Should Smart start at SF over Crowder?

[Smart457]

I always kind of seen Smart as more of an undersized small forward. He has the strength and quickness to defend these guys. He's still able to slow down speedy guards but he seems more capable against slower but bigger perimeter guys. Reminds me of Ron Artest how he's able to man guys up at SF or bigger guards.

So what I'm thinking is that with Jae struggling, why not start Smart at small forward. Jae can come in and get some reps against the Hawks backups.

The argument against this is don't mess with something that isn't broken. We won 2 games in a row with these rotations.

The argument for this is Jae is struggling and Smart is balling. 

What do you guys think.

I'm anticipating a whole lot of leave it alone but maybe the adjustments you make before another team counters is what wins the series.

[Chris22]

No.

[Snakehead]

Crowder has been struggling on offense but he is bringing other things to the game.  I think he should still start.

[BitterJim]

I'd consider starting small with IT/Smart/Turner/Jae/AJ, but I think the best option is to stick with what we've been doing.  Let Smart keep doing what he's doing without adding too much pressure

[Smart457]

Crowder has been struggling on offense but he is bringing other things to the game.  I think he should still start.

He is but is he bringing more then Smart?

Smart is also one of about 3 guys who could maybe go 40-44 minutes in a game and still be productive so I wouldn't worry about burning him out.

[Fafnir]

No, we need Crowder to keep playing into shape at this point.

Its not like either isn't on the court when the moment is big anyways.

[Roy H.]

You pegged my response: it's not broke, so don't fix it.

[Smart457]

I still think Smart should start over Crowder. He's just not giving us much. Crowder would be better served playing 20-26 minutes against the Hawks backups. Move Smart to starting SF.

[jambr380]

Smart should pretty much just be playing the whole game at this point. Hopefully Crowder can hit a few shots in this second half; that lay-up was brutal.

[Smart457]

Smart would had played better D on Korver.

[Smart457]

I really hope I'm wrong and Crowder has a great game but if I'm Stevens, I'm not taking any chances. Let Smart start. He can shut down Korver better. Can step over all the screens better. He's also giving us more on offense.

What is everyone else's thoughts on this?

[manl_lui]

I really hope I'm wrong and Crowder has a great game but if I'm Stevens, I'm not taking any chances. Let Smart start. He can shut down Korver better. Can step over all the screens better. He's also giving us more on offense.

What is everyone else's thoughts on this?

I think Crowder on a normal basis could and keep up with Korver, his ankle injury is hampering his ability to really do anything. But I agree with you, in this case, if we want to win, some adjustments must be made. Starting Smart at SF won't be entirely too bad. Crowder really isn't giving us much on offense not to mention his health isn't 100%. What do we REALLY have to lose?

IT/Turner/Smart/Jerebko/Amir looks to be an energetic bunch to start the game.

[Drucci]

No, even if Jae is struggling he is a better menace from outside than Smart. Plus, Smart really gives a boost off the bench and doesn't play that well along IT.

[Smart457]

No, even if Jae is struggling he is a better menace from outside than Smart. Plus, Smart really gives a boost off the bench and doesn't play that well along IT.

Smart has been hitting his threes and IT needs someone to pass out of those traps to.

[loco_91]

The question isn't really who has been playing better (yes, Smart has been better). Both guys are getting tons of minutes either way. But I think that Crowder should continue to start because you need to have a primary ballhandler coming off the bench. When you have 3 primary ballhandlers in your rotation, it's a waste to put all 3 of them on the floor at the same time.