Kings search for a small forward continues.

[hrdboild]

Donte has been here two years already and both years we suffered through an anemic frontline. We did try to play Donte at PF last year because Thompson had to play some minutes at C. So bulking up to be effective at the 3 or 4 position seems like it would be in the best interest of the team except we just added Dalembert, Cousins, and Whiteside in the off-season and traded Martin for Landry mid-season so now we're thinner at the swing positions. Oops. I don't think the blame should be put entirely on Donte though. As rainmaker just alluded to, it's highly unlikely the coaching staff was caught completely off-guard by Donte's new weight. I think more likely is that they encouraged him to add weight so he could be effective in spot minutes at the 4 position but then decided when it got to be summer league that they'd actually prefer a leaner more mobile Donte given the new additions to our frontcourt depth and how much Cousins looks like he's ready to contribute right away. They probably didn't also expect him to gain quite as much weight as he did. (He must have been drinking the same magic water that Hassan got into) It's not just about losing the weight though -- it's also about how he'll have to adjust his playing style. I think Greene is going to be most dangerous on this team as a perimeter scoring threat and a lock down defender, and he can do both at the 2 or the 3 position, but only if he's sufficiently mobile. Maybe that's what the coaches are thinking too?

As for Omri, it's easy to see why he's having trouble accepting a smaller role with the team. Because of injuries he lept out to a huge start last year to the point where he was probably the number two option after Tyreke in December. That led to a featured role in All-Star weekend in both the rookie game and the silly HORSE competition. Not to mention of course the enormous expectations coming from his home country and fans all over the world. In his mind he's probably still flashing back to the high point of last year when it looked like he'd be the Robin to Reke's Batman for years to come and wondering what happened. It doesn't surprise me that the coaches want Omri to take it slow this year (especially considering his epic fall from grace at the end of last season) or that he fully expects to win the starting job and may be pressing as a result. Ultimately I'm not that concerned about it though because I think the coaches want the same thing for Omri that he does, they just differ in how long they think it will take to get him there. I just hope he understands that accepting a smaller role now won't prevent him from winning a bigger role in the future, and probably will help him if the coaching staff is happy with his progress. His intensity, confidence, and fearlessness are his biggest strengths on the court. He just has to find a way to pace himself without sacrificing that intensity.

This is a key year for both of them, for Omri to show that he can play at a consistent level the whole season, and for Donte to show that he's ready to be a rotation regular. But that's what pre-season is about. I think the ideal for me would be Casspi starting at SF and Donte at SG with Tyreke at PG. That lineup won't work against everybody, but we should already be thinking about building a playoff lineup because that's the end goal everyone has in mind. I'd like to at least see if that kind of lineup can be effective before dismissing it as a possibility. In my mind it's not about choosing Omri or Donte. Only one of them can start at SF of course but we need both of them to grow this year and contribute if we're going to be successful.

 

[rainmaker]

No, Donte did blow it. If you read the article you find out how he blew it. He unilaterally, without encouragement or permission from the coaching staff, decided over the summer that he would bulk up. The coaching staff isn't happy because it cuts down on his quickness. What is with these young guys that they just go off and do something like that without consulting the coaching staff? It seems to me that every single player should consult with the consulting staff on their off-season workout program, whether it is cardio vascular conditioning, muscle development, shooting stroke, WHATEVER. To me it's a big diss of the coaching staff when they do stuff like this.

So what do you have to say about Donte being in Sac on three seperate occasions working with the coaching staff, as well as playing in Vegas? Are the coaches so oblivious they didn't notice the added weight? What makes you think the coaching staff didn't know about it? They only saw Donte in person in June, July, and August. So in your opinion the coaching staff takes zero responsibility eventhough they worked with Donte multiple times this summer?

 

[bajaden]

If you include in personality a team first attitude, willingness to play within the flow of the offense, willingness to accept role as third, fourth, or fifth, option, and setting an example with this kind of attitude, then yes, it is in part a personality contest.

Obviously those are all things I would want from a player. But that wasn't what I was talking about. Donte is a personable, funny guy. He's very likable. I like him. Casspi not so much. He comes across with more of an edge. Being a european player, that doesn't surprise me. Anyone thats ever gone skiing in europe will tell you that the folks over there are different than the folks over here. So my point is that Casspi has a less likable personality. Now that may not affect you. It certainly doesn't affect me. But it may come into play with some of the fans. I hate to bring this up, but remember, it wasn't Greene that had his poster defaced.

