PJ, TA, Eddie and Big Baby

[ScoobyDoo]

I realise rotations get shortened come playoff times but I think out team is an exception. We have differtn guys that will be needed in certain situations throughout these playoffs.

Against Detroit we might need Baby to really handle Maxiell

Against a San Antone we might need more PJ to handle Duncan.

Against Cleveland or Washignton we might need more TA to handle Stevenson

we might need House to spread the floor.

Therefore, I was happy to see these guys get burn.

I feel like we may obviously keep the rotations shorter with Posey, Cassell, Powe, etc. but I also think it's critical to try and get all these other guys more burn every night, even if it's just five minutes. It keeps them involved and keeps them fresh.

I was glad to see it last night

[shookones99]

Stevenson is a bum.  We should let him jack up 3's all game.  But they wont be making it to the next round anyway.

Also I think KG or Perk would probably do a better job on Duncan than PJ.

Against Cleveland I would like a small lineup.  Then have Posey come and double Lebron.  Let Big Ben beat us PLEASE.

[paintitgreen]

I think the key to the OP is the phrase "in certain situations throughout these playoffs." We don't need 12 guys to play in every game or in every series - we need 12 guys ready to go if and when their number is called. Last night, it worked out fine - Joe Johnson sat for more than 9 minutes in the first half so we had more leeway, plus with the blowout, we could play them all at the end.

BUT, Doc's inability to correctly choice which of those guys to play in those certain situations contributed to our Game 4 loss. For example, we may need House's shot in some games but his inability to handle the ball, create offense or defend made him a horrible choice to go in at point guard to protect a 10 point lead with 12 minutes left on the road, especially when it meant relying on Ray Allen, our best shooter, to handle the ball, create the offense (which is not his strongest point) AND defend the Hawks' only true playmaker and threat with the ball in his hands. Plus, I love Big Baby and it's not for lack of effort but he's too small to contain Horford and too slow to keep up with Smith. Maybe 2-3 well chosen minutes is a good idea, but we can't hurt our team's chances now because we MIGHT need a guy in a future game.

[ScoobyDoo]

Yes Paintitgreen that was my point. I wasn't saying I thought PJ brown was the best option on Duncan or Tony Allen the best option on Joe Johnson or Big Baby the best option on Horford per se.

In PJ's case, I was implying he would be a good option on Duncan "after" the obvious choices of Perkins & Garnett. For that matter Big baby played him quite well in a game this year and "might" be a necessary option should we meet SA in the finals.

My main point was that I feel it is very important to keep these situational guys "fresh" by giving them burn wherever you can, even if it's 3-5 minutes because this will help them be mentally and physically prepared when there number is called and when it matters that they perform.

I think it is very difficult for a player to not play for four games and then be expected to come in and be up to pace in the 3rd quarter of game 5.

I also believe that unlike alot of teams, with PJ, Cassell, Powe, Big Baby, TAllen and Eddie House we are a team that is a legitimate 11 deep and have six players off the bench who can and have all contributed siginificantly; Big baby against detroit and San antonio, Cassell on the Texas swing, Powe & House in general, TAllen with D and PJ with his rebounding and D.

Therefore I would be pursuing the following:

PJ, Powe, Posey and Cassell as my short rotation. However, I would be searching every game for a spot to put in both House and Big baby for at least 3-5 minutes.

For example, when Cassell was stinking it up in a few games I'd yank him and try house.

And when Horford was climbing all over us, I'd throw Big baby in there and tell him to just work him over physically. If not Horford then just be physical with everyone else.

Or When johnson was going off I'd give TA a try and tell him to forget everything else and just deny Johnson the ball.

And if in the next series, Big Baby and House were better fits than Cassell and Powe, I'd be looking to bring Powe and Cassell in 3-5 minute spurts where I could to keep them fresh.

I guess, just keeping everyone involved and ready.

It's good we're deep, but if players aren't ready because they hadn't played in 5 games it doesn't matter...