Should Bamba Remain in the Rotation

[NBlue]

Over the last 10 games Bamba has averaged a -6 and has only had a net positive +/- impact on two occasions despite the fact he have won 6 of those games. In fairness, of course, the entire second unit has struggled at times (save T Ross, magic hero). Last night when the Lakers got an offensive rebound after a ball hit the floor when Bamba inexplicably ran up the Court rather than attempting to secure a rebounds I was truly concerned that Coach Clifford might not allow him to live to see another day, much less play another minute.

At the same time, no one can miss the potential Bamba has -- he clearly has a nice touch on his jumper and sets an excellent pick offensively and you can see the wheels turning defensively. Its just the wheels are turning really slowly sometimes. He gets bullied on the block by his man and has been extremely slow to react off the ball on a consistent basis despite his obvious talent and length. He's also just flat out not helping us on the boards -- 2.5 rebounds per game over the last 7 contests is not getting it done.

I realize this may well not be a popular opinion but I would like to see Birch replace Bamba in the rotation on a temporary basis so that Bamba can get some inspiration from the bench. This is not a comparison between the 2 players -- clearly Bamba has way more potential than Birch but I have been a little disappointed with his motor and drive and I wonder whether having to compete for minutes will help that.

[OrlandoNed]

No.

[UCF]

He won’t improve if he doesn’t play. Keep him at 10-15 minutes and develop him as a player. He’s too big of an investment to bury on the bench.

[MagicFan101]

Absolutely. How is this even a question?

This board freaks out year after year when a coach doesn’t let a rookie play through growing pains and now that you see those pains people flip their story?

We are off the a better start than we have had in most recent years despite these growing pains from Bamba. He isn’t being heavily relied upon and is getting a strong mix of practice and game time experience. Why change?

[OrlandO]

If we can't play him limited minutes off the bench and hope he gets better as the games go on then we picked the wrong guy. Gotta just live with his rookie mistakes and lack of awareness for now and see how it plays out. It's part of development. 25 games later we might see a more comfortable bamba who is better adjusted to the speed of the NBA.

[Nightman]

Part of being a coach is developing your young players and Clifford has raved about Bamba, he knows what kind of potential is there. Even if Bamba goes through some pains, the results will show down the road when he starts to improve.

[pepe1991]

Absolutely yes.

[Cockers]

Yes, it's necessary to improve...

[Mauro Pedrosa]

Lol

[Magic_Johnny12]

Lol

Literally my exact sentiments.

[VFX]

What?

[Dubious Kitty]

Wow

[Versubio]

Of course he should

[NBlue]

Absolutely. How is this even a question?

This board freaks out year after year when a coach doesn’t let a rookie play through growing pains and now that you see those pains people flip their story?

We are off the a better start than we have had in most recent years despite these growing pains from Bamba. He isn’t being heavily relied upon and is getting a strong mix of practice and game time experience. Why change?

Flat out not true. Every case is different. SVG sat JJ or gave him limited minutes for his rookie year. I've heard JJ give SVG tremendous credit for his growth both as a player and a professional. I don't know if its the right move to sit Bamba or not and I certainly assumed I'd be in the minority here but I'm not "freaking out" -- instead I think its fair to rationally analyze the options. Sometimes players benefit from a bit of time on the bench - sometimes its not the best call - it depends. What concerns me with Bamba is his issues have seemed a bit more effort related - especially on the defensive end. Don't like to see that.

[NBlue]

He won’t improve if he doesn’t play. Keep him at 10-15 minutes and develop him as a player. He’s too big of an investment to bury on the bench.

I completely disagree. Some players benefit a lot by not playing and watching for a time - then playing again. Then again, with other players this can be a major confidence killer -- just depends. Sitting and watching for a few weeks can be a big kick in the butt and inspire some players and its done all the time.

In fact, Clifford has been steadily reducing Bamba's minutes over the course of the year. He averaged just over 20 per game in November but has dropped to 15 per games in December and is averaging just over 13 in his last 7 games.

I think Clifford's goal -- correctly -- is to win as many games as possible while also developing the young players. Those things can certainly go hand in hand. But I don't think sitting a player for a time doesn't mean you aren't developing him or that he doesn't then have a chance to improve. And I think Bamba's minutes over time reflect the unmistakable fact that he has been a liability on the floor. Certainly, I hope he improves right now and we start winning with him -- that would be the perfect scenario. But right now we are winning despite him and I don't think its an absurd suggestion to suggest that some competition for his minutes could be helpful to his performance (if you would like an easy and recent example Please See J Simms minutes against the Raps and Nuggets and his performance against the Lake show as exhibit 1).

[UCFJayBird]

[drsd]

He won’t improve if he doesn’t play. Keep him at 10-15 minutes and develop him as a player. He’s too big of an investment to bury on the bench.

Bamba must play even if it adds to the loss total this year. He need on court development.



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[drsd]

I think Clifford's goal -- correctly -- is to win as many games as possible while also developing the young players.

Amen Brother !



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[Audi]

In before the lock?

[Optimus_Steel]

Yes of course.