I believe big changes are a necessity if they want to really compete. Especially considering how much the East has improved and will continue to improve.
Agree. They are going to have to take a fundamental look at this team and maybe retool or rebuild.
There are many reasons for it, the poor bench, lapses on D. But one of the most [dang]ing ones to me is why do we always come out flat and lackadaisical? It is completely unacceptable!
I think pretty much everyone here sees that something has to give and the lack of effort to start the games is a big problem that needs to be addressed. What those changes need to be is where there's a wide range of opinions.
Health has played a big part in the team's performance as has a decrease in the general talent level from last year (like Hayward or not or give little credit to the impact he had due to his constant unavailability to play, he still was the 3rd best player on this team last year).
I don't know the solution to right this ship.
-A change in attitude and effort is definitely needed. The question is can that happen without changing personnel or coaching. I'm not sure it can. I just don't see a competitive fire in the eyes of many of the players that tells me they hate losing and will give their all to win every game.
-A change in coaching philosophy should be under consideration. Not saying we need to fire Brad and staff but his offensive strategy hasn't changed since he's been here --> live and die by 3's. it sucks. cold shooting nights are a guaranteed loss and we have far too many of them. ice cold starts have become far more prevalent and it's impacting their efforts on defense leading to large, early deficits. Brad needs to develop some options on offense that don't rely on outside shooting. more driving to the basket. more plays initiated from the post. more plays using players cutting to the basket.
-A change in talent level is needed in order to become real contenders. Sure, there's talent here but it's not enough based on what we've seen this season. Will that change come from players improving? I think so, to some degree. Will that come from an actual training camp to get everyone on the same page? probably.
--None of that will address the holes in the front court though --> Timelord can't stay on the court, TT is horrible on offense, Kornet is third string at best, Tacko is just a novelty and the Semi/GWill combo as PFs off the bench is not getting it done.
--Kemba is continuously getting picked on on defense. His ballhandling is sub-par for a starting PG. His offense is inconsistent.
--Smart isn't the answer as a starting SG or PG because his offense is inconsistent at best and his ballhandling/ passing this season haven't been particularly good. too many boneheaded plays and trying too hard at times which ends up having a negative impact in the game.
I think the C's have a solid wing rotation in Tatum/Brown/Fournier/Nesmith/Romeo and a couple of solid guards to come off the bench in Smart and Pritchard (I do not consider Smart to be someone I want as a starter but off the bench he's an impact player) but they need more talent in the front court that can play both ends of the court and actually stay healthy enough to play as well as starting PG/SG that can play both ends of the court effectively.
