It is not something that already has been designed, plotted or planned. But the thought has crossed the mind of Nets interim coach P.J. Carlesimo.
Playing Mirza Teletovic, resident 6-foot-9, 255-pound reserve power forward, at the small-forward spot.
And to find time for Teletovic, the Nets might not only swap positions but bodies. Nothing is imminent but the Nets are confident they could move one of their bigs, namely Kris Humphries (and his $12 million due next season), to help clear the logjam at the four spot if necessary.
“Given a choice, if it’s a two-word answer do I want to play ‘big’ or ‘small,’ I want to play big so that hurts him right off the bat,” Carlesimo explained. “We have four other bigs.”
But Carlesimo compared Teletovic to Metta World Peace and his role with the Lakers and “you think, ‘Maybe Mirza can give us some minutes at three.’ That may be something down the line. We haven’t even talked to him about it yet.”
It is no coincidence Teletovic has received a bump in playing time since the owners in Russia fired Avery Johnson in late December after 28 games. Teletovic played in just 13 of those games, totaling just 78 minutes. Last night, Carlesimo’s 20th game, marked the 14th time Teletovic played since Johnson’s dismissal.
“I’ve been in a situation like this. You have to fight through it and be patient and wait for your chance,” Teletovic said of waiting for the call. “But once I get on the court, it’s very important to not go out of the system, respect the system, respect the guys, respect the game we want to play.”
The situation may become far more bearable if he can get time at three and four. Teletovic bristles just a bit when told the three spot might be an option, especially if the Nets want to go big. He looks in the mirror. He sees a big guy.
“I’m 6-9 and I’m 250 pounds. I’m a big guy. I don’t like when people say I’m small. I’m not small. I’m not a ‘small forward.” Teletovic said. “I can do lots of more stuff. I think it will come in time. It is so important to just have patience.”
Despite not being a “small” forward, Teletovic feels he can play the small-forward position.
“Yeah, definitely,” he claimed.
And maybe that is where some minutes will come.
“Maybe he can give us another threat at three and play with a little size. Some nights the matchup, it will work. Some nights it will be very tough, but there are nights when it works,” Carlesimo said.
Teletovic feels equipped.
“Everyone knows I’m a 3-point shooter,” he said, stressing his chief contribution as an intangible. “For me, it’s very important when I get in the game for guys to have a lot of energy. Run up and down and try to defend and get a good run in because the guys who play lots and lots of minutes, they get tired. So they miss that energy and you come off the bench and you’re fresh and give extra energy.”
At the four. Or three.