Starters versus Reserves - Theory (aka should Tony start?)

[threrf23]

So I was thinking, what makes a player best suited to start rather than come off the bench? Obviously, deciding who gets the most minutes is a simpler debate. But who starts versus who comes off the bench isn't so simple. The league has seen some great players coming off the bench, and not because they weren't better than other starters. Each minute in a game is theoretically equal, no?

To clarify, I am not talking psychology, just pure on court strengths and weaknesses. Balance is key, but my question is - generally - what types of players are best fit for a starting role versus a reserve role.

So, what is most important in the starting lineup? I guess, in no particular order,

1.) Ability. This is obvious. You want to get off to a good start, establish momentum, the opposition's bench is probably not well equipped to recover from any damage you do to it. But I am going to stop short of saying 'Quality.' If you have a player who every so many games will come thru big time but is inconsistent, arguably it is best to find out sooner rather than later whether or not they have brought their A game, and if they are playing poorly you can always sub them out quickly.

2.) Defense (and when defensive matchups requires it - size). When an opponent has its 2nd unit in a game, you can often get away with slacking a little on defense and you'll only pay so much if that 2nd unit is relatively limited offensively. If you slack on D against that team's best offensive lineup, you can get burned badly. I think this is pretty common sense logic.

3.) Specialization. When a player is very good in one category (i.e. wing defense or three point shooting), but have deficiencies and are average to below average in other areas - they are a specialist. By surrounding these guys with the right starting lineup, this player's strengths can be accentuated while his weaknesses are masked by the play of his teammates. Off the bench, you might not get the same production (a three point specialist might not get so many open shots), and the player's weaknesses can begin to cause a negative impact. Placing this "specialist" in your starting lineup might not make the starting lineup better equipped to handle its opponent, but it can maximize this player's value.

Now, what is most important off the bench? My guess, again no particular order,

1.) Consistency. Basketball games, like life, are unpredictable. When the unpredictable occurs, it would figure to make sense that a coach is best prepared to respond to the unpredictable when he knows exactly what kind of play he can expect from his key bench players.

2.) Versatility. This goes with the above and gives a coach better leeway when responding to the unpredictable.

3.) Offense. The opposition's second unit is likely to be poorer defensively than its first unit. The worse an opponent's defense is, the more inherent value an offensive possession has, and there is my theory that there is more to be gained (whereas there would be less to lose against a good defensive lineup).

I have not mentioned ballhandling, or energy. I think these factors are equally important regardless of a player's role.

So, if my theory is presumed legit, what are the implications for the C's?

Among other potential implications, the big question here is Tony Allen. I've shied away from supporting a starting role in the past - his ballhandling is too iffy for PG, and Ray is a perfect fit for our starting lineup which already has solid defense and lacks a little shooting. Moreover, I like Ray alongside Rondo and Tony alongside Eddie.

But the more I think about it, theoretically, I think Tony Allen is best suited to be a starter with or without confidence issues. Ray would still play more minutes (or Tony would start for Rondo). Or, perhaps Eddie and Tony start, while Rajon and Ray provide firepower off the bench.

Thoughts?

[armageddon]

Tony should be traded. We're seeing all he will ever be and it makes no impact on the floor, except for those 3 or 4 nice game each year. The league knows his game and just backs off of him. He's the new Antoine. Can't shoot and isn't a great defender anymore due to being undersized compared to most of the 2's in the league. He seems to play slower since his knee surgeries.

The only skill he brings now that helps is his point playing when House is afraid to dribble. Tony's turned into a good passer and sees the floor well but he's killing the team on offense. This would be the same issue if he started because he can't help spread the floor.

Just my opinion.

[PPAW4Life]

I actually think "Consistency" is more related to starters.

Bench players are players who demonstrate that they are capable "game changers", but not on a consistent level.

If a player demonstrates consistent productivity then he becomes or should become a "starter".

I think the biggest worry this team is facing right now is that it can not seem to function or execute down the stretch of games.

It seems that blowing teams out have taken away their experience for how to win close ball games or win in the crunch time.

[celtics543]

Tony should be traded. We're seeing all he will ever be and it makes no impact on the floor, except for those 3 or 4 nice game each year. The league knows his game and just backs off of him. He's the new Antoine. Can't shoot and isn't a great defender anymore due to being undersized compared to most of the 2's in the league. He seems to play slower since his knee surgeries.

The only skill he brings now that helps is his point playing when House is afraid to dribble. Tony's turned into a good passer and sees the floor well but he's killing the team on offense. This would be the same issue if he started because he can't help spread the floor.

Just my opinion.

I'll be honest with you, I'd rather watch Antoine fire 100 3's than watch Tony shoot 1. At least I could hope with Antoine shooting, Tony's shot has no chance of going in at all.

Tony should be shopped to the rest of the league for a veteran big or a wing that can shoot the ball.

[PP34RA10]

you want a cheeap alterniative who can help the bench

scal plus pruitt for ricky davis