Noah is out and we win 6 in a row, score 100. He comes back, and as I have been saying, completely disrupts the flow and rhythm of this team.
His best value is now as a cheer leader on the bench, or traded for his expiring. Probably as a cheer leader. The worst thing we can do is not realize this and bring him back for the playoffs. He stops the ball to make the difficult pass while the defense converges in multiple directions away from him, because he can't shoot. He has lost a step defensively, he isn't that big or strong, and he is one awkward ugly-skilled ball player.
I love the heart of the guy, I am partly shamed for this hate, but damn it's just hard to watch. It's a leftover from the Thibs years and the final game he played in was a fitting last page of the last chapter. I hope. 83-77 loss. Everyone stand and clap for the warrior, but I hope that is the last I ever see him in red.
I believe 6 teams have a chance. Spurs and GS, then Cavs and Thunder, then Clippers and Bulls. With a nod to Atlanta and Toronto.
The clippers and Bulls have the talent of the rest, but for whatever reason just cannot mesh it all together effectively as of yet.
I completely disagree that we don't have equal wing talent, ours just aren't developing well enough. They aren't maximizing what they do have, they aren't staying within their role and making things easier for our 3 stars.
We are the sneaky dangerous snake because both Gssol and Rose have a playoff gear that will blow doors off, that they are conserving the throttle of right now. Once they engage we become the magic three headed dragon formula.
By that time our role players need to understand their turn and contribution. We have much more auxiliarry scoring than past years, with McDermott, Mirotic, Brooks all elite shooters. Some 3 and D out of Snell, plus Gibson and Portis. I like this team a lot, and think it has great balance, versatility, and potential.
There is simply no room for Noah. He really complicated the employment of matching up the other players who are all flawed in some way in their own right. Noah unfortunately breaks the combinations.
I predict the ship turns around now that we are simple plug and play again. Moore turned it up.
Our chances rest in the health of Rose. Our best basketball will emerge in April. Everyone relax and enjoy, we had high hopes dashed. I think this year it's low hopes surprised. You all will come around to my side when we are 2-2 with Cavs. We DO have a chance this year.
