The Kemba dillema (Hayward all over again?)

[gouki88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Least he beat out Waters. 81 out of 84 Point Guards for worst defensive rating.

2020-21 Real Plus-Minus - Point Guards

RK   NAME   TEAM   GP   MPG    ORPM   DRPM   RPM   WINS
81   Kemba Walker   BOS   12   27.8    1.66           -2.34   -0.68

82   Tremont Waters   BOS    9   10.0    -1.80   -2.35   -4.16   

83   Ja Morant          MEM 14   29.9     3.03   -2.46   0.57   

84   Trae Young   ATL   25   34.6     4.58   -2.70   1.88

84 Results3 of 3
Glossary

DRPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions


http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/page/3/sort/DRPM/position/1

Using a metric that includes players who play less than 3 MPG is not really the be-all and end-all

[nickagneta]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Least he beat out Waters. 81 out of 84 Point Guards for worst defensive rating.

2020-21 Real Plus-Minus - Point Guards

RK   NAME   TEAM   GP   MPG    ORPM   DRPM   RPM   WINS
81   Kemba Walker   BOS   12   27.8    1.66           -2.34   -0.68

82   Tremont Waters   BOS    9   10.0    -1.80   -2.35   -4.16   

83   Ja Morant          MEM 14   29.9     3.03   -2.46   0.57   

84   Trae Young   ATL   25   34.6     4.58   -2.70   1.88

84 Results3 of 3
Glossary

DRPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions


http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/page/3/sort/DRPM/position/1

First, I think ESPN's RPM stats are terrible. It had Theis as the 2nd best defensive center in the league last year. You watched Theis last year. Do you really think he was the 2nd best defensive center in the NBA in 2019-20? I sure don't. Theis was a good defender but not 2nd best.

Second, these type of wonky, wacky ratings are common in RPM stats. Heck, I've been told the guy that created them has moved on from the stat and created another he feels better reflects reality.

Third, due to lack of sample size, and all +/- stats and their permutations, are better representations of what is happening after a much, much larger sample size than 12 games, much of which the Celtics defense, as a whole, has been terrible.

Watching the games, Kemba hasn't been as bad as that RPM rating. The Celtics defense as a whole during games Kemba played? Yup. Terrible. But that's more a reflection of a team wide problem, not a Kemba problem. Sorry, watching the games, I just don't see one of the worst defending PGs in the league.

[Goldstar88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Least he beat out Waters. 81 out of 84 Point Guards for worst defensive rating.

2020-21 Real Plus-Minus - Point Guards

RK   NAME   TEAM   GP   MPG    ORPM   DRPM   RPM   WINS
81   Kemba Walker   BOS   12   27.8    1.66           -2.34   -0.68

82   Tremont Waters   BOS    9   10.0    -1.80   -2.35   -4.16   

83   Ja Morant          MEM 14   29.9     3.03   -2.46   0.57   

84   Trae Young   ATL   25   34.6     4.58   -2.70   1.88

84 Results3 of 3
Glossary

DRPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions


http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/page/3/sort/DRPM/position/1

First, I think ESPN's RPM stats are terrible. It had Theis as the 2nd best defensive center in the league last year. You watched Theis last year. Do you really think he was the 2nd best defensive center in the NBA in 2019-20? I sure don't. Theis was a good defender but not 2nd best.

Second, these type of wonky, wacky ratings are common in RPM stats. Heck, I've been told the guy that created them has moved on from the stat and created another he feels better reflects reality.

Third, due to lack of sample size, and all +/- stats and their permutations, are better representations of what is happening after a much, much larger sample size than 12 games, much of which the Celtics defense, as a whole, has been terrible.

Watching the games, Kemba hasn't been as bad as that RPM rating. The Celtics defense as a whole during games Kemba played? Yup. Terrible. But that's more a reflection of a team wide problem, not a Kemba problem. Sorry, watching the games, I just don't see one of the worst defending PGs in the league.

Well, those are the defensive ratings on ESPN, I’m sure they are not perfect, but they look more right, than wrong. I honestly don’t think Kemba’s much better defensively than IT was while one the C’s. He’s definitely below average.

[Goldstar88]

Wrong thread

[gouki88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Least he beat out Waters. 81 out of 84 Point Guards for worst defensive rating.

2020-21 Real Plus-Minus - Point Guards

RK   NAME   TEAM   GP   MPG    ORPM   DRPM   RPM   WINS
81   Kemba Walker   BOS   12   27.8    1.66           -2.34   -0.68

82   Tremont Waters   BOS    9   10.0    -1.80   -2.35   -4.16   

83   Ja Morant          MEM 14   29.9     3.03   -2.46   0.57   

84   Trae Young   ATL   25   34.6     4.58   -2.70   1.88

84 Results3 of 3
Glossary

DRPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions


http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/page/3/sort/DRPM/position/1

First, I think ESPN's RPM stats are terrible. It had Theis as the 2nd best defensive center in the league last year. You watched Theis last year. Do you really think he was the 2nd best defensive center in the NBA in 2019-20? I sure don't. Theis was a good defender but not 2nd best.

Second, these type of wonky, wacky ratings are common in RPM stats. Heck, I've been told the guy that created them has moved on from the stat and created another he feels better reflects reality.

Third, due to lack of sample size, and all +/- stats and their permutations, are better representations of what is happening after a much, much larger sample size than 12 games, much of which the Celtics defense, as a whole, has been terrible.

Watching the games, Kemba hasn't been as bad as that RPM rating. The Celtics defense as a whole during games Kemba played? Yup. Terrible. But that's more a reflection of a team wide problem, not a Kemba problem. Sorry, watching the games, I just don't see one of the worst defending PGs in the league.

Well, those are the defensive ratings on ESPN, I’m sure they are not perfect, but they look more right, than wrong. I honestly don’t think Kemba’s much better defensively than IT was while one the C’s. He’s definitely below average.

Devonte Graham a better defender than Holiday and Smart? Cam Payne a better defender than Dejounte Murray? Austin Rivers a better defender than Avery Bradley and Jevon Carter?

That's just going through the top 20, and it is already completely all over the joint.

[Goldstar88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Least he beat out Waters. 81 out of 84 Point Guards for worst defensive rating.

2020-21 Real Plus-Minus - Point Guards

RK   NAME   TEAM   GP   MPG    ORPM   DRPM   RPM   WINS
81   Kemba Walker   BOS   12   27.8    1.66           -2.34   -0.68

82   Tremont Waters   BOS    9   10.0    -1.80   -2.35   -4.16   

83   Ja Morant          MEM 14   29.9     3.03   -2.46   0.57   

84   Trae Young   ATL   25   34.6     4.58   -2.70   1.88

84 Results3 of 3
Glossary

DRPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions


http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/page/3/sort/DRPM/position/1

First, I think ESPN's RPM stats are terrible. It had Theis as the 2nd best defensive center in the league last year. You watched Theis last year. Do you really think he was the 2nd best defensive center in the NBA in 2019-20? I sure don't. Theis was a good defender but not 2nd best.

Second, these type of wonky, wacky ratings are common in RPM stats. Heck, I've been told the guy that created them has moved on from the stat and created another he feels better reflects reality.

Third, due to lack of sample size, and all +/- stats and their permutations, are better representations of what is happening after a much, much larger sample size than 12 games, much of which the Celtics defense, as a whole, has been terrible.

Watching the games, Kemba hasn't been as bad as that RPM rating. The Celtics defense as a whole during games Kemba played? Yup. Terrible. But that's more a reflection of a team wide problem, not a Kemba problem. Sorry, watching the games, I just don't see one of the worst defending PGs in the league.

Well, those are the defensive ratings on ESPN, I’m sure they are not perfect, but they look more right, than wrong. I honestly don’t think Kemba’s much better defensively than IT was while one the C’s. He’s definitely below average.

Devonte Graham a better defender than Holiday and Smart? Cam Payne a better defender than Dejounte Murray? Austin Rivers a better defender than Avery Bradley and Jevon Carter?

That's just going through the top 20, and it is already completely all over the joint.

Smarts in the top 10, makes sense. Kemba is in the bottom 10, also makes sense.  You can dissect it if you want, but overall It doesn't  seem far off.

[Goldstar88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Did you see the defense in tonights game? Kemba shot the ball reasonably well(5-13), but was still a -5 because of his D. Only other player on the team that was a negative was Semi(-1).

