nychamp wrote:I'm not sure Dalembert is "out". It seems that Fisher is going to mix and match on a game-to-game basis, based on matchups. I think he said as much himself.

I don't know if he's done but I dont think he starts

If Sammy goes to the bench he would lift the second string defense with his shot blocking and intimidation.

mreinman wrote:Sammy is not better defensively (and rebounding) than cole

Dalembert
Amare
Melo
Shump
Larkin

Book it.

gunsnewing wrote:I love Cole but some of the comments on Cole are a little extreme. You would think we are talking about a blue chip number one overall pick. He is a great 3rd stringer on this team.

Actually all 3 centers are interchangeable and bring different skills to the table

every time he is in the game good things happen. He is very underrated.

What will be interesting is if he starts different groups based on nightly matchups or if he solidifies the same starting five.

I'd think most matchups probably require defensive and passing ability as the primary criteria, particularly if the triangle is clicking which minimizes a pure emphasis on beefing up a starting rotation with scorers.

Sam may continue to start, regardless of minutes played.

I think Cole will continue coming off the bench.

The real variable now is PG since Larkin has 2-3 weeks as a starter. If he leads and the team wins, maybe Jose becomes the backup. I doubt it, since they're paying him good money and he has a key role to play.

Yet, if teams go off early with Jose starting and Larkin proves to be a better defender and he keeps hitting open shots, then Shane's defense may see him starting after all.

In tight games:

Shump starts and finishes.
Melo starts and finishes.

I think Acy may end up cementing his claim on a starting spot, unless Fish wants Jason's offense to start the game. He was impactful against Cleveland. Stat was not much of a factor and he should probably come off the bench, though I can't guess how Fish sees him.

Basically, my rotation is the same as DK's post above.