If Hugo is playing another year of summer league, the organization still views him as a project player. I think the expectations that fans have for him this coming season is pie in the sky.
Jaylen played in summer league after his rookie season and then was an opening night starter.
Hugo averaged less than 4ppg last year and he is playing summer league again. If you think he is going to be a starter over White, George, or Pritchard, I will have what you are having.
Hugo was not even in the playoff rotation. He had several DNPs during the season. He is still a project at this point.
That all may be true. But I remember watching Jaylen in that Summer League after his rookie season.
He basically drove to the rim every... single... time... he... touched... the... ball.
I was getting frustrated watching all the turnovers and bad basketball. But then I reminded myself that Summer League does not matter at all. Ainge/Stevens basically told him:
"Work on attacking the rim. That will be your calling card early in your career while you are still working on your outside shot. We don't care if you turn the ball over, you're not coming out of the game. In fact, if you DON'T drive the ball to the rim enough, THAT'S when we'll pull you. Drive, drive, drive."
With no fear about failing, Jaylen really improved his confidence and ability to get to the rim. It was brilliant coaching during the summer.
So if Hugo is playing, look for what he does often. Is it close-out drives after a pump-fake? Is it his three-point shot? Is it him grabbing a rebound and starting the fast break?
I'll be really curious what the focus will be.
