Why does Perk do the opening jump ball?

[Big Ticket]

KG is taller and a better jumper...

KG did the opening tip in Minnesota, but honestly lost 75% of the time.  I never knew why, years ago in his prime, he could probably reach higher than any player in the league.  I guess he just had very poor timing.

[Who]

You answered your own question there Big Ticket 

I don't think he's the quickest leaper either. Timing and leaping (quickness wise). I've never been able to tell which one is the problem, it seems to rotate but it's normally one or the other.

Same reasons (timing, anticipation, quickness on his jump) KG doesn't block a huge amount of shots despite altering so many. I'd add positioning in for the blocks also.

[Big Ticket]

You answered your own question there Big Ticket 

I don't think he's the quickest leaper either. Timing and leaping (quickness wise). I've never been able to tell which one is the problem, it seems to rotate but it's normally one or the other.

Same reasons (timing, anticipation, quickness on his jump) KG doesn't block a huge amount of shots despite altering so many. I'd add positioning in for the blocks also.

Yeah, I always assumed it was timing... there is absolutely no other reason KG wouldn't go 82 for 82 in jump balls during his spry years. 

Agree about the shot blocking.  There are pros and cons though... he stays grounded well so doesn't get baited by head/pump fakes easily, but it makes him late to block shots. 

[droopdog7]

On this note, have we lost every single tip in these playoffs?  Frankly, I don't think it is a big deal but it is curious if true.

[dark_lord]

interesting side note.... when ever we had an overtime game, kg jumped instead of perk.

[EnP24]

Yeah, I always assumed it was timing... there is absolutely no other reason KG wouldn't go 82 for 82 in jump balls during his spry years. 

Agree about the shot blocking.  There are pros and cons though... he stays grounded well so doesn't get baited by head/pump fakes easily, but it makes him late to block shots. 
[/quote]

How could KG be one of the best rebounders in the game if he has bad timing/ quickness on his jump.

I think he has both in his leap which makes him such a good rebounder. I think the Celts just want him "in position" to begin the offense as opposed to taking the jump ball. Like DLRA just mentioned when it counts, KG always take the jump.

[swebb87]

Percentage of opening jump balls is the most useless stat i have ever seen in my life. I'm sure you know but it bears repeating; it doesn't matter who wins it, you'll still get the ball to open 2 quarters regardless.

[BASSTHUMPER]

he is the center and the center always jump ball

[guava_wrench]

On this note, have we lost every single tip in these playoffs?  Frankly, I don't think it is a big deal but it is curious if true.

Have you been watching the games? We've won a lot of tips. Pierce is great at pulling down tips.

All that matters on the tip is don't let the ball go out of bounds off of you. You end up starting the game with a turnover.

[Bahku]

he is the center and the center always jump ball

Have to agree with my buddy Bass, here ... no big mystery, he's the center, and that's traditionally who jumps the ball.

[Big Ticket]

he is the center and the center always jump ball

Have to agree with my buddy Bass, here ... no big mystery, he's the center, and that's traditionally who jumps the ball.

Well, basketball "tradition" doesn't usually involve a 7'1" Power Forward with long arms and 40"+ hops.  He almost always did the tip the last 5-8 years in Minnesota.