This is the only rationale that makes sense. I can see that angle of the argument. If this is a development season, and record be damned, then play the core together as much as possible now to realize the fruits of it later on.
But it’s just a tough look right now in the present. I don’t know if he’s done this in the past with younger teams or not. Hopefully it works if that’s the madness behind it.
It also runs contrary to keeping playing time earlier in the season for guys like Ivey and Sasser. Perhaps don’t go so heavy on Sasser because this is his rookie season, and the transition going from 35 college games to 80 pro games can be tough. But you still want him to break that wall this season, not next season.