I think we're in a strange position right now where we have a talented starting 5 and a promising core of future talent.
My problem is - talent needs playing time to develop. Sure, we can slide in and maybe get Smart/Rozier/Brown/[Future 2017 Nets Pick] ~ 20, 25 minutes in the best case scenario, but do you think this is going to hinder their growth?
I'm going to take a player like Jimmy Butler as an example. Yeah, he was a bench player for a while, but only after given the chance to start and run with the wolves did he show that "promise" and develop into a star.
If Smart/Rozier/Brown/[Future 2017 Nets Pick] start showing promise, who do they replace in the lineup? I feel like the dynamics of this team would change greatly if we removed Thomas from the lineup or someone integral to the identity of this team like Crowder.
Also, eventually, we're going to have to extend/re-sign these young players and veterans, and it's going to be a nightmare for Danny. So I think inevitably, we're going to have to consolidate and trade people away. In the meanwhile however, I just think our young players are promising, but they're not going to be given that chance to truly become a "star" in my opinion.
Example: I'm not saying Smart or Rozier should start over AB right now, but if Smart or Rozier gets AB's minutes and role, don't you think it's very possible for them to develop faster into something more complete than AB? You get better by playing against better talent - by playing them against 2nd units, are we, in a way, limiting their growth?
What do you think?