How does Marcus fit in when he comes back?

[alldaboston]

I don't wanna make this into too big of an issue, but how will Marcus fit in when he returns from the injury? Brad said he will come off the bench initially, but then what? I know our defense suffered in the first 3 games Smart missed, but it's been a lot more sound ever since, and the IT-Bradley backcourt has led to a new Avery we have never seen before. The offense also flows better now, in my opinion. What's the plan, in your opinion, when Smart is able to play again?

[jpotter33]

I don't wanna make this into too big of an issue, but how will Marcus fit in when he returns from the injury? Brad said he will come off the bench initially, but then what? I know our defense suffered in the first 3 games Smart missed, but it's been a lot more sound ever since, and the IT-Bradley backcourt has led to a new Avery we have never seen before. The offense also flows better now, in my opinion. What's the plan, in your opinion, when Smart is able to play again?

Good question. I'm not sure if there is a right answer or not. I guess it will depend how it goes with him on the bench. What we know for sure is that Smart and Turner do not work well together, but I could see Bradley absolutely beasting against second units with Turner. I'm not sure that I see IT going back to the bench in favor of Smart, though, because Smart just isn't ready to handle the offense full-time.

[Ogaju]

Bench him, don't mess with team chemistry.

[MJohnnyboy]

Bench him, don't mess with team chemistry.

So you'd prefer James Young in the rotation over Smart?

[playdream]

Smart will go from the bench and if he is fully healthy he should replace AB
Smart/IT and AB/Turner pair is the best of our lineup
With always have O/D and playmaker and one 3 pointer on it

[34truth]

 b

[34truth]

We finally have a backcourt that together is almost worth a superstar and people want to put Tony Allen's cousin in

[playdream]

We finally have a backcourt that together is almost worth a superstar and people want to put Tony Allen's cousin in

Yes it's almost worth a superstar

But this lineup will make superstars cry

[LarBrd33]

Defensive specialist off the bench. He would have helped against curry.

[LilRip]

He should come off the bench but I still think he should get a lot of minutes. Players who should be in the rotation are IT, Bradley, Smart, Crowder, Turner, Sully, KO, and Amir. Then maybe Lee in spot minutes.

[j804]

If Smart goes to the bench is the pg experiment done? Wonder how things will play out once ITs contracts up

[Birdman]

Trade Smart..resign Thomas long term..problem solved

[jbpats]

Trade Smart..resign Thomas long term..problem solved

I've been having this conversation with friends recently and my take leans more and more towards trading Marcus.
IT and AB are arguably playing the best basketball of any backcourt in the NBA (outside of Northern California), and both should be considered for the all star game. Turner is giving us the spark that IT once did off the bench.. Yes Smart's defense would be great but between AB, JC and AJ our defense is already stout, and like others already said Turner and Marcus don't mesh well on the court.
Trade Marcus now for a bigger need, and IMO that would be a game changing 3, which is what I think we were lacking vs GS.. Thomas did not have what it takes with the game on the line, we need someone who does.
My ideal move would be Smart, Lee and the Brooklyn pick to Utah for Gordon Hayward but I'm sure that would be debated around here... And more importantly, I doubt Utah would do it.

[mctyson]

Trade Smart..resign Thomas long term..problem solved

IT is signed for the next couple seasons. It would be stupid to pay him more now when we have plenty of time to see the teams potential with him on it, at a cheaper price.

Trading Smart is a very bad idea.

[mctyson]

Bench him, don't mess with team chemistry.

Chemistry is not the issue.  When Bradley was coming off the bench this team had some of its most quality wins.

I would only be concerned with hampering Bradley at this point, because he is playing superb and I don't want that to stop.  I would be fine with IT coming off the bench again.