Benching DJ and Boris in Atlanta

[Twan's Kin]

Do you all agree with Silas' decision to play Livingston instead of DJ at point and Najera instead of Diaw at PF for most of the 2nd half and for the last 2 minutes of the game against Atlanta?

[Scottley Crue]

I do. Paul is going with what works and those guys are producing. DJ just needs to figure out how to approach the new defenses he's seeing. I believe he can do that. Boris...were it not for Tyrus' injury, I could see him moved already. I know Silas (and especially Oakley) are looking for someone with some grit and toughness at the PF spot and that's just not Boris. I don't know what they could get for him, but I'd put Boris at the top of the list of people likely to be moved on this team.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

Silas is trying to anything he can to bring some life to the team. If guys are not playing as good as they should I see nothing wrong with his decision in regards to DJ and Diaw. Of coarse there is not a lot that can be done with the current team. All this talk of making the playoffs to pacify the FEW people who actually care to even pay attention to the Bobcats is senseless. I am not of the opinion that the Bobcats are a bunch of no talent hacks for the most part but feel the chemistry is not there and the team seems to be disconnected on many nights. If the team would play smart and energetic ball consistently I feel they have enough talent to be pretty good. At least fifth or sixth seed good. As they are playing now they will be lucky to make the playoffs. There are too many teams fighting for the eighth seed and the Bobcats must become truly hungry or they risk missing the playoffs.

I am sure Paul Silas will do a lot of unconventional things to see if it can jump start the team. With this group character and heart seem to be missing on many nights and I am not sure Silas can do much to change that.

[Scottley Crue]

Silas is trying to anything he can to bring some life to the team. If guys are not playing as good as they should I see nothing wrong with his decision in regards to DJ and Diaw. Of coarse there is not a lot that can be done with the current team. All this talk of making the playoffs to pacify the FEW people who actually care to even pay attention to the Bobcats is senseless. I am not of the opinion that the Bobcats are a bunch of no talent hacks for the most part but feel the chemistry is not there and the team seems to be disconnected on many nights. If the team would play smart and energetic ball consistently I feel they have enough talent to be pretty good. At least fifth or sixth seed good. As they are playing now they will be lucky to make the playoffs. There are too many teams fighting for the eighth seed and the Bobcats must become truly hungry or they risk missing the playoffs.

I am sure Paul Silas will do a lot of unconventional things to see if it can jump start the team. With this group character and heart seem to be missing on many nights and I am not sure Silas can do much to change that.

I couldn't disagree with the part in bold more. There's absolutely nothing senseless about it at all. To get more than a few to care, they need to show they can be a consistent playoff team. On top of that, being a STH, they owe it to us to give an honest effort towards making the playoffs every year. Especially when it's very much in reach. In my mind, that's just basic...making the playoffs is a good thing, plain and simple. I can't even begin to comprehend how doing so is senseless.

[ammofan]

I think it was a great decision. Listen, we were winning/tied when Liv and Eddy were in the game..... then we gave DJ/Boris a quick shot at playing and it started going down hill.

How can we argue againest the decision when we won?

[BRNC]

I stayed irritated with LB for playing guys that were not getting it done on the court...no way will I be critcal of Paul for yanking guys when they are not producing...

[BobCatsFanInTx]

I couldn't disagree with the part in bold more. There's absolutely nothing senseless about it at all. To get more than a few to care, they need to show they can be a consistent playoff team. On top of that, being a STH, they owe it to us to give an honest effort towards making the playoffs every year. Especially when it's very much in reach. In my mind, that's just basic...making the playoffs is a good thing, plain and simple. I can't even begin to comprehend how doing so is senseless.It is senseless when the team under performs and barely makes the playoffs or misses the playoffs on the last day or two of the regular season. Being mired in mediocrity for two years is not going to help this team in the long run. Mediocrity is what this team is looking at till some players come off the books. I don't see putting off rebuilding for the next two seasons as a good thing. There is no telling how the new CBA will unfold and I would rather cut some salary now than wait to see how things unfold.

This team is too unpredictable and unsettled to trust that they can even make the playoffs. I just don't see what the big deal is with making the playoffs for the sake of just making them. It is not like the Eastern Conference is very strong and making the playoffs as a 8th seed is a big accomplishment. Look how far under 500 our team is and yet they are just outside of the playoffs. The only real way to gain some kind of stability is to get younger and draft well. If we get the right person or people involved with the decision processes in drafting we can be better than we are now in just three seasons. We will all agree to disagree but I feel the time now is ripe for a real rebuilding to a true contender and not a lower seed sweep team strapped by financial restraints and overpaid talents.

[Marvel]

It is senseless when the team under performs and barely makes the playoffs or misses the playoffs on the last day or two of the regular season. Being mired in mediocrity for two years is not going to help this team in the long run. Mediocrity is what this team is looking at till some players come off the books. I don't see putting off rebuilding for the next two seasons as a good thing. There is no telling how the new CBA will unfold and I would rather cut some salary now than wait to see how things unfold.

