Jevon Carter’s minutes, better starts for New Orleans’ young players, Evan Fournier’s move to the bench, and more.
Milwaukee Bucks
I wonder if Jevon Carter will remain in the rotation once the Bucks get fully healthy. Even though Carter isn’t a trusted offensive threat each night (career 38.5% field goal percentage), he brings a strong defensive presence on the wing that Milwaukee needed at times in the Boston series last playoffs.
New Orleans Pelicans
It’s good to see Trey Murphy III & Naji Marshall playing well/earning minutes. 2021-22 was a completely different start for the two young Pelicans, as both shot the ball poorly and fell out of the rotation. However, this season has been much better for both players, with Murphy putting up 12.7 PPG/5.0 RPG/1.7 APG/1.1 SPG/49.4% FG/44.9% 3-PT/93.3% FT and Marshall averaging 8.1 PPG/3.1 RPG/1.8 APG/0.9 SPG/45.8% FG/33.3% 3-PT/80.0% FT.
New York Knicks
It looked like France’s Evan Fournier had a few more years left as an NBA starter after defeating Team USA in 2021 led by his 28 point performance (their first Olympic loss since 2004). But that didn’t last too long, and the veteran is now coming off the bench (8.8 PPG on 40.0% shooting from the field). On a more positive note, young 7 footer Isaiah Hartenstein continues to grow his skillset for the better. There were many questions about Hartenstein’s game during his early days with Houston. So I’m extremely happy with his development (8.4 PPG/8.7 RPG/1.0 APG/1.6 BPG/55.7% FG/75.0% FT).
Orlando Magic
Watching Bol Bol actually receive minutes made me forget how versatile the soon-to-be 23 year old really is. He’s doing it all for the Magic (11.6 PPG/7.2 RPG/2.3 BPG/69.6% FG/38.5% 3-PT/83.3% FT), but I gotta give credit to Orlando head coach Jamahl Mosley for letting the 7-2 center be himself. Bol isn’t the type of player that needs to be told something by a coach every second, as he brings the unique mix of a high basketball IQ, tremendous physical tools, and a quiet personality.
