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Message: [QUOTE="ctchamps, post: 3472762, member: 37"] Nice write up. The only unknown for me is how much his improvement is based on his new role versus the new dynamic of the team. Both AG and CV have improved their shooting percentages after the injury to Akok and the reduced playing time of Josh. Their ability to get to the basket successfully imo has more to do with their improvement than anything. It means they can be more selective when they take a 3pt shot. It means that their defenders can't defend as tightly because they have to respect their ability to drive. It means there are fewer times they are forced to take a shot at the end of clocks because they don't spend a good portion of the clock working on the pick and roll with Josh. Then there is the development of Bouknight. Opposing teams have to put their best defenders on him as opposed to CV or AG. Neither AG or CV have to feel the team needs one of them to make a play because they have a reliable third option. That small change in pressure can not be under valued in players success rate. But it takes a while before players become comfortable that a new talent can contribute consistently. This forum expressed reservation frequently right up to the middle of the season how James should be reviewed. Another factor has been Jalen's development. He certainly was overly cautious early in the season. His improved play allows Hurley to rest CV and AG reducing the fatigue factor. I'd add one more thing. This is the first season in 3 or 4 years AG has not played in pain. It takes a while for anyone to put behind them the fear it won't happen again. It's typically on the mind of that individual. The members of this forum should understand that as well as anyone. No matter how good Cole has been with his past performance or in practice it might take time for him to connect with the team mates in real game situations and/or reach the level he was prior to sitting out from competitive ball for a year. Senior laden teams with decent skills and athleticism frequently beat teams with superior young players because they have played together longer. If there is a interval of time Cole needs to get adjusted, I feel more comfortable having the version of AG we are now observing than anyone we could bring in or a still relatively young JG. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach