2012 CB Draft Pacific Division Press Conferences

[Kane3387]

I've put a lot of thought into my personal, and don't believe I'm up against whether Iguodala or Ginobili can run a team successfully, but rather the preconception that no small forward or shooting guard can? If that's your opinion I'm not sure I have the ammunition to convince you otherwise. Obviously I disagree.

Iggy was probably the primary ball-handler on that Philly team, but the 76ers ranked 20th in offensive efficiency.  That's why I talk about running a good offense.  I love AI2, but I'm not sure I want him as my point guard.

I do like that you've matched him up with Manu. 

I worry, though, that your starting lineup averaged a combined 37.8 points at the NBA level last year.  Combine that lack of scoring production with a non-elite PG (at least in terms of raw assists), and you have an offense that is looking at some major problems.

Ball movement is nice, but somebody has to put the basket in the hoop.  I can buy a non-traditional offense, but convince me that your non-traditional offense has the ability to win when none of your starters averaged as many as 13.0 points per game last year.

Iguodala had a usage rate of 17.7. Holiday had one of 21.8 and Lou Williams had one of 27.4. Also Evan Turner had one of 20.3. Iggy was at least the fourth primary ball handler on his team.

[StartOrien]

The Suns lineup kind of emphasizes why I'm not super crazy in love with Kevin Love.

To me, a good player, but how much worse would this team be if he went down and they were forced into playing Antawn Jamison his minutes?

As in Jamison is basically on Kevin Love's level? Presently?

http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/pcm_finder.cgi?request=1&sum=0&p1=loveke01&y1=2012&p2=jamisan01&y2=2012

Points, Rebounds, FG%, FT%, and 3 pt % K Love is far superior.

Adavanced stats aren't even close. WS/48 Love is .223 and Jamison is .070. WS Love is 10 to Jamison's 3.1. Offensively Love has a rating of 117 to 103 and his defensive rating is actually better by 5. Love's TS% is .568 and Jamisons is .481. Their PERs aren't close either.

I'm not saying they're on the same level, but Kevin Love's a guy that is making max money, Antawn Jamison is about to get the vet minimum. Yet I think that if he was forced to do it, Antawn Jamison could fill in for Kevin Love pretty well.

EDIT: But I'm someone who is a little down on Kevin Love and probably a little high on Antawn Jamison

[Roy H.]

I've put a lot of thought into my personal, and don't believe I'm up against whether Iguodala or Ginobili can run a team successfully, but rather the preconception that no small forward or shooting guard can? If that's your opinion I'm not sure I have the ammunition to convince you otherwise. Obviously I disagree.

Iggy was probably the primary ball-handler on that Philly team, but the 76ers ranked 20th in offensive efficiency.  That's why I talk about running a good offense.  I love AI2, but I'm not sure I want him as my point guard.

I do like that you've matched him up with Manu. 

I worry, though, that your starting lineup averaged a combined 37.8 points at the NBA level last year.  Combine that lack of scoring production with a non-elite PG (at least in terms of raw assists), and you have an offense that is looking at some major problems.

Ball movement is nice, but somebody has to put the basket in the hoop.  I can buy a non-traditional offense, but convince me that your non-traditional offense has the ability to win when none of your starters averaged as many as 13.0 points per game last year.

Iguodala had a usage rate of 17.7. Holiday had one of 21.8 and Lou Williams had one of 27.4. Also Evan Turner had one of 20.3. Iggy was at least the fourth primary ball handler on his team.

Are you arguing that those guys handled the ball more just because of usage?

Keep in mind, the Celtics leaders in usage were:

Paul Pierce - 28.1
Kevin Garnett - 24.9
JuJuan Johnson - 22.4
Rajon Rondo - 20.7
E'Twaun Moore - 19.9
Brandon Bass - 19.8
Ray Allen - 18.6

Is Rondo the 4th primary ball-handler on the Celts?  And is he closer to Bass in terms of ball-handling than Pierce?

(I'm not a huge fan of usage as a way of telling much of anything.)

[The Walker Wiggle]

Clippers

I got the Lakers ahead of you guys. I like Dirk as the best player on the court though. Thus I think that helps you out. Tell me why you feel your team will win the division.

Ginobili?

His injuries this season, and the fact that he's been willing to come off the bench in the past, obscure the fact somewhat but Manu Ginobili had a markedly better season than Dirk Nowitzki. He is a top tier player in this league (and as he's proving right now in the Olympics, he's more than capable of shouldering the bulk of the load offensively.)

Ginobili:
125 Offensive rating
104 defensive rating
Difference: +21 points in 100 possessions vs. the opposition
Career average difference: +15

Dwyane Wade:
112 Offensive Rating
99 Defensive Rating
Difference: +13 points
Career average difference: +8

Dirk Nowitzki
110 Offensive Rating
103 Defensive Rating
Difference +7  points
Career average difference: +14

Kobe Bryant:
105 Offensive rating
105 defensive rating
Difference: -
Career average difference: +7

[Who]

The Suns lineup kind of emphasizes why I'm not super crazy in love with Kevin Love.

