There is a common thought being expressed here today that MPj is putting himself before the good of the team... and that he is putting himself before the feelings of the fans. That may be true, but let's at least acknowledge that there could be another story line here...
The guy has been out for 3 months. Even though he has superior talent, there is no way he is in shape to play more than spurts during live action (and CM said if he plays, he is in the rotation).
He has not been playing the physical defense CM demands, and as one commentator said, he is great at offense but his defense is poor. It takes time to get this toughness down, and if he does not have it, then the rest of the D falls apart.
He has not been in the ball movement offense this team plays. If he comes in and they have to change the offense for him at this point in the season, this could be disastrous. Even for an elite player like he is.
There is a very real possibility that he knows that he will hurt this team more than he will help it if he comes back right now. It takes time and work.... time and work these other guys have been putting in over the last 3 months.
Give the guy more than 4 practices with the team to get it together... yes, I believe he wants to play. And if he could play and help now he would. But he recognizes that he is not back yet and does not want to hurt the team, or his own draft stock. Personally, I believe that takes some maturity from a guy who is supposed to be a generational player.
As for the fans feelings, there will always be a group who wants to get upset, wants to see the conspiracy, who want to be the victim and invent story lines where there are no facts, only assumptions... enjoy. Personally, I hope MPj can tune that garbage out and focus on what he needs to do to get back on the court and contribute meaningfully to this team.
MIZ-ZOU!!!
The guy has been out for 3 months. Even though he has superior talent, there is no way he is in shape to play more than spurts during live action (and CM said if he plays, he is in the rotation).
He has not been playing the physical defense CM demands, and as one commentator said, he is great at offense but his defense is poor. It takes time to get this toughness down, and if he does not have it, then the rest of the D falls apart.
He has not been in the ball movement offense this team plays. If he comes in and they have to change the offense for him at this point in the season, this could be disastrous. Even for an elite player like he is.
There is a very real possibility that he knows that he will hurt this team more than he will help it if he comes back right now. It takes time and work.... time and work these other guys have been putting in over the last 3 months.
Give the guy more than 4 practices with the team to get it together... yes, I believe he wants to play. And if he could play and help now he would. But he recognizes that he is not back yet and does not want to hurt the team, or his own draft stock. Personally, I believe that takes some maturity from a guy who is supposed to be a generational player.
As for the fans feelings, there will always be a group who wants to get upset, wants to see the conspiracy, who want to be the victim and invent story lines where there are no facts, only assumptions... enjoy. Personally, I hope MPj can tune that garbage out and focus on what he needs to do to get back on the court and contribute meaningfully to this team.
MIZ-ZOU!!!
