The starteer are playing much harder minutes this year. They have a bullseye on them after winning the ring and we're not getting as many blowouts as last year. The bench isn't as deep. Theya re a year older as well.
I think Doc has done a pretty good job at getting them rest as you mention and I also agree with you about not liking the platoon rotations.
However, Pruit is especially ready for and increased role. He brings something that is sorelylacking from that second unit; a point with some sembleance of point guard skills.
Walker brings and athletic and physical rebounding and running presence in a typical small forward size and strength behind Pierce. Something that neither Scal ( who's better at the 5 & 4) and TAllen( whos' best at the 3 ) can bring.
So I see these two as boost to our cause rahter than a hindrance.
Particulalry until we sign another Vet or two for the run.
As crownsy just said, "harder minutes" is very subjective. Harder than what? Any other minutes they ever had to play? Playing defense against and trying to score against the likes of LeBron, Kobe, Bosh, Wade, and even lesser players is no easier or harder now, than it was last year.
And I'll never buy the "they are one year older" argument as I can counter that they are really only 6 months older than last June when they were playing and winning the Finals. If you want to say they shouldn't play the minutes they did when they were 28 years old because they are 3+ years older, okay, I'll agree with that. But all three of the Big Three are in unbelievable physical condition even in comparison to other NBA players their age. Allen and Garnett might be the players in the best physical condition at their ages in the entire league. The minutes they play now are carefully monitored and are about right for how the play the game.
As for Pruitt, I agree whole heartedly. I watched a bunch of his games when he was at USC and thought he would be a 1st round pick. When the C's got him I was very excited because I truly believe he's going to be a heck of an NBA player someday. Last year he was lost. This preseason he seemed somewhat better but still just didn't look like he knew enough to warrant playing time. But I think he's finally earned it and it shows. His perimeter defense is very good. His lateral footwork is excellent. He always has his hands up, unlike most NBA players. He keeps his man in front of him and his rotations while not perfect aren't horrid, like they were. He's always had a sweet stroke, I mean a really nice shooting form, but it's obvious he is playing smart offensive basketball and not turning the ball over, maybe the most important aspect of a backup PG. His passing is now much better than it was his senior year at USC and he's able to penetrate pretty good even if he isn't trying it as much as he should. He also has an incredible ability to pull up off the dribble and hit that 15-18 footer, a very under rated skill.
I hope to see more of Pruitt but I think it's a case where he has earned the playing time. As much as I hate Tony Allen, I don't think Walker has earned the right to take his minutes. Allen is a good professional defender. Walker, I still can't tell. But at times he looks lost out there and if it came down to needing either him or Allen to stop someone late in a game, I'd go with Allen every time. And I hate Tony Allen. This doesn't mean I don't think Bill Walker won't be a good pro someday. Quite the contrary, I do. I think he was a steal. But he's not ready for anything more than garbage minutes right now.
