Toronto Raptors @ Charlotte Hornets -- Monday, Dec 14, 2020 -- 7pm EST -- Preseason

[GOLDBLUM]

There once was a glorious game thread here.. but I've deleted it, that it might save us all.

[G__Deane]

Back to back funskies

[inthepaint]

That OG gif makes the hair of my arm stand and the heart warm. Hits you in different levels..

The running towards him
Fred & Siakam's expression
Lowry's smile
The jumping
The slow motion
His shirt saying "say their names"

[Puffer]

Great test for Flynn and Thomas coming up. No more surprises. Looking forward to seeing how they do. And looking for Spicy to get it going.

You're on a roll Goldblum, keep it smokin'.

[007]

Thomas for MIP get the campaign going

[inthepaint]

Thomas for MIP get the campaign going

Three things would happen if he gets real minutes and a real rotation spot:
1. He would have ups and downs like every player (especially shooters)
2. He would overcome them, find the rhythm and confidence that comes from real minutes, help team rebounding, develop court vision further (already good) find chemistry with the main guys, and space the floor wide open
3. Be a finalist for MIP

[can't teach wingspan]

Love it Goldblum *chef's kiss*

[Jclaw]

Pace your self Goldie..it's a long season

[007]

This is what we like to see. Boucher seems to be a lock given our front-court depth, but guards are a lot more interesting with Norm, Thomas, Flynn and Davis. I imagine we'll see a ton of Norm at the 3 this season

[MixxAOR]

looks like Nurse changed his philosophy. Last year it was whoever got it going but this year it looks like he wants consistent line up

[inthepaint]

looks like Nurse changed his philosophy. Last year it was whoever got it going but this year it looks like he wants consistent line up

Nah I bet it'll be the same. Pre-season and the first 20 games is heavy experimentation and internal competition. Then he'll pick his favourites, and good luck changing that. Once you're whitelisted you pretty much have a free pass to sh*t the bed all you want on offence and you minutes are safe all the way to the playoffs (eg Fred vs Philly, bubble Gasol, McCaw). But at the beginning of the season at least, there's some pretty good internal competition. Hope the list is good this year, this must be tense times for these guys

[MixxAOR]

Nah I bet it'll be the same. Pre-season and the first 20 games is heavy experimentation and internal competition. Then he'll pick his favourites, and good luck changing that. Once you're whitelisted you pretty much have a free pass to sh*t the bed all you want on offence and you minutes are safe all the way to the playoffs (eg Fred vs Philly, bubble Gasol, McCaw). But at the beginning of the season at least, there's some pretty good internal competition. Hope the list is good this year, this must be tense times for these guys

what a payoff though

[bertarapsfan]

I just hope that guys get full games to try out the role.
Its a way better strategy to give dudes 20 minutes a night to get into rhythm and see how they fit the role.
Id rather see Thomas, Davis and Flynn rotate being the full time 8th man a game at a time. Then seeing each guy get 10ish minutes, doesn't do much to see how each guy fits with the rest of the roster and try out different combinations with starters etc.
You can split out the 9th man minutes, but the guy auditioning for the 3rd bench guy needs a full run of minutes

[MixxAOR]

I just hope that guys get full games to try out the role.
Its a way better strategy to give dudes 20 minutes a night to get into rhythm and see how they fit the role.
Id rather see Thomas, Davis and Flynn rotate being the full time 8th man a game at a time. Then seeing each guy get 10ish minutes, doesn't do much to see how each guy fits with the rest of the roster and try out different combinations with starters etc.
You can split out the 9th man minutes, but the guy auditioning for the 3rd bench guy needs a full run of minutes

yeah and guys are not going to look over their shoulder worrying that they will get taken out. Let them work through their mistakes.

[inthepaint]

what a payoff though

You bet. Worked great in 2019. Not so much in 2020, so maybe this year we're due strike gold again. Bar is not championship, just need to stay up there so we maintain an appeal to free agents.