Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
I mean, Diarra isn't ready to be a meaningful contributor... but his comfort level took a major jump the past 2 games. Two games ago, he looked a year away from even being able to give you emergency minutes. Last night, he at least looked like a serviceable "oh crap, real foul trouble" option.
I think his length is a nice weapon and actually was pleasantly surprised at his lateral agility. Literal different read than you. I think he's helpful against Florida simply because Castleton isn't very athletic and Diarra's length bothers him.
Anyway. I think he's improved alot just in the past few weeks and that there's more in the tank. May be next year, but I think he'll be quality for them.
Re: crunch time lineup... Honor is steady and is a good outside shooter. I think that's his value on the floor. I don't know that qualifies him for the crunch time offense.
If Mosely stays on the court, that looks much different than options without him.
East
Hodge
Mosely
Shaw
Brown
would be a pretty interesting lineup. Lot of length and versatility and switchability there.
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I think the issue for me is that they were trying to use him as a wing. And his lateral quickness, while decent for a guy his size, just couldn't hang with those wing players and it was making him look a little rough.
Which is why I say he's a tweener right now. He's just not strong enough to defend against guys his height and while his quickness is solid for that height, it's not enough to hang with wing guys.
But yeah - he definitely looked better last night than I've seen and yes, 'oh crap, foul trouble' is exactly where I'd say he can contribute. That's what your 10th guy in the rotation is for.
I just don't think we need to be looking to find minutes for him. The top 9 seem pretty obvious and I can't see any reason to put him ahead of any of them (again, presuming Mosley is here to stay). And so 10 comes down to Degray or Diarra. I can see moving Diarra ahead of Degray based on his development.
As for your lineup - I just prefer Gholston over Hodge. He just seems like a more measured and intelligent player. And I think he's a more versatile player on offense so he can help your spacing more.