I think Cliff, then DSJ, then Richards.
The beauty of having DSJ, apart from what he’s doing on the floor, is the tone he sets. There’s more effort on D by everyone. When Terry gets back I expect to see him actually putting in the effort he gave lip service to last season. It’s infectious when you have a DSJ on the court. Already my favourite Hornet not named after a spherical object.
Yes, how much will Ball & Rozier back affect things, and Cliff plays them.
DS has been great & matters, but so is Cliff team ball not seen preseason, a top Ciffism do not give up 2nd chance pts…
Give up fewest fast break points of any team, score most fastbreak last year to 3rd fewest.
Pace slower, from top 5 to bottom 10
ORB points given up mixed, we are not 2nd to last like last year. And Cliff teams are usually among best DRB, will get there as players commit & effort vs leaking out & ball watching.
Nick not add big to DRB, not a great DRB or defender, but a lot better than Nick2021 and not unplayable.
But that ORB rate is elite, will get us big points when crashing ORB.
This may be a hot take, but I don’t think so.
The team defense has been better this year. This coincides with miles bridges not being on the floor (or on the team). I don’t think this is a coincidence. I never felt like miles was a good defender, and an even worse team defensive player. Bad positionally and bad at making the proper rotation. I always felt like he was a mediocre defender at best.
If miles was re signed, his contract would be a worse version of Terry’s and the team defense would suffer.
The defense is better this year because of no miles, more PJ, wing defenders like DSJ and Theo, and rebounding. This team is rebounding better, and I think nic Richards is a big part of that.
My two cents.
I was never all that impressed with miles. I was obviously not in favor of paying miles much more that 10-15m per year.
But the defense is much more likely to be better because it is one of Clifford’s clear strengths especially early in his tenures. He made al Jefferson an ok defender.
I always felt Miles had the physical tools to be a really good defender. Would’ve loved to see what type of defender he could’ve become under a defensive minded coach like Clifford. He had developed the ability to score at every level. Could spot up, finish in transition and last year had added the ability to create off the dribble. Had he continued that evolution into being a true two-way player, Miles had All-NBA potential.
I am starting to get done with Hayward. He is starting to remind me of a Batum ,Diaw .Getting paid big to set.
I am about ready for thee team do something with Him and Westbrook . Just to move off his contract this year.
I never give up or really get depressed with the team. But I am getting real old and can’t go to games any more because my health. I just want the guys to make the playoffs while I can still watch them on the television.
Sadly this is kind of where I am. Not physically but I hear ya. Been at this for 17 years now and it just seems like there is zero payoff. Not talking about a trophy but at least the hope of one. The best I’ve got is a 6th seed. 17 years
I think we both joined Hornetsplanet in 2006 . I might be off a little on the years.
I got a shirt from Ziggy that said Felton > Paul in thair rookie season. I still have that shirt .
Makes me wish I had some old BP shirt now
Haywards injuries are frustrating but I don’t put him in the Batum class because when he does play he is still pretty good. Plus we knew what we were getting into when we signed him. When we signed Batum he went from a borderline all-star to Nic Batum. Plus whenever anyone questioned his play he would give excuses about him putting more effort on defense but being mediocre on that end.
I’m curious when the league is going to begin its anti-tanking investigation on the Hornets. Granted, Terry’s sprain looked bad and I knew he’d be out several games when it happened, but it just seems we’re milking these injuries for all they’re worth.
It would be very Hornets to tank in a season that follows a waste of one lottery pick and the lack of opportunity being given to the other. Not to mention the preference to play vets on one year contracts over young players who might, just might, be able to contribute to future success.
Well that’s pretty cool
Illustrative of Cliff’s lack of ego. Very good idea. Keep this sort of thing coming, please.
I like Nash as a player, as a coach, I’d rather not have his opinion or “looking over things”
I’d be more than happy for Nash to talk with and do some work with LaMelo
It’s a common courtesy among coaches. One afforded Cliff by Nash last year in his hiatus year from ORL. I wouldn’t read much into it tho they may make a bigger todo of it.
Implementing strategy, game planning, leading men - I agree.
But if he’s here to mentor Melo, and the other playmakers with tips on veteran gamesmanship, things to look for, and any special knowledge that an undersized, below the rim hall of famer used to gain advantage and dominate the league, that’s a dream scenario to improve and develop our #1 asset.
Was a joke as a coach (cause he was thrust into it too early without any experience like Jason Kidd) but still has tons of credibility as one of the smartest and most effective players in league history.