Line-ups, rotation, analysis thread.

[penbeast0]

And it's better using Kuzma and Bertans? I do believe in the modern spacing offense, but I think the talent differential is large enough between Harrell and Kuzma that it's worth losing the spacing effect. The difference between Harrell and the guys he will typically be guarding makes it worth suffering his defense if he can keep his energy, efficiency, and volume playing against starters, which I know you question.

[doclinkin]

The explanation for benching Gafford is that both Trez and TB are expiring contracts. Since TB has not played, and half the season is over, the team kinda has to see what they have in him to know whether to pay to keep him, or pay to keep Trez. Gafford is on the roster, locked in long term. Tough to see who plays well with whom if you have no continuity.

[CobraCommander]

The explanation for benching Gafford is that both Trez and TB are expiring contracts. Since TB has not played, and half the season is over, the team kinda has to see what they have in him to know whether to pay to keep him, or pay to keep Trez. Gafford is on the roster, locked in long term. Tough to see who plays well with whom if you have no continuity.

So they giving upon winning while Beal in his prime to see if tb and Trez are going to be on roster in future?

I guess shouldn’t tune in until they have a quality product

[FAH1223]

Read on Twitter

[nate33]

Read on Twitter

Imagine that trio with Ben Simmons at point guard. Add Kispert or Bertans to space the floor and it could be real interesting.

[DCZards]

Read on Twitter

Imagine that trio with Ben Simmons at point guard. Add Kispert or Bertans to space the floor and it could be real interesting.

Defensively that would be an awesome team. But it would definitely need much more and better shooting. Kispert is good but unproven and Bertans is strictly a 3pt shooter…and right now he’s not even very good at that.

[nate33]

Read on Twitter

Imagine that trio with Ben Simmons at point guard. Add Kispert or Bertans to space the floor and it could be real interesting.

Defensively that would be an awesome team. But it would definitely need much more and better shooting. Kispert is good but unproven and Bertans is strictly a 3pt shooter…and right now he’s not even very good at that.

It wouldn't be an offensive juggernaut or anything - it's difficult to be a juggernaut without an elite #1 option. But with no true center, and all 3 of Kuzma, Hachimura and Avdija being respectable enough shooters that you have to guard them, it would open up the paint quite a bit. Teams could not park a rim protector in the paint.

The offense would basically be to pick on the shortest player on the other team. Run that guy through screens until he is switched onto one of Kuzma, Simmons or Hachimura, and then just back him under the basket.

[dckingsfan]

I would to see Avidja move to the starting lineup and see Kispert moved to the second unit.

If you are going to play two full units like Wes seems to be leaning toward. I like:

Neto/KCP/Avidja/Kuzma/Gafford

And

Smith/Satoransky/Kispert/Hachimura/Bryant

I think that Kispert's strength don't go well with the first unit as much as Avidja's skill do. Namely you have 4 players that want their shots on the first unit. And if Satoransky is going to play on the second unit - I don't like the Satoransky/Avidja combo as they are too similar.

1/2 Cent... thoughts?

[Frichuela]

I would to see Avidja move to the starting lineup and see Kispert moved to the second unit.

If you are going to play two full units like Wes seems to be leaning toward. I like:

Neto/KCP/Avidja/Kuzma/Gafford

And

Smith/Satoransky/Kispert/Hachimura/Bryant

I think that Kispert's strength don't go well with the first unit as much as Avidja's skill do. Namely you have 4 players that want their shots on the first unit. And if Satoransky is going to play on the second unit - I don't like the Satoransky/Avidja combo as they are too similar.

1/2 Cent... thoughts?

Agreed with one caveat: I’d remove Neto from any line up, Play Sato as starter and have a 9 men rotation. Neto is not a PG but an undersized SG that get’s abused defensively, particularly when playing with the first unit. On top of that, his 3 pt shooting is putrid.

The other change is (if he ever plays) Porzingis has to be the stating center and Gafford with the 2 unit. Bryant can also accompany Neto in the bench on towel waving duties.

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Next year:

PG/Sato
Beal/KCP
Deni/Krispy
Kuz/Rui
Zinga/Gafford

Is that team any good?

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

I know the majority of posters think Brogdan is too old for our window. But boy is he good.

Brogs
Beal
Deni
Kuz
Bazinga Gaff

Would the Pacers take Rui, KCP and a second for Brogdan?

[NatP4]

trade one of Kuzma or Rui and sign Otto for the MLE. Draft Dyson Daniels. Draft Kessler with the pick you get for Kuzma.

Daniels Sato Ayayi
Beal Kispert
KCP Otto
Avdija Rui Gill
Porzingis Gafford Kessler

Find one more 2/3 for depth.

[Ruzious]

trade one of Kuzma or Rui and sign Otto for the MLE. Draft Dyson Daniels. Draft Kessler with the pick you get for Kuzma.

Daniels Sato Ayayi
Beal Kispert
KCP Otto
Avdija Rui Gill
Porzingis Gafford Kessler

Find one more 2/3 for depth.

Surrounding Beal with defenders and snipers. I see what you're doing there.

