Game 1: Just As Expected
Small ball struggles, point guards still learning, Doc still subbing irrationally, Pierce still leading, Wally still getting his 20 but not looking all that impressive, Tony Allen living down to expectations and Gerald Green sitting all game. Oh, and the Hornets supposed big offseason looks disappointing.
There wasn't a lot that wasn't to be expected in this game. Delonte was a surprise no-show, which was a shame since he actually got the start. I know its early but Sebastian Telfair is not a pass first point guard and I'm not sure he has the mentality to ever really become one. I disagree with much of what Bill Simmons writes (for instance, bashing Eric Snow as a starting PG but then picking the Cavs to get to the Finals) but I think he's write that Bassy will likely be a Barbosa-like backup. The question is whether he can accept that role. One of the highlights of the game was Al Jefferson who looked like he did his rookie season, which is a step-up from last year's campaign. If he can stay healthy, he should be, at least, ready to put up Eddy Curry-type numbers. Rajon Rondo was solid as rookie point guards go and still looks like Ainge's best move on draft day.
All in all, it was a game to forget, which for a young team means one that they need to learn from and build on. It definitely started on the wrong foot and one can only hope that the small ball lineup was more prevalent because of the lack of Theo Ratliff. While I would stick with Bassy at the point (and replace West with Gomes in the starting lineup), it is looking like, if all things continue on this path and the C's improve, the season will end with Rondo, Pierce, Wally, Big Al, and Perkins as our starters.
