Starting Lineup in Game 3

[Roch Royals Fan]

I highly doubt Rick Adelman will do this, but do you think that SAR should start instead of Brad in Game 3? It seemed to me that Brad's just looked lost and passive on offense during the first two games. Right now, I value SAR's low post presence much more than Brad's outside shooting.

I felt that both Kenny and SAR played adequate defense on Duncan and Naz/Resterovic. If anything, SAR played better D than Brad tonight.

I'd like Rick to send a tough message: That aggressive, hustling play in the playoffs will be rewarded with minutes, while passive sub-par performances will keep your butt chained to the bench.

I love SAR's aggressiveness tonight. We need to bring that in Games 3 and 4 to climb back into the series.

 

[piksi]

bibby, Wells, Artest, Thomas, miller

this thread is really without a point

 

[JJ22L]

anyone besides bibby played better d then brad tonight, and comparing those two is a coin toss...

...you have to give popovich props...he designed a play for a player he knew bibby would be on...he exploited our weakest perimeter defender...then well...the nba gods hate us..so barry got a lucky bounce

 

[Evenstar]

i won't complain if brad gets the start, but SAR the majority of the minutes.

it's all about minutes played IMO

 

[KingCookie]

Adelman won't change his lineup now...that will just cause Brad to pull his head further into his shell of self-doubt.

I'd much rather have SAR coming off the bench anyway, we need the firepower to match the Spurs seemingly endless bench.

 

[Roch Royals Fan]

i won't complain if brad gets the start, but SAR the majority of the minutes.

it's all about minutes played IMO

True, and SAR did get 35 minutes tonight. I just feel that SAR presents a better offensive AND defensive option against the Spurs at this time.

Why start Brad, when SAR might give us a better chance to win? I'm just figuring that might motive Brad, 'cause he certainly hasn't been the most motivated player out there.

Start SAR, and let Brad get mad, and try to prove that he earns a starting role.

 

[HndsmCelt]

You don't change horses mid stream espcially when you look at these guys season and career numbers. You go back to what worked this season and get back to basics.

 

[Evenstar]

True, and SAR did get 35 minutes tonight. I just feel that SAR presents a better offensive AND defensive option against the Spurs at this time.

Why start Brad, when SAR might give us a better chance to win? I'm just figuring that might motive Brad, 'cause he certainly hasn't been the most motivated player out there.

Start SAR, and let Brad get mad, and try to prove that he earns a starting role.

we desperatly need SAR's firepower off the bench, considering the rest of the bench has given us nothing

 

[PixelPusher]

You don't change horses mid stream espcially when you look at these guys season and career numbers. You go back to what worked this season and get back to basics.

But what if a certain horse is stuck flat-footed in the middle of the stream?

 

[Bricklayer]

Do I think there's any chance? No.

But its now play it by ear stuff. If Brad is cold, and Reef hot, move the minutes to Reef. If Brad is going well and Reef is not, then tilt it the other way.

 

[piksi]

But what if a certain horse is stuck flat-footed in the middle of the stream?

You kill it and make sousage

 

[HndsmCelt]

But what if a certain horse is stuck flat-footed in the middle of the stream?

Easy to spot and fix during play. It's not about who starts it's about who finishes.

 

[Roch Royals Fan]

Easy to spot and fix during play. It's not about who starts it's about who finishes.

Fair enough. But something has to wake Brad out of his stupor. So far, it's been two straight years of less than stellar playoff appearances for Brad.

If you're Rick, you have to tell Brad that you expect him to be aggressive from the get-go, or else he'll have a very early hook. Period. His numbers and defense are not what they need to be for playoff-calibar center. Period.

 

[Superman]

I don't have too much of a problem with the way Brad played on offense tonight. He just didn't make the shots we expect him to make. That happens sometimes when you're a shooter. Mike didn't hit too many shots either.

The problem with Brad is that he isn't working hard every play. You saw him block a shot, then forgot he was there for the next two minutes until you see Ginobili running around him like he's a pillar of salt. He's not fighting for rebounds, he's not moving his feet on defense, and he's getting apprehensive when he does have an open look.

I don't think you pull him from the lineup, but I do think that you pull him from the game if he's playing like a 7th grade girl. And you don't need to do anything other than that. If 'Reef is playing like he was tonight, you keep him on the floor. Let Brad figure it out, and if he doesn't, keep him on the bench.