Question For Cleveland: Given the fact that KG will need to control his minutes and as you said likely sit out back to back games this year where do you expect to finish in the east? I assume you are under the Doc Rivers plan of make it to the playoffs and then let the dogs loose.
Good question. TP.
Garnett will be limited to 25 minutes per game during most regular season games and will not play in back-to-backs (the likely plan is he will sit out against the weaker opponent of the two). Once we arrive at the playoffs, KG will play upwards of 33 minutes per game, every game.
So yes, we are planning to "make it to the playoffs and then let the dogs loose." However, that doesn't mean that the other 12 (or 11) guys aren't expected to give it their all every night. KG's teammates understand that for the Cavs to have the best shot in the playoffs, two things need to happen.
1. We need KG to be rested
2. We need home-court advantage as much as possible
In order for number 2 to happen, we gotta win as many games as possible in the regular season. So as far as "coasting" goes (I believe that's the term I've heard used), there will be no coasting from these Cavs.
Even with limited minutes, Garnett can still set a defensive tone for an entire game. This past season, the Celtics suffered greatly when Garnett wasn't on the floor because there was no legitimate second big option. The Cavs have Horford. Two very different scenarios. And, with respect to back-to-backs, we believe a lineup of Lawson-Allen-Butler-Landry-Horford is still extremely competitive and will still win many games.
The goal here is the first seed. That's what I'll tell you guys and it's what Lionel will tell the Cavs players.