LJ2 wrote:
View Post
Not only was his usage higher, his efficiency jumped too - he was getting the ball in better positions to score than ever before. Unlike Casey, who would force-feed him his offence in the post (to the tune of 3 possessions a game - only 2 per game this past year), Nurse uses JV primarily as a roll threat (which has been his strength literally since he was drafted) with him finishing 3 possessions per game there this season (compared to only 2 per game the previous two years, in more minutes at that). This meant JV getting more involved in the offence in the right way - and resulted in him posting a career high usage and TS% in the same season, a rarity.
The test for Nurse will be whether he gives JV the minutes Casey was always hesitant to give him (for good reasons or not). That's the one biggest area for potential growth. Can he exist in a high minutes role in a good defence, and maintain his elite efficiency and offensive role? Can Nurse make room for that growth, and develop a defensive system that not only maximizes defence, but maximizes the time the team's top players can stay on the floor?
Comment