{"id":10643,"date":"2024-11-23T22:02:59","date_gmt":"2024-11-23T22:02:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=10643"},"modified":"2024-11-23T22:02:59","modified_gmt":"2024-11-23T22:02:59","slug":"start-or-bench-the-truth-behind-nikola-jovics-up-and-down-start-to-the-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new365.azontree.com\/?p=10643","title":{"rendered":"Start or bench? The truth behind Nikola Jovic’s up-and-down start to the season"},"content":{"rendered":"
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After a promising end last season where we saw Nikola Jovic insert himself into the starting lineup, it hasn\u2019t exactly been ideal for him to start his third year. He came into the season as a starter and since the last five games, he has been coming off the bench. Although I\u2019d argue that has to do more with needing Haywood Highsmith.<\/p>\n

But how has he looked on the court, particularly on the offensive end? Because there have been takes that I\u2019ve been seeing that he\u2019s being misused, he doesn\u2019t fit with certain players, or that his strengths are being wasted being a spot up shooter in the corner.<\/p>\n

So, I went through a lot of his stats and possessions in the recent stretch (mainly looking at his stretch off the bench)to see what stands out.<\/p>\n

Firstly, his stats remain almost identical to last year. Here are some of his stats per 100 possessions last year compared to this year:<\/p>\n

Three things stand out. He\u2019s improved a lot as a finisher inside. He forgot how to shoot so far in these 13 games. He\u2019s also taking fewer 3s relative to his shots.<\/p>\n

I also wanted to check how he looked in these last five games off the bench to see if he has been playing better or differently.<\/p>\n

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