Great info and analysis in these hoops and very well thought out and realistic overall.
You and many other believe its likely that Irvin plays the 4 spot. Its certainly possible given Beilein's history but I'm guessing the staff would prefer that a true forward solidifies that spot. They recruited Chatman for this reason and will give him every opportunity to grab hold of it next season IMO. And they want Wagner there too. Thats what this fan is hoping for too cuz I think its a more versatile team, size wise, for the bigger teams we play. And it allows for serious firepower to be brought off the bench in Robinson and Dawkins. Chatman off the bench is not as potent. I know Beilein can do well with four shooters out there, but a 4 with more size and good passing is something JB has been looking for ever since he got here. And Chatman and Wagner could well be decent shooters by next season too.
If LeVert leaves I think Irvin is ur 2 man, not MAAR. With Dawkins and Robinson the 3 and the two guys above at the 4.....ideally and with everyone improving like we all hope. That also ensures a perfect two deep across the board. If LeVert leaves and Irvin is not the 2, that means the two guards depth is scary thin with only 3 guys (or the 4 spot is still too unsettled and Irvin or Dawkins being forced to play there). Not ideal and means Spike is playing too many mins or having to have both Walton and Spike on court at same time more then they would like.
Lots of possibilities obviously but I just wanted to put these scenarios out that differ slightly from what you have written. That 4 spot is so key to the team's potential ceiling next year and just personally think it is a little higher with Irvin not playing there, both with LeVert returning or not returning. Hopefully, chatman, wagner (and Robinson even) can improve enough to keep Irvin at his natural position and bolster the firepower off the bench with Dawkins (assuming LeVert returns) and letting Spike and MAAR play roles that they are perfect for (if LeVert leaves).
Thoughts?
You and many other believe its likely that Irvin plays the 4 spot. Its certainly possible given Beilein's history but I'm guessing the staff would prefer that a true forward solidifies that spot. They recruited Chatman for this reason and will give him every opportunity to grab hold of it next season IMO. And they want Wagner there too. Thats what this fan is hoping for too cuz I think its a more versatile team, size wise, for the bigger teams we play. And it allows for serious firepower to be brought off the bench in Robinson and Dawkins. Chatman off the bench is not as potent. I know Beilein can do well with four shooters out there, but a 4 with more size and good passing is something JB has been looking for ever since he got here. And Chatman and Wagner could well be decent shooters by next season too.
If LeVert leaves I think Irvin is ur 2 man, not MAAR. With Dawkins and Robinson the 3 and the two guys above at the 4.....ideally and with everyone improving like we all hope. That also ensures a perfect two deep across the board. If LeVert leaves and Irvin is not the 2, that means the two guards depth is scary thin with only 3 guys (or the 4 spot is still too unsettled and Irvin or Dawkins being forced to play there). Not ideal and means Spike is playing too many mins or having to have both Walton and Spike on court at same time more then they would like.
Lots of possibilities obviously but I just wanted to put these scenarios out that differ slightly from what you have written. That 4 spot is so key to the team's potential ceiling next year and just personally think it is a little higher with Irvin not playing there, both with LeVert returning or not returning. Hopefully, chatman, wagner (and Robinson even) can improve enough to keep Irvin at his natural position and bolster the firepower off the bench with Dawkins (assuming LeVert returns) and letting Spike and MAAR play roles that they are perfect for (if LeVert leaves).
Thoughts?