My point is, that there are a lot of reasons why fans like certain players, that may have nothing to do with how they play the game. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. I just thought it was strange how a player that seemed so popular at the end of the season has suddenly fallen out of favor. Maybe I had blinders on last season, but I don't recall anyone making a big deal out of whether Casspi passed the ball or not. From my point of view, it was just a first year player going through the learning process. Troublesome at times, but hardly condemming.

 

[Bricklayer]

Obviously those are all things I would want from a player. But that wasn't what I was talking about. Donte is a personable, funny guy. He's very likable. I like him. Casspi not so much. He comes across with more of an edge. Being a european player, that doesn't surprise me. Anyone thats ever gone skiing in europe will tell you that the folks over there are different than the folks over here. So my point is that Casspi has a less likable personality. Now that may not affect you. It certainly doesn't affect me. But it may come into play with some of the fans. I hate to bring this up, but remember, it wasn't Greene that had his poster defaced.

My point is, that there are a lot of reasons why fans like certain players, that may have nothing to do with how they play the game. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. I just thought it was strange how a player that seemed so popular at the end of the season has suddenly fallen out of favor. Maybe I had blinders on last season, but I don't recall anyone making a big deal out of whether Casspi passed the ball or not. From my point of view, it was just a first year player going through the learning process. Troublesome at times, but hardly condemming.

No, this was a concern last year. There were certian plays where he appeared to blatantly and purposefully ignore teammates or go 1 on 1. That bothered me far more thna if he were merely a poor passer. The little Reke triple double thing only added to the questions. Comments to the Israeli press, manipulated or not. Trying to cast this as the work of the summer is misplaced. Kid appears to have an ego problem, which is the last thing I ever expected from a guy who was the first from his country to even make it into the league. If anything I was thinking he might end up being happy to just be here and not fully reach his potential because of it. Not the way it has played out. Better chance this way for him maxing out his potential, but not as good a chance of him being willing to do it for us as a roleplayer. Only question is whether we are going to be able to harnass the ego for the good of the team, or whether its another Rudy Fernandez situation waiting to blossom.

 

[Sluggah]

Donte worked out in Sac for about 3 weeks in June, played in the Vegas SL in July, and was back in Sac again working out for a bit in August. The reason I bring this up,is it's not as if he just disappeared for the entire summer and showed up at media day looking like the incredible hulk. He was in contact with team trainers, I'm guessing Shapiro, spent time in Sac working with them on two seperate occasions this summer, and in addition played with the team in Vegas. My question is, how the hell can the coaching staff notknow about the weight gain, or act surprised by it?

Maybe Donte was asked to hit the weights, and after seeing the results of the added weight on the court, the coaching staff decided it's hampering Donte, hence the request to lose the weight. I have a hard time believing Donte did this without receiving an ok from the staff, or that they weren't aware of it. In fact, I don't believe it at all.

So everyone who thinks Donte screwed up by going off on his own and added the lbs the coaching staff didn't want him to add, then please explain to me how the coaching staff was unaware after seeing Donte numerous times this summer? Shouldn't our coaching staff have a better idea of what our guys are doing during the offseason when we have such a young team looking to makea huge jump this year?

Also, as someone who as spent a lot of time in weight rooms as a former stength and cond. coach, I can tell you that if a 22 yr old adds 20+ lbs of muscle during an offseason, his frame will start to fill out naturally whether you like it or not. Different body types put on weight/muscle differently. There are guys who can hit the weights hard 6 times per week, eat 10 protein packed meals per day, and put on only 5-10 lbs over a 12 months period. In order for Donte to put on that much muscle that quickly, and looking at his age and frame, his body was going to start filling out regardless. Hypothetically, you couldn't blame Dwight Howard for carying so much muscle, and ask him to drop 25lbs, because his body type wouldn't allow it. He didn't even lift weights in highschool, he always looked like that. And Donte is 2-3 inches taller. Likewise, you can't blame a guy like Duncan who has always lifted weights religiously, but never has been able to add much muscle. His body won't allow it.

This is a good point. It's not like donte was MIA. If his weight/bulk was going to be an issue shouldn't it have been caught long ago? This sounds like a failure by the coaching/training staff.

