'25 Playoff Rotation Predictions: A Collaborative Deep Dive

[F Gump]

That's the way it has worked lately, as in the last few games, but not the way it started

You keep pointing to the fact (which I haven't disagreed with) that Naji played a lot of PF early in the season. But you are missing on "why" - and that is key to understanding.

Sure, the season started with a feeling out period with new players, and it always does (and should).

But before the initial few games of trying to figure it out had passed, Maxi was injured and not available again until game 12. 

Obviously while he was out, Naji was the only option at backup PF. And as he was used, Kidd figured out (and made it clear) that Naji at the 4 was not desirable.

Those actions (as well as Kidd's words) speak volumes.

FWIW, they were 4-5 while Naji was part of the PF mix. Once Maxi came back, Maxi has been the backup 4, and they have gone 9-2. Clearly there's more to it than that one change, but their interior defense and rebounding has changed considerably to the better with Maxi, and having a shutdown defense and interior is Kidd's focus.