JETSET

I was busy editing the post you quoted while you were responding. Here's my edit: Maybe consistent minutes is what Baze needs to be more consistent with his 3. He shot 41.4% from 3, on 36/87, in games where he played at least 20 minutes vs 24%, on 12/50, in games where he played less than 20 minutes.

Maybe, maybe not. Demarre shot only 36.2% in 13/14 before shooting 39.5% last year. Baze will get much better looks since he will be out there with the starters instead of the bench. He will get the chance to feast off of those wide open looks that Demarre took advantage of last year. Baze shot 36.4% last year. Maybe consistent minutes is what Baze needs to be more consistent with his 3. He shot 41.4% from 3, on 36/87, in games where he played at least 20 minutes vs 24%, on 12/50, in games where he played less than 20 minutes.

It's confirmed.

I think it's too early to say that. Carroll made his big jump in year 2 under Bud and Bazemore is about to enter year 2. Carroll's size and quick release may end up being his only advantage over Bazemore. Carroll was an average defender who gave elite effort, a good 3 pt shooter and slasher but he couldn't dribble.

Deng? I would love for the Heat to try and force the issue with post-ups for Deng. I think that would only benefit us.

Looks like Thabo's story may finally get some air time

I would say Thabo and Millsap are clearly our best options at guarding the elite SFs. I think it's very obvious that Bud plans on playing Millsap/Horford/Splitter at the same time this year. This is why we saw Horford jacking 3's so often in the preseason. While being great defensively, that trio, on the court at the same time, will hurt our spacing and Horford shooting 3's will help gain some of the spacing back. I believe Bud's confidence in Millsap defending elite 3's is proven by our roster moves this off-season. We would have signed a bigger body if Thabo was our only option to defend those players. From the Memphis game, it looked like we will have a main 8-man rotation of the starters +Dennis/Thabo/Splitter. Those 8 will receive consistent minutes on a nightly basis. Splitter subbed in for Bazemore after 5 minutes. Thabo/Baze/Dennis subbed in for Horford/Korver/Teague after 7.5 minutes. Muscala subbed for Millsap 1 minute after. Hardaway Jr. didn't enter the game until 8 minutes in to the 3rd quarter.

Outside of PG, I don't think we have defined positions on this team. I would say we have at least 3 'legit' SF bodies on this team with Thabo, Korver and Millsap. Bazemore will do fine guarding 2's or 3's on most nights. He has great length and great athleticism which will be plenty as long as he's not facing one of the few elite big body scoring wings.

Baze is about to make us forget about Demarre.

I feel like we hear this ever year and then the East still sucks.

His all-around game will be a nice addition to the end of the bench.

I say we are a lock to win 50 and very heavy favorites to win the Southeast once again. With good luck in the injury department, we will hang around the 60 we won last year. I just hope we are healthy come playoff time and I hope Bud doesn't start resting starters all the time if we clinch early. I think that took us out of our rhythm last year and I hope he learned from the mistake. and I vote Bazemore for our Most Improved Player. Can't wait to see what he is going to do this year!

The good thing is our schedule is very easy over the first 17 games. We have 0 games vs the top 6 in the West over that span and only 3 games against what should be the top 6 in the East (not including us). We play Miami, Washington and Cleveland (without Kyrie and Shumpert). We avoid Chi, Tor, Milw, GSW, OKC, SAS, LAC, Hous, Mem. That should allow us to start off hot while the guys are still finding their place on the team.

I don't think Baze played last preseason. He was recovering from the foot surgery and didn't get any time with Bud and the staff in the offseason. I'm really high on Baze this year and think he's going to take a noticeable leap after working with the staff all summer. I agree that we should be fine as long as one of THJR or Holiday can step up and provide what Baze did at the end of last season. That's assuming Dennis actually makes a positive contribution to this team.

The poor play of these 4 have me doubting my previous predictions for this season. We are going to take a noticeable step back if some of them don't get it together, particularly Dennis

Dennis needs to shut up and just play. He has looked worse this preseason than last postseason and that is saying A LOT. Dude is all talk and no play.

It's just been announced that Big Boi will be performing with his collab group Big Grams (Big Boi + Phantogram) during halftime of this game.

That must be where he learned to pass so well

I would say our depth is solid if that's our DNP's

Now if we can get the offense rolling. Our defense should be better than last year but we are going to miss Demarre on offense. It was nice having two 40% 3 pt shooters on the wing.

KK putting on a show!

We are also able to get a good look at our two biggest division rivals. Miami and Washington start at 8pm on ESPN and the starters will be on the floor.

This is a game to be excited for imo. The game will be televised on Sportssouth and Bud has said that he will shorten the bench and play his normal rotation tonight. Some questions regarding the rotation may be answered tonight and it will be against a tough opponent.

I would put us above the Kings, Wizards, Bulls and Grizzlies.

I would hope we are able to get better value than Barnes for one of the best contracts in the league.