They were much better off jettisoning Mud and letting Murray develop. I think this year is too soon for things to come together post-seasonally, but they have a bright future.
During the year, Nugs got some terrific bench play from previous unknowns Monte Morris, Torrey Craig, Malik Beasley. Plus Plumly. Juancho and TreyLyle found it hard to get much court time.
I'm not much of a Barton fan. Streaky, mistake-prone.
As for ORL, DJ Auggie came back to earth. Raps left Isaac open for corner 3's. 0-6. And would have been 0-7 but Lowry ran into him on a late closeout, for 3 FT's. Lowry played a strong game, but you can't run into a guy on a close out, especially when he's 8" taller. Just make the effort, but play it safe. Leaving Isaac open paid off for the Raps. Able to collapse inside on Vuc and DJ drives, and stick to Ross reasonably well. Playoffs are tough for young guys. See if Isaac can adjust.
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