Small ball at the wings. Called it.

Now that you mention it, that's a great idea.  Pierce really could benefit from the 5-5-5 rotation I think.

If they're going to get Pierce's minutes way down, I'd prefer he get on the KG/Nowitzki plan than sit down for long stretches.  Pierce never seems to play well after sitting down for 8 minutes or more of game time and losing his rhythm. 

I don't know if it will have the same benefit for Pierce because he is a scorer. A scorer who sometimes takes time to catch fire. And when he is on, you leave him out there. I think his effectiveness would diminish with the 5-5-5 plan.

What made it work so well for KG is that it allows his energy to match his intensity at all times. He can not make a shot (or even take one) and yet still be extremely effective during his 5 minute stint.

Pierce needs to be scoring, in a variety of ways and in rhythm, which is hard to keep when playing for that amount of time.


We'll see though, I'd definitely give it a shot during January/February.

I would not mind having the captain off the bench.  I feel like he is actually more versatile than Green and could take advantage of some mathchups moving him around positions and Green might benefit from playing almost exclusively at the three.

I expect Pierce's minutes to be similar to KG's. Also the depth gained this off season will allow KG or Pierce to take nights off as the season drags on.

Pierce is a rhythm shooter.  He can't just come off the bench cold and play at the same level.  He needs to be on the floor for longer than 5 minute stretches.