A few thoughts on subs - We have two players (Akok and Josh) who can play post defense, rebound, be intimidating around the hoop, and score as bigs (Albeit, scoring in different ways). Generally speaking they can’t both be out of the game at the same time if we can help it, we just lose too much in the post on both ends of the floor. If Whaley needs to go in for Josh, having Akok in the game for weakside help and blocks helps immensely, in my opinion. If Akok is out, having Josh in gives us some kind of post presence/stability on both ends of the floor.
I would also think about making an effort to have the most creative players in the game when Adams or Gaff are running the point. Neither one of them is much of a creator in the half court, so adding Bouknight, for example, can help create offense and maybe balance that out a bit.
Keeping Akok in the game when Adams or Gaff is running the point is another strategy I think could help a little. Akok’s ability to be disruptive on defense around the basket with his length and his ability to block shots can lead to more running and fast break opportunities and maybe a bit less pressure for Adams/Gaff to have to create in the half court. (And it doesn’t hurt in this scenario that Akok can catch lobs also).
One step further, maybe you try to make a “defensive pressure lineup” to really help push the pace of the game when Adams or Gaff is in.
I know, Hurley knows better than I do, but it really doesn’t feel, to me, like we’re putting out the strongest, most balanced lineups that we can. It feels a lot more like wholesale subs to try and tire out the other team. I still have a ton of faith in Hurley, but I would really like to feel more like the substitution patterns are well thought out, make sense, and are to our best advantage.
