It's either Scal or Miles.
We don't know enough to decide at this point.
If Miles is healthy, if he can contribute by mid-year and if he buys in to the team concept and is a solid citizen, he might make the team. It would be a rational economic decision to keep Miles if he is worth more this year and next year than Scal and the value of Scal's expiring contract. A contributing Miles might be worth more than whichever player we might get with the extra money next year.
Either way, we're talking about the fifteenth guy, who will be in street clothes. The only way Miles gets in is if Walker sits on occasion (which is likely). They're looking at Miles at backup 3. This is another reason why Scal may be in trouble. Unless I'm mistaken, he's not a backup 3, and all the spots at 4 are taken.
At this point, BBD can do everything Scal can do and then some. BBD can score around the basket and hit an open 12 footer. Scal can't. I know Scal started some games last year when KG went down. This year, I think Davis would get the nod (to keep Leon in his usual role as first backup 4).
I wasn't impressed with BBD in games 1 and 2; but he came through last night. I think he's solid as the fifth man up front. If there's an injury, or foul trouble, or if Leon or POB aren't producing, then BBD gets some minutes.
So, either Scal or Miles, Sam and JR will probably be in street clothes.
I'd like to see JR and Bill Walker rotate in and out. Both should get some time in D-League, and some time with the team. Walker is needed more for backup 3, but Giddens may be the better defender.
The more interesting thing is what's developing at PG. The 2nd unit is much better defensively with Gabe at the point. I think the Celtics can play Tony and Eddie, or Tony and Bill; but I don't think they should ever play Eddie and Bill at the same time. They lose too much on defense and ball handling. This means that Rondo, Pruitt (or PP) should be on the floor at all times.
The second unit rotation to me looks like the following: Powe, POB, Tony, Bill or Eddie (not both), and Gabe. BBD is eleven. Either Bill or Eddie is twelve (on any given night - depends on the matchups). Sometimes Miles or JR will sub for BW or if there's an injury. Sam will play if Gabe can't do the job. He's our insurance policy.
I realize Eddie and Bill play different positions. If Eddie is in as the 2, Tony will play the 3. If Bill is in at 3, Tony will play the 2. Eddie and Tony could split the 1 and the 2, if Pierce is the 3. Otherwise, Rondo or Pruitt will need to be in the game. As I said, no way the Celtics should ever be playing Eddie 1, Tony 2 and Bill 3. That doesn't work.
The good news is that this year's second unit will play much better as a unit than last year's team -- better team defense and more consistent offense.
So Scal or Miles, Miles or Scal ... too early to say. The best developing stories so far are Tony Allen and POB; and the most important thing to watch will be the play of Gabe Pruitt.
Backup point (particularly on defense) is our biggest area of vulnerability, and our greatest opportunity for improvement as a team. (Think about D Gibson, Pargo, Stuckey, L Williams, J Farmar). If we can shut that down, it will make the lives of the starters much, much easier.
Teams are going to be coming after us all year long. If we are going to repeat, our second unit will need to be much better than last year's unit. We'll see if this group can get it done.
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