I'd really like donte to succeed...he has so much potential. Now I'm wondering if it's the organization that's failing HIM.

 

[kingzallday]

Well Per Dontes Twitter he's already working on losing this "extra" weight he put on.

In the "moon bounce" treadmill. This thing is da best invention for run'n long distance. Lol COS! http://plixi.com/p/49220142

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

I thought about this when we first herd that Donte added that weight a few weeks ago. If your competing with other small forwards .. that extra size isnt going to help you. I thought he was physically fine last year to play the 3.

Maybe John Hollinger is right. Hell, I know he's right. Kings FO are lazy. Its impossible to say they arent .. there is just so much evidence to support it, and here is some more. Why in the world would you let Greene put on the extra pounds if you didnt want him too. I occasionally read Donte's twitter. All summer he worked out with the kings training staff .. and they just let him do this to himself. Unforgivable and incredibly lazy.

I just dont get why the Kings FO and coaches continue to treat him like they do. They continue to jerk him around with playing time, his training .. why cant they just show some confidence in him. There are two ways to get the best out of a player - treat them like garbage and hope they respond to that, or encourage them and let them learn from there mistakes on the fly in the game.

We let Omri, Tyreke, JT, Hawes .. all of those guys develope the second way. I just dont know what else Donte has to prove to be treated like the others. He's always the guy not starting, or coming into games as obscure times .. Its a pattern and I hate it. His fun personality makes him seem like the kind of player that would respond to encouragement, and all the Kings keep doing is putting him down.

The worst part is that his potential is higher than just about anyone on the team. Right up there with DMC and Tyreke. He is a matchup nightmare and extremely versatile. We need to just let him loose.

 

[Asaf]

I thought about this when we first herd that Donte added that weight a few weeks ago. If your competing with other small forwards .. that extra size isnt going to help you. I thought he was physically fine last year to play the 3.

Maybe John Hollinger is right. Hell, I know he's right. Kings FO are lazy. Its impossible to say they arent .. there is just so much evidence to support it, and here is some more. Why in the world would you let Greene put on the extra pounds if you didnt want him too. I occasionally read Donte's twitter. All summer he worked out with the kings training staff .. and they just let him do this to himself. Unforgivable and incredibly lazy.

I just dont get why the Kings FO and coaches continue to treat him like they do. They continue to jerk him around with playing time, his training .. why cant they just show some confidence in him. There are two ways to get the best out of a player - treat them like garbage and hope they respond to that, or encourage them and let them learn from there mistakes on the fly in the game.

We let Omri, Tyreke, JT, Hawes .. all of those guys develope the second way. I just dont know what else Donte has to prove to be treated like the others. He's always the guy not starting, or coming into games as obscure times .. Its a pattern and I hate it. His fun personality makes him seem like the kind of player that would respond to encouragement, and all the Kings keep doing is putting him down.

The worst part is that his potential is higher than just about anyone on the team. Right up there with DMC and Tyreke. He is a matchup nightmare and extremely versatile. We need to just let him loose.

Maybe Donte is just too nice for his own good. I've never seen or heard about him complain about his situation. Maybe that makes it easy for the coaching staff to jerk him around. Also, I'm wondering if they don't interpret his acceptance of his situation as a lack of drive to become a dominant player. Omri may have his ego issues, and while that may be annoying to the coaching staff, that sends them a message that he will do anything to achieve his goals. Donte's niceness might make him more likeable but might also send the wrong message. Like Westphal said (when talking about cousins), he prefers to have a player that maybe has too much fire in him and try to temper him, than to have a player with not enough fire.

 

[Tetsujin]

Maybe Donte is just too nice for his own good. I've never seen or heard about him complain about his situation. Maybe that makes it easy for the coaching staff to jerk him around. Also, I'm wondering if they don't interpret his acceptance of his situation as a lack of drive to become a dominant player. Omri may have his ego issues, and while that may be annoying to the coaching staff, that sends them a message that he will do anything to achieve his goals. Donte's niceness might make him more likeable but might also send the wrong message. Like Westphal said (when talking about cousins), he prefers to have a player that maybe has too much fire in him and try to temper him, than to have a player with not enough fire.

