On the latest episode of Locked On Nuggets, Matt Moore and Ryan Blackburn discussed the Denver Nuggets starting lineup dilemma and how to solve it.
Here are some highlights of their discussion and important quotes:
How long will Aaron Gordon be okay with coming off the bench?
Matt Moore: “If you pay Aaron Gordon what you pay him, how does he not start? ... The [Timberwolves] game is a good example of this. There are going to be games where you just need more wing and forward defense.”
Ryan Blackburn: “I’m sensing a little bit more frustration on his part...the way that he’s not been able to extend those minutes a little bit.”
Should Russell Westbrook be removed from the starting lineup?
Blackburn: “The team is so good in those minutes with Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic that [Westbrook starting] has become a conversation, and it’s one that I did not expect to be having.”
Moore: “Should they just go to a Flex Starter where some games Russ starts and some games Aaron starts? I don’t know that they would have a problem with that setup.”
Is there another solution?
Blackburn: “Is there any thought to Michael Porter Jr. coming off the bench and just saying Aaron is the starting power forward and you just keep those three guards out there?”
Moore: “I think it’s an interesting idea. I just think, how can you stretch not being able to space the floor effectively? ... Russ and AG alone makes me nervous from a spacing perspective, and then you throw in CB?”
Blackburn’s Solution
Blackburn: “Here’s what I would do...I would bench Russell Westbrook, and I would bring him in at the 7-minute mark, and I would play him the final seven minutes of every quarter...he will play almost all of those minutes with Nikola Jokic.”
What do you think Nuggets fans? How would you handle the Aaron Gordon starting vs coming off the bench situation?
