Playoff Rotation Discussion

[MrDollarBills]

Now that we are preparing for the playoffs, it is an exciting time for us Net fans as we are capable of beating any of the teams in our bracket. Kidd has made use of every available body on the roster and has kept an 11 man rotation for much of the year in order to get some of the old guys(read: PP and KG) to the post season in good condition. Now we are here it's time for these guys to put in 30+ each game, win or lose. Run them to death for all I care as long as we win and win big.

What is your preferred rotation for the playoffs? IMO:

Bigs: KG/Plumlee/AK47/Teletovic

I would honestly prefer that Plums starts the games, his athleticism and gutsy play really brings our starting unit to an elite level...but then again, KG's experience and defense is more valuable at this time. Either way, he should be playing a ton of minutes and I don't care if he makes mistakes, let him play the guy is a savage. We haven't had a kid like this since K-Mart when it comes to explosiveness around the rim.
Regarding the other bigs: AK47 comes in to wreak havoc, and we use Mirza to stretch the floor and at times use his scoring prowess against any possible mismatches.

Wings: JJ/PP/Marcus

Pretty much a no brainer. We need these guys to score and score often, any time Marcus catches fire it's a sure bet that we're kicking the **** out of our opponent that night. He is the X factor on the wing.

PGs:

Deron and Shaun

One of these guys need to be on the floor at all times. Maybe have Jose in to give the PGs a breather at times, Kidd has stated that he likes to see how guys react to situations so he may be thrown into the fire at times to test his mettle. Deron has got to step his **** up and give us some scoring, defense, and three pt shooting from the 1 spot. At least keep the match up honest.

I don't let Anderson or Blatche touch the floor unless we are desperate. Blatche has devolved into a flaming stinking sack of dog **** and Anderson is trash unless he is hitting threes. Let them wave towels and distribute cups of gatorade to the dudes that can actually contribute something. God awful players.

[Zachbretton]

I overall like the break down you have. It seems like the most balanced way to go about things. I really feel Alan Anderson hasn't shown us enough that he's a better shooter than Thornton and as such I think Marcus deserves all his minutes.

I agree that Plum should start (honestly) the whole post season. His energy is so helpful off the bat, he just needs to not get into too much foul trouble all the time. I'd say that if he starts out on the floor and at minute 7 we move to put KG in and maybe sub out either Dwill or Livingston.

Plums with the way he's been playing can be a core part of our postseason success.

I can't wait to see KG & Paul pierce go off in the postseason as they're meant to. If they produce as expected and we can get a good look from either of the MT's each game our offense will be strong because then we can look to Dwill/JJ/ even Livingston to cover the rest and lock us in.

We just need to use these last 4 games to really hone in on our defensive rotations. I am enjoying how Marcus is stealing and getting infront of the ball, though it happens less in the postseason, that could be VERY useful for when it does happen

[Prokorov]

I dont think it will be much different.

Gutieirez and Collins are out of the rotation.

Dwill, JJ, ivingston, Pierce, KG start and then Thornton, Mirza, Ak, Plumlee, and Blatche will all clearly play.

the only question is will anderson also be out of the rotation. guess it depends how thornton and AK look.

i cant see kidd shortening the rotation to less then 10. unless he just benches blatche or mirza all together, which i dont see

Plum should start (honestly) the whole post season. His energy is so helpful off the bat, he just needs to not get into too much foul trouble all the time. I'd say that if he starts out on the floor and at minute 7 we move to put KG in and maybe sub out either Dwill or Livingston.

100% agree with this. and i Love Kg with the second unit cause we wont be as likely to have defensive let downs on that end. I just think we are MUCH tougher to defend with a finisher at center who plays near the rim with that starting unit, as well as a big who can run the floor with all the steals we get. we need easy baskets so its not all jumpers.

with the second unit if you have:

Livingston, thornton, JJ, AK or mirza, Garnett thats a solid lineup that can score and defend

[Prokorov]

Also, i wouldnt mind seeing Plumlee playing next to garnett at times....

That really helps with our rebounding. and unlike lopez, plumlee is good enough defending the PnR that KG doesnt constantly have to help and isnt always forced to rotate all over the place.

Dwill, Thornton, Johnson, KG, Plumlee is a lineup that can help maintain the glass while still having scoring and defense

[Zachbretton]

with the second unit if you have:

Livingston, thornton, JJ, AK or mirza, Garnett thats a solid lineup that can score and defend

That is a second unit I can be completely on board with.

I hope Kidd figures it out, because though KG being in the second unit isn't the more glorious thing... It's what is best for us to organize the best situation for the post season

[kerry kittles]

I dont think it will be much different.

Gutieirez and Collins are out of the rotation.

Dwill, JJ, ivingston, Pierce, KG start and then Thornton, Mirza, Ak, Plumlee, and Blatche will all clearly play.

the only question is will anderson also be out of the rotation. guess it depends how thornton and AK look.

i cant see kidd shortening the rotation to less then 10. unless he just benches blatche or mirza all together, which i dont see

Plum should start (honestly) the whole post season. His energy is so helpful off the bat, he just needs to not get into too much foul trouble all the time. I'd say that if he starts out on the floor and at minute 7 we move to put KG in and maybe sub out either Dwill or Livingston.

