I wrote this yesterday afternoon, before the Tinsley rumor. Hopefully, that deal doesn’t go through. If it doesn’t, my post still stands (as well as my sanity). If it does…. Anyway, I thought I’d post it to see what others have to think. Technically, it still applies, just move AI to the 2 and Tinsley to the point.
While the team has many concerns for the upcoming season, I think one that people are overlooking is what to do with the JR Smith / Allen Iverson combo. Specifically does AI start at the point or does JR come off of the bench? Honestly, I personally think that the size problem starting AI at SG was overblown last season. Honestly, AI and Carter held their own on defense (or as much as we can expect AI to hold his own). Besides, how many really big backcourts are there in the NBA? Houston (T-Mac) and Seattle (Durant) come to mind. Now as for AC sucking on offense, that I can’t dispute. So do we start AI at the point and hope that he can run an offense? I always thought his ballhog reputation was undeserved. The bigger problem with starting AI the point, in my opinion, is the lack of balance on our lineup. If we start AI at the point, and JR at the SG position, we have the following lineup:
AI – Huge advantage offense
JR – Advantage offense
Melo – Huge advantage offense
KMart – Advantage defense
Nene – Advantage offense
4 players that are better on offense (and by quite a bit) than defense. My problem with that lineup isn’t AI at the point, it’s JR starting at the 2. I honestly believe that JR’s best role is what I call the “Ginobili Role” where he still plays 30-35 mpg, but he comes off of the bench to provide a spark. I always hoped Bobby Jones would take the SG role, but he couldn’t do it. Here’s hoping Dahntay Jones can. If so, that gives us the following lineup:
AI – Huge advantage offense
Jones – Huge advantage defense
Melo – Huge advantage offense
KMart – Advantage defense
Nene – Advantage offense
Much more balanced. Plus, it allows JR to come off of the bench and really wake things up. Ultimately, I’m thrilled with the flexibility we have on this team – even if I don’t like some of the players.
Can Play 4 Positions:
Balkman (SG, SF, PF, C in emergency)
Can Play 3 Positions:
Melo (SG, SF, PF); Kleiza (SG, SF, PF); KMart (SF, PF, C)
Can Play 2 Positions:
Andersen (PF, C); Hunter (PF, C); AI (PG, SG); Dahntay (SG, SF); Nene (PF, C); JR (SG, SF); Weems (SG, SF); Howard (SF, PF)
Thoughts? Am I crazy for not wanting to start our best 5 players? Am I crazy for suggesting AI should run the point? Am I crazy for following this God-forsaken team?
