I'm really liking what I've seen so far. Last night was the first preseason game where the G-Leaguers didn't play the bulk of the second half, Borrego played it like the 3rd NFL preseason game with rotation guys playing the full game (though the second unit and not the starters closed it out).
It looks like he is going with a 12-man rotation of [tier 1] Graham, Rozier, Gordo, PJ Washington and Zeller, then [tier 2] LaMelo, Monk, McDaniels, Bridges, Biyombo, with both Martins filling in as needed for defense and ball handling within both groups. Cody Martin started for Gordo last night, but I think he would have played if it was a regular season game.
LaMelo and McDaniels have probably been the two most impressive players in the preseason based on expectations. LaMelo is going to be really, really good. His handling and passing is already ridiculous, and his shot isn't as bad as I was expecting. It looks ugly, but it isn't like Simmons or Fultz where he just sucks at it; he takes some really bad shots where he is 4 feet behind the 3pt line falling backwards and sideways for no reason while hoisting from his hip like he is in a video game, but when he actually sets his feet and moves into the shot he makes it. The issue with him seems to be more shot selection than the shooting itself. Also even over just 3 games he is attacking the rim more to score, which opens up lots of room for his passes. If he forgets about the 3 for this season other than when completely wide open and just works on driving to score or pass, with his size he'll have a monster year especially against other second units. Even in the halfcourt his passing is amazing and he rarely turns it over given the volume of crazy passes he makes. When he is on the floor, especially with Bridges, it seems like a highlight waiting to happen.
McDaniels has all the physical tools and seems to be putting the actual skills together. At 6'10", with his ability to hit 3s, handle the ball, and run the floor, he could be really productive. It looks like he has added 15 lbs or so, which has increased his confidence and play around the basket.
I'm not sure i like what they are doing with PJ Washington, he is handling the ball more and it seems like they are trying to make him play an alpha dog role. he doesn't seem super comfortable doing it, and with this many facilitators on the team I'm not sure if it is the best use of his talents. Graham, Ball, Rozier, Monk, Gordo, and the Martins can all set him up, I don't know why Borrego wants to force him into initiating offense as well. Let him post up and pop out for 3s to finish, not run the offense through him.
This is the most individual talent they have had since Shinn moved the team. But the majority of it is really young, we'll see how Borrego gets them to play as a unit.