Not gonna happen. Stotts is one of those coaches who prefers "proven" mediocre-to-bad vets over inconsistent youngsters. For the record, it isn't just Stotts. This is common across all sports. (and a pet peeve of mine)
Easiest solution would be to dump Bazemore so Stotts doesn’t have the option to sit Little. But I’m sure he’d still find a way and play Tolliver or some shit.
He can play... but things are not pretty when he does. The last game, he struggled mightily to know where he ought to be on O. In the 5-6 minutes he played in the 1st Q, he was out of position on at least 3 consecutive possessions. The Bucks were leaving him completely unguarded (no one was even looking at him). Defensively, I think he's probably one of the better wings on the team. Unfortunately he has to play offense too. Little just doesn't impact the game enough. He gets playing time, but just doesn't do anything with the time he's been given.
“He gets playing time” Last five games 14 minutes 12 minutes 4 minutes 4 minutes 1 minute We’re also talking about a rookie. That’s not how you develop a player imo. He'd almost be better off not playing at all.
True, but does it really matter? It's not like the team is winning, so why not accomplish something positive by focusing on player improvement? Next season, whether or not he can impact the game may actually matter!
I’ve been more impressed with Hoard of late than Little. Nassir has done “Little” to earn more time. The bar is not high but having energy is not reason to supplant others who appear to be playing better (even if not by much).
I like Little, but next season, we need a BUSF that is more developed. It is going to take him several seasons, or more, to get there. Wish we could make a trade with the Suns based around Little for Cameron Johnson. Cam is the North Carolina player that beat out Little for the starting job. Little "may" develop into the better player, years from now. But Cam is ready to make a positive impact today.
Cameron Johnson is 4 years older than Nassir Little. He didn't beat him out for the starting job, he was already the starter. You keep mentioning him but Phoenix took him 11th in the draft, they likely aren't going to trade him.
I agree with you general statement. Does Stotts really have a track record of not allowing really talented young players minutes over average vets? Dame started CJ was behind Wes, Affalo, Batum Meyers (no comment) Zach played some, still unproven Ant behind Dame/CJ and is unproven Is it possible Little dropped for a reason? I can't imagine Little is ripping it up in practice and Stotts is so in love with Mario that he won't play him.
Agree with you. But. The Blazers are the 8th oldest roster. The time is now to stock up on solid bench players, not very young blue sky projects with potential. The Suns are the youngest team. Maybe on draft night, they may be open to trading Cameron for our pick, or? Cam is a good 3pt shooter (38%) who can guard multiple positions, today.