[nate33]

To finish off the season, the Wizards should go with the following starting lineup:

PG Sato
SG KCP
SF Avdija
PF Kuzma
C Porzingis

There is no longer a justification to bring Avdija off the bench. Now that we have Porzingis to space the floor, the floor spacing of Kispert is no longer as critical so we can bring in the superior defense and playmaking of Avdija.

The second unit should have good chemistry too as our most PG-dependent players (Rui, Gafford, Kispert) can play alongside a ball-dominant pass-first PG in Ish. Try and leave one of Avdija, Kuzma or Sato on the floor with the 2nd unit to add another ball handler.

[Frichuela]

To finish off the season, the Wizards should go with the following starting lineup:

PG Sato
SG KCP
SF Avdija
PF Kuzma
C Porzingis

There is no longer a justification to bring Avdija off the bench. Now that we have Porzingis to space the floor, the floor spacing of Kispert is no longer as critical so we can bring in the superior defense and playmaking of Avdija.

The second unit should have good chemistry too as our most PG-dependent players (Rui, Gafford, Kispert) can play alongside a ball-dominant pass-first PG in Ish. Try and leave one of Avdija, Kuzma or Sato on the floor with the 2nd unit to add another ball handler.

Amen! 1000%. The problem is Wes is in love with Neto…will he see the light?

[FAH1223]

Read on Twitter

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

Read on Twitter

Pooh’s good. I’d like to see him get a shot at color commentary on Wiz broadcasts

[SUPERBALLMAN]

I know the majority of posters think Brogdan is too old for our window. But boy is he good.

Brogs
Beal
Deni
Kuz
Bazinga Gaff

Would the Pacers take Rui, KCP and a second for Brogdan?

IMO Brogan is a no brainer target for us. Gooden even mentioned during the broadcast he is not in the Pacers plans moving forward.

From the vet collection of Ish, Neto, Sato I think we got the backup/depth at PG covered with one or 2 of them brought back on a low cost deal, they're all good team & locker room guys. But we need to find a starter.

Assuming Beal at SG. Kispert & KCP provide depth.

The Forwards I see a rotation of Kuz, Rui, Deni rotating at the 3 & 4 spots throughout the game, what order doesn't really matter... Kuz/Deni, Kuz/Rui, Rui/Deni. KCP adds depth at SF & Gil at PF brought back at low cost deal.

Center KP with Gaf as his backup. Wouldn't mind keeping Bryant as KP injury insurance but unlikely. Carey & Gil will be the C depth.

I think the team is pretty much set as is , just need the PG.

[9 and 20]

I know the majority of posters think Brogdan is too old for our window. But boy is he good.

Brogs
Beal
Deni
Kuz
Bazinga Gaff

Would the Pacers take Rui, KCP and a second for Brogdan?

IMO Brogan is a no brainer target for us. Gooden even mentioned during the broadcast he is not in the Pacers plans moving forward.

From the vet collection of Ish, Neto, Sato I think we got the backup/depth at PG covered with one or 2 of them brought back on a low cost deal, they're all good team & locker room guys. But we need to find a starter.

Assuming Beal at SG. Kispert & KCP provide depth.

The Forwards I see a rotation of Kuz, Rui, Deni rotating at the 3 & 4 spots throughout the game, what order doesn't really matter... Kuz/Deni, Kuz/Rui, Rui/Deni. KCP adds depth at SF & Gil at PF brought back at low cost deal.

Center KP with Gaf as his backup. Wouldn't mind keeping Bryant as KP injury insurance but unlikely. Carey & Gil will be the C depth.

I think the team is pretty much set as is , just need the PG.

I'd like Brogdan too but if we keep all of Rui/Deni/Kispert, the only thing left to trade are future firsts. I'm not sure we should do that.

We probably still have the rights to Party John Ramos????

[long suffrin' boulez fan]

I know the majority of posters think Brogdan is too old for our window. But boy is he good.

Brogs
Beal
Deni
Kuz
Bazinga Gaff

Would the Pacers take Rui, KCP and a second for Brogdan?

IMO Brogan is a no brainer target for us. Gooden even mentioned during the broadcast he is not in the Pacers plans moving forward.

From the vet collection of Ish, Neto, Sato I think we got the backup/depth at PG covered with one or 2 of them brought back on a low cost deal, they're all good team & locker room guys. But we need to find a starter.

Assuming Beal at SG. Kispert & KCP provide depth.

The Forwards I see a rotation of Kuz, Rui, Deni rotating at the 3 & 4 spots throughout the game, what order doesn't really matter... Kuz/Deni, Kuz/Rui, Rui/Deni. KCP adds depth at SF & Gil at PF brought back at low cost deal.

Center KP with Gaf as his backup. Wouldn't mind keeping Bryant as KP injury insurance but unlikely. Carey & Gil will be the C depth.

I think the team is pretty much set as is , just need the PG.

I'd like Brogdan too but if we keep all of Rui/Deni/Kispert, the only thing left to trade are future firsts. I'm not sure we should do that.

We probably still have the rights to Party John Ramos????

Good points. I’d give up Rui or Krispy plus Todd. Don’t know if that would do it.

PIF will kill me, but I’d consider giving up our first instead. If we’re going to try to win in this window, might as well go for it.