Would it be wise to start Mara—his size, skills, and possible lack of stamina. Rather than bring off bench give him first few minutes—increases avg PT to 22 mpg vs 18?
Johnson could certainly start—but maybe he is more flexible to sub at the four during the game and occasionally play alongside Mara. In the long run playing some four might (selfishly and for team future) develop his personal game.
Would Johnson be okay if coming off bench?
I want each of these guys playing maximum fresh minutes—Mara starting may allow for a few more minutes imo… combined 45 mpg rather than just 40 combined.
5 minutes avg is 1/8th of each game — pretty significant!
The answer may be as simple as what we gain vs lose compared to playing Tschetter 5 more or less mpg. If Will is even more of a lock down outside shooter as far as quality and quantity then I wouldn’t worry about getting Mara/Johnson the extra minutes, but at this point my money is on their game both for this season and potentially for development for following season.