I completely agree with this. I think the better discussion is how the minutes play out. I think Carey is playing around 16 and Hughes around 20.
It's nice that if Carey comes in and has a learning curve we will be fine. We have FH and TB. This next year is going to be fun.
Andy played mostly 2G, and the fact that we had smaller forwards 15 years ago (or more recently in a pinch) doesn't mean it's the best option in today's ACC. Another scorer might help offensively, as Brooky noted. But rebounding and defense are the traits that helped last year's team overachieve. When we had White at the position - 6'7 and every bit as big as Hughes - he couldn't hang on the glass (4.5 rpg) or defend the rim. This past year, we had (OB) size and springs there and boom the guy's pulling down almost 8 rpg. That's HUGE. We were finally on the plus-side on the glass, even though the zone limits defensive rebounding. This year, I think we'll have the depth and talent to run more and play faster, so possessions MIGHT not be as critical as last year. And we're only arguing over a backup for a few minutes. But I'm in wait-and-see mode on Hughes trying to survive at forward. For my money, Bras can't come up to speed too soon.
We have, but as I posted, rebounding and defense are sacrificed. White couldn't defend the rim (12 blocks all year) or rebound like a forward (4.5 rpg). Joseph had similar numbers (4.7 rpg) in 2011-12. Binije played mostly point his last year, but the year before (when he was playing SF) he barely had 5 rpg and 10 blocks all year. Richardson same problem - 4.3 rpg with 10 blocks all year. Fortunately, we overcame it that year with other front line help (Lydon, Coleman and Roberson all averaging 35+ minutes). So you can get away with it, but there's a price. Look at the difference a real forward made (Brissett): 43 blocks last year and almost 9 rpg (both about double what a guard gives us). MD -- 30 blocks and almost 5 boards playing less than half the game. No doubt, additional offense or matchup advantages make SG/SF worthwhile situationally. But overall the numbers don't lie. And if any season serves as a lesson on the benefits of a tall front line, last year was it. We'll see what happens. It's been a while since we've had the luxury of debating over depth and versatility.
Esp if the turnover rate does not improve dramatically and we continue to avoid fast breaks like the plague.
Wow, that's by quick rehab. Thanks for adding that, I only read a few of the hundred articles on Battles return. And there were at least a hundred.
Agree with the range for Carey. However, I think there will be some games(and important games) where his change of pace style makes a huge impact for us. If he can keep the good attitude, contribute when he’s on the court he will play a big role in March/April. Cuse
