NY Post · Oct 14, 2016
Nets shield Isaiah Whitehead from being too awful too soon
Isaiah WhiteheadNets coach Kenny Atkinson said one of his biggest tasks is keeping his young players from getting overwhelmed by the season’s inevitable ups-and-downs, and he’s trying to make sure Isaiah Whitehead’s recent valley doesn’t turn into a canyon.
Whitehead didn’t play in Thursday’s 100-97 loss to the Celtics, after the rookie point guard struggled badly in his previous two games. But Atkinson said it was planned, and had nothing to do with Whitehead’s recent woes.
“No, we kind of had it planned out he’ll get a shot again, and other guys will rest. Just part of the plan. It wasn’t any reaction to having a so-so game,’’ Atkinson said. “We have a plan in place. We’re sticking to it.”