When asked if Smart will be starting going forward Stevens says the problem with that is they rely on his energy at the 6 minute mark.
Take that for what it is but it's definitely not a very good statement on the possibility of Smart starting long term.
I hope he gives Smart starting a longer try....
If he inspires Brown to be more active on defense by example, then they'll be fine at the 6 minute mark with or without Smart.
Is it possible that players are more likely to imitate/be inspired by the energy of a starting player than a player off the bench? I mean subconsciously...
If I were off the bench replacing a high energy starter I'd feel pretty ashamed to go in and not bring the energy....not sure I'd subconsciously do the same subbing in for a sub. I might think to myself, well, he's a bench guy and brought energy as he's supposed to, my starting butt needn't match that low minute scrub Tasmanian Devil.... (you get my point).