I've probably been a little too pessimistic about Austin's possible contribution next season and too optimistic about Kaufusi's. I have had a hard time believing that Austin will start next year--let along see much playing time.

So, I compared (see way below) Austin's 2013-2014 stats with Kaufusi's this past season, and there is not as much difference as I expected. If I broke out the last 15 games of the season, Kaufusi's numbers would be much better and his average games per minute would be higher.

However, here are some interesting stats that have made me reconsider how much time Austin will play next season. Kaufusi only had three assists all year while Austin had 32. Kaufusi played a lot fewer minutes but had more blocks. Their field goal and free throw percentages were about the same. Austin averaged 7.9 rebounds per game and Kaufusi 3.9, but here again this has a lot to do with minutes played per game. Austin had more than twice as many steals.

Finally, Austin probably won't improve much more, but Kaufusi has a strong upside. Maybe Kaufusi will improve to a point where Austin will sit on the bench more.

Player gp-gs mins fg-fga fg% ft-fta ft% off def tot avg pf a to blk stl pts avg
AUSTIN 35-35 26.7 48-88 .545 34-52 .654 90 188 278 7.9 119 32 38 31 26 132 3.8
KAUFUSI 34-13 16.5 36-64 .563 43-70 .614 57 76 133 3.9 117 3 34 34 11 115 3.4