The Difference

[tmorgan]

Pre-Halloween party post while the wife tries to get her costume together...

The difference between this season and last is the depth of the squad. Last year, our bench consisted of the corpse of a once average PG, an inexperienced 3-D wing with a streaky shot, a REALLY inexperienced wing that couldn't do much right, a nominal PF that didn't do anything but shoot 3's, and a burly backup C that was the only above-average bench contributor in general.

This year, once Reggie returns, our bench will be a speedy pace PG with vision, a 3rd string PG clearly better than last year's 2nd string vet, a few 3-D wings with some potential, a hopefully more experienced young bull with potential, a very solid stretch 4/5, a rookie stretch 4/5 with a handle, our burly backup C, and an absolute giant for certain matchups.

This is not just better... it's exponentially better. If the starting unit produces at exactly the same level as last year, we'll win 6-10 more games. It's that big of a difference. There's reason (age) to hope the starting unit improves as well, particularly Tobias, Dre, and KCP, but even if they don't, we're a much better team.

I got League Pass this year. I hadn't bothered since I left Michigan again four years ago, but I'm confident enough that I'll see quality basketball that I spent the $120.

Enjoy it, everyone. Even if KCP craps the bed or Stanley doesn't develop, we're still going to be a good team for a number of years. The only question is ceiling, and given management's willingness to make moves, you can't judge our ceiling on the current roster. No bad contracts (except the remains of Smiff's stretch provision), a very young roster, a very good management team, and a very good coach. It's good to be back.

[zeebneeb]

Absolutely. Great post, and like I said early after last year's season, improve the bench which was The worst in the league, and the team wins 50+games.

Stan though didn't just improve the bench, he possibly made it one if the best in the league with versatility coming out the wazoo.

[joedumars1]

I can't wait till RJ get's back. Things i'm thinking of. I just hope he doesn't come back and he re aggravates it. That would be a HUGE downer for me

[AnnArborpiston]

What will our actual lineups be? I havent followed closely enough to know all the nicknames youve described.

Drummond
Harris
Morris
KCP
RJ

Baynes
Leuer
SJ
Bullock
Ish Smith

I know they will never play as complete separate units, but is that what it basically shapes out to be?

[Pharaoh]

Nicknames for our players:

Drummond - The Penguin, Beast From The East, I'll Bangya

Harris - Toby, Husky, Hairy

Morris - Mook

KCP - Todd's Stepfather

RJ - Wacko, Miller

Baynes - Mask, Voice, Aussie
Leuer - Jon Boy
SJ - Stanimal
Bullock - Bull
Ish Smith - "The"

Henry - King, Kingy
Hilliard - Hilly

Boban - Giant, Monstar, Bobo the Great

Beno - Urethra


Sent from my SM-J110F using RealGM mobile app

[hoophabit]

I liked "Meat" as the nickname for Baynes. Seems to fit him well.

[DCintheD]

this post makes me happy

[Manocad]

Todd's Stepfather...LOL

Awesome

[Han Solo]

Nicknames for our players:

Drummond - The Penguin, Beast From The East, I'll Bangya

Harris - Toby, Husky, Hairy

Morris - Mook

KCP - Todd's Stepfather

RJ - Wacko, Miller

Baynes - Mask, Voice, Aussie
Leuer - Jon Boy
SJ - Stanimal
Bullock - Bull
Ish Smith - "The"

Henry - King, Kingy
Hilliard - Hilly

Boban - Giant, Monstar, Bobo the Great

Beno - Urethra


Sent from my SM-J110F using RealGM mobile app

Add Kentavious Crapwell-Poop to Pope's list.

[jakebernat]

I liked "Meat" as the nickname for Baynes. Seems to fit him well.

MEEEEEEEAAAT!! Thank you rick mahorn for that one lmao

[mercury]

I can see when RJ get's into one of his "me vs. the world" moments SVG give Ish the nod for extended minutes... his way of saying this is how I want our team to play.... A luxury we haven't had b4