Any changes for next game?

[DERRENMATTS]

I think for the most part, we lost the game to the Cavs because a lot of players weren't hitting their shots. Had more of their shots gone down, we would have won that game. So I don't really see a big need to change things around.

I would, however, make some modifications. First of all, I'd move Blount to the second unit. He did well this training camp and in his first preseason game. But I think he can be more effective with the second unit. Its not that Blount messed things up as a starter--but I think he can strengthen our bench (if he continues to play the way he has been playing). Start Perkins with Raef and let Blount be a scoring option with the second team.

I'd also move Ricky Davis back to his specialty--6th man extraordinaire. He brings a much needed scoring punch off the bench and that should help us from getting into droughts when the starters are on the bench.

[Celtic17]

I like MBlount in the starting 5 for the first 20-30 games of the season. This might help him and Perk with their confidence. It might give Doc time needed to convince MB of his worth, coming off the bench, like Davis last year. As far as Perk goes, he need minutes against 2nd unit players, to help keep his fouls down and to let the league refs get to know his game. Hoping this will give him some space to play a more physical game vs other teams' starters.

I like Ricky on the BTeam too. For now, as starters, I would like to see Reed and Gomes switch-off at the 3 (depending on the other team's 3 and their abilities). If we need more D, Reed starts, O Gomes.

West and Dickau might take longer than we might have guessed. I think this is a good thing, for now. It might mean DW has stepped up his game enough to put DD on the spot. Or, it just might mean Dan needs more time to find his niche on a new team. I like the fact that DW has gained print, from Doc, about his D. Might be hard to keep him off the floor, when we can use DD's O off the bench.

I want to see GG and OG for 10-12 mins each, next game. Keep it gradual and ease them in.

I believe Banks and Allen will be at the top of the list, when it comes to trade talk. We have too much potential talent to be able to keep them all. MBlount could be on this list, if he plays his way out of being negative to the rest of the league. Then again, if he does this, he might be too valuable to let go. Bigs are not a-dime-a-dozen in the NBA. (Livingston might make this story change... ;D)

When Jefferson gets back it might be best to ease him into the starting mix. Let's make him earn that spot, if Reaf and MBlount are playing well. It might be a good step for a kid one season removed from HS.

At this point Pierce is the only lock as starter. We can guess all we want from there.

Sure is fun, isn't it?

[Roadrunner]

Scala to take less shots.

[Celtic17]

I would be ok if he just made more... lol

Flip a coin.

[DERRENMATTS]

I think Scala will be fine. He just needs to find his groove. Could be that he's trying too hard. He hasn't been a good FG% guy so far in his career, so I won't expect him to jump from 40% to 50%. I don't want him shooting too many three's. Cutting back on them and taking shots closer to the rim should increase his FG%.

Once Jefferson comes back, Blount is going to move to the bench. I'd rather him get used to coming in with the B-Unit during preseason so he won't have to adjust when it happens. His confidence can grow there too because he can take pride in knowing that the B-Unit is a vital part of our success. And if he's one of the B-Unit's main contributor, he'll take that position with pride. But this is assuming that he continues playing well. I'm not sold on him.

[BCHISTORIAN]

dickau will start next game

[DERRENMATTS]

And I think Marcus will get a start in one of these preseason games too.

[bleedgreen]

Well, I think the main adjustment is to put some spark in the second unit - RICKY D ! Obviously, they experienced some scoring droughts ! Gomes WILL make those easy looks and Scala WILL not take so many shots ! Someone WILL emerge as the starting PG. I like what the Team Philosophy seems to be - Run, rebound and play defense ! They WILL "Get it"!!!

[DERRENMATTS]

I was encouraged to hear that Pierce was making early outlet passes after he rebounded the ball. This was a big area where I thiought he was hurting our fast break opportunities. In the past, he'd rebound the ball and would not pass the ball up the court, but rather, lead the break himself, even though he was the trailer. From eye witness accounts, Pierce, on numerous occassions, made the pass upcourt, which led to good things happening. This tells me that he is changing, and I for one, am encouraged by this. We need Pierce "getting it" in order for us to play good basketball this year, since we are so young and so new.

I wouldn't be surprised if Rivers started bringing Banks into the game quicker--maybe even with the B-Unit. If he's looking to add some spark and offensive firepower in the second unit, Banks shows that he can provide that. He may not be the first PG off the bench, but I doubt Rivers will only use him in the 4th quarter like the first game. He may come in the late first quarter or early second if we need that burst of energy.

And of course, Ricky should be the 6th man again. He's just too valuable in that role.

[Deleted]

Start Al, Reed, and Dickau

Starters
C - Lafrentz
PF - Jefferson
SF - Reed
SG - Pierce
PG - Dickau

2nd Unit
C - blount
PF - Perkins
SF - Gomes
SG - Davis
PG- West

[Celtic17]

I sure like that line-up JHVOS.
Good way to start the season and we still have Scala as insurance if we get into foul trouble.

[Roadrunner]

I wonder if Scala had a session w/ the brain doctor after the first pre-season game?

[bleedgreen]

I wish Doc keep RD in the starting role - Ricky is the KEY ! last year the starters were experiencing scoring droughts. The bench would give them big leads that they lost.

I believe it is best to start out with a bang and somehow learn to sustain that momentum than to keep struggling uphill every start of games.

Let Dan start at PG - those assists will not be wasted by first unit.
Delonte can set up the second unit without too much pressure - Marcus & Blount will be the VETs.
Allen will be the spark plug for the second unit along with Gomes.
Reed will establish his defense and put out any fuse that starts to burn early in the game.
Perkins will play better with Raef on the on the first unit.

[BCHISTORIAN]

it would give us a tremendous boost if ricky could start. we need someone to step up in second unit first in order to do that

[Celtic17]

Once Doc finds his starters the second team will begin practicing more together and this will help them become a unit. As the B-Team plays more as a unit, against the starters, player will find their roles and start to click.