Starting Snell?

[YettiBull]

there is absolutely no reason for him not to continue to get minutes. He is playing with confidence and has the ability to get to the hoop and knock down shoots. Played excellent defense on LBJ IMO as well.

[Stratmaster]

I don't mean to take anything away from Tony. But I was at the Cavs game and LBJ looked like he was off on a beach somewhere. Great game by Tony. He did everything he was asked to, and he can only play the guy that shows up. If you think that game will be typical of an LBJ/Snell matchup, you are mistaken. But it doesn't matter much because Jimmy will be the designated Bron Bron stopper.

I would hope that the plan isn't to just put Jimmy on Lebron all game long considering we need his offense as well. Snell should definitely take turns defending him.

Agreed. Somebody other than Butler may have to guard LBJ at some point, and if so, Tony has shown more than any other wing as far as possibly keeping damage to a minimum against a player the size of LBJ. Keep in mind though that LBJ won't play all 48 minutes (and knowing Thibs, Jimmy just might). Also, by the time we get into that kind of playoff matchup, if it ever comes, I think Jimmy's scoring burden may be lessened as Rose continues to progress and the team gels together. WE do need some offense from jimmy, but hopefully by then we aren't still relying on 20 ppg from him to have a chance to win.

[Ctownbulls]

To put some perspective on everything, he has only had 3 really good games and has been playing much better (as in actually contributing) for 10 games. We are going to have to take a wait and see approach, which I think Thibs will. I don't think he will automatically get all backup minutes...

...even though I personally think he should. Still not mad if he doesn't right away.

[Fastbrk4brkfast]

I don't mean to take anything away from Tony. But I was at the Cavs game and LBJ looked like he was off on a beach somewhere. Great game by Tony. He did everything he was asked to, and he can only play the guy that shows up. If you think that game will be typical of an LBJ/Snell matchup, you are mistaken. But it doesn't matter much because Jimmy will be the designated Bron Bron stopper.

I would hope that the plan isn't to just put Jimmy on Lebron all game long considering we need his offense as well. Snell should definitely take turns defending him.

Agreed. Somebody other than Butler may have to guard LBJ at some point, and if so, Tony has shown more than any other wing as far as possibly keeping damage to a minimum against a player the size of LBJ. Keep in mind though that LBJ won't play all 48 minutes (and knowing Thibs, Jimmy just might). Also, by the time we get into that kind of playoff matchup, if it ever comes, I think Jimmy's scoring burden may be lessened as Rose continues to progress and the team gels together. WE do need some offense from jimmy, but hopefully by then we aren't still relying on 20 ppg from him to have a chance to win.

I saw the same Cavs game you did. I was happy with Tony's perimeter D on Lebron. It looked like Jimmy let him borrow his notes on body position and timing. On the outside and driving the lane Tony was able to consistently get in and knock the ball loose. You're right that Lebron was mailing it in. I don't remember him taking Tony to the post one time that game which is absolutely insane for him not to do that. I'm just saying I'm more than satisfied with how Tony played him and I think he can be trusted to guard him 1 on 1 on the perimeter for stretches, and then he'll need help if James takes him to the post.

The point was that this is the number 1 factor in how Thibodeau determines who plays. Even if Lebron was daydreaming Tony executed the defense. That means we'll be seeing him out there.

Bit of a tangent but if we're going to talk about who plays Lebron on possessions when it's not Jimmy I'd really really like to see Niko get a crack at it at some point.

[Stratmaster]

I would hope that the plan isn't to just put Jimmy on Lebron all game long considering we need his offense as well. Snell should definitely take turns defending him.

Agreed. Somebody other than Butler may have to guard LBJ at some point, and if so, Tony has shown more than any other wing as far as possibly keeping damage to a minimum against a player the size of LBJ. Keep in mind though that LBJ won't play all 48 minutes (and knowing Thibs, Jimmy just might). Also, by the time we get into that kind of playoff matchup, if it ever comes, I think Jimmy's scoring burden may be lessened as Rose continues to progress and the team gels together. WE do need some offense from jimmy, but hopefully by then we aren't still relying on 20 ppg from him to have a chance to win.

I saw the same Cavs game you did. I was happy with Tony's perimeter D on Lebron. It looked like Jimmy let him borrow his notes on body position and timing. On the outside and driving the lane Tony was able to consistently get in and knock the ball loose. You're right that Lebron was mailing it in. I don't remember him taking Tony to the post one time that game which is absolutely insane for him not to do that. I'm just saying I'm more than satisfied with how Tony played him and I think he can be trusted to guard him 1 on 1 on the perimeter for stretches, and then he'll need help if James takes him to the post.

The point was that this is the number 1 factor in how Thibodeau determines who plays. Even if Lebron was daydreaming Tony executed the defense. That means we'll be seeing him out there.

Bit of a tangent but if we're going to talk about who plays Lebron on possessions when it's not Jimmy I'd really really like to see Niko get a crack at it at some point.

I agree with all that up to the Niko comment. I want to see more of Niko and I'm a huge fan, but LBJ could probably get Niko fouled out in 1 quarter.

[Fastbrk4brkfast]

Agreed. Somebody other than Butler may have to guard LBJ at some point, and if so, Tony has shown more than any other wing as far as possibly keeping damage to a minimum against a player the size of LBJ. Keep in mind though that LBJ won't play all 48 minutes (and knowing Thibs, Jimmy just might). Also, by the time we get into that kind of playoff matchup, if it ever comes, I think Jimmy's scoring burden may be lessened as Rose continues to progress and the team gels together. WE do need some offense from jimmy, but hopefully by then we aren't still relying on 20 ppg from him to have a chance to win.

I saw the same Cavs game you did. I was happy with Tony's perimeter D on Lebron. It looked like Jimmy let him borrow his notes on body position and timing. On the outside and driving the lane Tony was able to consistently get in and knock the ball loose. You're right that Lebron was mailing it in. I don't remember him taking Tony to the post one time that game which is absolutely insane for him not to do that. I'm just saying I'm more than satisfied with how Tony played him and I think he can be trusted to guard him 1 on 1 on the perimeter for stretches, and then he'll need help if James takes him to the post.

The point was that this is the number 1 factor in how Thibodeau determines who plays. Even if Lebron was daydreaming Tony executed the defense. That means we'll be seeing him out there.

Bit of a tangent but if we're going to talk about who plays Lebron on possessions when it's not Jimmy I'd really really like to see Niko get a crack at it at some point.

I agree with all that up to the Niko comment. I want to see more of Niko and I'm a huge fan, but LBJ could probably get Niko fouled out in 1 quarter.

Niko's got the physical tools to make it interesting. Gotta try out that new Rising Stars street cred on the refs some time.

[RayClayMatthews]

well, so much for that.