Playoffs rotation: Hollins or Williams?

[bfrombleacher]

Our starting center and backup center are set. It's KG and Stiemsma and I love it. But they're not going to last 48+ minutes a game combined. Stiemsma is foul prone and Doc would probably want to use KG as sparingly as ever. The third string center is more important than you'd think. Sadly, both of our options are fairly new to the team and have serious flaws.

Ryan Hollins just doesn't get basketball but he hustles like crazy (at least for us he does, don't know what he's been doing in Cleveland). He knows the system (better than Sean Wills at least). He's 7ft tall and athletic. That's about it.

Sean Williams on the other hand is much more talented since he actually kind of understands the game. Similar in athletic ability, shorter but very long to make up for that and has much better instinct. Plus he can get and hit free throws! The problem though is that he's an even newer addition and doesn't know the rotations at all.

For me, it's pretty obvious. Williams should come off first. While Hollins filled it up last night against the Bucks, I saw much more sustainable production from Williams. Rebounds, blocked shots and some scoring is what we need and is what he can definitely bring to the table. Hollins was everywhere last night but you kind of have to wonder if he's going to keep that up, especially against better competition. In the "Heat game" before the Bucks game, Hollins gave us nada while Williams gave us, again, blocked shots and rebounds and points in less minutes.

As for Doc, he sure does value knowing the playbook a lot. Not knowing the defensive rotations at all is a huge blow against Sean Williams. But he did get extended playing time against the Bucks... I'm torn

Either way, I love the pickups and hope we keep both. Maybe it's the green goggles.

Sean Williams is insanely talented. The way he used his body to cut to the basket yesterday with a defender draped all over him and somehow ending up with a dunk was just fantastic.

On the other hand, I don't get why everyone is bashing Hollins. For a third string center he's everything you want. Energy, hustle and attitude. I think he can make it as a good 5-10-minutes-a-game garbageman, adding great depth to any roster. Plus he's 28.

[BASS_THUMPER]

hollins

he a lil grimey and we need that now

[Bahku]

Hollins, without question ... love this kid's tenacity and athleticism. Hard to say for sure at this point, but I think he'll have a great career in the NBA. Nine points, five boards, and four blocks in short minutes on Thursday ... and a sweet little jump-hook.

[LooseCannon]

The correct answer is probably "Doc goes smallball", so long as Pietrus is healthy.

[Change]

Hollins albeit the lackluster rebounding is solid defensive players. He hold his own against Fat behemoth down in Miami Dexter Pittman. He tried to back down Hollins few times to no avail. Hollins stood tall and strong in the box. As long as Hollins plays defense, he is defacto backup to backup center. And any offense he gives is gravy.

[azzenfrost]

For now, Hollins. I can definitely see Williams becoming "back up to back up center" ahead of him. But there just wasn't enough minutes for him to show that he can. So yeah, Hollins. I'm glad to suddenly have multiple big man options though!

[thestackshow]

Whichever one can rebound the best.

[chambers]

Williams is clearly the better overall player and he can hit free throws, but Hollins is better in rotations.

Williams we are giving up defensive control but gaining rebounding and offense around the rim.

Hollins we are giving up rebounding and easy looks under the rim for defensive awareness.

Both have crazy energy. I think about our matchups and vs Atlanta I like Hollins, but vs Bulls I like Williams- he's just a much more solid overall player.
If he can learn rotations by end of ATL series I'll go with him for the whole way.

[j804]

It'll be Hollins because he's been with us longer and has more grasp of things, Williams has upside though Ryan is what he is at this point.

[j804]

The correct answer is probably "Doc goes smallball", so long as Pietrus is healthy.

That won't work against Chicago I'm not saying big minutes or anything but one of them will need to give us something if we want to advance

[2short]

As of now I'd say Hollins but if both guys are back next year I don't think it would be that close.  Williams has nba talent, hollins needs to learn some things before he should really get steady minutes.
As long as either guy runs the floor, boxes out and plays defense that is all we can ask.

[SHAQATTACK]

Both can contribute limited minutes to rest KG and Steamer.  Williams is smooth and could be a nice asset .  Hollins really is trying to impress and what he lacks in skills , he is attending the AB school of give it all ya got and see what happens...works for me.  His energy and spirt help the C's starters watching from the bench.

[clover]

Williams is clearly the better overall player and he can hit free throws, but Hollins is better in rotations.

Williams we are giving up defensive control but gaining rebounding and offense around the rim.

Hollins we are giving up rebounding and easy looks under the rim for defensive awareness.

Both have crazy energy. I think about our matchups and vs Atlanta I like Hollins, but vs Bulls I like Williams- he's just a much more solid overall player.
If he can learn rotations by end of ATL series I'll go with him for the whole way.

I think you're right about Williams and it will be interesting to see if Doc tries to get him time vs. Atlanta.  Likewise, I wonder if Doc will have Moore active some and stick him in here or there.

[Surferdad]

As of now I'd say Hollins but if both guys are back next year I don't think it would be that close.  Williams has nba talent, hollins needs to learn some things before he should really get steady minutes.
As long as either guy runs the floor, boxes out and plays defense that is all we can ask.

I voted for Williams because he has real NBA talent and I hope we bng him to camp next year, but I agree with those who say it'll probably be Hollins.  That said, I am worried about Stiemsma's plantar fasciitis and it would not surprise me to see Williams get some key minutes in the Atlanta series.

[Jon]

The correct answer is probably "Doc goes smallball", so long as Pietrus is healthy.

TP.

This is quite likely right.  And it's not a terrible decision.  It's not like we can possibly rebound any worse than we do now.  

Furthermore, while people may knock this idea, let's also remember that closes out many games of the '08 title run with a lineup of Rondo/House, Allen, Pierce, Posey, and KG.  

Pietrus fits into that mold perfectly.  

And remember, mismatches work both ways.  While Pierce or Pietrus may have some trouble matching up with a 4, it's not like there are many 4s who can stick with them either.  

I also wouldn't rule out a Rondo, Bradley, Allen, Pierce, KG lineup to close out games.  Those are our 5 best players.