[footey]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Did you see the defense in tonights game? Kemba shot the ball reasonably well(5-13), but was still a -5 because of his D. Only other player on the team that was a negative was Semi(-1).

plus/minus to evaluate defensive performance in a single game? Really?

[Goldstar88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Did you see the defense in tonights game? Kemba shot the ball reasonably well(5-13), but was still a -5 because of his D. Only other player on the team that was a negative was Semi(-1).

plus/minus to evaluate defensive performance in a single game? Really?

Not a single game, but another game. And yes, defense is factored into a players efficiency rating.

[tenn_smoothie]

My problem with Kemba is that he isn't a good fit for the way this team is constructed. I was saying this when Psycho Boy was here - we need a playmaker, not a high-use, high-volume score-first point guard. We need a couple of catch-and-shoot guys off the bench and a major upgrade at center to contend for a title. It's not Kemba's fault that Danny couldn't figure this out after Irving didn't fit the team either (besides being a head case).

Play to our strengths with complimentary players and a third star at center. Putting Kemba in the 6th man role would definitely maximize his abilities towards helping to win games. That instant offense that would lead the second unit would be invaluable and Kemba is the type of team guy who might accept such a role - 6th man of the year for the team that made that role famous would be a perfect fit and the lower minutes would extend his career and keep him healthier for the playoffs.

[nickagneta]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Did you see the defense in tonights game? Kemba shot the ball reasonably well(5-13), but was still a -5 because of his D. Only other player on the team that was a negative was Semi(-1).

Yeah, I saw it.

Did you?

Because when Denver was outplaying Boston, and where Kemba got a lot of his minus performance from, that's when Jokic was going off. Explain to me how bad  Kemba was defensively and how he got schooled by Jokic, giving up all those points that led to his minus number.

Kemba was mostly on Campazzo and held him in check, until the fourth quarter, and by then the game was firmly in control.

Kemba got lit up by Murray a couple three times when he got switched onto him, but Murray does that to most of the league and did it to other Celtics as well.

[Goldstar88]

My problem with Kemba is that he isn't a good fit for the way this team is constructed. I was saying this when Psycho Boy was here - we need a playmaker, not a high-use, high-volume score-first point guard. We need a couple of catch-and-shoot guys off the bench and a major upgrade at center to contend for a title. It's not Kemba's fault that Danny couldn't figure this out after Irving didn't fit the team either (besides being a head case).

Play to our strengths with complimentary players and a third star at center. Putting Kemba in the 6th man role would definitely maximize his abilities towards helping to win games. That instant offense that would lead the second unit would be invaluable and Kemba is the type of team guy who might accept such a role - 6th man of the year for the team that made that role famous would be a perfect fit and the lower minutes would extend his career and keep him healthier for the playoffs.

How would you add a 3rd star at the C position well having Kemba off the bench? From a financial standpoint, I think it would have to be one or the other.

[Goldstar88]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Did you see the defense in tonights game? Kemba shot the ball reasonably well(5-13), but was still a -5 because of his D. Only other player on the team that was a negative was Semi(-1).

Yeah, I saw it.

Did you?

Because when Denver was outplaying Boston, and where Kemba got a lot of his minus performance from, that's when Jokic was going off. Explain to me how bad  Kemba was defensively and how he got schooled by Jokic, giving up all those points that led to his minus number.

Kemba was mostly on Campazzo and held him in check, until the fourth quarter, and by then the game was firmly in control.

Kemba got lit up by Murray a couple three times when he got switched onto him, but Murray does that to most of the league and did it to other Celtics as well.

So Kemba was a -5 because Jokic went off... Had nothing to do with the fact that he couldn’t stay in front of Compazzo or Murray who combined for 40pts and 14asts. Got it..

[tenn_smoothie]

My problem with Kemba is that he isn't a good fit for the way this team is constructed. I was saying this when Psycho Boy was here - we need a playmaker, not a high-use, high-volume score-first point guard. We need a couple of catch-and-shoot guys off the bench and a major upgrade at center to contend for a title. It's not Kemba's fault that Danny couldn't figure this out after Irving didn't fit the team either (besides being a head case).

