Nootbaar's recent comments reveal a player who has matured in his approach to the game, particularly in balancing aggressive play with injury prevention, though his repeated emphasis on 'not running into walls' suggests this may have been a significant issue in his past style of play. His focus on authenticity and team chemistry, combined with his modified training methods, indicates a player who is evolving from a pure hustle player to a more calculated competitor while trying to maintain his natural intensity.