As someone that watched Bass from day one let me explain. When he first became a Hornet he had some problems grasping what his role should be. He saw himself as a scorer and the staff wanted him to develop and focus on his rebounding.
Yes it was a question of his adapting to the system of "when and where he need to be " or how to get from spot A to spot B.he wasn't aware at the time of how to " finish plays" and sosme other little factors.
Of course a staff has to face the question of " do we adapt our style for a young player?" or do we stick to what we do for the sake of the others ?
Bass hadn't earned his bones yet for the staff to make that concesson.
Bass goes to Dallas and realizes his role is that of a " hustle type banger"
he learns how to play ( he matures) and accepts the fact of hwere his value is and what style to play ( again he matures)
Byron Scott has recently said he would now change a few things to adpat to what Bass does well. Bass has put in more time enchancing his skills as a player. ( players at times don't see their limitations when they first arrive into the NBA).
His knowledge of the game has improved as has his knowledge of himself as a player. THats called experience.
So it was a combinaton of a few things...experience....knowledge of how to play...accepting limitations and recognizing strengths and skill development.
Sometimes players need to hear it from " another voice". Another voice telling you what needs to be done. You can't compare Bass the present to Bass the past and say there weren't any changes.
He has improved in certain areas ( and yes rebounding needs to still become more of a constant ).......Scott would use him differently now vs the past . he admits that....But of course Bass isn't the same player.
Plus the JR Smith example isnt a fair one cause when Smith was a Hornet he was way to immature and lacked pounds of focus on how a pro is supposed to prepare. Yes the argument can be made of you draft a player that young you have to assume some baggage comes with the choice.
Thats what makes developing and putting a roster together the most difficult thing in sports...
Yes they shot at getting him back
gv