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Message: [QUOTE="RF2044, post: 2521942, member: 40"] Let's just assume for this discussion that Battle is gone. Barring the unforeseen, I really see only two viable options for who starts / plays the most minutes -- either Frank and Hughes, in a big backcourt tailor made for zone, or Frank and Carey. If its the bigger tandem, then Frank will benefit from having a guy who is reportedly more of a natural ball handler, passer, and penetrator than Battle. Frank would still be the point, but some of the pressure would be spread out. If Carey starts, then it doesn't really matter what you [not "you" specifically, Iommi -- talking in general] call either guard -- Frank isn't a pure point, and neither is Carey. Both can handle, pass, and shoot. Both would have the ball in their hands a lot. Both could initiate the offense, or push it in transition when such opportunities arise. I'm kind of hoping for the latter pairing. And I think that Frank had a pretty darn good year -- and that he'd really benefit from having a guy who CAN turn the corner, get into the lane to attack defenses, etc. in ways that he and Battle cannot. Carey can do those things. Carey wouldn't predominate the ball playing alongside an experienced guard like Frank, the way Frank does this year. Frank's play making responsibilities might go from 95% this year only down to 80% [to your point], just as a function of having other creators out there. And in my opinion, that would be good for Frank's efficiency. He might end up being a much more effective, clutch player just by having his work load reduced a bit by being surrounded by other capable guards that take some of the pressure off of him in terms of running the team's halfcourt offensive sets - a responsibility which doesn't play to his strengths. And of course, Bazley being such a natural ball handler / gifted passer is going to bring a dimension to the offense that was completely lacking this season. So it isn't just Hughes / Carey who could take some of the pressure of of Frank. [/QUOTE]

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