Belated thoughts:
- I really liked what I saw from Keyonte. Maybe he's trying to be on his best behavior since he's a rookie and just carving out a spot in the rotation, but right now he plays so differently than our other guards, it's like a breath of fresh air. He's very quick but isn't trying to go 100mph all the time or overdribble his way inside. He seems to have a knack for picking his spots, which will serve him well when his minutes inevitably increase. Keyonte may not be a 100% natural PG either, but he probably has the most "feel" for the position out of everyone in the guard rotation. Happy with this guy so far.
- Collins is playing well too. His defensive intensity comes and goes, but that's nothing new. He was never known as a defender in Atlanta. Offensively, he's been a faultless role player so far. The shot isn't really falling consistently, but it's clear defenses still pay attention to him when he's on the perimeter. That alone is a very important upgrade in the frontcourt rotation.
- This game was a great example of why Dunn isn't the "great defender" many people think he is. A great defender can put the clamps on a guy without fouling and taking undisciplined, unnecessary risks. Dunn almost lost the game by fouling jump shooters at the worst possible time. You can't make those rookie type mistakes anymore when you're almost 30. Kris can be useful when he plays within himself, but that doesn't happen often enough for him to be a starting PG.
- Kessler seems to have lost 50% of his confidence along with some of his minutes. I don't think his Team USA experience was a good one. He rarely saw the floor and Kerr essentially treated him as an end-of-bench stiff who can't be involved in the offense. Stuff like that may leave a mark on a young player who's relentlessly self-critical as it is. Walker hit an early three (he shocked me by even taking it, that's how off he's seemed lately) but was like a ghost after that. Offensively, he's too easy to figure out and neutralize right now, and he must know it.