Funny thing is there isn’t
I respectfully disagree. There’s a much better path to immediate playing at Indiana than Purdue. We know IU will be graduating Smith and Brunk, and there’s more than an outside shot of TJD leaving after 2 years so IU is potentially replacing it’s starting frontcourt.
Race/Duncomb at the 5 is the most logical sense and that would allow Kaufman to start at the 4 immediately. Even in a world where TJD stays it’s more than probable he and Kaufman occupy the front court.
I struggle to see where Kaufman starts immediately at Purdue? He’d get minutes but knowing Painter and his style, it’s going to be tough for Kaufman to play his way into the starting rotation. Unless Williams leaves early, he’s your lock at the 5. Incoming Furst gets the nod right away at the 4. Now there’s a possibility Painter goes to a larger lineup, but Painter has always preferred a steady 3 guard lineup with guys who can all handle the ball. Kaufman as a freshman is not ready for that role and by starting Kaufman Painter is electing not to start one of Ivey, Morton, or Hunter who all have a year experience and personnel-wise is a much better fit for his offense.
Yes there’s definitely a world where Kaufman still commits to Purdue and still a world where Kaufman plays significant minutes as a Freshman, but in only speaking to immediate playing time, IU has a distinct advantage over Purdue as it stands now.