Let me preface my title by looking back a bit.  Remember late last year and early this year when Nate insisted on having Travis Outlaw on the floor late in the fourth quarter.  Remember how many mistakes Travis made and how many bad shots he took.  Remember how frustrated we as fans were with Nate for having Travis in the game?  Now look at Travis!  Other than Roy who else do you want shooting in the fourth quarter?  Now we have two great options at the end of games.

So thinking about that, and knowing that we have another youngster blossoming before our eyes, does the James Jones injury force create an opportunity for Martell Webster to add to our fourth quarter arsenal?  Should Nate force feed Martell into some late game shots irrespective of how it turns out for the team?

I think he should.  I think this accomplishes a few things, 1) Nate going to Martell would instill confidence in Martell, which we know to be a big component of his game (being confident). 2) He is a pretty good defensive player when he wants to be.  I thought he did a competent job against Carmelo in the last game. 3) Can you imagine if Martell hits a couple of game winners?  What would other teams do?  Let Roy go to the hole?  Double team him and leave Travis and Martell open?  Travis for a jumper or a drive?  Martell for the same?  Oden and Aldridge to clean up any misses?

I know this may be painful for the rest of the year, but let's be honest.  Jones isn't our future, Martell is.  Jones is a great complimentary player, but Martell could become a good to great player who can carry your team in stretches.  I want that person, and I am willing to sacrifice a win or two this year for that opportunity for the next 5 years.

So I say, Nate play Martell in the fourth!  Ride him at times.  Call a play or two for him late.  Forgive his mistakes, let him grow!  Imagine the possibilities....