Let's talk roster.

[jthig32]

How many minutes does everyone see Brand playing? I mentioned on another site that he could play 30+ minutes and got a lot of dissenting opinions.

I feel like he's going to get 10-13 minutes at PF, and around 20 minutes at center. Even if the averages, say 18 minutes a center during the normal rotation (which I think is low), his minutes will go way up if Kaman goes through injury issues.

[Kante]

Originally Posted by jthig32

How many minutes does everyone see Brand playing? I mentioned on another site that he could play 30+ minutes and got a lot of dissenting opinions.

I feel like he's going to get 10-13 minutes at PF, and around 20 minutes at center. Even if the averages, say 18 minutes a center during the normal rotation (which I think is low), his minutes will go way up if Kaman goes through injury issues.

I think Dirk/Brand/Kaman will be around 30 minutes. Likely the same what RC did with Butler/Marion/Dirk when they were healthy at the start of 2010-11. Wright to fill in the other minutes or Marion and at the end you ride with who's hot next to Dirk.

[Murphy3]

Originally Posted by jthig32

How many minutes does everyone see Brand playing? I mentioned on another site that he could play 30+ minutes and got a lot of dissenting opinions.

I feel like he's going to get 10-13 minutes at PF, and around 20 minutes at center. Even if the averages, say 18 minutes a center during the normal rotation (which I think is low), his minutes will go way up if Kaman goes through injury issues.

Personally, I've expected Brand to get 30-32 mpg... Kaman will probably be about the same. Dirk will probably see his minutes reduce down to 32-33 or so.

Some might depend upon Wright. If the Mavs can reduce Kaman and Brand to the 27-28 mpg range, that might help to keep both of them fresher. Kaman has a decent injury history.. Brand isn't getting any younger. If Wright allows the Mavs to get away with reducing Kaman and Brand's minutes, then the Mavs would probably love to do so. And let's be honest, it's very possible that Dirk's minutes are right back at around the 34-35mpg mark.

[sike]

Originally Posted by Murphy3

Personally, I've expected Brand to get 30-32 mpg... Kaman will probably be about the same. Dirk will probably see his minutes reduce down to 32-33 or so.

This is about what I'm hoping for. Dirk playing 32minutes will be a great sign that the other guys (Mayo, DC, Kaman, Brand) are carrying their load.

Some might depend upon Wright. If the Mavs can reduce Kaman and Brand to the 27-28 mpg range, that might help to keep both of them fresher. Kaman has a decent injury history.. Brand isn't getting any younger. If Wright allows the Mavs to get away with reducing Kaman and Brand's minutes, then the Mavs would probably love to do so. And let's be honest, it's very possible that Dirk's minutes are right back at around the 34-35mpg mark.

If Wright is almost a forgotten man, I'm fine with that. If Carlisle feels he can contribute, I'm fine with that.

[grndmstr_c]

Originally Posted by jthig32

How many minutes does everyone see Brand playing? I mentioned on another site that he could play 30+ minutes and got a lot of dissenting opinions.

I feel like he's going to get 10-13 minutes at PF, and around 20 minutes at center. Even if the averages, say 18 minutes a center during the normal rotation (which I think is low), his minutes will go way up if Kaman goes through injury issues.

30+ isn't unreasonable at all, IMO. Elton's a better player than Chris, who, even if he's healthy and playing well, isn't likely to be a heavy minute guy. And they're not going to run Dirk into the ground, either. I do think Shawn will continue to get PF minutes, both to allow Rick to take advantage of some of his backcourt speed, and to make a little room for Vince and to a lesser extent Crowder at SF, and that'll help keep Elton's minutes down somewhat. But in tight, important games, I suspect Elton will be the go-to center more often than not, and his minute totals should reflect that.