1. It's nearly impossible to really run your offense when the main position player you need to know everything and execute changes every year or is incapable of running the plays to a high degree. PG is the QB of the offense and this system has over 100 plays and multiple variations of each play. A kid like Shump can't learn all of that with no SL and no real Training camp and TD just doesn't have natural talents to run it. At best they're running maybe 1/8th of the playbook. I've had it for years and I can tell you this team hasn't been running a great deal of it. It takes talent and time to master the in and outs of the system and once you do it's very good.
2. MDA has adjusted to his players not only this year but in previous years. Anyone that doesn't recognize this is blind or just ignorant of what's going on. He's been giving them what they can handle. Without a PG that isn't much.
3. We don't have the shooting this year that we've had in the past. The team is shooting 42% and 31% from 3!!! That's abysmal. Historically MDA does a great job getting his players to improve their shooting, but he can't work miracles.
4. The team hasn't tuned him out!!! You fire a coach when the team isn't responding, but can you say they're not responding when you can see that they're playing as hard as they can, but just aren't able to get over the hump? Against the Bulls and Celtic's this team didn't just fold. They fought to the very end. They just can't execute at a high level.
5. The roster needs upgrades. There's no margin for error and boy does this team error. This is a mistake prone team. This is why they tried to get vets like Grant Hill. You need guys that just know how to play and make smart decisions. That said Shump is getting better from all of this. I think Lin has a chance to be a good part of the rotation. We'll see if Grunwald will be able to add a JR Smith or someone else later.
If this team can continue to player at this level for most of their remaining games, they should be able to get back into the playoff mix. There will be winnable games on the schedule like today, but they've got to get over the hump. I know they'll be tired cuz they lack depth. Just gotta hope they can win and move on from there. This is a good game for Lin and Jordan to get in. We'll see.