colorfl1 wrote:

jrodmc wrote:Switch Shump and JR, and you've arrived at the current, injury-free reality, colorfl1.

JR's suddenly earned the right to start? For what? Based on what? Knee surgery?

You need JR on that second unit. The only true offensive firepower you have is Stat, and as the AnswerMan is betting the Krispy Farm, that aint no sure thing. Watching a second unit of Kmart of the blue light, flat line, non rotational j, the occasional Metta 3, and Prigs, who'd rather switch than shoot, would be utterly painful. All D and very little O makes a rotation a very dull watch.

Shump is a nice running mate with Felton. JR would not be. Let Mr. Smith play his way into the starter's unit. Or Shump play his way out of it. Or (god forbid) Ray get beat out by Prigs or Beno.

Life is filled with Kreme and possibilities. misterearl's Amare negativity fixation notwithstanding.

Very good points Jrodmc, but it seems evident that playing off Prigs and with a defensive unit would best aid Shumpert's offensive evolution. He will have more chances to run and drive to the basket playing with the likes of Martin, Stat and Meta.

His true talents would get lost as 5th offensive option starting with Carmelo, Bargs, Chandler and Felton.
I really feel that Shumpert can grow into a star if given enough of a role to get in rhythm and gain confidence.

If I'm not mistaken, last season was the evolution of the Shump jumpshot, was it not? Does that get thrown into the toilet now? I think our lone tested yoot can also develop nicely next to Ray getting kick out j's, and his defensive prowess is desperately needed more on that 1st unit than his continuing 1st step to the rack development on the second unit.

I have visions of Ray learning that when he drives the lane and draws folks, there's going to be this freak athelete on the floor with him who will gladly convert some nasty dunks, as well as some easy 3's and mid range jumpers.

We shall see.

jrodmc wrote:

colorfl1 wrote:

jrodmc wrote:Switch Shump and JR, and you've arrived at the current, injury-free reality, colorfl1.

JR's suddenly earned the right to start? For what? Based on what? Knee surgery?

You need JR on that second unit. The only true offensive firepower you have is Stat, and as the AnswerMan is betting the Krispy Farm, that aint no sure thing. Watching a second unit of Kmart of the blue light, flat line, non rotational j, the occasional Metta 3, and Prigs, who'd rather switch than shoot, would be utterly painful. All D and very little O makes a rotation a very dull watch.

Shump is a nice running mate with Felton. JR would not be. Let Mr. Smith play his way into the starter's unit. Or Shump play his way out of it. Or (god forbid) Ray get beat out by Prigs or Beno.

Life is filled with Kreme and possibilities. misterearl's Amare negativity fixation notwithstanding.

Very good points Jrodmc, but it seems evident that playing off Prigs and with a defensive unit would best aid Shumpert's offensive evolution. He will have more chances to run and drive to the basket playing with the likes of Martin, Stat and Meta.

His true talents would get lost as 5th offensive option starting with Carmelo, Bargs, Chandler and Felton.
I really feel that Shumpert can grow into a star if given enough of a role to get in rhythm and gain confidence.

If I'm not mistaken, last season was the evolution of the Shump jumpshot, was it not? Does that get thrown into the toilet now? I think our lone tested yoot can also develop nicely next to Ray getting kick out j's, and his defensive prowess is desperately needed more on that 1st unit than his continuing 1st step to the rack development on the second unit.

I have visions of Ray learning that when he drives the lane and draws folks, there's going to be this freak athelete on the floor with him who will gladly convert some nasty dunks, as well as some easy 3's and mid range jumpers.

We shall see.

It COULD become a moot point. Woody likes to run small lineups and JR could (I believe) play the small forward spot leaving the 2spot to Shump. Shump doesn't take many shots, mainly finding his offense within the flow of the game unlike guys like JR and Melo that try force their will on the offensive end. I think there would be enough shot to go around for Melo, JR and Shump in the starting lineup. Don't get it twisted though, I prefer JR off the bench but, I can see how it could work.

and with bargs when you're gonna make it rain, like against the warriors and the lakers,

consider this:

go with:

metta world peace at CENTER
melo at PF
bargs SMALL
guard
guard

because metta is strong he can keep hibbert out of the paint, from getting position in the first place, and the few times hibbert would get the ball he can shoot over him maybe, but this is not a big deal with metta giving you a ton of options at the C on offense,