It unfortunately also may give his teammates the wrong message. There such a thing as too much fire (see Artest, Ronald)

 

[pshn80]

So what do you have to say about Donte being in Sac on three seperate occasions working with the coaching staff, as well as playing in Vegas? Are the coaches so oblivious they didn't notice the added weight? What makes you think the coaching staff didn't know about it? They only saw Donte in person in June, July, and August. So in your opinion the coaching staff takes zero responsibility eventhough they worked with Donte multiple times this summer?

Maybe the answer is something simple like, whoever was involved in deciding on the weight gain, Donte has slowed down with the extra weight making it harder to hang on as a defender against smaller, faster players.

 

[Asaf]

It unfortunately also may give his teammates the wrong message. There such a thing as too much fire (see Artest, Ronald)

I agree, and like I've said before, that's one of Omri's biggest problems and one that he will have to overcome if he ever wants to be successful in the NBA. I'm just saying that the other extreme in Donte's willingness to defer to anyone else may hurt him more than Omri's ego is hurting him at the moment. And in the long term, it might be easier to temper a big ego than to light a fire in someone who doesn't seem to have it. At least that's what seems to be PW's take on it.

 

[Fireplug]

Well, after seeing the game last night I have to agree with JB's original post (not that i wouldn't have anyway.) Casspi looks like he has developed not one bit from last season and with Beno out and Tyreke benching it, it became pretty clear that Casspi really can't create for himself and has great trouble finishing when he does make a little space. I was actually pretty disappointed in what I saw. Where Tyreke's game looked positively effortless, Omri's looked like a struggle. He was clearly outplayed by the rookie Al Farouk.

Donte has lost his athleticism completely. I don't know what he was thinking over the summer, but it looks like he didn't play at all or he would have know that his quickness had gone. Looked like, dare I say, Antoine Carr out there.

Yes it is early and the coach was trying out some things that won't happen in the real season, and if any of you old farts remember me you will know that I am really a pretty optimistic guy when it comes to the team, but it sure wasn't pretty last night.

 

[Kingster]

Well, after seeing the game last night I have to agree with JB's original post (not that i wouldn't have anyway.) Casspi looks like he has developed not one bit from last season and with Beno out and Tyreke benching it, it became pretty clear that Casspi really can't create for himself and has great trouble finishing when he does make a little space. I was actually pretty disappointed in what I saw. Where Tyreke's game looked positively effortless, Omri's looked like a struggle. He was clearly outplayed by the rookie Al Farouk.

Donte has lost his athleticism completely. I don't know what he was thinking over the summer, but it looks like he didn't play at all or he would have know that his quickness had gone. Looked like, dare I say, Antoine Carr out there.

Yes it is early and the coach was trying out some things that won't happen in the real season, and if any of you old farts remember me you will know that I am really a pretty optimistic guy when it comes to the team, but it sure wasn't pretty last night.

Well, if you are the bearer of that kind of news, I should hurt you, right?

This is when I'm glad we have about three weeks to go before the regular season. (Maybe three months would be nice...) This team needs all the time it can get to lose pounds and to get it together. The Donte thing is really a pisser because he didn't improve himself over the summer, he got worse. It might take a couple of months to get the old Donte back.

 

[Fireplug]

Well, if you are the bearer of that kind of news, I should hurt you, right?

This is when I'm glad we have about three weeks to go before the regular season. (Maybe three months would be nice...) This team needs all the time it can get to lose pounds and to get it together. The Donte thing is really a pisser because he didn't improve himself over the summer, he got worse. It might take a couple of months to get the old Donte back.

You can hurt my body, but I must warn you that trying to hurt my eyes will be fruitless -- they are already too bruised to feel anything more after watching the last three quarters last night.

 

[DocHolliday]

I stand corrected. Even though I've heard otherwise I heard the G-Man say that the coaches were a bit unhappy about Donte coming into camp a bit chunky. I trust the G-Man and his info. So.......sounds like the work ethic wasn't there when it came to his workouts over the offseason

 

[bajaden]

I stand corrected. Even though I've heard otherwise I heard the G-Man say that the coaches were a bit unhappy about Donte coming into camp a bit chunky. I trust the G-Man and his info. So.......sounds like the work ethic wasn't there when it came to his workouts over the offseason

Bad news is, that chunky doesn't sound like muscle, does it? Good news is, fat is easier to lose than muscle. But if indeed he is just overweight, and it has nothing to do with muscle from working out, then I'm very disappointed in Donte. I'll never forget Walt Williams coming to camp for his second year and weighing around 270. I don't know the exact weight, but when I saw him at one of the city summer league games I was shocked by the huge roll he had around his middle. It took the dude a half a season to get back into shape.

