Originally Posted by
littlecoyotecoin
I think Tony, Tim, Manu, Kawhi, and Aldridge's minutes are all too high, varying in severity from highest to lowest probably in that order.
Tony, too high, I would like to play very little during the beginning of the season. As little as possible to secure wins and get him out of the game. He's just too valuable to have hobbled in the playoffs. When he's good, we're really good. When he's bad, we can sometimes overcome his poor play, but who wants to be in that situation. We really do need to treat him like he's the 40 year old. His body and the style of play he incorporates into his game, hitting the floor often, playing among the trees as a slight build guy, it takes its toll. Hamstring, back, and ankle issues. Etc. I don't know what I would like to see him max out at, but closer to 20 than over 30 would make me happy. There is a fine line somewhere. He needs to play enough to have his new teammates be familiar with him, and stay in game shape, secure wins, but that's it. Pull him out early and often. I say no way to 31 minutes. Distribute another 6-11 minutes to Patty, McCallum, Jimmer, Anderson, and Simmons as you see fit. During the second half of the season, maybe you can work him UP to 31 minutes a game. Of course, there may be a game where he plays 45, OT, etc and several (SEVERAL) where he DNP-rest. But, essentially play him as if he's a China Doll, because at this point he is.
Tim is old. He has been durable, but no reason to push our luck. We have the horses this year. Except on days where he is absolutely needed at center, rest. If LA, West, Bobo, Bobi, or Bonner can absorb any minutes at all, they should. At the end of the season, maybe build him up to 25-30, but as an average throughout the season? No. Caveat: we have question marks at center.
Same goes for Manu. Play him just enough to get new players acclimated to him. Otherwise, keep in glass case for playoffs. OP had him low at 19, I say 15, just pulling a number out of my ass to mean LESS, and almost none during the beginning of the year.
Kawhi's knee condition makes me want to keep him at 30 even though he's young. As with Tim, he may need to play 34-35, because the backups at Center and SF are not proven. But, in a perfect world, I hope we don't have to lean on him too heavily, minutes-wise, and Anderson, et al can absorb 15 per game. Kawhi appears to be a Spur For Life. Let's manage his time wisely from the get go.
LA - hopefully this guy is going to be a Spur For Life, too. I knock only 1-2 minutes off at 29-30, that seems to be what they've like to keep Tim at. LA is 30, he's not exactly a spring chicken. Let's get him on the under 30 for over 30 old guys plan so we can keep him around for another 10 years a la Duncan.
Of course this means every one else's minutes go up. I think Bobo and West can both stand to play more than listed, especially.
I am also quite hopeful about Anderson, McCallum, Simmons, and Jimmer. If these guys are ineffective backing up 1,2 and 3, and Boban and West can't provide effective play at center, throw this plan in the garbage.
But, it is very fun, and helpful, when our bench gets so much playing time that they function as well as some teams starting units during the regular season. It's a double edged sword getting the bench heavy minutes during the season. It makes them better and keeps our starters rested. Go bench. Watching Pop mange this year will be a LOT of fun.