Doc should consider sitting KG

[Megatron]

KG has regressed into his "unable to convert the lob" mode again where he just doesent have the lift he had. Dont know why we keep trying that play multiple times a game, the guy just doesent have the energy for it.

He hasnt quite been the same since the calf injury, he actually looks just as bad as he did last season right now.

Something needs to be done about this, we wont go far this year with a gimped KG.

[CoachBo]

Ordinarily, I'm not an advocate of this, but having seen the last couple of games, KG's not the only one who needs some time off.

Know we're trying to land the number one seed, but several of the older guys look gassed. As does Rondo.

[guava_wrench]

Maybe Baby returning will lead to a little more rest for KG, especially against lesser teams. It would help a lot though if Murphy could get it together first.

[CoachBo]

Which is likely a good part of the issue - we can't integrate the new guys fast enough, which is to be expected, to keep minutes down.

Unfortunately, I think we're just going to have to be patient and watch for the bumps to be smoothed out as the new guys nail down systems that are radically different, in the case of the ex-Thunder and Net players.

[Green Hell]

Agreed. This team is starting to slow down and our injuries, much like we anticipated, are starting to catch up with us. If Shaq is humble enough to get some rest so he can be fresh come playoff time, why not KG (or Pierce) for that instance? Rondo needs to learn how to lead this team sooner or later and that, imo, is what separates Rose from Rondo. Rose has developed that killer instinct you see in a leader and you see it in how he takes the team on his shoulders and attacks, attacks, attacks. Rondo will still defer to the Big3 when the spotlight is on it cost our weary starters down the stretch last year.

[2short]

If our bench were fully healthy I would be giving each starter a game off and the practices around that game.  Ray & Rondo look like they can use it.
Green hell?  rondo is the point guard and has been a leader since his second year, he facilitates the offense for the other guys
ask cousy what he thinks the pg should do

[CoachBo]

We benefitted last year by sitting the vets some down the stretch and letting the games fall where they may. It's beginning to look like we might have to do that again, and just let the top seed fall where it does.

[Neurotic Guy]

It is time to decide whether it's more important to have HCA or more important to have healthy, rested players.  I do believe the 2 are mutually exclusive.  Rest our top players and we give up HCA to at least Chicago, perhaps also to Dallas, LA and maybe even Miami.  Fight for HCA and we are undoubtedly more fatigued come May/June.

I actually think PP adn RA look better now than they did at this time last year. But, OP is correct that KG is showing signs of fatigue the last couple of games (though I disagree that he has been less effective since his injury).   

Given my druthers, I think we are best served by resting our big 4 (and slowly bringing Shaq back).  My hope is we can do this while hanging onto the #2 seed and staying ahead of LA.

[CoachBo]

Agreed. Frankly, until last year I would have opted for the seed but myself and anyone who thought similarly got an object lesson in being wrong on that one.

Sit them down. Limit their minutes. Can't hurt to give the new guys more minutes in the system, anyway.

[CoachBo]

KG has regressed into his "unable to convert the lob" mode again where he just doesent have the lift he had. Dont know why we keep trying that play multiple times a game, the guy just doesent have the energy for it.

He hasnt quite been the same since the calf injury, he actually looks just as bad as he did last season right now.

Something needs to be done about this, we wont go far this year with a gimped KG.

TP, btw, for an excellent thread.

[cdif911]

go 5 games with the starters resting - give extended minutes to the bench so they're ready for playoff rotations if needed

Start:

Murphy
Baby
Green
Dwest
Carlos

Bring Nenad, Sasha, Von, Avery and Jermaine O'Neal (in a wheelchair) off the bench.  If the team wins a game, each of the regular starting 5 owes each guy 50k...

[jambr380]

I still want the top seed. I think it is important to the psyche and I would really like to avoid having to play the Heat. Their five game losing streak doesn't negate their 22 out of 23 streak. They are really dangerous and I would rather they just fight it out with Chicago.

I know what you are saying about resting players last year and it working out for us, but frankly, not having HCA in the finals was really the difference.

[CoachBo]

I'm not really that concerned about the Heat, to be honest. I would prefer fresh legs, if I have to make a choice. I have no doubt that Doc will play the bench more as the season winds down - and hopefully more of them return to the floor.

[tenn_smoothie]

KG has regressed into his "unable to convert the lob" mode again where he just doesent have the lift he had. Dont know why we keep trying that play multiple times a game, the guy just doesent have the energy for it.

He hasnt quite been the same since the calf injury, he actually looks just as bad as he did last season right now.

Something needs to be done about this, we wont go far this year with a gimped KG.

plus, Rondo needs to stop throwing those low % lob passes into traffic that Garnett, for whatever reasons, isn't able to catch and convert easily anymore. Rondo is hard-headed sometimes and he turns the ball over too much - even if he, technically, doesn't get the turnover on the stat sheet, he is the one ultimately responsible for putting another player into an awkward spot.

[CNYCeltsfan]

When both shaq and Big baby are back we can let Garnett take a week off going into the playoffs.  What also may be crucial is sweeping the first round matchup and getting some rest that way.  Easier to do against Indiana then say a surging Knicks squad.