Play to our strengths with complimentary players and a third star at center. Putting Kemba in the 6th man role would definitely maximize his abilities towards helping to win games. That instant offense that would lead the second unit would be invaluable and Kemba is the type of team guy who might accept such a role - 6th man of the year for the team that made that role famous would be a perfect fit and the lower minutes would extend his career and keep him healthier for the playoffs.

How would you add a 3rd star at the C position well having Kemba off the bench? From a financial standpoint, I think it would have to be one or the other.

I'm no expert on the salary cap rules, but I would think trading some salary maybe with the trade exception added in would allow Boston to find a way to do this financially. This is why I was so interested in the potential of the Turner/McDermott trade with Indy. That would have provided the upgrade at center and the addition of a bench shooter. Maybe the Celtics knew better, but that is an example of a move that would fill vital needs and would have worked financially. Surely, there are other possibilities out there, though such a trade would require Danny to wake the hell up and let go of his small-ball, Golden State East obsession.

[Somebody]

Kemba has been excellent in 3 of the last 5 games, including the last 2. He doesn't appear to be physically hampered in any way from his knee arthritis. He is stopping, cutting, and bursting forward, as well as he ever has.

He sucked for the first 7 games but that was his training camp and preseason equivalent. I fully expect him to look more like the Kemba of the last two games than what he showed his first 5-7 games of the season.

Last game he did shoot the ball better, but he was still bad defensively, had 2 assist to 5 turnovers and was a -19.

The game that he played in before that was probably his best game. Problem is, he has 1 good game and then 3 bad ones.

Really am not seeing the bad defense that some claim Kemba has been having over the last couple weeks. I wonder if it's just the old stand by "he's little and so must be bad on defense" stance some have.

Against PGs, his defense is good. Nothing spectacular, but he makes most PGs work hard. Yes, when he gets switched onto bigger players, it's a bad matchup, but that's true of half to three quarters of the PGs in the league.

And, Kemba draws a bunch of charges, gets a bunch of deflections and steals. IMO, Kemba's defense is fine in the regular season. It's in the playoffs where he is targeted exclusively in the half court, that his limitations are most seen. But if Kemba is his usual self on offense, he is still a net positive player.

Least he beat out Waters. 81 out of 84 Point Guards for worst defensive rating.

2020-21 Real Plus-Minus - Point Guards

RK   NAME   TEAM   GP   MPG    ORPM   DRPM   RPM   WINS
81   Kemba Walker   BOS   12   27.8    1.66           -2.34   -0.68

82   Tremont Waters   BOS    9   10.0    -1.80   -2.35   -4.16   

83   Ja Morant          MEM 14   29.9     3.03   -2.46   0.57   

84   Trae Young   ATL   25   34.6     4.58   -2.70   1.88

84 Results3 of 3
Glossary

DRPM: Player's estimated on-court impact on team defensive performance, measured in points allowed per 100 defensive possessions


http://www.espn.com/nba/statistics/rpm/_/page/3/sort/DRPM/position/1

First, I think ESPN's RPM stats are terrible. It had Theis as the 2nd best defensive center in the league last year. You watched Theis last year. Do you really think he was the 2nd best defensive center in the NBA in 2019-20? I sure don't. Theis was a good defender but not 2nd best.

Second, these type of wonky, wacky ratings are common in RPM stats. Heck, I've been told the guy that created them has moved on from the stat and created another he feels better reflects reality.

Third, due to lack of sample size, and all +/- stats and their permutations, are better representations of what is happening after a much, much larger sample size than 12 games, much of which the Celtics defense, as a whole, has been terrible.

Watching the games, Kemba hasn't been as bad as that RPM rating. The Celtics defense as a whole during games Kemba played? Yup. Terrible. But that's more a reflection of a team wide problem, not a Kemba problem. Sorry, watching the games, I just don't see one of the worst defending PGs in the league.

ESPN's RPM shouldn't be used anymore - its original creators left the team (they got hired by NBA teams, but another guy created a new stat that's even better at predicting reality) and ESPN is using a different method to calculate RPM now, which has led to wonky results as noted by Nick.

Other adjusted +/- metrics that use priors to stabilise the data (eg. EPM) view Kemba as a neutral defender, which jives with the eye test so far: he's not going to win you games with his defence, but he's certainly not going to lose you games with it either.

Note: the retrodiction test in the link used old RPM, so it still came out strong in the test.