Harden is not score first anymore. He is a floor general. He just need to stop turning it over so much.
Who is supposed to guard Brunson? You don't want to put Harden or Mitchell on him IMO. You need to keep those guys out of foul trouble.
So my idea would be to have Schroder start out on Brunson, and also start straus to make up for the loss of Harden shooting in the starting 5.
This also allows you to have Mitchell or Harden on the floor at all times.
Just a thought.
I guess they could go
Schroder
Harden
Mitchell
Mobly
Allen
That way the matchup better in the backcourt and wings with the knicks starting 5.
I wouldn't be surprised if CLE tries Dean Wade on Brunson. Brunson is a slower PG. Wade defended Cade Cunningham well. I don't think Brunson is any quicker than Cunningham.
Brunson has struggled against bigger defenders in the past although they are usually 6-7 / 6-8 long wing types. Not a 6-10 PF.
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If D Wade cannot defend Brunson, I like starting Keon Ellis instead. Play Harden at SF against Mikal Bridges. Put K Ellis on Brunson. Donovan Mitchell on J Hart. Strus could also do a job. He defend Cade as well. But I like Keon Ellis better.
I want to keep Schroder in his bench role because he is fantastic at bringing in energy off the bench. Being able to change the tempo of the game. Use his speed & athleticism. Use his defensive tenacity.
