Who’s the primary backup at small forward: TLC, Anderson or Stauskas?
Who will be the primary back up at SF, TLC, Anderson, or Stauskus?
— Lucas Johnson (@LucasJohnsonNBA) August 5, 2017
Given the fluidity of modern day positions, I think it’s easier to quantify that part of the rotation in terms of two wings, rather than a shooting guard and a small forward. Robert Covington and J.J. Redick are the obvious starters in that case, which leaves a handful of spots open in the second unit.
All three of those names — Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, Justin Anderson and Nik Stauskas — are likely to see some minutes in reserve, with even Furkan Korkmaz providing a wildcard depending on the rate of his development. In terms of who the primary backup will be, however, it almost feels like TLC is the predetermined option.
Training camp will give us more clarity on Brett Brown’s rotational structure, but Luwawu seems to be a cut above the rest as it currently stands. He may not be on Stauskas’ level as a shooter, but he outdoes the other names in virtually every other respect.
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He’s the most polished defender of that group, with a combination of (controlled) energy and length that should allow him to guard any spot one through three. He’s also a strong asset when playing off the ball, gunning around screens and making smart cuts to the rim — the ideal mold for a Brett Brown player.
He’ll find plenty of success in an offense that’s conducive to his style, which should lead to plenty of minutes off the bench.
Could Justin Anderson be a poor man’s Draymond Green?
Do you think Justin Anderson could eventually turn into a poor man's version of Draymond Green?
— Lucas Johnson (@LucasJohnsonNBA) August 5, 2017
I see the train of thought here. Anderson has a good frame with the physical tools needed to hold his own at four if he was asked too. He’s a high energy defender, and that energy alone is enough for him to impact a variety of plays on that side of the ball.
What he lacks in comparison to Green, however, is just about everything else.
He’s a subpar shooter with offensive instincts that are borderline headache-inducing at times. Part of what makes Green so special is his basketball I.Q., which allows him to position himself correctly and make the correct plays at every turn. Anderson can be an erratic shooter who still hasn’t found his role offensively.