StartersC - Tyson Chandler (2010-11)
PF - Rashard Lewis (2008-09)
SF - Kawhi Leonard (2020-21)
SG - Mikal Bridges (2022-23)
PG - Damian Lillard (2018-19)
BenchC - Isaiah Hartenstein (2022-23)
F - Grant Williams (2021-22)
G - Marcus Smart (2018-19)
RotationsC - Chandler (32), Hartenstein (10), Williams (6)
PF - Lewis (33), Williams (15)
SF - Leonard (38), Bridges (6), Lewis (4)
SG - Bridges (32), Smart (16)
PG - Lillard (38), Smart (10)
FGA Per PlayerOur four-out system is a nightmare to defend, with elite shooters everywhere and an excellent roll man in the middle. This setup gives plenty of options: spread pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop with Dame and Chandler/Lewis as screeners, Kawhi or Dame attacking in isolation with the spaced floor making it very difficult to send help, Lewis taking slower forwards off the dribble or attacking smaller ones in the post, plus a capable transition attack with Dame, Kawhi, Bridges, and Chandler. Defensively, Chandler is our defensive quarterback, giving us some scheme versatility with his ability to protect the rim as well as extend out on the court if needed. Kawhi/Bridges/Smart/Williams comprise an excellent corps of guard/wing defenders. Hartenstein is a great traditional backup for Chandler, while Williams gives us the five-out option.
Matchup- We'll go straight up defensively except we're switching Bridges onto CP3 and will take our medicine with Dame on Richmond. Either way Dame will be a weak spot, but we'll prioritise containing the CP3-Amar'e pick-and-roll rather than Dr P's fourth option who generally scores on middling efficiency.
- I disagree we don't have a good CP3 defender. Bridges in an excellent POA defender, and we also have Smart deputising for a good chunk of the game. With Bridges' ability to fight through screens (plus the length to get in a rearview contest) combined with Chandler's mobility and intelligence, we feel like we can deal with Dr P's primary weapon as well as can be hoped.
- Both teams have a vulnerable defender, but I'd argue Amar'e at the 4 is more damaging. Any actions involving Lewis as a screener for Dame or Kawhi will result in pure chaos given Amar'e's lack of attentiveness and poor decision-making. Horford is a great overall defender but I wouldn't call him an elite rim protector by any stretch, and having to cover for Amar'e breakdowns will open up lobs and offensive rebounds for Chandler.
- This nitpicking about years that aren't all that important or different in quality is kind of annoying, but I guess I'll just register my opinion that 2021 Kawhi is a notch above 2019 given his vastly superior playmaking, and I personally prefer him defensively in almost any prime year other than 2019.
Good luck Dr P.