His on-ball defense really hasn't been bad this season. The only two weaknesses I see are that he's a little slow in switches (but always recovers) and tends to bite on every fake.
But it seems we do agree it is his defense keeping him on the bench. The only comment I will make is this. With all the three guard lineups we see , could he stay in front of a big guard or athletic wing. Because when he plays it is not usually against the other teams best. Even though it looks like he is getting bigger/stronger still don’t think he has the strength to play a stretch 4.
Maybe one more summer of getting stronger and he fills that role for us next year if AK leaves. Stewie will be Swiss Army knife like Castle he may be good enough next year to guard 1-4 so I could see him taking on the role Castle plays. Either way we are going to be on the smaller side at guard when Nowell and Diarra are on the court so I think we will need to play a little bigger on our front line. And that will be even tougher with Clingan playing in the nba.
But I regress, we have a big game tonight. From what I saw I do not think our staff is focusing on next years roster construction. They and the players are just super focused on the challenge directly in front of them.
Pre game they look like a bunch of guys in a bad mood. No smiles just pure focus. It was incredible to watch them watch the end of the FAU/NW game. No emotion just that focused stare.
Can’t wait to get to the arena later today.
Having lunch at Sarges then back to Brooklyn and onto to the Barclays center.
Let’s go UConn!!!