But the starting line-up has been working, no? It's been better. Aaron Brooks wasn't shooting well when he took over the starting role, but has shot incredibly well since he took it over. Sample size arguments are rampant, but I decided it would be worth taking a look at some numbers so far this season. All numbers are via Synergy Sports.

Quite clearly, Brooks stands out in nearly every category. Just to be sure there were no per-minute flukes in here, I calculated these on a per minute basis, and the results hold true with the exception of assists. Isaiah has averaged 3.54 assists per 36 minutes to Brooks' 3.37.

The only other area Isaiah stands out as superior is his ability to get to the free throw line. Brooks FT% is quite a bit lower, but the samples in this area are dramatically different. Brooks is a career 84% free throw shooter, so I'm not terribly concerned by his current mark of 40%.

So maybe we were wrong? Maybe, despite the affection most of us feel for how Isaiah played last season, Brooks is the better choice. But these numbers are only on one side of the court, right?

Brooks stands out as a better defender overall. Thomas is better at defending the pick and roll, but only marginally.

Obviously, it's too early to put too much emphasis on these stats. But the early returns indicate that maybe Keith Smart made the right choice. If nothing else, I'll be continuing to keep a close eye on these numbers and how they progress.