With all of the discussions going on about who is required at the 1 and 3, what upgrades we need to make. I would like to take a second to throw in my five cents that potentially, we have the lineup we need already sitting on our roster. No upgrade required. Our starting lineup would feature Brandon Roy at point guard, Rudy Fernandez at shooting guard, James Jones at small forward, LaMarcus Aldridge at Power Forward and, of course, Greg Oden at center. There have been concerns that having Brandon at point would wear him down over the season, considering the pounding he takes in the paint. However, I think this is negated as he continues to develop his body, and having Fernandez on the court adds a competent (by all accounts) ball handler. LaMarcus and Oden are guarantees, but I suspect some of you are questioning my placement of Jones at the 3. My thoughts are that Jones is an amazing spot up shooter, and that he struggled at times coming off the bench getting an open shot. With four competent scorers surrounding him and drawing the D, I think Jones could have a phenomenal impact on the team. The bench would work itself out like this. Steve Blake at point, Webster at SG, Outlaw at SF, Frye assuming the PF spot, and Przybilla taking over backup 5. With Webster, Outlaw, and Frye, the White Unit would have plenty of scoring options and is better balanced. Blake, Webster, and Outlaw will all hit their open threes, and Blake and Przybilla are both competent, if not excellent, defenders. Webster and Fernandez are interchangeable at SG, depending on how quick Rudy makes the transition to NBA defenses, but I liked the idea of another ball handler. Eventually as Steve Blake grows older, his back up guard spot would be assumed by Sergio Rodriguez. This would allow the White Unit to be lightning quick, with Rodriguez leading the break, and tow of our best finishers, Outlaw and Webster, filling the lanes beside him. This lineup is potentially and arguably the best 10 (11) man lineup in the entire league. Przybilla is the, by default, best back up center in the league, and I can't think of anyone besides Steve Blake that I would like managing the reserves. That batch of veteran leadership would cool down the younger players heads and help them grow as NBA players. Considering the chemistry of our team, I highly doubt anyone would make a fuss over coming off the bench, as long as their role is clearly defined and we are succeeding. Mull over this and tell me what you think.
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