The bench guard question: Ja'Kobe Walter

"Also, we need to acknowledge what is expected of this role, because it's far different than it was last year. For those who thought that Brandon Ingram's arrival would severely hamper Scottie Barnes' and RJ Barrett's ability to get shots up, or touches, that's not been the case, the shots have mostly been usurped from the low-volume bench guards, turning them into even lower volume bench guards."

"Who does this hurt the most? Probably Dick, whose potential and value is far more reliant on his overall offensive output and skills than it is just low touch, low volume shooting. It's a pretty beneficial role change for the other three, though. To be far too simplistic about things, the quartet combined for roughly 120 touches per game last season and roughly 34 shots a game. This season those numbers are roughly 54 touches and 13 shots per game."

Starting lineup, Sandro Mamukelashvili usage, and Jamal Shead as the second-unit point guard were clear entering the season. Two main questions remained: Collin Murray-Boyles' playing time on a forward-heavy roster, and which player would become the primary off-ball bench guard among Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Jamison Battle. The forward question has been mostly resolved, while the off-ball guard hierarchy is still undecided. The arrival of Brandon Ingram shifted shot volume away from low-usage bench guards, drastically reducing combined touches and shots for that quartet. Walter overcame early injuries, climbed the depth chart, and displayed notable on-ball defense when screens were not involved.

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