Post#311 » by Hair Canada » Fri May 28, 2021 4:43 am
Some thoughts:
Overall, not bad. But the ommissions, even if they are few, are in key positions. Given how things have shaped up, the two most important players that I hope end up in the qualifiers are CoJo and Olynyk. CoJo because he's the only experienced high-level true playmaker in this roster and Olynyk because he's the only true big (PF/C) who can shoot and pass at a high level, which is crucial for the FIBA game. Everyone else seems replaceable to some degree (including Wiggins/Brooks/Barrett if at least two of these show up). Unfortunately, both CoJo and Olynyk are (restricted) free agents and so I think neither is a lock-in.
As others have noted, the PG position seems like the weakest link. What a shame, as this was supposed to be our forté. If Cojo is in, then we should be okay with NAW as a potential backup. But I imagine Nurse might want another true PG, as NAW is more of a SG. And in any case, you want to have multiple creators on the court. Brooks, Barrett, and Wiggins can all create, but they more often do it for themselves than for others.
So who else? Nembhard might be the guy, both because he's already played for Team Canada and Nurse at the WC and because coaches seem to love having him on the court at just about any level he's played. But I think I'd actually prefer to see TBH get a shot after a marvelous season in Germany, as he has better FIBA experience and the advantage of leading a pro team. In any case, whoever it is, I think that's more important than having say a shooter like Mulder on the team. You need to have the ball moving and playmakers who can find guys in their best spots and maximize their strengths.
As for the bigs, we have a gluttony of them, but I do think having both Boucher and Wiltjer out hurts some. As I said, it leaves Olynyk as the one big man who can shoot also shoot it (as well as create for others). Birch and TT bring much of the same. And so do Powell and Clarke. So arguably it would be more useful to have Lyles or Brissett (and maybe even both) than all of the other 4 next to Olynyk (again, really hope he's in). They bring a more diverse skillset, though we'll need to see that Lyles is in good shape. And
Speaking of bigs, it's interesting to see Alexander on the roster but not Kabengele. I think neither of these has/had a good chance to make it to the final roster. But Kabengele is largely considered to have a higher ceiling down the line and brings outside shooting to the table.
There's more, but let's leave some for training camp.
“If every basketball player worked as hard as I did, I’d be out of a job.”
— Steve Nash
