A big factor that you would have to note is that we won’t see 3 window games as much. So you are right that 26 wouldn’t be necessary, but that also means that squad rotation will be less.
My other rationale was what’s the point in bringing in Wotherspoon if he’s not going to play over Osorio, Staq, Kone, Hutch, or Kaye? It makes sense to bring in “the future brotherhood”. Same thing goes for other positions.
I didn’t consider in form, as much as I consider game shape/match fitness especially for fringe players.
Kennedy, Millar, Wotherspoon, Ugbo all haven’t been making their club teams, and also haven’t been the difference also.
So again, why not get new guys blooded in, acquainted with the program/system regardless if they have no plan to be played. The other guys won’t anyways.