If the team does not improve it's defense, then both of them are neutralized. This season I have seen horrible defense and effort. Refs suck as usual because they restrict any NBA team defensive efforts. . That is a parameter we must include in the issue.
In regards to a viable scoring option, the story we had last year may possibly be solved as Melo improves each game. . WE always need a third option and with Melo; the center to our success lies in what he offers.
Anferee and Dame as starters would be a novel idea, with CJ as a benchman but Stotts is not an open minded strategist nor does he endorse defensive schemes. It also bothers me to see Nurk at the bench unable to play. Some of us think rebuild. That should definitely be an option if we fall 10-20 games below .500 or completely out of a playoff berth.