I indicated three or four years ago that the numbers suggested this would be a crucial year (and probably successful) for determining the future direction of the team. Next year will be even more so. The numbers say CJ arrives and could eclipse Dame as the scoring leader.
At the beginning of this season I indicated get out of the 8 or 9 man rotation fixation and utilize all of the talent. AND, play the rookies. When they did this they mostly prospered. For years now they play tight and do not close out teams well when ahead. As one of the beat writers noticed they seem to play not to lose rather than with gusto to win.
A big turning point psychologically was the Houston game when the reserves came so close to pulling out a miraculous comeback. By bringing in CJ, instead of letting the reserves win it or lose it, a big part of the team momentum was deflated. It said to the bench and reserves, ” I do not have confidence in you”.
Under pressure it was back to the 8-9 man rotation. What would have happened if they tried out the Swan at the 3 position? Move Zach into the 4, and keep Nurk at the 5. Well, it will most likely never happen. I pretty much stopped watching and writing at the end of the season because I got a disquieting feeling that the play offs would not go well.
Now I wait to see who they bring in for next year and go back to a more detailed numerological examination. Get a strong and consistent back up 1 to relieve Dame. Get a strong and consistent small forward and a powerful and dominant power forward. There are talented role players who could fit well around such a starting five.
