capable of consistently getting downhill off the dribble and scoring at the rim. The advanced numbers may not be kind to Kuz--and he indeed has his flaws--but he frequently makes winning plays, especially at key moments of the game, and deserves props for that.

If, and I know this is a big IF, Kuz can cutdown on those ill-advised shots and turnovers (which will happen with lower usage), I’d be happy to keep him in a Zards uni. The question is at what price/salary.

I have a high comfort level when Morris is on the court running the offense. It’s not just the low turnover rate. It’s also his poise and quiet leadership. Monte rarely takes a bad or rushed shot...and now that his 3 ball is falling he's a genuine offensive threat.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I like Kispert although I wish he’d look for his shot more and not act like the ball is a hot potato.

The hot-potato part of his game is actually good. The ball NEVER sticks to him. He either immediately shoots, decisively drives, or swings the ball to the next guy. He understands that the best way to force the defense into mistakes is to never let them reset.

It would be nice if he could boost his usage rate a bit, but I'm not sure he has the ability to do so at the moment. His release point is too low for him to get off perimeter shots while contested. He is an underrated finisher around the rim, but he is still limited in that aspect. He has a way of exploding horizontally off a 2-foot jump stop that is effective enough to get by similar-sized defenders, but he can't finish over bigs with that move, and he hasn't developed much of a floater game.

I just don't know where that extra usage can come from unless he increases the height of his shot-release or unless he develops an off-the-bounce game to work as the ball-handler in a pick and roll. Hopefully he'll work on that in the offseason, but it'll take time.

Yeah I like it doesn’t stick to him, but what I’m talking about is so many times he’s in the backcourt, someone has the ball and a defender comes to him so he’ll pass it over to Kispert who’s open, and Kispert zips that ball right back to him like its scorching hot almost like he’s playing volleyball , so quick the defender hasn’t even had a chance to react to the initial pass and he’s still on the same guy. So the player that passes the ball to Kispert to get it away from the defender has the ball again with the defender in his face, then it’s a TO or a bad shot when Kispert had the ball with an open shot that he didn’t look to take. It happens time and time again.

[payitforward]

A few words about dem Boys from Flint.

Kyle Kuzma is a very talented offensive player. Not many 6-9 players are as capable of consistently getting downhill off the dribble and scoring at the rim. The advanced numbers may not be kind to Kuz--and he indeed has his flaws--but he frequently makes winning plays, especially at key moments of the game, and deserves props for that....

Kuz doesn't make winning plays "frequently," Zards, although he does make them once in a while. Far more often, unfortunately, Kuz makes losing plays.

He more than any other player on the team -- b/c of the above, & also b/c he leads the team in minutes (by a whole lot!) -- Kuz is the single biggest drag weight on our record.

E.g. if Aaron Gordon were a Wizard instead of Kuz, & he had played Kuz's minutes... we'd likely be 28-20 instead of 22-26. Maybe better.

...If, and I know this is a big IF, Kuz can cutdown on those ill-advised shots and turnovers (which will happen with lower usage)...

The problem is that his usage this year is up significantly from last year, & it's way up from his best year 2 seasons ago -- 39% higher.

Kuz thinks his destiny is to be a star: "...not just a role player." His words not mine.

I’d be happy to keep him in a Zards uni. The question is at what price/salary....

&, in my case, I am hoping fervently that someone outbids us! If we can then turn it into a sign & trade, it would change Kuz's being overrated from a problem to a tremendous boon! An ideal outcome.

I have a high comfort level when Morris is on the court running the offense. It’s not just the low turnover rate. It’s also his poise and quiet leadership. Monte rarely takes a bad or rushed shot...and now that his 3 ball is falling he's a genuine offensive threat.

In this case, we are in violent agreement! Morris is having a terrific year.

[Dat2U]

Eh, i guess i'll be the grinch. I'll be happy when the Wizards stop lurking in the lukewarm waters of mediocrity and pick a side. I'm not enthused by a bunch of hard working nice guys if the result is still the same.

Yeah, we all agree with this sentiment. But since we know that the team is not going to tank in order to actually get good, we may as well try and appreciate the mediocrity.

I think their ruining a rare window of opportunity to change the course of this franchise. I assume Kuz is gone unless they break the bank. KP may out looking for an long term deal. They can't afford both. There's no point in trying to afford it. Yet here they are, all in, trying to thread the needle just to make the playoffs and refusing to be a seller despite the inflated prices on the trade market.

[deneem4]

Beal
Kuzma
Deni
KP
Gafford