As any rising star would, Bennedict Mathurin wants to be a starter on the playoff-contending LA Clippers. He has a case stemming from countless remarkable performances, but, based on what Sam Vecenie said on the ‘Game Theory Podcast,’ the 23-year-old is best as a sixth man. Why? Because he is too selfish with the basketball, and plays with a spontaneous mindset that can be harmful at times.
Vecenie points out that Mathurin, especially when he attacks the paint, doesn't have a plan. He thinks more on the fly, and even then, his only goal is to score. This is obviously concerning, as the youngster has driven about 8.4 times per game on the Clippers(second-most on the team since the trade deadline).
What was said on the podcast is valid, and ultimately, Tyronn Lue is right not to give in to the pressure to start Mathurin. He hasn’t seen enough, and nor has the rest of the Clippers’ staff.
Bennedict Mathurin’s numbers back up Sam Vecenie’s point perfectly
Bennedict Mathurin has done a lot of great things as an LA Clipper. He’s helped win games, delivered clutch buckets, and given fans memorable highlights. But, just as Sam Vecenie explained, Mathurin’s process is a problem, and as a result, the bench is suited for him.
If a player, who is more than capable of seeing success in the paint, drives without strategy and has one goal, to score, of course, their splits are going to be inefficient. It’s basically impossible to have such a playstyle and make it work.
Mathurin, as a Clipper, is shooting 41.7% from the field. That is atrocious for someone shooting over 14 and a half shots per game, and it’s the second-lowest percentage on the team (qualifying players) over the last 12-game stretch, behind Nicolas Batum.
There is no need to start a guy like him next to Kawhi Leonard. The superstar is best next to a scorer who understands the keys to a winning offense and can make the right judgment about when to pass or shoot.
Unfortunately for Mathurin, that is not him. It’ll be a problematic scene if Tyronn Lue tries to force a fit, and to avoid chemistry issues, he has rightfully put his rotation in the proper place.
When the time is right, whether that’s this season or next, and Lue has seen Mathurin prove himself, a promotion will transpire. But no one knows how long it’ll take, or if it’ll ever happen.