To answer your question: obviously I’m less than thrilled that Russ is out. I’m happy that Bones sees playing time and obviously there’s a good chance for better spacing and Ty finding some solutions to make second units fit better. So in that regard I am interested to see it. That being said, these last weeks have killed a lot of my previous confidence in the team and the coaching. And then there’s the defensive side as well with Bones, the fit issues defensively next to Norm, the ability of Russ to guard up and the energy he’s often provided to stabilise the team when the starters came out flat. Interested how the team, especially the starters, responds to that because they can’t rely on that kind of bail-out anymore. There could be another blessing in disguise – or trouble on the horizon.

So yeah, overall I share the curiosity, not necessarily the expectations 😉

It’s — to put it mildly — an adventure with Russ. We’ll likely see better fundamentals going forward. But I’m at least willing to watch and wait and see how it goes. But us fans love to make predictions.

You know, the guy’s 35 with a ton of miles—it’s amazing what he can still do — but I’m legit interested in seeing how this team can look going forward.
Aren’t you?

The turnover rate with him on would rank 8th in the league, without him 21st.

While Bones could very well do just as well or even slightly better, the issue in most games aren’t the Russ minutes. We’ve seen that over the last games, we’ve seen Harden with higher turnovers, Kawhi, sloppy starters minutes, bad turnovers by Plumlee, Theis, PG…

I think the turnovers only go down if a) Bones does very well and b) we are getting back to December level play and style of play

But this could be a blessing in disguise as Bones will have some minutes, meaning that we can have an aggressive back-up point guard that can push the pace (like Russ) but with a valid 3pt shot (not currently but hoping he’ll shake off the rust).

Also Russ’ minutes will be spread around the existing rotation meaning that Mann, Coffey should get some extra time and more lineup combinations will be attempted.

Personally, since there is not going to be any addition, I would like to see Moussa in some limited defensive assignments as he has the tools to be covering both inside and out. I am not expecting offense from him necessarily but I would like to see him able to be where he needs to be in defensive schemes. He can’t be worse that PJ Tucker.

A win against Minnesota (like the measuring stick win in Boston) should restore some confidence and allow us to continue the good work that preceded this shaky post Grammy’s roadtrip period.

Finally, good to see PG back. Despite the criticism from some, he is integral to this team reaching its highest ceiling.

The biggest problem for the Clippers has been turnovers. That problem should be cut in half and that will help the defense.

If Bones knocks down those bombs of his, life will be better for everyone.

Maybe *we* didn’t need it, but apparently Ty did.

And yea, regarding backup PF – I’m willing to try anyone who can actually play the position. Kobe, Moose, OPJ (if we can sign him), Metu or Lofton (again if we can sign them) – guys who are actually PFs. PJ at this point is a (washed) smallball C and should be glued to the bench and/or sent home. Kawhi/Coffey can’t handle that spot in all situations. If Ty wants to tinker at the cost of some wins, he should at least do it w/ the chance of long-term success by developing a young guy like Kobe or Moose.