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November 20, 2008
Will Brown start rookies Augustin, Ajinca?
Based on Thursday’s practice, coach Larry Brown is seriously considering starting rookies D.J. Augustin and Alexis Ajinca Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Brown said if he does that, it’s to inject some energy – some pizzazz, to use Brown’s word – into a team that opened Tuesday’s game down 15-0 to the Dallas Mavericks.
Augustin and Ajinca would replace Matt Carroll and Sean May, if they start. Brown has complimented both rookies recently for how quickly they learn, without needing concepts constantly repeated to them.
Center Dwayne Jones isn’t yet a Bobcat, and it will probably take until early next week for him to arrive from Turkey and get all the paperwork settled to sign him. Jones is expected to take up one of the roster spots the Bobcats opened when they waived forwards Andre Brown and Linton Johnson Wednesday.
Posted by Observer Interactive on November 20, 2008 at 02:46 PM | Permalink
Comments
i think this is a good move. why not explore your options and see what you have? anything is an improvement over may.
Posted by: frank | Nov 20, 2008 2:56:14 PM
We can be pretty sure D.J. Augustin will be a success, and under this scenario, Felton moves to shooting guard while Richardson is out? Makes some sense.
Alexis Ajinca is a bigger mystery. Hollins has been playing well, no? Why doesn't he get the start? Bobcats really need Ajinca gamble to pay off in the next two seasons.
Posted by: D Grecko | Nov 20, 2008 3:09:53 PM
Rick,
Thanks for reporting this possible lineup change. Last night I posted the notion of starting Ajinca in the near future. Perhaps the most we have to gain from this season is speeding up the development of Ajinca and DJ.
Posted by: DeLaQuest | Nov 20, 2008 3:20:05 PM
I personally think it makes more sense to have Felton as PG on O and SG on D. DJ came with a bigger rep for scoring than Felton, so way not play him in a scorers position?
And it isn't like the Bcats can play worse. Why not throw the frenchman to the wolves...
Posted by: A Fan | Nov 20, 2008 3:21:00 PM
One SL change isn't too bad ... when he decides to do it every 5 games that will start spell the demise of the season
Posted by: Chris | Nov 20, 2008 3:23:12 PM
Brown needs to do something. The current starters are playing lazy basketball with no desire to play like a team or the way Coach Brown wants!
Posted by: ktown8 | Nov 20, 2008 3:40:47 PM
No real big downside when you think of it. You reward the only Bobcat who showed up consistently last game with extra PT (definitely nothing wrong with that). You take Ray-ray off the point, as he continues to show he would be better off-ball than with it in his hands. AND (a big one at that), you become much quicker with Stay Puff May (not just benched but hopefully deactivated for the Hawk game).
Additionally, if you look at the hawks front court line up, they start Josh Smith 6-9, Zaza Pachooolia 6-11 and Marvin Williams 6-9 (Horford 6-10 injured). They need to start someone who is mobile that can guard someone mobile. Frenchie Toolong (aka Ajinca) is raw but more polished than Hollins and CAN make a shot outside of a dunk.
Posted by: dtnnc | Nov 20, 2008 3:41:21 PM
As much as I want our true Wings to get some playing time, it makes sense to start 2 PG's for the following reasons:
Our bigs can't create a shot.
Gerald is inconsistent and sometimes awkward in creating shots.
You have to make up for it by putting the 2 little guys out there for their "dribble-drive" tendencies.
Posted by: DeLaQuest | Nov 20, 2008 3:55:23 PM
DJ and Felts played well together Tues. night. Why not start Frenchy over Butterball? Now if we can only get Mr. 70 million to start earning his pay.
Posted by: apauldds | Nov 20, 2008 4:32:12 PM
I love the move..Let Hollins and Anjinca split those mintues. I thought hollins was not used enough last game him and DJ had some pick and rolls that stood out. I watched DJ at Texas and im sure with more minutes he'll get into a better rhythm shooting and creating. Lets trade somebody! Go cats!
Posted by: h-town | Nov 20, 2008 4:38:14 PM
Will DJ have fantasy value ?
Posted by: dorian | Nov 20, 2008 4:43:40 PM
its funny that Chris says the demise of the season...as if this roster has ANY chance of making the playoffs.
Posted by: Greg | Nov 20, 2008 4:45:16 PM
Do you think DJ will have fantasy value ?
Posted by: dorian | Nov 20, 2008 4:46:37 PM
Like I stated several months ago, Okafor was over rated, and the Bobcats invested waaaaaayyyyyy to much in him. Time to blow up a few spots in the starting line up and work towards getting better next year. Start DJ and Felton, and build around the 2 guards.
Posted by: merlose | Nov 20, 2008 4:47:02 PM
Couple of quick reactions to what I read above:
1. I wouldn't get hung up on who is the "point'' and who is the "shooting guard'' when D.J. and Ray play together. Offensively, they'll both have the opportunity to pass and shoot. The issue is more who guards Joe Johnson. It has to be Felton, just based on the physical matchup, I'd say.
2. Starting Ajinca wouldn't be a knock on Hollins. Ryan would play about the same minutes as a starter or reserve, I'd think. And as often as Ajinca fouls on defense, there will be plenty of minutes available.
Posted by: Rick Bonnell | Nov 20, 2008 4:48:13 PM
From what I know not what im guessing. DJ is about to start playing over thirty minutes a night..You can only expect his production to go up...He is now learnig to use his greatest assets getting to the basket. Expect 16 plus and at least 5 assist while J-Rich is out..LB is calling his number on serveral plays
Posted by: htown | Nov 20, 2008 5:55:51 PM
I've asked my editors to go ahead and post tomorrow's Bobcats story on the website, so that you can check out Larry Brown's quotes as to why he might start the rookies: It's pretty clear Brown is sending a message to the veterans that they're not providing the effort and energy he expects. Gotta love Brown's candor on this one.
Posted by: rick bonnell | Nov 20, 2008 6:48:03 PM
let Holline start bonneell tell to MJ.
Posted by: lancer | Nov 20, 2008 8:41:28 PM
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