First of all - the one certainty - I'm not getting any minutes this year.
I see us with five backcourt players:
Paulus
Henderson
Scheyer
Smith
Williams
I see us with five frontcourt players:
Singler
Zoubek
Thomas
Plumlee
OC
(I see Marty and Dave getting minutes early, but falling out of this top ten)
I think there are two definite backcourt positions and two definite backcourt positions. I think the swingman/small forward will end up with the group of five with the most talent and the best defense. In general, that would be, IMHO, the backcourt group. There may be circumstances and situations where that is out the window (as well as blowouts and easy games), but I think K will have the backcourt five getting the minutes for three positions and the frontcourt five getting the minutes for two positions. Of the frontcourt five, Singler will certainly take one (in big games, I see him playing big minutes).
Starting?
Paulus, Henderson, Singler.
Scheyer would be the next logical choice, but will K convince him of another 6th man year? That would help the team, but may not be relished by Jon. If not Jon, then Nolan Smith would start.
The other frontcourt starter? Typically, this has been Thomas' play. I think that Zoubek may take that spot. A Zoubek "break-out" year (which would still probably only be three rotations and about 15-18 minutes a game this year) is in order. Lance may be forced to fight for Singler's minutes, particulary with Plumlee now there to pick up post minutes. OC? Total wild card. 5 minutes a game and leads the ACC in charges? ACC rookie of the year and the number draft pick for the NBA? Who knows?
My money is on:
Paulus, Scheyer, Henderson, Singler, Zoubek
Serious minutes for E. Williams, Smith
Smaller minutes for Thomas, Plumlee, OC
Wild Card difference makers:
Henderson's growth into stardom
Singler's ability to last the season
Zoubek's progress
ACC-quality play from Williams, Smith
Someone from Thomas, Plumlee, OC stepping up unexpectedly
just my summer thoughts