Mandate from above?
Of course, there is also other possibilities at play. With Sam Presti fully committed to his “replenish and reposition” era there is a good chance there is a specific strategy in place. Presti may have instructed Donovan to feature Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari and give the tradeable assets more play calls.
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Within the framework of the starting rotation, it’s also likely Ferguson has been asked to remain on the corner to spread the court and allow CP3, Gallo and Shai Gilgeous Alexander the ability to play make and function as the primary offensive options.
Of course, we aren’t privy to the strategy so it’s all guesswork. As the season progresses and the trade deadline passes there will be more definitive answers.
For the moment, it’s unlikely Diallo replaces Ferguson. This debate only serves to highlight the fact neither is close to a finished product. Both would be better served in a reserve role but the current dynamics are affording Ferguson an opportunity to expedite his growth through experience.
Based on the early Donovan trends, Diallo is either the eighth or ninth man. Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel are consistently the sixth and seventh players into the game. The player who was meant to be garnering the eighth man minutes was Muscala. With Adams injury he’s collecting extra time because of the lack of frontcourt depth.
So, while it may not be feasible to start Diallo ahead of Ferguson there is a solid argument to push him ahead of Muscala when Adams returns.
Albeit, if it were up to me Deonte Burton would also be getting more minutes than Muscala.