Jordan Bell’s downfall
Instead of blooming, we are now 20 games into the season and Jordan Bell has seemingly regressed. He is averaging fewer minutes, points, steals, blocks, rebounds and assists per game while also shooting a lower percentage from the field.
Furthermore, the starting center position was wide open to start the season. With DeMarcus Cousins being injured and the departure of JaVale McGee, the Warriors had few options. Despite this, Bell was beaten out of the job by Damian Jones and has only started in one game thus far.
Now, it is completely unfair to criticize Jordan Bell to heavily. He is a very young player, playing underneath a massive amount of talent, for one of the most scrutinized teams in league history. At 24 years of age, a brief slump is nothing to be too concerned about.
The reason that this underwhelming start to the season is disappointing is that it may be Bell’s best shot to earn a consistent role within the team. Soon, DeMarcus Cousins will return to the lineup and eat up all the minutes at the center position. The measly 11.4 minutes per game that Bell is currently receiving will be diminished even further.
Luckily, Jordan Bell has youth on his side. Another season of playing in the Warriors system should only further strengthen his knowledge of the game and open up more opportunities for him to become a better basketball player.