Stevens wanted to start Smart but Smart rather comes off the bench

[Big333223]

Maybe he understands that with Kyrie, Hayward, and Horford in the starting lineup he won't get many opportunities to handle the ball. He knows it's not just good for the team but good for him as well.

[keevsnick]

What if Marcus is lying? What is Stevens told him he wasn't starting, Marcus is angry, and now he's saying Stevens wanted him to start but he declined for the good of the team. That makes him looks good and helps explained why he isn't starting in a contract year. I don't actually believe this theory, but given the depth of my cynicism I can't rule it our either.

[manl_lui]

What if Marcus is lying? What is Stevens told him he wasn't starting, Marcus is p---ed, and now he's saying Stevens wanted him to start but he declined for the good of the team. That makes him looks good and helps explained why he isn't starting in a contract year. I don't actually believe this theory, but given the depth of my cynicism I can't rule it our either.

I don't think this is the case at all, if i remember correctly Smart was supposed to start and confirmed to start hours ahead of the game (can somebody also confirm this?), but I think right before the game, Brown was starting, since it's preseason, Stevens is likely to change lineups around so I don't think he would have last minute change up

[keevsnick]

What if Marcus is lying? What is Stevens told him he wasn't starting, Marcus is p---ed, and now he's saying Stevens wanted him to start but he declined for the good of the team. That makes him looks good and helps explained why he isn't starting in a contract year. I don't actually believe this theory, but given the depth of my cynicism I can't rule it our either.

I don't think this is the case at all, if i remember correctly Smart was supposed to start and confirmed to start hours ahead of the game (can somebody also confirm this?), but I think right before the game, Brown was starting, since it's preseason, Stevens is likely to change lineups around so I don't think he would have last minute change up

Oh I don't believe it either, I think Stevens just made a last minute change. I think we are likely to see the starting lineup change depending on match up with brown, smart, morris and baynes all getting chances as the other two starters.

[loco_91]

I think he likes being the alpha on that 2nd team. I like him in that role too.

[trickybilly]

Contract year on a team with two offensive stars in the first unit.

Wise move is to put up better numbers on that second team.

[RockinRyA]

I don't like this at all. If coach tells you to start you start. Period.

  People have preferences. Its one thing if he flat out refuse to start, but he has shown in the past he was willing to start when needed.

[Surferdad]

I think he likes being the alpha on that 2nd team. I like him in that role too.

This.  I take Marcus at face value because he sounded sincere.

Some of the theories around here are shocking.

[hodgy03038]

Perhaps Stevens wanted to start him in preseason game one but it really doesn't mean anything. And in the overall scheme, the fact that you start or not is irrelevant. It is "who finishes" is what is important.

[smokeablount]

It looks like it has to be either Smart or Larkin who comes off the bench to play the 2nd unit distributor role.  I'd prefer that it's Smart with Larkin 3rd string, so I'm happy with JB starting.

[KGs Knee]

Who knows what was said behind closed doors. It doesn't really matter to me anyway.

The bottom line is it would be better for the team to have Smart coming off the bench as our 6th man. His abilities are better used leading the bench unit. Brown can provide enough of what we need out of our starting SG, but may not be anywhere near as effective in the bench unit as smart would be. It's the same reason Manu came off the bench all those years in San Antonio.

[Dino Pitino]

I think he watches the game and get reved up , he is busting at the seams to get in and do damage......

I would dread seeing Marcus coming in with a glare and full head of steam ,  at the point opponents are strating to get a bit winded .  It would be disheartening knowing he is on here s way in , like a bull in a china shop.

The turnovers he'll force is getting me excited.

I don't like this at all. If coach tells you to start you start. Period.

And I'm sure that if Stevens had said "No, you're starting", he would have started.  That doesn't seem to be the case, though.  He just told Brad that he would prefer to come off the bench, and Brad then decided that he agreed with that and started Brown instead.

If it comes out that Smart absolutely refused to start, then, yes, it would be an issue.  But instead it seems like he was just willing to come off the bench in order for a younger player to start, which Brad may have been hesitant to do in case of any ego/respect issues.

This is the right take, I think.

Anyone remember when he pulled himself out of the game in the playoffs because he wasn't playing well ?

He has high standards, can't wait for him to meet 'em.