He has played one healthy season in the last 6 years, in high school. The expectations to contribute this year were a bit much.
He still might! This is an ultra talented guy. He showed promise in the summer league and now G-league. Everyone raves about him in practice. At this moment he's dominating semi pro talent. Not bad for so many years off.
He literally just needs to be playing the game without the pressure of hurting this current new “win now” team.
Considering his age and the front court depth this team has right now we can just consider this year an actual red shirt year. Theres no reason to rush his development. I truly think we have a future star level talent here. He's just gonna need to time to get used to actually playing and let all that built up frustration and overflowing emotions get under control.
That #1 ranked talent is still in there. He's just been through so much for being 20yrs old. Also I think a huge factor in his game right now is just trust in his body. If he can stay in one piece this year I think we will see him better use his strength and athleticism. He will be more into jumping and banging down low as time goes on. He (rightfully so) just looks hesitant to push it all the way.