Where should we hide IT against the Cavs?

[mr. dee]

I think we can hide IT much better this time around against the Cavs. The question is who.

[JSD]

JR

[CelticSooner]

Shumpert and Korver.

[RockinRyA]

Shumpert and Smith.

Our problem against the Cavs has always been Lebron and the bigs. Hiding IT isnt much of a problem against them.

[jpotter33]

Yep, we'll definitely have an easier time doing it against the Cavs. It has to be JR in the starting lineup and then Shump when he's in, though Shump has been much more aggressive with the ball when he's played lately.

I think the real question is who do we start against Cleveland? Why not go KO and add that much extra shooting, spacing, and off-the-ball movement against Cleveland's weak D?

[Future Celtics Owner]

I think it will have to be whoever is playing the 2 for them. The 1,3, and 4 can all score at will and will take advantage of an IT mismatch. JR Smith will be an x factor for them.

[rondohondo]

Not korver we need IT to preserve energy, not chasing Korver. Jaylen has the energy and athleticism to guard korver

Kyrie - AB, Smart , Rosier
JR - IT , Smart, Jaylen
Lebron -,Crowder, Jaylen, Smart
Love -   Amir, KO , Jaylen
Thompson -,Horford, Amit, KO

[saltlover]

Yep, we'll definitely have an easier time doing it against the Cavs. It has to be JR in the starting lineup and then Shump when he's in, though Shump has been much more aggressive with the ball when he's played lately.

I think the real question is who do we start against Cleveland? Why not go KO and add that much extra shooting, spacing, and off-the-ball movement against Cleveland's weak D?

I like Amir starting.  Thompson is a very physical player, and Al can't go against him 35 minutes a night without wearing down.  Amir can take 10-15 minutes of that matchup.  But Olynyk will get the second-most minutes of the bigs, as he has most of the year.

[Ogaju]

I voted LeBron... lol

If you figure he is going to get his anyway, why not leave IT on him. LOL !!!

[arctic 3.0]

I voted LeBron... lol

If you figure he is going to get his anyway, why not leave IT on him. LOL !!!

That's pretty genius

[max215]

JR's had a down shooting year, making him the perfect candidate.

[blink]

Yep, we'll definitely have an easier time doing it against the Cavs. It has to be JR in the starting lineup and then Shump when he's in, though Shump has been much more aggressive with the ball when he's played lately.

I think the real question is who do we start against Cleveland? Why not go KO and add that much extra shooting, spacing, and off-the-ball movement against Cleveland's weak D?

I like Amir starting.  Thompson is a very physical player, and Al can't go against him 35 minutes a night without wearing down.  Amir can take 10-15 minutes of that matchup.  But Olynyk will get the second-most minutes of the bigs, as he has most of the year.

I agree.  Start Amir, finish with whomever is playing the best. 

[RAAAAAAAANDY]

JR

Completely agree.

If the Cavs wanna pick at Thomas let them JR Smith hero ball it. Only sacry thing here is a LeBron-JR pick and pop.

[CelticsElite]

I voted LeBron... lol

If you figure he is going to get his anyway, why not leave IT on him. LOL !!!

lol Maybe IT can sell a good charge during the home games?

[Vox_Populi]

The obvious answer is J.R., since he can't post-up. Obviously Shumpert when he comes in.

Ultimately, it probably won't matter much. The initial assignment will be better for the Celtics, but the Cavaliers are much, much, better at hunting mismatches. LeBron will get Thomas' man to screen for him, and re-screen until they force a switch. Cleveland's spacing mitigates the amount of help you can provide.