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StartersC - Kristaps Porzingis (2022-23)
PF - Kevin Durant (2012-13)
SF - Shane Battier (2008-09)
SG - Devin Booker (2023-24)
PG - Jason Kidd (2006-07)
BenchC/F - Serge Ibaka (2011-12)
F - Nicolas Batum (2023-24)
G - Charlie Ward (1999-00)
Rotations C - Porzingis (34), Ibaka (14)
PF - Durant (28), Ibaka (12), Batum (8)
SF - Battier (30), Durant (12), Batum (6)
SG - Booker (38), Ward (6), Battier (4)
PG - Kidd (37), Ward (11)
FGA Per PlayerThis being a Jason Kidd team, our transition game will be one of our main strengths. With Kidd cleaning the glass and orchestrating the break alongside KD, Booker, and Ibaka we're guaranteed a bunch of easy baskets every game. Porzingis and Battier trail for threes. In the halfcourt, we have Kidd as the organiser to get KD and Booker in position to wreck shop either in isolation or coming off screens. Porzingis is an elite third option, as he's not only a legit stretch 5 but has now figured out how to punish smaller defenders on switches. 2007 Kidd is just beginning to develop into a reliable spot-up shooter, hitting well into the 40s from 3 over this and the next two playoffs. Ward and Batum are solid glue guys on both ends.
Matchup- Initial defensive assignments will be Kidd-Stockton, Booker-Allen, Battier-Butler, KD-Turner, Porzingis-Malone. A big key is Porzingis who is not only an excellent pick-and-roll defender (his numbers with the Wizards were elite:
https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/01/nba-boston-celtics-zinger-fit-2/) but also a great rim protector. He can slide his feet to stick with Malone in the midrange, and his insane wingspan will allow him to contest those midrangers effectively while also presenting a formidable obstacle at the rim. Turner at this stage is a so-so interior scorer, so we feel comfortable sticking KD on him. (This also allows us to contest the three without compromising our overall defensive integrity.) Ibaka deputises as the primary Malone cover off the bench.
- Er, 36-year-old PF Malone guarding KD is far from a "solid" cover. KD's spot-up shooting alone makes this a huge mismatch, let alone when he starts curling off screens, attacking off the dribble in isolation, running the fast break, etc.
- Given our defensive assignments, Turner is the one getting stretched out here, especially since Porzingis is a far more dangerous shooter in terms of both volume and accuracy. This exacerbates the Malone-KD mismatch as there isn't even the option of camping Turner around the basket to provide help.
Good luck Laimbeer.