Small ball doesn't work

Throughout the season we have been seeing Bower go with a small lineup at the end of games with West at C and either Songalia or Posey at PF. I am not sure why he is benching our 10 million dollar Center late in games, but it is starting to wear thin. Tonight was the latest example.

Emeka Okafor was having a solid game offensively, but got in foul trouble. Aaron Gray was subbed in and had a really strong performance with his scoring, rebounding, and taking up space. The Hornets had a 9 point lead which decreased to 5 before Gray was subbed. Obviously Okafor was coming back to finish the game. WRONG!!!!!! Bower brought in Songalia who had done nothing much during the game, but in his first game back after missing 7 with an ankle injury, Bower returned to using Songalia late in the game.

I don't want to bash Songalia because he's been a solid backup, but I am not sure why Bower wants to go small with West (who is considered a smallish PF) and Songalia. The team loses alot on the defense and rebounding end which showed late as Memphis recovered offensive rebounds, the Hornets couldn't rebound and lost the game.

Earlier this week, a similar situation occurred in Dallas where Okafor was having a strong game with 8 points, 17 boards, 5 steals, and 3 blocks which contributed to the game in the 3rd quarter. However, as the 4th quarter started, Bower went with West at center and Posey at PF only to see Dirk score at will (Posey didn't even bother raising his arm), and Haywood dominate getting tons of rebounds. Okafor didn't even sniff the 4th quarter despite posting great numbers.

Tonight was the same case with Okafor and Gray producing well, yet we saw Songalia and Posey come in late. Small ball does not work for this team. Our power forwards should not be playing center and our small forwards should not be playing power forward. It's that simple. Play Okafor or Gray at center, West or Songalia at PF, Peja/Posey/Wright (what a disappointing trio) at SF, and Thornton at SG (Mo-Pete is dead to me). Will Bower ever learn? I've slowly lost faith in him as a coach and this is after he signed Posey/Peja/Mo-Pete to ridiculous contracts.