I am pleased that Thibs seems to have taken that stick out of his ass, and is experimenting a little more.
For instance, I noticed that Obi and Julius were on the floor together for awhile and the world did not explode.
With all due respect,
regarding the proximity to a stick in Thibs's anus, I do believe you have that BassAckwards, and that Thibs is VERY MUCH a MAN OF HIS WORD.
Thibs' moves are consistent with his philosophy and what he has said all along. Thibs has insisted it is all about THE WORK.
Thibs has insisted that minutes are Earned--Not Granted.
Thibs has spoken about the nature of our DEPTH and for everyone to stay ready, as injuries are a part of reality, and your call may come way sooner way than you think.
Thibs has clearly bought into management's commitment to youth and player development, with IQ, Obi and RJ all making significant strides, going into their third and fourth seasons. Of COURSE, it doesn't hurt to have AnActualFactualPointGuard with an old school skill set and genuine leadership qualities.Every time Jalen triple clutches, spins and spins, keep his dribble, changes directions and either gets to the rack or pulls up for a short fall back jumper, it makes my skin tingle.
With Brunson at the rudder, Thibs' offense doesn't make us shudder...well, not quite as much.
Grimes, Fournier, Robinson?
Grimes persistent struggles with his "foot soreness" and Fournier's struggles with his defense his shooting
and TURNOVERS, opened the door for Cam Reddish.
Cam is still finding his sea legs on offense; seeing him flush a couple of early threes last night, warmed the cockles of my heart; it is breathtaking to see him create and get to the rack like an Indian Rubber Man, though he has been giddy and a little out of control, but you can see the potential when he conclusively starts to dial things in.
HOWEVER, at an authentic 6'8" with a seven foot wing span, he came to training camp in great shape, ready to compete and acclimated to Thibs' System & Expectations from a summer's work.
Cam's DEFENSIVE Focus & Intensity has clearly won over Thibs, much as Grimes did.
Obviously, Thibs has great affection for Fournier, but Evan has fallen short in some areas, and when Thibs said nothing is given and it's about the work, WELL?
There were times last night when Fournier looked like a nice fit with the second unit, and that steal, breakaway, and pass to Jericho on the run, moved Mike Breen if not to tears, to call him out for his character and generosity as a team mate.
However, it seem as though in every game, Evan has coughed up some horrific turnovers, which plays into him taking a back seat to Reddish, and soon to be engaged in a dog fight with Grimes, if, presumably, his foot soreness doesn't turn into plantar plantar fasciitis, knick on wood.
In any event, I am so very moved and gratified by Cam Reddish coming on and winning over Thibs.
As for the Julius/Obi connection, Thibs is on the record as having taken a look at it, in noting Obi's improvement on a number of levels, most tellingly on his D & THREE.
We have all seen the improvement of Mitchell, and the impact he has on the game, and of course, the skill set of Hartenstein, and how he competes.
Mitchell goes down?
Hartenstein and Sims are both prone to fouls, and voila, here comes the small ball front court, which makes sense given the surge in small ball lineups league wise...the Celtics were without Williams AND Horford AND Kornet, and they simply lit us up with a small ball attack.
MEANWHILE...
Dawg's fave RJ has been coming on, still dialing in his his shot, and no, he ain't Donovan Mitchell, BUT GET THE FUCK OVER IT. He is averaging just under 20 points a game; he defends, he boards, he facilitates; he's been getting to the FT line and converting at an .814% clip, and posting close to 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
And Julius?
I must confess, that every time Julius sets up from three, I shudder, which is what made last night such a mindfuck. If both J.R. AND Obi are genuine, consistent threats from three, than we may anticipate Thibs calling their Dual-Number.
Meanwhile J.R. and Obi complement and push each other, much as Hartenstein pushes Mitchell, much as Cam pushes Grimes and Fournier, much as IQ pushes Rose.
And Brunson stirs the drink. We have a long fucking way to go, and I'm still waiting to see us apply the deep heat massage to some top tier teams, but that day will come.
The Wolves are most def
not the Celtics, but our three point defense was better, even though Thibs allowed as how some of that was Minny missing out on some good shot opportunities.
Anyway,
BRING ON THE Fukcing NYETS.
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