(08-05-2026, 01:44 PM)F Gump Wrote: True if - but only if - they don't ascribe to the 1-3-1 model of roster building and lineups, ie
1 center
3 wings of varying sizes, shapes, and skills, mix-and-match as desired
1 pg/ballhandler
But if that's their model, then any "trade" to adjust the lineup is going to be internal, as they have 3 C, 3 PG, and 10 players currently for those 3 wing spots. Just use the right player(s) in the right lineup in the right way.
It will definitely be the model this season. Mostly out of necessity? I suppose they could have drafted Burries over Morez. They could have traded for some non-Wings. It's not like they've kept the inherited roster completely intact. The moves they've made feel more like value plays rather than some team building philosophy, but maybe not?
There's value in being multiple. Having a number of guys with different skillsets, with the ability to play up or down in any 5-man grouping. There's also a ton of value in having multiple ballhandlers on the floor. Legit, real NBA-level ballhandlers.
One thing they can't really do right now is play the ole Rick Carlisle 3-Guard lineups. Sure, Flagg and Naji can function like one, but aren't really what we're talking about there. Although, someone earlier mentioned Naji being more of a backup PG in a sense. If we all view BWill as a Guard, how is Naji any different than him? Very similar playstyle offensively. Is it because one is 6'1 and the other happens to be 6'6? Both create their 'own' shot and live in the paint. Neither can shoot.
