FanPost

Start JJ



Allow Leonard and Freeland to come off the bench. I don't think it is fair to expect either rookie to start at center. You will risk killing their confidence and set them up for the label "bust". Both will get plenty of playing time as backups and will get a good opportunity to develop. LA will get used to playing center and thrive IMO. If Howard stays in Orlando he will be the best center in the west.

Hickson knows how to score rebound and be effective in the NBA. Why not allow the rookie big men to develop against other team's backups instead of starters? No way does Leonard or Freeland get any calls against well known bigs or driving guards/wings throughout the league. Plus Hickson showed he's not afraid of anyone. Hickson also brings a level of toughness that is not present with the other possible starters.

Look at the possible production out of the starting five:

DL 15-20 pts/gm, 5 assists, 4 rebs, 40% from 3 pt line

Wes 15 pts/gm, 40% from 3 pt line

Batum 15 pts/gm 5 rebs, 40% from 3 pt line

Hickson 15 pts/gm 8 rebs

LA 20-25 pts/gm 8-10 rebs

Of course those are all career numbers for those players but don't you think Batum is poised for a big year? And Wes is due for a bounce back year? I know most people will say LA is not a center but the west is loaded with power forwards and weak at center. LA will be a shoe in for the allstar game at center and the team plays better with him at center. Don't ignore the impact of DL running the pick and pop with LA and how he will get LA easy shots.