If it's okay, I will repeat what I wrote on the recent "Quick Reaction" thread: since the trade, the Raptors are 8-7 when Hansbrough does not play, and 15-5 when he plays 11 to 20 minutes. The first number includes the fourteen games he missed due to injury. He is a rhythm player and needs more minutes to be effective.
Hansbrough looks frustrated right now and is missing shots or on occasion getting literally tangled with other players because he is pressing too hard. Why? Because he somehow has lost the confidence of the coach. He needs the support of the coaching staff and his teammates, and the team needs him, especially in the playoffs. He has more recent playoff experience than anyone else, after going to the conference finals last year.
As for being a "heel," he just plays hard, old-school basketball, and does not throw elbows or punches or try to trip up other players. NBA players are just not used that any more.
Hansbrough looks frustrated right now and is missing shots or on occasion getting literally tangled with other players because he is pressing too hard. Why? Because he somehow has lost the confidence of the coach. He needs the support of the coaching staff and his teammates, and the team needs him, especially in the playoffs. He has more recent playoff experience than anyone else, after going to the conference finals last year.
As for being a "heel," he just plays hard, old-school basketball, and does not throw elbows or punches or try to trip up other players. NBA players are just not used that any more.
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