If our 15 roster slots are set, it seems to me that the probable inactive list falls out pretty easily.. The general guidelines are determined by team needs--coverage for substitutions and injury potential as well as support for a running game. The actual who, I see as a set of either/or decisions. Hopefully these decisions will be determined by the players, by that I mean their play pushes them on or off of the active list.The basics are five front line players active, two small forwards, and five guards. Assuming 15 healthy players, the inactives will be either Anthony or Bass, either Young or Thornton, and either Wallace or Turner. Given that some D-league seasoning is probably a good investment for James Young, I think Turner and Thornton play their way onto or off of the active list. I hope the determinations are made on defensive effort and team fit.
One thing seems apparent from looking over these pairs. There is a real potential for one, or more, of the veterans to react adversely to finding themselves inactive. In truth, you want them to dislike being inactive, but the key is what form that displeasure takes. Ideally not making the active list prompts the player to address the weaknesses in their game that are holding them back and to generate the effort in practice to alter their coaches opinion. And then you have Bogans.
This is actually a situation in which Ainge’s response last year should continue to provide a positive direction. Perhaps the message is “make effort not waves.” Players that might be inclined to create a divisive scene are already on notice that rocking the boat is a quick way to sever ties with the group. Considering the volatile potential with veterans being passed by younger developing players, it is probably healthy that a precedent is already established.
Only 18 days until training camp.[Discuss on CG Forums!]
I like that there is a competition at just about every position. Competition breeds effort and will make the team better. That being said, the roster can't be set since Turner isn't signed and there are too many on the team. Cuts or trades should go down soon.
ReplyDeleteYeah, my themes for the team are "Run Baby, Run!" and "If No 'D,' No PT!" I think we would all like to see a move or two, but I don't see anything but the Celtics' need, and it takes two to tango.
DeleteLove that --- I'd love a tee shirt with "no D no PT on it! Should be the theme of every coach! Hopefully Stevens stresses running and defense. My two favorite themes.
DeleteI agree about the competition Anomymous. I think that will be good for the team in the long run. I also am expecting something to happen soon to pare down the roster.
ReplyDeleteI'd love for something to happen, but what. I've looked at a lot of combinations of moves and I just don't see it. The only thing I actually like is taking a chance on Sanders, but apparently there is a line of teams waiting if Milwaukee reaches the end of their rope with Mr. Juvenile.
Deletegiven your pairings Bass would be active over anthony, thornton over young and turner over wallace. Anthony is useless. young will probably be in the d league and turner younger and more talented than wallace who will be more of a mentor than a player this year.
ReplyDeleteI concur, but the beautiful thing is that there are no gimme's. As far as I am concerned the historical black-hole, ball-pounding ME-players Turner and Thornton can suit up at Men's Wearhouse if they don't change their ways. I think this is a good thing, a very good thing.
DeleteGiven his performance off court, Keith has earned himself a name; as in, "Man, don't be a Bogans or they're going to ask you to leave the facility." ; )
ReplyDelete