Gyp Rosetti
Banned
Assuming AK starts at the 3, who do you think should start at the 2? I think Miles. Perhaps Bell may close out games. But I think Miles should start.
Starting 2? Miles or Bell?
- Thread starter Gyp Rosetti
- Start date
billyshelby
Well-Known Member
I'd actually go with Bell. You make it clear to Miles he's going to get 30 minutes and close games while making him the key scorer off the bench. Like the captain of the second unit when he comes in at the 5's, but stays in and plays with the first unit to close halves and 4ths. Upside: Miles can be aggressive the second he comes in. He always seems to play better when he gets those early buckets. I also think he can be effective as a 'second' guy to initiate the offense if Price/Gaines can't get it going. Downside: You don't want CJ thinking he needs to score every point on the second unit. I don't think that would be an issue, though.
Gyp Rosetti
Banned
Respectfully, I see things the exact opposite. Having started some of last year and developed nicely imo, I see it being important for Miles psyche that he starts. That's not to say it's a handout. I simply think that at this stage in his career, with what he can bring to the table, if he appears ready to be a starter, he should get the nod. Otherwise, I think it could send some mixed signals to him. If he struggles after about 15-20 games, sure, make Bell the starter. But I think it could do wonders for the kid's confidence to let him know he's our starter coming out of camp if he's earned it. Then, at the end of games I think it would be great to have a vet like Bell on the floor. His leadership, grit (my word of the week), shooting, poise, and defense, in my opinion, should all be out there when it matters most.
Darkwing Duck
Well-Known Member
Miles easily.
billyshelby
Well-Known Member
I think those are all valid points. And I do think it matters to Miles that he starts, whether it should or not. And he'd probably view the job as a demotion even if it isn't, which is why I think you have to sell the job to him a little bit. But he's still a young guy. You can manipulate young guys into thinking the right way even if it takes them a while to really believe it.
Here's my other issue: Bell is an opportunistic offensive player. Great 5th option with our first unit. But if the system is failing, as it might on the second unit, Bell won't give you anything. Right now, our second unit is going to look something like Price/Hayward/AK/Sap/Fes. That's not a good scoring unit, and only AK can create his own shot to a very limited extent. So I kind of like swapping out Miles for AK in that group.
As for closing halves and games, I see Deron/Miles/AK/Sap/Jeff as being the mainstays, with fouls/matchups changing it up the obligatory 20 percent of the time.
Darkwing Duck
Well-Known Member
While during the season, all five starters may be off the floor, I don't see it happening for long stretches. I imagine a healthy Okur means a three man big rotation. I also imagine Bell would be the first sub in, with Miles coming in to help the second unit at the beginning of the second. Miles comes out with five to go, and replaces Kirilenko going into the second.
I really prefer Miles starting the season as the starter.
While I agree that I would rather have Miles as the starter with what he showed last year Bell's defense against a starting 2 is really why we picked him up. So I think that Bell might get the start in order to play against the Kobe, Wade type players to start the game.
billyshelby
Well-Known Member
I can see that, too. I'm pretty torn. On talent, you start both AK and Miles. And with Okur out, and AK slotting into the frontcourt, it probably doesn't matter because both those guys are going to log 30+ to start the year. So we may actually see Miles start at the 2 and AK at the 3. The reality is we're going to close a lot of halves and games with Miles and AK which means Miles is going to play much more 2 this year than he did last year.
Deron - Bell - AK - Sap - AJ
Bench: Memo, CJ, Gaines, Honzward, Fes
Bench: Memo, CJ, Gaines, Honzward, Fes
I too am torn, but at this point, Bell is the choice for me. As Ben10 pointed out - defense. I think CJ will see this as a demotion. That could be a problem. The ideal is that Raja comes out with teeth-grittin' and clothline-ready to make the start of our games better (i used with word 'our' how nice. See how dark the tint on my glasses has become now that AJ and Bell are on board.) BShelby pointed out that this rotation favors CJ as a more valuable asset due to Bell being last or near last option possibly. I think this is true. But i haven't seen Bell play for long time. I could be pleasantly surprised.
There is a chance that CJ then blossoms as 'the man' on a strong second unit. This could be good for him.
InGameStrategy
Well-Known Member
I am of the opinion that for most of the game, it is good to have a shooter (CJ or Honzward) and a defender (AK or CJ) on the floor.
Given that you don't start Hayward, you start CJ. And you start AK to provide more length and to assess early where his head is on that given night. Then, based on individual and team performance, you sub in players, keeping 2+ starters on the floor at all times.
Marty McFly
Well-Known Member
Sloan will start Bell and it will be the right choice. You always want to start the game off with a defensive tone. Miles still needs 30+ minutes but it's important that Bell starts and let's the other team, officials, and fans know that the Jazz aren't taking **** from anyone. Plus, we need a scorer/playmaker off the bench.
Lost_Jazz_Fan
Member
AK won't start at SF, CJ will so I vote for CJ and Bell to be starters.
