What do you know, another Powe vs. Davis thread where nobody changes their opinion and the same arguments are re-stated over and over again...
I've got one thing to post in response to Sweet17 and Chris - Powe actually rates in the 80th percentile in efficiency when it comes to FINISHING on post plays - so he is better than above average, he is in the elite 20th percentile of all NBA post players....
...on that note, to Chris - Powe looked less impressive to begin this season because of the USAGE he was seeing - Powe lost almost 20% of his off-ball offense: cuts and P&R and replaced it with low post touches.
So, Powe started taking roughly 20% more of his shots against a SET DEFENSE while losing out on 20% of his easy baskets set up by others. A good portion of this was due to playing with Eddie House as the PG, while another part was by design of the team to take advantage of his post proficiency.
January was his low point as teams forced him to adjust his post game - since then he's started mixing in his hook and more fakes, which has led to better success on the block. He's also been playing with Rondo and Marbury, so his amount of easy baskets has increased, thus increasing rhythm as well.
Davis has developed nicely, but it should be apparent by the numbers and by what we've witnessed that Powe's defense is much, much more effective at the POWER FORWARD position than Glen Davis -- the metrics are staggering and for all you "visual only" people, you should have seen the struggles Davis has been having as a PF.
Its been Powe's defense that has been solid on the perimeter and on the block - his overall game as a PF is only really lacking the USAGE of a jump shot - a shot he took over 40 times last year and made at just under 40%, roughly where Davis is this year.
Davis has proven to be capable of consistent production this year and he is a fine role player who has value to this rotation for his ability to shoot the set shot and play two positions, no argument.
But it is also inarguable that Powe does far more of his damage against a SET DEFENDER as opposed to scoring primarily off uncontested shots. Both are good P&R and cut men, but Powe is a superior finisher around the basket by the numbers.
If the team has a mind to add a veteran 7 footer more long term, i'd have to go with Powe as the back up PF because of his low post ability, (almost non-existent in bench players) and his superior overall offensive and defensive showing at that particular position.
...I feel Powe will incorporate a set jumper eventually to complete his offensive game, but his post proficiency and ability to rebound at a high level are so much harder to find than a big who can shoot from 15-17...
But its no longer arguable that Glen Davis can play and can be a first big off the bench - he's proven he can harness a skill and be very effective - I just don't see him as a superior PF based on current skill sets and future development...Powe just has skills that are rarer to find and harder to teach IMO...