This team is too unpredictable and unsettled to trust that they can even make the playoffs. I just don't see what the big deal is with making the playoffs for the sake of just making them. It is not like the Eastern Conference is very strong and making the playoffs as a 8th seed is a big accomplishment. Look how far under 500 our team is and yet they are just outside of the playoffs. The only real way to gain some kind of stability is to get younger and draft well. If we get the right person or people involved with the decision processes in drafting we can be better than we are now in just three seasons. We will all agree to disagree but I feel the time now is ripe for a real rebuilding to a true contender and not a lower seed sweep team strapped by financial restraints and overpaid talents.

I agree.

10char

[Scottley Crue]

It is senseless when the team under performs and barely makes the playoffs or misses the playoffs on the last day or two of the regular season. Being mired in mediocrity for two years is not going to help this team in the long run. Mediocrity is what this team is looking at till some players come off the books. I don't see putting off rebuilding for the next two seasons as a good thing. There is no telling how the new CBA will unfold and I would rather cut some salary now than wait to see how things unfold.

This team is too unpredictable and unsettled to trust that they can even make the playoffs. I just don't see what the big deal is with making the playoffs for the sake of just making them. It is not like the Eastern Conference is very strong and making the playoffs as a 8th seed is a big accomplishment. Look how far under 500 our team is and yet they are just outside of the playoffs. The only real way to gain some kind of stability is to get younger and draft well. If we get the right person or people involved with the decision processes in drafting we can be better than we are now in just three seasons. We will all agree to disagree but I feel the time now is ripe for a real rebuilding to a true contender and not a lower seed sweep team strapped by financial restraints and overpaid talents.

I see your point about wanting to do a reboot ASAP, it's just not one I agree with. In my mind, making the playoffs is always better than not. Maybe I'm alone in that.

[Demon DeaCat]

I see your point about wanting to do a reboot ASAP, it's just not one I agree with. In my mind, making the playoffs is always better than not. Maybe I'm alone in that.

You're not alone. If you can make the playoffs, make them. One of the biggest obstacles we face as a franchise is that of perception. We're an NBA wasteland right now. There's value in making the playoffs, even if you don't advance, because making the playoffs enhances that perception. Until we can change how we are perceiced as an organization, we can have all the cap space in the world. No one is going to want to play here.

If blowing it up guaranteed us the #1 pick in the draft I might view it differently. But realistically, it's likely a choice between making the playoffs and getting the 15th pick or missing the playoffs and getting the 14th pick. That's a no-brainer.

[teej]

Making the playoffs or not is greater than $5million to the bottom line of the franchise, and probably over 10 if you count merch sales, increased exposure and better ticket sales.

[ammofan]

Making the playoffs or not is greater than $5million to the bottom line of the franchise, and probably over 10 if you count merch sales, increased exposure and better ticket sales.

Making the Playoffs is extremely benficial to a franchise. PLUS, if you make the Playoffs fans are more likely to renew season tix or buy season tix.

[BRNC]

I'd rather see the 'Cats make the playoffs for all the reasons others listed...and as SWedd had in another thread there is no guarantee fo a franchise player even with the #1 pick...

The thing is it is also a reward for the players work...they want the playoffs to validate themselves...and who can blame them...we all (mostly) know that the #7 and #8 seeds are doomed...but I doubt the players feel that way...they don't want to see their season end...and it does make it easier to bring FAs to the team if we're viewed as a playoff team every year...

[rsxnova]

I want to make the playoffs this year and next year to get the the pick we sent to Chicago out of the way.

[DY_nasty]

I am not hyped about the sweep.

Or Liv finishing games. I understand what Paul is doing... but I'd much rather see DJ figure it out on the court like Henderson and Kwame have.

[Pepperz]

I am not hyped about the sweep.

Or Liv finishing games. I understand what Paul is doing... but I'd much rather see DJ figure it out on the court like Henderson and Kwame have.

DJ has been below average for a series of games now. Paul gave DJ plenty of oppertunity to figure it out and since he didnt, he had to go with the hot hand. If DJ keeps doing what he is doing now, Liv will become starter. This will be DJ doing on why he is not the starting PG. He cant use the coach as the problem this time around.

[SWedd523]

I still laugh every time people say, "If we don't make the playoffs, all of the fans will quit being fans!"


The people that actually care--us, RoF, RealGM, etc. won't go anywhere if they blow it up. That fan base is to be counted on. The only people that need to be worried about are the casual fans and I have doubts that they'd care as they only come on nights when they need something to do or when a player on the other team they like is in town. It's just a pointless excuse to delay the inevitable outcome of blowing this mediocre team up.



Last year we averaged 15,818 at home games. This year, the number is up to a staggering..... 15,832.


Let's get swept in the playoffs again this year so we can have 15,846 fans at every game next year!!!

[BRNC]

The biggest problem I see (right now) with blowing up the team is getting any value back for Crash and or Jack...

If the Cleveland rumors were true and they balked at taking Crash because we wanted a first also...it could be the same problem with other teams we're trying to deal with...and if we can['t bring back young talent/picks back for our two best players what's the point?

Plus...I'm not convinced there will be any player close to being a "franchise player" in this years draft...

