Seriously, did anyone think Riley would follow through and bench Shaq like he suggested after the loss to the Sonics?
There was no chance that was happening, because Shaq, in my opinion, would've just said he was hurt and asked out of the active lineup altogether.
But anyway, now that Riles says he won't bench Shaq, any recommendations on what should change, lineup-wise?
If Dwyane starts against the Celtics, it's assumed that Ricky Davis will start at the three. But would Dorell make a better sidekick as a starter? He does seem to play his best with Dwyane on the floor. And Ricky can be a scoring spark off the bench.
Or would it make more sense to start Davis and let Wade set him up, because Ricky tends to take a lot of first quarter shots anyway.
I don't think there's much Riley can do in terms of tweaking the lineup, really. What the team does need, though, is another long-distance shooter -- even if it's just a specialist Riles can bring off the bench. It would make any comeback attempt (like against Seattle) easier because it spreads the floor for Dwyane and it's more opportunities for three points instead of just two.
Don't think there are any realistic options available on the market, but I'm sure if Riles dug a bit he could find some options via minor trade. Maybe Dec. 15, when Smush is eligible to be traded, it'll be something he pursues.
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