100% agree with this. and i Love Kg with the second unit cause we wont be as likely to have defensive let downs on that end. I just think we are MUCH tougher to defend with a finisher at center who plays near the rim with that starting unit, as well as a big who can run the floor with all the steals we get. we need easy baskets so its not all jumpers.

with the second unit if you have:

Livingston, thornton, JJ, AK or mirza, Garnett thats a solid lineup that can score and defend

KG should absolutely start. He 12.7/13.7 last year in the playoffs and was a force on the defensive end. KG is our best defender and our best rebounder. He was the only player on the Nets with a +/- in both games against the Bulls. The Bulls really struggled to score at the rim with him in a game. We're really going to trust an inconsistent rookie, over HOF KG? We need establish our defense from the first whistle and not allow 2nd chance points or layups to dig ourselves a hole.

And trusting KG with the 2nd unit shouldn't matter as much as all the starters minutes should increase and Kidd should do of the none of the bull Livingston/Thornton/Anderson/Mirza/Blatche that he loves to start the 2nd quarter with and blow leads. Pierce or Johnson should be on the floor at all times. There should be no point in the playoffs where at least 2 starters are not on the floor.

[Prokorov]

KG should absolutely start. He 12.7/13.7 last year in the playoffs and was a force on the defensive end. KG is our best defender and our best rebounder. He was the only player on the Nets with a +/- in both games against the Bulls. The Bulls really struggled to score at the rim with him in a game. We're really going to trust an inconsistent rookie, over HOF KG? We need establish our defense from the first whistle and not allow 2nd chance points or layups to dig ourselves a hole.

i dont see how any of that is relevant to KG starting or not. I'm not advocating cutting his minutes, im just suggesting we change who he is on the court with.

as far as second chance points and offensive rebounds, those are going to continue to occur as long as we have pierce at PF

Also, a fun fact -- We have a better record with Plumlee as our starting center then with KG as our starting center. not that we should read a ton into that as there are other factors, but its not like we go down the crapper with mason starting.

[jeff1624]

Joe and Deron both better play 36+ minutes. KG and Pierce should be above 30 as well. Tired of seeing KG play less than Blatche.

[therealbig3]

Joe and Deron both better play 36+ minutes. KG and Pierce should be above 30 as well. Tired of seeing KG play less than Blatche.

I'd play Deron and Joe 40+ mpg. KG 28 mpg, and Pierce 32 mpg. Give or take a few minutes based on the situation. And our primary backup C should be Plumlee, not Blatche.

[Paradise]

Joe and Deron both better play 36+ minutes. KG and Pierce should be above 30 as well. Tired of seeing KG play less than Blatche.

I'd play Deron and Joe 40+ mpg. KG 28 mpg, and Pierce 32 mpg. Give or take a few minutes based on the situation. And our primary backup C should be Plumlee, not Blatche.

Isn't 40 a bit much, though? I pretty much agree with everything else.

Kirilenko should get 30 minutes at backup SF and Power Foward.

Deron
Shaun/Thornton
Joe/Kirilenko
Pierce/Kirilenko/Teletovic
KG/Plumlee

Let Deron get the backup PG minutes next to Kirilenko, Plumlee.

If Anderson had a brain, his size and ability to cover wings would make him a great backup for Livingston.

[exculpatory]

If Anderson had a brain, his size and ability to cover wings would make him a great backup for Livingston.

Put Anderson & Dray in a room together and pull a fire alarm: One will answer the phone, the other will accidentally run into a closet.

[Prokorov]

i think its pretty unreleastic to expect 40+ minutes from dwill and 30+ minutes for KG and Kirilenko.

i can pretty much gaurantee kirilenko wont play 30 minutes. doubt KG does either

[therealbig3]

Joe and Deron both better play 36+ minutes. KG and Pierce should be above 30 as well. Tired of seeing KG play less than Blatche.

I'd play Deron and Joe 40+ mpg. KG 28 mpg, and Pierce 32 mpg. Give or take a few minutes based on the situation. And our primary backup C should be Plumlee, not Blatche.

Isn't 40 a bit much, though? I pretty much agree with everything else.

Kirilenko should get 30 minutes at backup SF and Power Foward.

Deron
Shaun/Thornton
Joe/Kirilenko
Pierce/Kirilenko/Teletovic
KG/Plumlee

Let Deron get the backup PG minutes next to Kirilenko, Plumlee.

If Anderson had a brain, his size and ability to cover wings would make him a great backup for Livingston.

Not really, that's where they were at last year. What are we saving them for? Only reason you wouldn't play them that many minutes is because they don't have the stamina for it...but that's not the case, both of them are capable of playing a lot of minutes, so we should play them as much as possible.

[MGrand15]

And they both looked kinda worn out by game 7. Don't really want that to happen - although we need to focus on winning as much as possible so I'm sure minutes will depend on the flow of the game.

