(01-26-2024, 09:46 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I didn't buy into the report that Grant Williams came in bulked up and over his playing weight.  I guess that report is true as Williams said he has lost 20 pounds ( I think that was the number he said) since the season began.  My question is, who in the coaching staff and front office thought he should bulk up and add weight?  Grant is naturally strong, but for me the leaner the better for him.  He is always going to be able to bump players...he is built like a brick.  But quickness for him is so important.  I just don't understand why they either communicated to come in bigger or even worse did not have in depth conversations on what weight they want him at.

(01-26-2024, 10:18 AM)StrandedOnBeauboisHill Wrote: Was going back through last years trends and it’s still odd to me that we were also 24-20 last year. We went 10-14 over the next 24 games dropping us back to .500. I think this will be the stretch to see if this team is any better. It would have been a very different look last year if we went 14-10 instead and that should be an achievable goal.

(01-26-2024, 10:33 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: This year felt much different.  Last year from the start was such a slog.   There was no joy in watching them play last year.  

The double digit losses this year are definitely concerning though.   You want a mentally tough team that competes hard.   This years team has shown way too many times that they don't bring it every game.  That is bad news.  

They feel to be falling into the same rut as last year.  Can they pull themselves out?  Most teams get into ruts.  Most good teams withstand them and grow.   We will see.  It is going to be a real depressing offseason if things don't improve.  You can have one really sucky year.   2 is a trend and everyone questions if this is the right place for them. 

One thing I am surprised isn't debated more is the heavy minutes for Luka early in the season.  Last season, I brought it all the time.  I thought it was almost a fireable offense Luka would play full halfs in a regular game.  This year hasn't been quite as bad, but there are games (regular average games) where he is taking way too much load.  I don't care what he says.   Kidd has to find ways to get him rest and your job as the coach is find ways to survive those minutes.   Your answer can't be to have Luka play 24 minutes straight.

(01-26-2024, 01:49 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: Kyrie out tonight (yikes, just one injury after the other).  OMAX with G-league team.  Powell and Maxi both out.  Big opp for Holmes to make a play for minutes.  Kidd still might not play him in non garbage time.

(01-27-2024, 01:42 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: My ask is 10%.  Just 10% better on defense.  This group will never be very good on defense but can they make it 10% harder for teams to score.  That would make a world of difference.  Better individual defenders will help, but I think something else is missing.  They have some guys playing hard but it just doesn’t feel like they are connected.  An extra pass or a drive tends to give up wide open looks. That shouldn’t be happening almost every game.  So let’s focus on 10% better.  If they do, they are going to be a difficult out.

(01-27-2024, 01:50 PM)Winter Wrote: The other thing I think in regards to our defensive problem is how much of it can attributed to a "style" of play or perhaps a system. We tend to think there's a lack of effort, but I suspect it's a lot more than that.

(01-27-2024, 02:22 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: ...as indicated by Chicago "doesn't feel like they're connected" comment. He answered his own question. New coach. Right now. For the love of all that is good.