Someone's expectations are too high when back-of-the-bench 2nd round rookies are somehow expected to play like experienced veterans. That says more about the OPs lack of reasonableness than it does the players on the court. That's not a personal insult, that's a simple fact.
All it takes is to look a a guy like Draymond Green to understand this. Dray was terrible his first year. .354% eFG and almost as many personal fouls as points. Now he's an All-Star. That doesn't mean that Nader or Semi will ever develop into even good role players, but it does show how much of a learning curve most 2nd round rookies need to go through to get anywhere in the NBA.
Couldn't agree more about Semi and Nader. These are end of the bench rookies playing against seasoned pros. So easy to sit on our sofas and criticize them.
Imagine being 3rd tier players competing against the greatest players in the game in front of an arena audience and be expected to outplay these stars. Totally unrealistic....
Last night the commentators were complimenting the team for doing as well as they were with several regulars out and the team basically making do with a couple of G-league level players.
Maybe one could make a case that they are far exceeding expectations considering we've only been blown out of one of the last 5 games.
Here are some numbers for the past 6 games - Jaylen played in the Timberwolves game.
Celtics over Timberwolves Celtics win
Semi Minutes 6:49 0 points -4
Abdel 0 minutes
Both Tatum and Baynes -11
Indiana lose by 2
Semi 8:59 2 points +1
Abdel 7:43 3 points -4
Wizards lose by 1
Semi 27:14 5 points -9
Abdel 23:55 10 points +1
Orlando win by 9
Semi 22:50 1 point -11
Abdel 23:34 11 points -11
New Orleans lose by 19
Semi 23:22 3 points -1
Abdel 21:32 8 points -3
Several starters with high negative +/- numbers
OKC win by 1
Semi 27: 13 2 points +/- not given
Abdel 18:20 3 points