NatP4 wrote:The bench will be a strength if Brooks plays the right guys, plain and simple. Frazier-Meeks-Oubre-Scott-Mahinmi would be a nightmare. Hell if Mac isn't ready, they can run a lineup of Sato, Meeks, Oubre, Scott, Mahinmi where the main offensive approach is pick and roll with spacing and running Meeks around screens. The bench won't be as bad as last season.
The bench won't be the festering eyesore it was last season, in large part because Frazier is an NBA player, whereas Burke isn't. If Mahinmi stays healthy, it might be an effective defensive unit. But it still won't be a good bench, because we can't score.
How can Frazier run a pick and roll if he can't shoot or finish well? Mahinmi is no Anthony Davis (to put it mildly). As for Meeks-if-healthy: he's a fine spot-up shooter. And, as far as I'm aware...that's it. The ability to rub off screens and consistently get enough separation to shoot off of a curl is an elite offensive skill that, frankly, not many players have. Porter's not bad at it, but he's also 6'9". You need height and a quick release to successfully pull this off in the NBA. Kyle Korver is 6'7". Klay is 6'7". Two recent kings of using off-the-ball movement to create shooting opportunities -- Reggie Miller and Rip Hamilton -- were each 6'7". Meeks is 6'4". I love Beal (6'5"), but look at how often he gets bottled up off the ball when trying to come off screens.
Shorter shooters like Meeks (and Beal...and Redick) need to use their handle and athleticism to create space. Otherwise, a playmaker has to create space for them. Beal has worked on his handle, and can now create space for himself. Redick has worked hard on his game, but he's still mostly a spot-up guy who needs a playmaker. I'd put Meeks in that category as well.
Always remember, my friend: the world will change again. And you may have to come back through everywhere you've been.