Watching this Hawk game, I wonder if Blatche is still sick or if Kidd is testing taking him out of the normal rotation completely. Plumlee's played REALLY well and they're probably on the same level defensively. Except Plumlee is a lot more consistent offensively and keeps his head in the game at all times.

Blatche can definitely be useful and awesome but I wonder if Kidd is going to start using him like he used Plumlee early in the year. Third center. He'd come in if we need offense and our backup isn't getting it done.

Also wonder if Mirza's leash is going to be extra short in the playoffs. He's had stretches where he gets abused on defense (happened with Taj Gibson in particular) and gets overwhelmed on offense. We can't afford to let him play through that if we have AK47 available to play PF. His shooting is going to be necessary against the Bulls though.

Kidd has decisions to make.

[Ronito]

Shorter leash on Thornton. Same with Blatche. If KG is effective, he needs to play more. No Alan Anderson, Jorge.

[MrDollarBills]

And they both looked kinda worn out by game 7. Don't really want that to happen - although we need to focus on winning as much as possible so I'm sure minutes will depend on the flow of the game.

Watching this Hawk game, I wonder if Blatche is still sick or if Kidd is testing taking him out of the normal rotation completely. Plumlee's played REALLY well and they're probably on the same level defensively. Except Plumlee is a lot more consistent offensively and keeps his head in the game at all times.

Blatche can definitely be useful and awesome but I wonder if Kidd is going to start using him like he used Plumlee early in the year. Third center. He'd come in if we need offense and our backup isn't getting it done.

Also wonder if Mirza's leash is going to be extra short in the playoffs. He's had stretches where he gets abused on defense (happened with Taj Gibson in particular) and gets overwhelmed on offense. We can't afford to let him play through that if we have AK47 available to play PF. His shooting is going to be necessary against the Bulls though.

Kidd has decisions to make.

Blatche deserves to be demoted to 3rd center, Plumlee has outplayed him by leaps and bounds

[2Mas]

Also, i wouldnt mind seeing Plumlee playing next to garnett at times....

That really helps with our rebounding. and unlike lopez, plumlee is good enough defending the PnR that KG doesnt constantly have to help and isnt always forced to rotate all over the place.

Dwill, Thornton, Johnson, KG, Plumlee is a lineup that can help maintain the glass while still having scoring and defense

Agreed. Esp if you guys get Chi first round. Start Dwill-JJ-Pierce-Kg=Plum. Let Plumlee & Noah run around & tire each other out. Let KG guard Boozer.

Would seriously help on the glass, be easier for PP to guard Dunleavy Jr. instead of bangin down low. & Off the bench you go Livingston-Thornton- AK47- Mirza or Blatche.

Even in the 2nd round if you get West/Hibbert or Bosh & Haslem. Playoffs are gonna slow the team down & you're gonna need 2 bigs. Plumlee is a great compliment to KG. It's not like you'r loosing a long range threat with Livingston out the line up. Hopefully Kidd does this.

[Prokorov]

Also, i wouldnt mind seeing Plumlee playing next to garnett at times....

That really helps with our rebounding. and unlike lopez, plumlee is good enough defending the PnR that KG doesnt constantly have to help and isnt always forced to rotate all over the place.

Dwill, Thornton, Johnson, KG, Plumlee is a lineup that can help maintain the glass while still having scoring and defense

Agreed. Esp if you guys get Chi first round. Start Dwill-JJ-Pierce-Kg=Plum. Let Plumlee & Noah run around & tire each other out. Let KG guard Boozer.

Would seriously help on the glass, be easier for PP to guard Dunleavy Jr. instead of bangin down low. & Off the bench you go Livingston-Thornton- AK47- Mirza or Blatche.

Even in the 2nd round if you get West/Hibbert or Bosh & Haslem. Playoffs are gonna slow the team down & you're gonna need 2 bigs. Plumlee is a great compliment to KG. It's not like you'r loosing a long range threat with Livingston out the line up. Hopefully Kidd does this.

we did see it some last night. i think he might consider it

[jeff1624]

No way would it change the starting five to fit it Plumlee. Boozer can't guard pierce, why would you take that advantage away?

[NyCeEvO]

Joe and Deron both better play 36+ minutes. KG and Pierce should be above 30 as well. Tired of seeing KG play less than Blatche.

I'd play Deron and Joe 40+ mpg. KG 28 mpg, and Pierce 32 mpg. Give or take a few minutes based on the situation. And our primary backup C should be Plumlee, not Blatche.

Isn't 40 a bit much, though? I pretty much agree with everything else.

Historically, the main options on playoff teams average high 30s to low 40s throughout the entire playoffs.

So, no it shouldn't be too much.

However, given the fact that Kidd is our head coach, I'll be ecstatic just seeing him make sure that at least 2 starters are on the court all the time.

I'm so tired of the all bench lineup that blows leads and I really really REALLY hope Kidd doesn't do it in the playoffs. The games are too important.