This is not true. And it is really an insult to our bench players. We did not lose the last two games due to Rip not playing. We lost them because of who did play. Dixon giving up way too many points. Theo maybe playing a bit too much just to get mintues. Hayes playing regardless of his poor D. Dyess playing the whole 1st quarter, just because he needs the work to stay sharp.

What you saw in the last two games: Starters barely interested in playing, out there getting their minutes. Bench players being given minutes just because they are vets. Dyess getting his minutes regardless of his performance. These last two games by no means are any poor reflection on the play of Afflalo. (Though Stuckey did have quite a bad stretch in the NY game, despite shining in the 4th quarter.)

And one more, thing, so far, Billups and Stuckey playing together has not worked. Stuckey and Afflalo playing together does work. But you have not seen any of Afflalo and Stuckey playing together as of late. Not any. So don't be too quick to judge our young bench players.