I get the rationale for signing Schroder and trading for J Rich this past off season. And frankly each has performed well for us. Schroder is our 3rd leading scorer, and Josh has rediscovered his 3 point shot and played pretty well on both sides of the ball.
But....
It has absolutely killed any opportunity to develop Romeo, Nesmith and Pritchard this season. Ime as a first year coach of course is going to go with the guys who can help the team the most. And yes, on paper, statistically, the two vets have out played the 3 kids (22, 22 and 23 in age).
And where has that gotten this team? To a .500 record. No better than last year's team. The one spearheaded by Tristan Thompson and Jeff Teague, LOL. No better. And despite the astronomical growth of Rob Williams this season.
So what is the point of keeping them? I see none. It hasn't helped the development of Jayson or Jaylen. Neither of them has improved as a playmaker. Tatum has regressed. The team is still stuck in isolation ball. And killing the development of its younger players in the process.
Trade them for whatever you can get. I would expect little in return. Maybe the Cavs, who could use a good scoring guy off the bench, would be interested in Schroder. Maybe Utah would take J Rich off our hands. Don't take players back, just picks, even if they are only 2nd round picks (which is likely). The point is: (i) force Ime to play the younger guys more minutes, and (ii) we are an average or below average with them in our lineup, so what have we got to lose? Frankly, even if it means we regress further, the silver lining is a better draft pick to take or use in a trade.
Trading them will not be sufficient to change the ball dominant style that Ime has implemented this season; in fairness, it is a continuation of last year's offense. It is ugly to watch. 3 players dominate the ball 90% of the time. It is another reason the development of guys like Romeo, Aaron and Payton have been stifled. That's on the coach to not just talk the talk but walk the walk. How? If isolation plays continuously occur, bench the responsible players. When we occasionally play the right way (e.g. vs Phoenix) we are a good team and capable of beating any other team (except maybe full strength BKLN).
Look at how the successful teams are doing it. Memphis is the latest example. They move the ball. Their point guard, who is going to be first or 2nd team all NBA, is not a ball hog. Unlike Jayson and Jaylen, he is generous with his teammates. And those guys are not much different than our three young guys. Incorporate them into our team building. Work plays to include them in a meaningful way. Stop sticking them in the corner, it only encourages stagnation and passivity. Be creative!!! They are talented guys, and incredibly young with room to grow into decent contributors.
Think long term! Have a plan. This is not working.