Quote:
Originally Posted by BillLaimbeer  When Amir was initially drafted by the Pistons, his mom moved to Detroit and lived with him in his new apartment. She still cooked, cleaned, did laundry, etc. to help Amir get his NBA career off to a good start. |
I know, I remember that. I'm just saying that people need time to adjust to the responsibilities of life. Usually, very well adjusted kids struggle with it when they are 22+. College is like an intermediate step for many, where they take on 50% responsibility. For a kid like Amir, who didn't go to college, and has a lot of cash, it is a very good sign that he seems so put together. If I were in his shoes, I'm sure I would have had my fair share of days when I showed up late... and probably wouldn't have the stomach to practice. I guess I would have been more of a Darko than an Amir.
But my overall point is just that if you are Flip or Joe, there is a little more to managing Amir's development than giving him playing time. They are trying to manage his personal development and make sure he avoids the pitfalls. Making him work for his playing time, or at least feel like that is what he is doing, probably makes him appreciate it more now that he is getting it. As long as they keep rewarding him for his good behaivor, effort, and results, then I think that they are doing a good job.