So it's been just 4 games, but Jaylen, as the #4 option on the starting offense, has worked out well thus far in these playoffs. His defense and intensity has been excellent. He is shooting well everywhere but at the line(58.6% FG%, 42.9% 3PT%, 66.7% TS%) and has been great rebounding the ball with nearly 7 rebounds a game.
Kyrie is also playing great next to Jaylen, (22.5 PPG, 7.8 APG, 4.5 RPG)which is great to see since he obviously has to have the ball in his hands more without Smart there.
We all hope when Smart returns he is 100%, but that may be hoping for too much. Knowing Smart he would want to play at even just 25% capacity, which wouldn't be allowed, but I think it safe to say it is most probable Smart returns at less than 100% and possibly on a minutes restriction.
So do you give Smart the start or stick with what is working, with Brown playing some of his best defense of the year while being the most efficient scorer on the team and a giant plus on the boards grabbing 6.8 a game from the backcourt, making Brown, the team's 2nd leading rebounder?
But Smart and Kyrie have really shined as a backcourt all year. Smart taking some of the ball handling off Kyrie, tremendously helped the flow of the offense. Smart, at 100%, is also this team's best perimeter defender and a premier defensive QB along with Al Horford.
So do you go with what is working, if it continues to work with the Bucks, or do you give Smart his starting position back or do you wait until it appears Smart is just playing better than Brown, then make the switch?