<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The former Michigan State star filled in capably at both guard spots last year, and the Bucks relied heavily on his defensive skills, assigning him to guard some of the top scorers in the National Basketball Association. Bell is expecting more of the same this season, and it's all right with him. "This summer I thought I was going to have more of a role, but right now it's kind of falling right back to where I was at last year," Bell said. "But that's fine. "Whatever it takes. If it's 5 minutes, if it's being a backup point, third-string point or backing up Mike (Michael Redd), or just doing whatever. I'm just being ready for anything." It appears that Bell might play more at the shooting guard spot this season, as the primary backup for Redd. The Bucks seem well-stocked at point guard with Mo Williams and newcomer Steve Blake, acquired in an off-season deal with Portland. Coach Terry Stotts pointed out that roles were often interchangeable when Bell is on the floor with Williams or Blake. "We'll probably see him play less strictly point, but he can be in the game with Mo or Steve, and he can run the point and those guys can run on the baseline," Stotts said.</div> Source
As I've said, I love how Charlie played for us last year, and he gives us great versatility in the backcourt. He's going to play a lot of minutes.
I like Charlie, but I don't think he'll play much more than last season MPG wise. He'll play about 21-24 MPG just because there aren't enough minutes at backup PG and SG for him to play more. Let's say Mo Williams plays 30 MPG Redd will play about 38 MPG, though all won't be at SG, some will be at SF I'd assume, let's say 8 MPG at SF, and 30 MPG at SG. That leaves 36 MPG at backup PG/SG. If Charlie Bell plays 24 MPG at those positions, then Steve Blake can play 14 MPG. When Bobby Simmons returns though, Redd won't be needed at SF anymore, so Charlie's minutes could either go down, or Blake's could.
The thing to keep in mind with Charlie is he's our best defensive guard, and that's going to mean he's on the floor a lot. Mo is 6'1", and he isn't a great defender, so against teams that have bigger or high-scoring point guards, he's going to be playing quite a few minutes. I doubt he'll average more than 25, but I think he'll be right around there.
