Very late to the party here but enjoyed the write-up. I'll add a few thoughts for whatever they're worth (with the additional caveat that, of course, it's one exhibition and things can change dramatically in a relatively short period of time).
First a couple overall impressions:
1) Really like the new look on offense; a bit disappointed to see what appears to be largely the same defensive philosophy. I didn't see quite as many sets as I hoped to potentially see but very, very few of our baskets were one guy driving and finishing his own play. Carlos had one and there were some others, but a ton of passing, not much holding the ball, and some solid cuts. Also saw Lampkin do his thing from the high post. The pass to Carlos was an exceptionally high-level pass.
Defensively ... just looked like last year to me and well-coached teams are going to torch that if we don't have a few wrikles or other gears. Lampkin had some ok moments here, also got torched a couple times. Donnie had some tough moments, Cuffe struggled on balance (despite the great block), etc., but generally this looks like five guys playing defense individually instead of a cohesive unit. We were OK vs. the high-ball screen (not great, but ok) but really struggled with the dribble handoffs. Communication needs to be better there.
2) Our rotation won't be 12 guys ... and it potentially may not be much more than 7 or so (but mostly for good reasons). I think all these kids can play a bit but McLeod only logging 5 mins was odd ... kind of wonder how healthy he is and how much he'll contribute. Pure speculation, rooting for the kid ... just not totally sure. I think Cuffe also could be on the outside looking in at PT. Westry, again, rooting for him, but concerned that won't be happening. Those three would take 12 down to 9.
But the other piece of this is Starling, Lampkin (particularly on offense), Bell and Carlos look like they could be tough to take off the floor. Really wouldn't be shocked if those guys are at or very close to 30 mpg. Freeman will get minutes, obviously, so figure 20 at a minimum, probably more like 25 there and that's roughly 120-125 minutes of 200 minutes (at least in games that matter). I think that may be the low side of the minutes those guys get in real games. Again, it's early, but just a guess.
3) Hope we come off Lampkin/Majstorovic screens tighter. Lampkin is a really wide body and Majstorovic sets really solid screens but at times our guards came around with too much space. Love to see them set the screen up wide, but then run right off those guys' shoulders.
Player observations -- I'll break these into groups to shorten this a bit.
The savvy vets club: Starling, Bell, Carlos, Lampkin
These guys were the four best players on the floor (maybe the lead scorer from Clarion could be in that mix too, but at least 4 of the 5 best players). Starling took great shots, no weird wind up in his release, scored 17 or whatever it was without breaking a sweat. Just looked composed and confident all game. Bell not only hit his threes but moved well and made a couple plays with his passing and putting the ball on the floor. Not sure he'll ever be super well-rounded, but he certainly outclassed his competition. Carlos -- enough has been said here, but kid looked great. Lampkin, defensive questions, IMO, but rebounded well and is tough on the offensive end.
The 'other' bigs I want to see more of: Freeman, Majstorovic, Davis, McLeod
Kind of a weird night for McLeod because he didn't play much. Probably a TBD for him at the moment. Majstorovic was great off-ball and knows the game. Wasn't blown away by his athleticism so I'm thinking his ceiling will be determined by his skill level. We know he plays well off-ball, but can he become a good shooter at this level, handle a bit, create plays with his passing? I think the answer is yet, but the role for this year feels a bit TBD (which is fine, by the way, as we're talking about one exhibition).
Davis had a weird game based on the film we saw of him and what we heard from practice. Just looked a bit out of sorts and not terribly involved. Want to see him again.
Freeman -- to my eyes -- struggled a bit. The final numbers were impressive, which tells you how much talent there is there. His pick-and-pop three was a thing of beauty and I loved the confident stroke from 15 or 16 on his first jumper early. But he missed some bunnies, seemed unsure of exactly where to be on the court quite often, and had some real difficulties defending, particularly in terms of playing as part of team on that end. I came away not feeling entirely sure how polished he is.
Outside looking in (at the moment, if I had to guess): Moore, Cuffe, Taylor
Disappointing debut for Cuffe, even though I still have hopes for him as a player. Just looked a lot like last year and if you're going to be a defensive stopper, you should be dominating a group like the kids from Clarion. Moore looked pretty good but not sure they'll take Carlos or JJ off to get him in the game. Taylor showed nice activity and athleticism ... but was all over the place and his shot was brutal. I think all three have a chance to contribute, but if I'm just looking at the roster after seeing just that 40 mins, I'd say all three are going to need to show more to get on the floor.
Overall I thought it was an OK debut, but i'm hoping tomorrow night is a little for crisper for guys outside the veteran group of Lampkin/Carlos/JJ/Bell. Fun to watch, however.
