Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[Scott41theMavs]

It's going to be so interesting to see how the rotation works. I have a feeling there will be at least 2-3 months of outright experimentation, but when the dust clears, I find it highly unlikely that EVERYONE'S pet new/young guy will be ensconced in a regular role.

For example, it seems clear to me that Green is super important to the current roster construction, and I've basically assumed they're planning for him to have a sizable role. But, it seems like there are still doubters who don't even think of him as a playable piece.

Others are penciling Hardy in as basically the third guard, and while I am still REALLY high on him as a prospect, I would be shocked if he's higher in the rotation than THJ or Curry, and I'm starting to wonder if even Exum might have the edge over him, short term.

I think O-Max is ready now (more ready than Hardy, even) and others aren't even listing him amongst rotation possibilities.

Some think the center position is Holmes' to lose, and that Powell will be a "break glass in case of emergency" type, while I have no trouble imagining that something closer to the opposite will be true.

It's all fascinating, imho. I'm sure we'll each find at least one thing puzzling about how it turns out.

Seems like we should all lay out our predictions. THJ as a starter next to Kyrie and Luka is defensive seppuku to start the game, which is why I think they won't try it.

I think you're right and that the season will begin with lots of experimentation. Here's my prediction for January-April. Note that my positional minutes add up to more than 48, because I am factoring in injury absences for Kyrie, Luka, Maxi, and others:

PG: Kyrie 35 Luka 10 Exum 10
SG: Luka 25 Hardy 18 Curry 10 Exum 5
SF: Green 20 THJ 20 OMax 5 GW 5
PF: GW 25 Maxi 10 OMax 13 DJJ 8
C: Holmes 20 DP 20 Lively 15 Maxi 5

Player totals:
Luka - 35
Kyrie - 35
GW - 30
Green - 20
THJ - 20
Holmes - 20
DP - 20 (dammit)
Hardy - 18
OMax - 18
Lively - 15
Exum - 15
Maxi - 15
Curry - 10
DJJ - 8

I don't think Morris will be here. If he is and he gets minutes, it means that both OMax and DJJ are unplayable hot garbage, even if/when Maxi is injured. I don't think OMax will be garbage at all.

I'm sure that the "low" minutes for Hardy will cause some crying from his fan boys. It's easy - he doesn't play point guard, and is a significant defensive liability.