What is JR's Role?
by JLucas4092 on Oct 3, 2008 9:48 AM MDT
3 comments
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?
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You not crazy man!
I like the idea of starting D. Jones at SG next to A.I., i would also like to see Smush Parker impress people and crack the line-up as the PG. I totally agree with JR’s “Ginobili Role”. I think that fits him perfectly, he WILL get his minutes and give us a big spark doing so. This team is being overlooked by EVERYONE but Nuggets fans, and that is fine by me. We will surprise people this year.
GO NUGGETS!!!!
MELO!!!
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by abaca15 on Oct 3, 2008 11:46 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it matter who we start at the 2...
…as long as we at least give AI a chance at the 1 for a few games. Who knows? Giving AI starters minutes at the 1 could make him a genuine set-up playmaker to distribute the ball to JR and Melo and hit shots when he gets left open. AI sucks when he tries to force his jumpshot though, and I worry not playing him off the ball he won’t get any looks and he’ll try to force it offensively. All he needs to do is realise that JR and Melo can carry the team offensively, he just needs to use his playmaking skills to get them the ball, and drive inside or shoot when he gets a chance. It could really revolutionise our team. How many teams have a great playmaking 1 guard with genuine scoring skills? Utah, New Orleans, San Antonio, Phoenix. They seem to do quite well for themselves.
I don’t think it matters if we start JR, Jones or even Balkman at the 2. I have always thought playing Ginobilli off the bench was silly, just in the sense that it really made no difference if he was physically sitting at the ball up because he is going to play 35 minutes anyway. I get the theory that the team gets a morale boost when he stands up, I just don’t see any evidence that its actually benificial in any way.
By the way, am I the only one worried about how Karl is suddenly obsessed with trying to turn the team into defenders? Its just that, its our offense that got us in the postseason last year, and if we don’t continue develop that area whilst trying to cram in a heap of defence work we could be left in no-mans land and be poor in both areas.
by joshhopp on Oct 4, 2008 4:39 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d actually say nene is better at his defensive role than his offensive one, at least at guarding the post.
by ovhargro on Oct 18, 2008 12:19 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs
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