Its very disappointing to have two young promising players at the SF position and so far, have neither one step up.

 

[x2RedReaper2x]

Donte Greene did have 2 blocks last game, so he might still have a little more athleticism than we are giving him credit for right now.

 

[Tetsujin]

Bad news is, that chunky doesn't sound like muscle, does it? Good news is, fat is easier to lose than muscle. But if indeed he is just overweight, and it has nothing to do with muscle from working out, then I'm very disappointed in Donte. I'll never forget Walt Williams coming to camp for his second year and weighing around 270. I don't know the exact weight, but when I saw him at one of the city summer league games I was shocked by the huge roll he had around his middle. It took the dude a half a season to get back into shape.

Its very disappointing to have two young promising players at the SF position and so far, have neither one step up.

Been taking work out lessons from Sean May has he?

 

[Kingster]

Bad news is, that chunky doesn't sound like muscle, does it? Good news is, fat is easier to lose than muscle. But if indeed he is just overweight, and it has nothing to do with muscle from working out, then I'm very disappointed in Donte. I'll never forget Walt Williams coming to camp for his second year and weighing around 270. I don't know the exact weight, but when I saw him at one of the city summer league games I was shocked by the huge roll he had around his middle. It took the dude a half a season to get back into shape.

Its very disappointing to have two young promising players at the SF position and so far, have neither one step up.

Yep. Every season has it's surprises, and to me the disappointment at the three position is the first unhappy surprise. There do seem to be conflicting versions of Donte's bulk (fat or muscle), but regardless, it's a setback. Casspi has a great opportunity to take advantage, but so far he's not. I just heard Napear say Garcia may end up at the three. That could work against some teams, not others. Also, that probably would mean that Landry would have to come off the bench, or at least play with the non-Garcia lineup. Can't imagine a lineup of Dally, Landry, Garcia working, even with Dally in there. So I guess you could have 1) Dally, Garcia, Thompson, and then 2) Cousins, Landry Casspi/Greene.

 

[Nighthawk1]

As far as Donte is concerned like I posted in another thread I think there must be some confusion in messages from the Coaching Staff. Donte had to play 3 positions last year getting minutes. He might have bulked up or even pudged up but he was around our coaching staff most of the summer - they should have conveyed to him when they noticed the upswing in his weight their concerns unless they were ok with it or even recommended it. Maybe it was an experiment that went wrong and they realize him putting on the weight was the wrong move and now want him to lose it. Otherwise I can't understand how they'd let him just put it on and say nothing about it. Good news is with Donte's work ethic he should be able to burn off the pudge. I really am questioning how our coaching staff is currently handling our SF's - there seems to be quite a bit of confusion with Donte and Casspi right now

 

[bajaden]

Been taking work out lessons from Sean May has he?

God! I hope not... I'll be honest. I'm more ticked off at Kings management than I'am Greene. Not that he's not responsible, but most of the good teams in the NBA keep close track of their players in the offseason to make sure they're working out and eating properly. From what I've read, Donte spent pretty much the whole summer right in sacramento. How hard is it to monitor a player when he's right there. Whether he's fat or muscle bound, they should have known. I mean the dude lives right there near the arena. How hard can it be?

This is a very young team with a lot of immature guys. They need a little bit more babysitting than a team full of vetrean players.

 

[mr. moustache]

Good news is with Donte's work ethic he should be able to burn off the pudge... I really am questioning how our coaching staff is currently handling our SF's - there seems to be quite a bit of confusion with Donte and Casspi right now

I believe his work ethic is exactly what is in question. His first year he had a terrible work ethic. It seems like last year he realized it's going to take hard work. Maybe he's content enough to know he's worth at least a minimum salary in the league.

