Not exactly the same. The criticism of Doc was how young players that should have been getting more playing time didn't. Stevens is simply saying he'll see who earns it in practice.
Yep, people just presume that Doc not playing young players had to do with their inferior practice performances.
On one hand, Doc generally had a major injury each year that got at least the high-potential young guys into the lineup each year that they deserve it.
On the other hand, Doc IMO did little in terms of midseason strategy adjustments, or just adjustments overall, to adapt to the particular strengths of each player on his team. That drove Tommy a little crazy the last couple of years.
Doc also seems committed not to have to engage in serious player development again in his career, perhaps gauging accurately that he'll be handed a veteran team who doesn't need significant teaching each year for the duration of his coaching career. Likewise, he's probably got pretty comfortable with a minimalist approach to practicing throughout the regular season.
Stevens IMO is just what this team needs going forward.