Decisions should not in any way be based on player feelings or popular opinion. If they happen to match up, great. It should be about winning and building a team that can consistently win.
I like that Randle made some defensive plays against the Pels. The focus needs to be on cutting down the plays on which he’s lazy or lost. Bobby needs a better understanding of his job as a defender. He’s much more likely to be out of place or late than to give up on a play.
Taj, Marcus, RJ, and Frank look like they’ll be our most competent and consistent defenders. The nice thing about those four is you can play literally anyone else on the roster with them and they slide naturally into the other four positions. You have 1st option guys in Morris and Barrett, and guys who look to support in Taj and Frank. I expect this more as a choice finishing games before if ever it starts.
Randle, Knox, Mitch, DSJ, Trier, Ellington, and Bobby look ready to take roles around this defensive core. Dotson could get into that group and move ahead of some guys if he gets right and finds his legs.
I think Fizz starts with a rotation something like
Mitch Bobby
Randle Taj
Morris Knox
RJ Trier Ellington
DSJ Frank
Dot and Elfrid as next up and Reggie and Ignas in Street clothes.
On offense, all the bigs need to up their games in doing preparatory work for the guards, both because they can, and because the guards need serious help. The guards need to do more cutting to bend the D and create lanes as well as working to be more available spotting up or flashing. Wayne, Morris, and Trier are best at this with Knox and RJ coming along. This is a particular weakness in Franks game that Fizz needs to address.
I’ll enjoy watching the work this season and right now I hope it will lead to some progress.