the new new era 2.0 - post deadline discussion

[Keith Van Horn]

Kevin Love working toward a buyout. Can he be had as our backup big? Claxton needs some support that's not named Sharpe.

The report says Miami as possibility. But Maybe he'd want to come be part of the movement here for the right price? As it stands now, we're a playoff team and he'd be getting minutes.

Would be great, but he wants to sign with a contender. I'm not sure we've really shown enough to attract buyout players like Love.

I feel like we've shown glimpses that we could still be enticing given the money and role offered.

I'm fairly certain he'd be getting 15+ minutes a night if he came here and could easily carve out a role with the 2nd unit.

[Keith Van Horn]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

[Hello Brooklyn]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Cam has to consistently show that he can score within the offense and make the correct plays, otherwise you get stuff like the Bulls game.

He will have plenty of playing time

Cam has consistently scored on offense since the Kyrie trade.

One bad Bulls game doesn't mean you sit him. He does make the right plays.

He was being double teamed vs Miami.

[Hello Brooklyn]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

To me he should clearly start. I would rather start him over CJ or DFS.

We need more offense in the lineup and neither of those guys are creators. The defense gets worse but the offense gets much better.

If they are attacking Cam a lot we can always take him out.

Din/Thomas/Bridges/CJ OR DFS/ Claxton

Makes the most sense to me. I think Yuta need to be back in the rotation too somehow.

[Tha King]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

most of the good teams have at least two high caliber scorers so I think you still need one of DFS/O'Neale out there as I think CJ's defense is just okay. You also want to limit Bridges defensive burden a bit because he's going to be needed more as a scorer/playmaker now.

Cam
Bridges
CJ
DFS/O'Neale
Claxton

Depending on how Bridges and Cam do as on ball playmakers, I think that could be the core group. imo you want the wings out there as much as possible for defense, so for Cam to be a starter it needs to be for Dinwiddie. You possibly add to the offense while keeping the defense strong.

[Hello Brooklyn]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

most of the good teams have at least two high caliber scorers so I think you still need one of DFS/O'Neale out there as I think CJ's defense is just okay. You also want to limit Bridges defensive burden a bit because he's going to be needed more as a scorer/playmaker now.

Cam
Bridges
CJ
DFS/O'Neale
Claxton

Depending on how Bridges and Cam do as on ball playmakers, I think that could be the core group. imo you want the wings out there as much as possible for defense, so for Cam to be a starter it needs to be for Dinwiddie. You possibly add to the offense while keeping the defense strong.

There is no way Cam can be our PG lol.

I'm bringing in CJ off the bench and starting Dinwiddie. We basically have no backuo 4 anyway.

[Riconet]

I'm impressed with the growth in Cam T's game since last year, and I think he is a legit NBA scorer. But I don't think he has enough game, yet, to displace any of the Nets' current starters, and he definitely doesn't have enough playmaking or enough of a handle to play PG.

For now I think the right role is what we saw vs the Heat -- 20+ min off the bench as the instant offense guy, with the green light to shoot pretty much whenever he wants.

[MrDollarBills]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Cam has to consistently show that he can score within the offense and make the correct plays, otherwise you get stuff like the Bulls game.

He will have plenty of playing time

Cam has consistently scored on offense since the Kyrie trade.

One bad Bulls game doesn't mean you sit him. He does make the right plays.

He was being double teamed vs Miami.

Yeah, but I'm not saying sit him. He should be the first guard off of the bench. The defense in the starting unit is pretty damn good and Mikal will need the ball in his hands. Let Cam lead the 2nd unit where he can light people up, and then let him finish with Spencer, Bridges, Johnson and Claxton

[MrDollarBills]

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

most of the good teams have at least two high caliber scorers so I think you still need one of DFS/O'Neale out there as I think CJ's defense is just okay. You also want to limit Bridges defensive burden a bit because he's going to be needed more as a scorer/playmaker now.

