05-07-2021, 02:21 AM
(05-07-2021, 02:15 AM)F Gump Wrote: The idea some here have that young raw players must be played, because they can only develop and improve in games, is so wrong.
The NBA games are played at a very high skill level, and it makes no sense to play players who are outmatched. Nor do teams with high expectations want to waste games (and possible wins) on players who just aren't that ready. So they work with them off the court, in a slew of ways, to improve their game, and THEN use them.
Some have the talent and work ethic to develop faster than others. The Mavs, to their credit, apparently believed he had it in him, and it's just starting to pay some dividends. He's come a long way since early in the season. His offense is still a work in progress, but he has picked up a feel for how to impact the game on defense, with energy, and in the little things, all of which can be useful.
I couldn’t agree more with the above or @"Scott41theMavs"’s post that you quoted if there was a million dollar prize offered. In fact, I’d argue that throwing a player to the wolves before he’s ready can actually be detrimental to his development, especially on a team where the rest of the locker room expects to win. Confidence is key.