The downside is defense. J.R has left a lot to be desired on that end.
Both JR and Shump are going to be playing big minutes no matter what, so we're going to have to live with whatever negatives JR has on the defensive end regardless of if he starts or comes off the bench.
Plus, JR's defense has sagged as his offensive production has dropped. If we want/need improved defense from JR, then the best thing to do is get him going offensively, which has the added advantage of forcing Klay to expend more energy guarding him.
What happens to Shump if placed on the bench? Does his confidence fall a part? I think he's mentally stronger than J.R but we can't lose his effort and play either.
Not if Coach Blatt tells him why. Plus, Shump hasn't exactly been burning it up on the offensive end either, so we wouldn't be losing much. Dude will play his ass off defensively no matter what.
J.R needs to make a difference off the bench for us. We need his scoring from THERE. Can't expect Shump to do that.
Except JR isn't providing any scoring off the bench. That's the whole problem.
Anyway, the "what have we got to lose" argument is that we can always just sub him out fairly quickly if it isn't working. His confidence is for crap right now anyway. The downside is minimal.
But the upside? Heck, if shaking up the batting order gets JR back on track offensively, he'll likely get back on tract defensively, and having an engaged, effective JR for the last three games may well be the difference between hoisting the Larry O'Brien and going home.
It's a basic risk/reward calculation. We
cannot win this thing without better production from both JR
and Shumpert.
