Panos wrote:So I've seen separate reports that Acy or Jason Smith could be our starting PF.
If Amare is 100% healthy, how come he is not in the conversation as possible starter?
New Regime wants new culture
Your starting five is the essential statement to your team as whole as to how you want them to play the game. On a roster without many high level defenders, the first unit has to be the best defensive unit overall to set the tone for this team. If they play well together, they can score enough to get leads early if the D is there.
That requires a unit that plays team defense and implements the triangle, neither of which Stat is qualified for. Of the two frontline bigs with expiring contracts, Bargs is way more suitable to start than Amare.
But neither will likely start unless there is a shortage of bodies due to injury, because they are not part of the future. They will be used in a utilitarian fashion to fill in holes where needed.
Stat is the worst choice for a starter on this present team. Acy or Smith are far more appropriate.
Oh, and did you somehow forget Stat has a history of not playing well with Melo on the floor? Occasionally, but mostly not.
Amare is already in the rear view mirror for this club. He could play if he plays D and doesn't become a ball stopper and gets his points in the flow of the game. Or he could end up riding the bench. But he is not going to be a featured player, unless they have a trading partner already lined up and want to give him a little shine. But showcasing him now in order to entice a trade makes no sense.