Does Ime change the starting 5 after the all-star break?

I lean to no. Ime was barking to motivate.

However if the team comes out flat after the break - Jalen Green will be benched.

I could also see Jeff Green pushing Bari to the bench.

 

The play-in dream is dead and we'll be in the lotto. It's time to do some experimenting with the starting lineup to better know the roster's strengths and weaknesses going into the offseason. It'd be crazy to bring back the roster from this year expecting play-in or better, hoping that Green and Smith somehow emerge into stars. Time to make some tough calls.

Two moves they should make:

• Start Cam and bench Jalen. I think it's safe to say that the Rockets are going to move on from Jalen given they are intent on acquiring a star-caliber player and they've already offered to trade him for Mikal Bridges. The front office needs to find out if Cam can handle the extra responsibility of being the starter. If he does well, you can start him with confidence next year. If not, then you will need to acquire a guard via trade or free agency and continue to let Cam develop off the bench.
• Start Tari if the following things happen: (1) Tari is back fully healthy and (2) Jabari continues to lack consistency from game to game. You'll be getting more data on how well Tari can do with the extra responsibility and would feel better about including Jabari along with Jalen in any potential trade packages for another player that could move the needle for the Rockets next year.

 

I think they give Jalen yet another chance and don't force him to earn his spot just yet.... but a few more games of Cam impressing and Jalen disappointing should be enough to send that scrub to the bench forever.

 

I'm not sure, but assuming everyone is healthy, I think Amen is pushing for Jalen Green's minutes, Cam is pushing for Brooks's spot, and Tari is pushing for either Brook's spot or Smith's spot.

 

Only if he runs it by @RooshWilliams first

 

I do not think starting 5 will change as soon as after ASB, if ever. Jalen had good games more than bad ones in the most recent games. The situation is overblown with Roosh thing adding to the story which in fact, has no implications in IRL. Also our coach dismissed many things he has said before.

 

I hope Cam starts and JG comes off the bench. Not likely but a man can dream.

 

I don't think they'll make any changes. Health from Cam, FVV, Tari. Minutes for Amen and Cam. Consistency from Jalen, Jabari and Alpe. Seems like a tall order but it's possible to make the play-in still. Gonna have to "bring your A game" the rest of the season. It's still there for us to take. Frankly, all the culture reset stuff would be for not if they decide to pack it up and play out the string.

 

I think Ime starts Amen and benches Jalen after the break. Amen is Ime’s type of player and I think he is already the Rockets best defensive player.

My preference would be to start Amen at the 3 and Cam at the 2. Bring Dillon and Jalen off the bench.

 

I want him to, but I don't think he has the balls to do it.

DD

 

Spoiler

What does Roosh say?

Spoiler

As the losses quickly pile up out of the gate, we need to put our best tank forward. Meet Tank Commander Jalen Green.

 

IMO, the starting lineup will definitely change soon with Jalen moving to the bench. Perhaps not this week.

I think Udoka has given up on the play-in which means he and Stone are on the same page now (if they weren't already). It's mainly about developing and integrating Amen and Cam now, along with recapturing the team's defensive identity.

 

Oh it’s -500 odds The starting lineup changes

 

Yes he needs to take Jalen out

 

I doubt anything changes right out of the gate.

Green is in trouble though.

Jabari is 20 years old. It’s amazing that anybody could be remotely down on him. Jeff Green pushing him to the bench. Uh no.

 

I'd wait to see how the team comes out in the next stretch.. Then it's whatever!

 

Jalen is on a short leash.

 

I think it’s clear Cam is about to be Ime’s boy

I think Ime wants to bench Green/Jabari for Amen/Cam but won’t do it. Ime is probably telling stone to trade jalen this off-season if he ain’t cool with a 6th man role

 

I don’t think he will for the first game but if this way of losing continues due to the bad starts then he will finally make a move