There is not enough offensive talent to overcome having two non-shooters on the floor at the same time. This is not an indictment on Ben or Claxton individually. When only one of them is on the court, it’s clear the offense flows better. When its only Claxton, he becomes a lob threat opening up the mid-range game Bridges and Cam Thomas are so good at. When it’s only Ben, the ball movement improves.
The two man games, when only Claxton or Ben was on the floor, of Bridges or Cam T with Claxton or Ben is what was working best for us last night and I see no reason that can’t continue. It allows our 3 and D guys to be 3 and D guys. We cannot have DFS try playmaking, the guy can barely dribble let alone pass.
NO, this is not a 1 game sample. We saw this last year with two of the greatest offensive players of all time. Even then, we had to depend on KD and Kyrie going iso and making difficult shots. Cam Thomas is the only one capable of playing this way.
I personally think if their minutes need to be staggered, more minutes should go to Claxton. Why? As mentioned, he’s a lob threat, Ben is not, which opens up the mid-range and driving lanes. He’s an elite rim protector, Ben is not. Ben’s best as a perimeter defender, which we have plenty of, yet we have no other rim protectors.
Instead of downvoting me or telling me I’m a clown. Let’s have a real discussion how you see this team being able to score with those two sharing the court together. Who would you rather see get more minutes if they need to be staggered.
Cam Thomas is the answer. Someone who wants all the shots and touches when you have Clax and Ben on the floor. I am not implying Clax doesn’t want to touch the ball, just Cam’s skillset is different than Clax’s.