 

[Dime Dropper]

No, this was a concern last year. There were certian plays where he appeared to blatantly and purposefully ignore teammates or go 1 on 1. That bothered me far more thna if he were merely a poor passer. The little Reke triple double thing only added to the questions. Comments to the Israeli press, manipulated or not. Trying to cast this as the work of the summer is misplaced. Kid appears to have an ego problem, which is the last thing I ever expected from a guy who was the first from his country to even make it into the league. If anything I was thinking he might end up being happy to just be here and not fully reach his potential because of it. Not the way it has played out. Better chance this way for him maxing out his potential, but not as good a chance of him being willing to do it for us as a roleplayer. Only question is whether we are going to be able to harnass the ego for the good of the team, or whether its another Rudy Fernandez situation waiting to blossom.

Omri has always had a question mark regarding his attitude. I alluded to it before we even drafted him. This was my reply to baja saying he didn't think he was arrogant:

I like Casspi as a player, but there are character issues there. I'd be fine with taking him, but I have my worries about his locker-room presence.

Here's the link if anyone is interested in taking a look back at opinions on his before we drafted him - http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/sho...ine-Interviews&p=633664&viewfull=1#post633664


Now that the personal gloating is done with, I can say that I'm not sure what to make of Casspi's comments. Good to have the fire, good to have the passion, good to have the drive. Not so good to think you should be a go-to guy at this point. And not so good to be making comments which can be seen as egotistical.


This whole contest for the starting spot is strange to say the least. Worrying that it hasn't progressed like we had hoped.

 

[Kingster]

As far as Donte is concerned like I posted in another thread I think there must be some confusion in messages from the Coaching Staff. Donte had to play 3 positions last year getting minutes. He might have bulked up or even pudged up but he was around our coaching staff most of the summer - they should have conveyed to him when they noticed the upswing in his weight their concerns unless they were ok with it or even recommended it. Maybe it was an experiment that went wrong and they realize him putting on the weight was the wrong move and now want him to lose it. Otherwise I can't understand how they'd let him just put it on and say nothing about it. Good news is with Donte's work ethic he should be able to burn off the pudge. I really am questioning how our coaching staff is currently handling our SF's - there seems to be quite a bit of confusion with Donte and Casspi right now

Good point about him being here a lot during the summer and yet there still was "confusion" about his approach to his conditioning. You do have to wonder...

 

[kingsboi]

I think it's safe to say that the search continues...

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Just to add some flame to the fire.

Today Westphal said two things.


1) That Donte Greene was the best SF out there for us last game


.... and that


.... Antione Wright would be starting Sundays game. Nice.

 

[Nighthawk1]

Just to add some flame to the fire.

Today Westphal said two things.


1) That Donte Greene was the best SF out there for us last game


.... and that


.... Antione Wright would be starting Sundays game. Nice.

It is confusing to our players - but we must remember it is pre-season and naturally we should expect these players fighting for roster spots to get some minutes so we can decide who to keep and who to cut. BUT last year scares me when I see things like this due to Westphal seemingly being infatuated with Wright much like he was with Udoka. They are roleplayers and should be treated as such. I grow afraid that this will become a trend when Casspi and Donte should be getting major minutes right now when in reality one of them will be starting but both should be getting pretty equal minutes at the 3.

 

[pshn80]

It is certainly confusing to the kingsfans.com crowd. My guess is that the players understand what's going on a lot better than we do. Also, I can't believe the coaching staff is being stupid. I'd sure love to be a fly on the wall. I bet, when the season starts, Casspi is our small forword and Wright and M. Landry have sealed their immediate fate. Don't have a bet about Greene except that he will still be with us. But....... I've been wrong before.

 

[The Hammer]

Just to add some flame to the fire.

Today Westphal said two things.


1) That Donte Greene was the best SF out there for us last game


.... and that


.... Antione Wright would be starting Sundays game. Nice.

Casspi is seriously in PW's doghouse right now.

 

[bajaden]

Casspi is seriously in PW's doghouse right now.

Could be, its hard to say. Westphal is a strange dude when it comes to lineups. The only guy I can't get behind as a fan is Wright. Nothing against him personally, but we know what his potential is. We can't really say that about Greene, Casspi or even M. Landry for that matter. Westphal seems to have an idea of what he's looking for in a SF. At least I hope so, because I have no idea what he's looking for. But this is pre-season, so I'm willing to cut him some slack.

What I don't want to see is another season of one player after another being jerked in and out of the starting lineup. Settle on a rotation and go with it. And give the starters a fair amount of time to jell. Not too much to ask, me thinks..