Cam
Bridges
CJ
DFS/O'Neale
Claxton

Depending on how Bridges and Cam do as on ball playmakers, I think that could be the core group. imo you want the wings out there as much as possible for defense, so for Cam to be a starter it needs to be for Dinwiddie. You possibly add to the offense while keeping the defense strong.

There is no way Cam can be our PG lol.

I'm bringing in CJ off the bench and starting Dinwiddie. We basically have no backuo 4 anyway.

Nah we have to start CJ. We need to see if he's worth extending or upping his value for a S&T

[MrDollarBills]

Yuta should be backing up DFS.

[Keith Van Horn]

I still think we need to play Cam more.

Hes just too good and young to not play more. He was getting doubled by the Heat constantly because they couldn't guard him.

Why should we sit him?

For Cam Johnson? Its not worth it.

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

most of the good teams have at least two high caliber scorers so I think you still need one of DFS/O'Neale out there as I think CJ's defense is just okay. You also want to limit Bridges defensive burden a bit because he's going to be needed more as a scorer/playmaker now.

Cam
Bridges
CJ
DFS/O'Neale
Claxton

Depending on how Bridges and Cam do as on ball playmakers, I think that could be the core group. imo you want the wings out there as much as possible for defense, so for Cam to be a starter it needs to be for Dinwiddie. You possibly add to the offense while keeping the defense strong.

I'd be worried about Cam controlling the ball for most of the opening possessions. I'd rather him play off ball and work off the primary carrier. I still think Dinwiddie should start of of now.

[Keith Van Horn]

Yuta should be backing up DFS.

it's shocking that Yuta is getting no burn lately, meanwhile had been leading the league in 3pt%. That's the kind of stuff that's getting me to scratch my head about JV.

Unless it's come down from Marks that Yuta and Seth should see less time bc they're goners at the end of the year... but that seems unlikely?

seriously though, I think we need to experiment starting CT. Let Yuta play with the 2nd unit along with DFS.

[MrDollarBills]

Could we play around with inserting him into the starting lineup yet?

Din / CamT / Bridges / CJ / Claxton

There's still a lot of ball movement there, shooting, and defense. That might be our best bet?

then Ben / Joe / Royce / DFS off the bench

Honestly, still not sure why Yuta has been cut out of the rotation. He should be the 10th guy. And we should see more Seth and Sumner too down the stretch. Keep these guys fresh with SOME minutes per game.

But I also still think we need another bigman, just in case...

most of the good teams have at least two high caliber scorers so I think you still need one of DFS/O'Neale out there as I think CJ's defense is just okay. You also want to limit Bridges defensive burden a bit because he's going to be needed more as a scorer/playmaker now.

Cam
Bridges
CJ
DFS/O'Neale
Claxton

Depending on how Bridges and Cam do as on ball playmakers, I think that could be the core group. imo you want the wings out there as much as possible for defense, so for Cam to be a starter it needs to be for Dinwiddie. You possibly add to the offense while keeping the defense strong.

I'd be worried about Cam controlling the ball for most of the opening possessions. I'd rather him play off ball and work off the primary carrier. I still think Dinwiddie should start of of now.

Cam starting at PG is a no from me dogg

[Tha King]

Is there really a 'point guard' anymore? I think nowadays as long as you have players that can make plays on the ball and defend their position you just start your five best players.

Cam definitely needs to show continued improvement as a playmaker and defender and that's what him eventually starting would be dependent on. However, he's similar to Maxey, Poole, Herro, Simons, etc. and I think any of those players would start right now in place of Dinwiddie.

[Karate Diop]

Here's the million dollar question... Does not starting Cam cause him to double down on his off-season training and play with a bigger chip on his shoulder? Or to self-destruct and pout?

A lot of players fall into the second category, Cam so far has been part of the first.

There's a double-edged sword in play here so prudence is required...

Though what's warmed me to the idea of Cam staring is that Bridges moves pretty well without the ball. So even if the two are on the court at the same time there's a chance it works because they're both not bringing the ball to a stop.

