You say we can afford to make minutes for him . I read that as exceptions for for him. If JB does that for one . Others will want the same exception. Which ruins the whole system.
I understand the want to see the new shiny piece play but I don’t track the actual consternation and complaints around Bouk not getting varsity minutes.
He’s a rookie, on a team in the hunt for the playoffs, in the absolute most brutal quarter of their season, with qualified vets and guys we’ll have to make contractual decisions on (before we even have to think of his first option) playing in front of him. Plus, he’s been able to play over 37 minutes per game with our G-League affiliate racking up immeasurably valuable playing time, confidence, and guidance we will absolutely need on the court when we ultimately make trimming moves at the deadline. If there’s any need for proof that he’s improving while we’re not seeing it, the same guy that got very publicly stuffed in a locker by Mitchell in SL just gave him an “off night” yesterday.
Heck, this is the very reason we have a G-League team - and we have seen huge benefits from it. In fact, Devonte’ Graham is a similar parable. He was slated behind Kemba, Tony as PG or Lamb, Monk, Bacon as SG depending on your view. Much like this year, the team was competitive (14-14 vs. 15-13 to this point). DG amassed 11 minutes more on the varsity squad through 28 games than James Bouknight. His 34.0 minutes per game in the G-League are on par with those of James’ 37.1. DG played a total of 46 games in his rookie campaign and had a really stout G-League run. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we see Bouk go right back to GSO when we get all hands back on deck with the Hornets’ squad. AND… I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back full time with the main squad should we decide to part with one of the players in front of him today before the deadline. But it will undoubtedly be what he’s doing in the G-League that informs that decision more than what he would do in 5-10 minutes per every other night on the main team I’m betting.
For reference
DG 2018 G-League:
JB 2021 G-League:
I recognize some might want to pick at comparing a #11 to a #32 but I would counter that we are seeing #37 ahead of #19 already between Thor and Kai and I would hope we all agree the staff is picking the right one (today) to lead with that too.
I am digging the hell out of the approach this coaching staff is taking. I’m convinced they are way better at the player development game today than in 2018-19 and the value in which this could pay off even by end of this year with Bouk and Thor is crazy exciting.
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