LoL: TSM ADC tryouts.

TSM has announced that FNC substitute MrRallez is to be given a tryout for the squad. The organisation has its mind set on fielding a six man roster and in the light of the WildTurtle departure, they are seeking a replacement.

A substitute player in traditional sports is there to cover injury and also to change the play style of the team.

Looking at TSM though, we have a situation where the substitute is not changing a great deal. What they have already in DoubleLift is the best ADC in NA. He is a star player, a strong laner and a decisive shot caller. So even if it was true that MrRallez was offering a totally different style of play, the overall loss of the team would make the team objectively weaker.

Another reason to have a substitute is to bring a different flavour to pick ban. SKT fielding Benghi and Blank brought a totally different emphasis to pick ban and added an extra element of strategy. Again with TSM however this is not impactful. ADC is not a role with as dramatic a difference as the Tank/Carry in Top or the Control Mage/Assassin of Mid.

Looking at TSM with WildTurtle (Who is surely a better player than MrRallez) it removed the bot lane as a threat from TSM, with DoubleLift however, teams have to split their focus to more potential threats. While the viable ADC pool is not expansive, DoubleLift on the same champions may draw a ban that Wildturtle or MrRallez would not.

There is one interpretation that does carry some weight which is that perhaps DoubleLift has had some conversations with TSM owner Reginald about his competitive future having not played for the majority of last split. In that instance it would be wise for TSM to get a replacement in and have him learn from DoubleLift, even if he doesn’t play much but is just there learning from him. TSM have gone as far as they can go with WildTurtle really and it is probably wise for them to seek an alternative.

If that is true, it does put a time limit on TSM’s international window to prove they belong. Reginald has always said the aim of the organisation is to win World’s. Even with DoubleLift, it is highly unlikely but without him, its impossible.