[MrDollarBills]

I just need Cam to put the onus on taking good quality shots. I don't mind aggressive tough shots, but get that within the offensive flow. I don't want to see Cam becoming a black hole. He's too talented to fall into that

[Tha King]

Here's the million dollar question... Does not starting Cam cause him to double down on his off-season training and play with a bigger chip on his shoulder? Or to self-destruct and pout?

A lot of players fall into the second category, Cam so far has been part of the first.

There's a double-edged sword in play here so prudence is required...

Though what's warmed me to the idea of Cam staring is that Bridges moves pretty well without the ball. So even if the two are on the court at the same time there's a chance it works because they're both not bringing the ball to a stop.

I think he'd put in the work regardless. Seems like that type of player and his scoring skillset kind of speaks to that.

What I like about JV not immediately starting him even after those 40 point games is that it's making it clear what needs to happen for him to be a starter instead of reinforcing all that is required is scoring on high volume w/o much else.

[Tha King]

I just need Cam to put the onus on taking good quality shots. I don't mind aggressive tough shots, but get that within the offensive flow. I don't want to see Cam becoming a black hole. He's too talented to fall into that

yep

Doesn't need to be Cp3 but 4-5apg should be doable and scoring more off C&S

[gigantes]

Here's the million dollar question... Does not starting Cam cause him to double down on his off-season training and play with a bigger chip on his shoulder? Or to self-destruct and pout?

A lot of players fall into the second category, Cam so far has been part of the first.

There's a double-edged sword in play here so prudence is required...

Though what's warmed me to the idea of Cam staring is that Bridges moves pretty well without the ball. So even if the two are on the court at the same time there's a chance it works because they're both not bringing the ball to a stop.

I think he'd put in the work regardless. Seems like that type of player and his scoring skillset kind of speaks to that.

What I like about JV not immediately starting him even after those 40 point games is that it's making it clear what needs to happen for him to be a starter instead of reinforcing all that is required is scoring on high volume w/o much else.

I still feel sick to my stomach about how much power the Nets gave KD&KI for way, way too long, so I don't want to overreact here...

Bu-hu-hut, based on CamT's own words, the dude does sound like he has a rather planet-sized ego, and I'm a little bit concerned that something like that doesn't spin out of control over time. Note: not trying to suggest in the slightest that Cam isn't a miraculous shooter & scorer, because dude is rather jaw-dropping, with the prettiest rainbow splashing shot I've seen... maybe ever?

Seriously-- I'm not sure I've ever seen a player make all those jukes, quick-direction changes, pullups and fadeaways, putting up a shot that looks like it's straight out of an 'advanced basketball' manual.

I'm not sure even KD can put up a textbook rainbow shot as fast as Thomas can.

Haha, am I making sense with that...?

[flow]

I know it's been a draining year (again) for you guys, and you're ready for the season to be over. But as a lifelong Pistons fan, I'm intrigued with the team you've got for the rest of the season. This group reminds me quite a bit of our 02/03/most of 04 team. A hodgepodge of good & very good players obtained through trades and signings within a short period of time. We see Billups, Rip Hamilton & Ben Wallace as star players now, but when they came to Detroit, they weren't seen that way. The deadline trade for Sheed in '04 was a big boost, but he was no superstar either, at that point. Just a talented Jailblazer malcontent. It was a group of good & hungry players that bought into LB's defense-first mentality, and put it together with good chemistry during the playoffs. But going into the '04 playoffs, not a ton was expected of the team despite winning 50+ games. And as you guys know, we should have lost to the Nets in round 2.

Point is, I like your roster. Yes, the top teams in the east are better than they were in '04. But like those pistons, you guys have talented, hungry players, with depth, who can shoot and seem willing to play defense. And you have smart guards, which is important. For the sake of this season, I wish you had held onto Crowder for the playoffs. But alas, he's gone. No, you're not coming out of the East, but it could be a fun little ride for a while. More fun than it would have been with Kyrie and KD still here. And you're back to being an easy to root for team.