Let’s call the core Barrett, Toppin, Robinson and Quickley. Knox has a longer leash due to Cal and Payne chirping in Rose’s ear but he’s not there yet. The other young guys seem on the outside looking in.
So Payton, Bullock, Burks, Rivers and Noel. Does this group feel like a good complimentary group? I’m not talking in terms of winning games, I’m just talking fit and putting these guys in position to get better. Spacing was an issue last year and we did Barrett no favors. This year it seems like a slight improvement but maybe not as much as I hoped. Payton can’t shoot a lick but stats show he made Barrett and Mitch better so I will try to hold out hope there. I think the key is what happens with Randle. Randle being on the roster means more buddy ball with Payton and freezing others out from time to time, blocking Toppin’s path to immediate starting, and less 3pt shooting in the rotation. He’s the CAA/Kentucky double whammy so I’m really concerned he will stick around.
I guess my main takeaway is I’m okay not being a good team, but I want to see a big year of growth from the core guys. Did the front office put them in a good position for major development this season?
