I’d rather have the perimeter players act as part of the second unit and set the tone with defense. Defense, ball movement, and running. I think with Noah, Boozer, Deng, Brewer and Rose you have your best chance of doing that.

Obviously the 2nd unit won’t just come in at once for all 5 starters, but even if that situation occurred, I am not afraid to trust a lead to a unit with Watson, Korver, Bogans, Taj and Asik. The front court will still be strong defensively while Watson creates and Korver (and to a lesser extent Bogans) shoot from the perimeter.

Okay, went off on another tangent. I hope we get a Rudy or some sort of play-making scorer. But I want Brewer starting.

But he will be rebounding leader and damn good at defense.

I would be so happy if Noah became prime Ben Wallace with a much better offense.

That offense is going to be an anchor around their necks all year.

and Deng is very close to elite. Boozer, Taj, and Brewer are consistent defenders and Rose has clearly improved watching him play with team USA as well. I actually think that Boozer is an underrated defensive player who gets criticism often more rooted punditry than reality. If Thibs lives up to his pedigree, we should be getting ready for some great battles in the Eastern conference (you know, making our way past Orlando, Boston or NYC so that we can be beaten by the Heat…anyone hoping for Lebron to try the NFL?)