I think we will see numerous different starting lineups this year, but here is what I would like to see Painter do with the minutes. Some are obvious, but Berg, Jacobson, Furst, Burgess are not easy calls. My thought is that none of these young bigs are good enough to justify taking heavy minutes away from our wings. I would rather see a 7 footer at the 5 situationally vs forcing it just because that's how it's we have played in recent history.
Berg and Jacobson are not currently at the level of a 3rd year Edey, Haas, or Hammons that all justified as many minutes as they could handle. Assuming they can rebound, this year's wing players appear to be too skilled and experienced to lose minutes to a 5 who isn't extremely productive on both ends.
Smith - 30 MPG, I don't want to see 40 minutes from Braden this year. We need him to stay fresh through the year, so a minute reduction would be smart if it doesn't cost us games.
Loyer - 25-30MPG, Same as Smith, but he is less important to play heavy minutes because of who is behind him
TKR - 30 MPG, We have enough frontcourt depth that he shouldn't have to go more than this
Harris- 20MPG, Maybe more depending on how he develops
Cox - 20MPG, Same as Harris
Heide - 20 MPG
Colvin - 20MPG
FURST - 15-20MPG, I think his experience and defensive abilities against smaller 5's are going to be highly valuable this year.
Berg - 5-10MPG, I can't see him being anything more than a situation player this year. Play him when there is a big 5 to body up with, but I'd rather see Furst or even Burgess or a small lineup with TKR at 5
Jacobson - 5-10 MPG, Same as Berg, but I'd force feed him some minutes instead of Berg just because he has more upside and is our 5 of the future.
Waddell 5MPG - Injury Insurance and mopup
Burgess - Redshirt, I think he will be a valuable contributor next year, but I don't see him taking enough minutes from Furst, Berg, or Jacobson to justify burning an entire year.