[Chef]

The biggest problem I see (right now) with blowing up the team is getting any value back for Crash and or Jack...

If the Cleveland rumors were true and they balked at taking Crash because we wanted a first also...it could be the same problem with other teams we're trying to deal with...and if we can['t bring back young talent/picks back for our two best players what's the point?

Plus...I'm not convinced there will be any player close to being a "franchise player" in this years draft...

i would balk to if i were them. i am sure it was protected but that pick has such a high probability of being a top 3 and crash is not worth that no matter how weak the draft is.

[polarcat]

I'm okay with the benching as Livingston had the hot hand both nights and the team regressed when DJ was subbed into the game. Bottom line is that we won with Livingston in Atlanta and I can't question the coaching move whatsoever. Being pro-DJ, I hate to see him during this cold streak, but unlike LB, Silas adjusts and rotates his bench accordingly. I think Augustin will be given every opportunity to come out of his slump and will be back on track soon. It's just nice to see that our bench was able to step up in a big way this year now that we have a coach that plays them. Whether it's Hendo playing huge D or knocking down a shot, or Livingston dropping 22 and running the show when his teammate is down, I like it.

[BRNC]

I get their balk also chef...my point though...all the teams we might have explored trading either Crash or Jack to may have balked...which brings me full circle to what the FO might be thinking...

"Why trade our best two players if we can't get young potential/draft picks back?"...

I'm still of the mindset the only way we get out of this mess (unless a team actually offers us young and picks) is let guys contracts expire and rebuild...I just want to stay away from trading for more bloat...

[spectre]

The people that actually care--us, RoF, RealGM, etc. won't go anywhere if they blow it up. That fan base is to be counted on.

That's a grand total of what...175 fans? :p

The new CBA might bring a change of mindset to Jordan, but until we stop hemorrhaging money he's going to really want that 5 million +/- a 1st round sweep will bring in.

Why in the hell would anyone disagree with benching DJ and letting Liv take his minutes in the ATL game?

I do think you have to keep trying DJ, but on the odd night that Liv's actually contributing more you have to think of the team and it's goals over that one player.

[Marvel]

You're not alone. If you can make the playoffs, make them. One of the biggest obstacles we face as a franchise is that of perception. We're an NBA wasteland right now. There's value in making the playoffs, even if you don't advance, because making the playoffs enhances that perception. Until we can change how we are perceiced as an organization, we can have all the cap space in the world. No one is going to want to play here.

If blowing it up guaranteed us the #1 pick in the draft I might view it differently. But realistically, it's likely a choice between making the playoffs and getting the 15th pick or missing the playoffs and getting the 14th pick. That's a no-brainer.

Not really.....when you get swept 4 zip which is likely to happen against the elite in the East. Perception - reality are two different things, you can pretend that you are a playoff team, but the fact that we're in the East, which makes it possible to make the playoffs with a under .500 record doesn't say much either.

Reality is....we are nowhere near being competitive in the playoffs.....that needs to change NOW. That's reality.

[WrxErik]

So are we going to do the same BS we did with Wallace now and just completely ignore the fact that DJ is injured. I seriously do not understand some of the logic you people use.

[DY_nasty]

That's a grand total of what...175 fans? :p

The new CBA might bring a change of mindset to Jordan, but until we stop hemorrhaging money he's going to really want that 5 million +/- a 1st round sweep will bring in.

Why in the hell would anyone disagree with benching DJ and letting Liv take his minutes in the ATL game?

I do think you have to keep trying DJ, but on the odd night that Liv's actually contributing more you have to think of the team and it's goals over that one player.
No way. Jackson taught me that starters never get yanked - no matter how bad they play. KEEP SHOOTIN DJ!

[spectre]

No way. Jackson taught me that starters never get yanked - no matter how bad they play. KEEP SHOOTIN DJ!

I daresay that will be the better option more times than not. I've ragged on DJ for not setting his mates up more...but he's still 100 times better at it than Liv is.

I'm probably one of LB's biggest fans and even I was screaming to "yank the bum" during that Clip Show game.

[Carolina Swagger]

i dont knoe if this is really all that great of an idea.
I think we need to try and make the playoffs. We should not just blow up on all hope and try to tank.

[DY_nasty]

i dont knoe if this is really all that great of an idea.
I think we need to try and make the playoffs. We should not just blow up on all hope and try to tank.
I'm just not too high on the idea of being a fan of Grizzlies-East.

[SWedd523]

but until we stop hemorrhaging money he's going to really want that 5 million +/- a 1st round sweep will bring in.

That's all there is to us not blowing it up. The only reason we haven't done it is because getting swept out of the first round brings us $5mil+. Those who think it's to build the fan base are delusional.

[BobCatsFanInTx]

The only real ways it would seem to get a large fan base in the Carolinas for the Bobcats would be to A. Have a Superstar on the team. B. Have at least two stars on the team. C. Win enough to be at least a top 4 seed in the East.

[SWedd523]

And none of that is going to happen anytime soon without a major tank session with a high lottery pick or two. People don't care about mediocrity, especially not casual fans