Brandon Newman was an early season starter and excelled with the opportunity.
He finished the season averaging 8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game, but over the last five games of the season he failed to play 20 minutes, his jump shot left him, and at times he looked like the move to the bench after Stefanovic got healthy from COVID knocked Newman out of rhythm.
Painter’s backcourt is no less crowded this year. Jaden Ivey is all but guaranteed a starting spot. It’d be shocking to see Eric Hunter Jr. not take back over his lead ball handling and defending duty for a coach who values both above anything from a guard.