Some facts are our record was good enough with EG starting when CP3 was out, and more importantly our first halves in Game 6 and Game 7 were fantastic. Some were convinced EG belongs off the bench because of the better positioning two years ago with Pat Bev but to be fair back then Clint wasn’t who he is today and Ryno was our PF instead of Tucker (similar switch to that of EG and PatBev with respect to offence and defence). It’s a reach to ask not only Melo but also CP3 to come off the bench for the regular season, but I wouldn’t mind the coaching staff presenting the idea to CP3 and see what he thinks. There is no doubt he would close out games, but also bringing him off the bench would make it easier to monitor his minutes and give him more rest (playing him bigger minutes only when needed). Harden will almost always be a better player at the start of the game than the end. Barring cold shooting nights it’s obvious fatigue is his biggest crutch. Why waste Chris Pauls time and energy during Harden’s best minutes. My ideal line-up: Harden EG Ennis PJ Capela Off bench: CP3, Melo, Ryno, Green (Other pros would be that it makes it a lot easier to have Melo accept bench role as well. And maybe Ryno could find that compatibility again with CP3)
Haha. That is a valid point. But he would get subbed out pretty quickly last year to make the rotations work better. He’s a pretty humble dude and he knows it’s not a demotion and he’ll close every game.
I believe CP and Melo will start every game they’re available to play in. Then once the game has started, you figure out lineups depending on the game situation that ideally keeps 2 of Harden Melo and CP on the floor at all times. Then, once Houston is up by 30, rest them.
My ideal rotation: Start PG - Paul SG - Harden SF - Melo PF - Tucker C - Capela 8:00 min mark Gordon for Paul Ennis for Melo 3:00 mark Melo back in 2:00 mark CP back in for Harden Need to formalize roster for Tucker/Capela rotation.
I don’t doubt you’re pretty accurate but I really feel starting Ennis would bring out the best in him. It would give him a more important role for himself and the team. I guess coming off the bench worked for Luc but I want Ennis to be better....for longer.
I feel Ennis will get a lot minutes by limiting Melo's minutes during the regular season much like what they did with CP last year. He would also help decrease Harden's minutes. Would like to see MCW help out with minutes at 1,2,3 spot.
Hmm. That’s fair. I guess I am seeing Melo’s scoring as being on par with EG’s. Maybe the staff sees it as much more that that, I have no idea. Do you think they expect more?
The fact that I trust EGs shot more is what gives me more confidence in his scoring than Melos. They’re both going to have to play off of CP3 or Harden. But I still think it’ll be about even.
But do you really want EG starting considering that before coming to the Rockets, he missed many more games each year due to injury than CP3?
Idc who starts... as long as we use a deep enough rotation that our guys arent gassed by the time we hit the post season...
To me at this point in his career I think Melo is definately a 4. But I’d feel more comfortable with PJ starting. So who do you put in at starting 3? I guess Ennis could work. Though I think it’d be hilarious if James Harden was our small forward. For basketball reasons? Not really. I just think it’d be amazing to have a guy be top 2 in MVP voting three consecutive seasons playing three different positions. PG (runner up), SG (won it), and SF (who knows?). Would be pretty awesome. Plus I think he plays much better defense on bigger guys than smaller guards. Plus this isn’t a bad lineup at all! Paul/Harden Gordon/Green Harden/Ennis Tucker/Melo Capela/Anderson IR: Nene, MCW, Melton
CP3 often started, but went to the bench after 5 mins. CP3/Harden averaged 19.8 mins a game together on the court last season. https://stats.nba.com/vs/#!?PlayerID=101108&VsPlayerID=201935 1st quarter CP3 out about 5 mins of first game mins. then CP3 in-Harden out. 4th quarter Harden enters with around 7 mins left in game (w/CP3.....to finish game). 7 + 5 = 12 mins Leaves about 7.8 mins together the rest of the game. This is why I suggested in another thread Melo starting and leaving with CP3......and then re-enter with CP3 (Harden exits).
