I have zero qualms with this team going into the new season. Room to improve. Sure. As much as any human being anywhere. Maybe less. Here are my basic thoughts:
1) Brunson. Looks lighter and more ready to embrace Steph Curry’s model of offense. New offense but he’ll still be first option. Hoping he steps up his defense as well. But I think we will see a lot of higher quality shots from him this season where the offense may create open looks vs the 1 on 1 game. But I’m glad we also have that guy who can close end of possessions even if there isn’t an open look.
2) KAT. Also looks lighter. I’m really hoping Brown utilizes him a bit more like Sabonis. KATs passing is a bit underrated. I think he can find open looks for Brunson, Bridges, OG. Still needs to figure his defensive - but I’ve always called him a willing defender.
3) Bridges. I’ve always been a fan. Even when he slumped. His shot looks good and this offense seems primed to get him heading downhill to the basket. Hoping he can draw a little contact and finish, get a few more free throws. His 3pt shot looks a bit more refined. Up tempo style should suit him well. I want to see a return to form on the defense. I see him as a ball hawk on ball defender for 62 feet or so. Him and Deuce can trade off that role as needed.
4) OG. An upbeat system should help OG also. I truly believe we have 2 of the 5 best 3&Ds in the game. And our guys get downhill in a hurry. I am looking for OG to rule the free safety role on defense. Trusting him to cover his man off ball and stunt as he feels comfortable. Weak side defense. When sitting behind MitchBeast, I would give him a ton of room to take risks on defense.
5) MitchBeast. I love Mitch and want to see him succeed in a healthy year. His defensive rebounds skyrocketed in these preseason games, I think some may be a function of letting him keep his rebounds vs the team rebound philosophy. Just a guess. Small sample. His involvement in the offense is interesting. Not sure he can do the point center. I think I’d use him the first 6 mins of every quarter. Situationally otherwise.
6) Josh Hart. I don’t give Josh enough respect. He leaves it all on the court and deserves more accolades from me. His triple double threat is a testament to his team attitude. Injury concerns are real for him this year. W know he is capable of good shooting, just need it more consistently.
7) Deuce McBride. This is my choice for a breakout season. Kid clearly been working. He plays both sides of the ball. He exudes team attitude. I could see him running SG in our best Plus-Minus unit this year. I’m betting on Deuce.
8) Guerschon Yabusele. I have high hopes for this guy. I think his size and mobility are a surprising combination. His defense is better than I expected. Hope that 3 stays legitimate.
9) Malcolm Brogdon. I’m keeping an eye on his health but he’s a bit of a ringer. I could see him running with any unit. Even starting. As backup to Brunson, he‘s a legit PG. His efficiency speaks for itself. He’s a plus defender and won’t be a liability.
10) Jordan Clarkson. His positive attitude surprises me. Given his shot selection, I figured he’d be a bit more of a me-first guy, but I think he has just embraced the role as gunslinger. I worry we are going to be taking extra shots at 41%. I see him more as the guy you throw in when you are down and see if he can provide a burst. I’m open minded just worried about his advance stats.
11) Huk. I like his mobility and his offense. He’s not as refined a beast as Mitch on the boards, but he has all the tools. I think he and Mitch will both improve if forced to work against each other everyday.
12) Dadiet. Seems like he is on the block.
13) Kolek. Seems like he should be on the block.
14) Shamet/Mattthews. Don’t think we can go wrong here. Sham is in the lead for me, but that’s just familiarity. If I could keep both, I would.
15) Diawara. I think his appearance on the scene probably made Dadiet expendable. Not to knock PDads but I like what I saw with Diawara and he had me seeing Siakam.
Not sure if I missed anyone. But all in all, I’m excited for this year.
