With all the line up switcheroos, everyone's got an opinion.

Most seem to focus on size, shooting or defense. These are all concerns, but one trumps them: the attitude of the 5 on the floor. Just like the other three characteristics, it is necessary to balance a teams attitude in order to win.

The last few games give many good examples.

-- In the last overtime loss, it was more Al's energy and verve than his scoringthat the team missed after his fouling out.

-- In last night's win, Hughes calmness, grace, and confidence set a good tone for the starting five.

-- David Lee's conscious decision to bring energy from early on also had a positive effect.

So when you argue for your starting five, consider the players disposition.

If you put nate in the game, who's out there with enough calmness to balance the team? You throw Al, Rooster, Darko, TD and Hill out there with him, and you'll see turnover after turnover.

If Duhon is running the point, and chandler is in, someone has to be on the floor that looks like they might have had a cup of coffee sometime in their life. Playing Darko, Rooster and JJ with those two is a presciption for getting the team overwhelmed for a few minutes.

This is why D'antoni is so fond of Jeffries: his neutrality can help to balance a team out-- he can go either way.

Think of this when you decide which FA's you want to bring in here, and which ones you want to resign.

I really think this is a legit point and perspective on team ballance. You def. are right, its not only about the skillsets and how they mix together, but also about their attitude and on court behaviour.

Though I think Gallo does have enough motor and swagger about him to put him next to Duhon and Chandler. Obviously its the coaches job to find the right mix on court and in the games!
Walsh does have that task in order to bring in the right players to the mix of the roster.

Good post, nice perspective!