FanPost

Player development vs winning

Looking into the 1st and 2nd lineup this year, it looks to me that Pop is prioritizing continuation of development for Forbes and development of Lyles over bottom line results. With current roster, it would make more sense to play 1st lineup of Murray, DDR, Carroll, Gay and LA. This unit would benefit from DDR playing in his natural position of SG, better 3 and D from Carroll, and Gays ability to score.

On the other hand, I am curious where will development of Lyles going to take us, as if he finds his way to shoot high FG3% and score ~ 10-15 per night, the investment of minutes into him will pay back.

As for Forbes, it is clear that Pop likes the kid, and after DDR is gone (which might happen sooner rather than later), Forbes should be starting SG for years to come. Therefore, growing him into the role makes sense.

All in all, is the current rotation the best we can afford to play (assuming swapping Carroll for Belinelli, at least until Marco starts remembering how to play basketball)?

This is fan-created content on PoundingtheRock.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff at Pounding the Rock.