To me, a good player, but how much worse would this team be if he went down and they were forced into playing Antawn Jamison his minutes?

I think the difference between the Suns with Kevin Love in the lineup and with Antawn Jamison in his stead is:

With Love = 60+ win caliber team
Without Love = 45 win team

[The Walker Wiggle]

Offensively, Davis was the most efficient scorer among big men drafted, averaging nearly 1.2 PPP. He turned the ball over at the second lowest rate (on just 8.6% of possessions) and drew fouls at the fourth highest rate, while shooting 70.9% from the line. The rookie also ranked as the best overall finisher, and cutter, and second best in transition. While Davis can and will be muscled off the post, and lacks a reliable jumper, he has to be accounted for offensively as a cutter, as a roll man, and while beating opposing big men down the court.[/font]

I didn't know that. That is pretty disappointing.

I thought Davis was meant to have a reliable jump-shot with range on it.

I'm just trying to make honest assessments. There is cause for optimism. The kid has great hands, shoots free throws fairly well, and is at age where where he can still be expected to make leaps forward. And as his excellent FG% and efficiency show, he know which side his bread is buttered on. As opposed to another big man I love, DeMarcus Cousins, who still settles for far too many jump shots.

Luckily, the Warriors don't suffer for a lack of shooters. Primarily we'll look to get Davis the ball as a cutter. He should have open lanes.

[Kane3387]

I've put a lot of thought into my personal, and don't believe I'm up against whether Iguodala or Ginobili can run a team successfully, but rather the preconception that no small forward or shooting guard can? If that's your opinion I'm not sure I have the ammunition to convince you otherwise. Obviously I disagree.

Iggy was probably the primary ball-handler on that Philly team, but the 76ers ranked 20th in offensive efficiency.  That's why I talk about running a good offense.  I love AI2, but I'm not sure I want him as my point guard.

I do like that you've matched him up with Manu. 

I worry, though, that your starting lineup averaged a combined 37.8 points at the NBA level last year.  Combine that lack of scoring production with a non-elite PG (at least in terms of raw assists), and you have an offense that is looking at some major problems.

Ball movement is nice, but somebody has to put the basket in the hoop.  I can buy a non-traditional offense, but convince me that your non-traditional offense has the ability to win when none of your starters averaged as many as 13.0 points per game last year.

Iguodala had a usage rate of 17.7. Holiday had one of 21.8 and Lou Williams had one of 27.4. Also Evan Turner had one of 20.3. Iggy was at least the fourth primary ball handler on his team.

Are you arguing that those guys handled the ball more just because of usage?

Keep in mind, the Celtics leaders in usage were:

Paul Pierce - 28.1
Kevin Garnett - 24.9
JuJuan Johnson - 22.4
Rajon Rondo - 20.7
E'Twaun Moore - 19.9
Brandon Bass - 19.8
Ray Allen - 18.6

Is Rondo the 4th primary ball-handler on the Celts?  And is he closer to Bass in terms of ball-handling than Pierce?

(I'm not a huge fan of usage as a way of telling much of anything.)

Do you have anything better as far as a stat to measure this? Or is it just eye test?

I mean it's quantified as an estimate of the percentage of team plays used by a player while he was on the floor.

Johnson and Moore were barely on the floor, so I think that is skewed for them. Being that there minutes were few and during garbage time when no one else commanded the ball.

I agree it isn't a perfect stat.

[Kane3387]

Clippers

I got the Lakers ahead of you guys. I like Dirk as the best player on the court though. Thus I think that helps you out. Tell me why you feel your team will win the division.

Ginobili?

His injuries this season, and the fact that he's been willing to come off the bench in the past, obscure the fact somewhat but Manu Ginobili had a markedly better season than Dirk Nowitzki. He is a top tier player in this league (and as he's proving right now in the Olympics, he's more than capable of shouldering the bulk of the load offensively.)

Ginobili:
125 Offensive rating
104 defensive rating
Difference: +21 points in 100 possessions vs. the opposition
Career average difference: +15

Dwyane Wade:
112 Offensive Rating
99 Defensive Rating
Difference: +13 points
Career average difference: +8

Dirk Nowitzki
110 Offensive Rating
103 Defensive Rating
Difference +7  points
Career average difference: +14

Kobe Bryant:
105 Offensive rating
105 defensive rating
Difference: -
Career average difference: +7

This is why stats don't tell the whole story. No way Manu is better then any of those listed.

[The Walker Wiggle]

The Suns lineup kind of emphasizes why I'm not super crazy in love with Kevin Love.

To me, a good player, but how much worse would this team be if he went down and they were forced into playing Antawn Jamison his minutes?

I think the difference between the Suns with Kevin Love in the lineup and with Antawn Jamison in his stead is:

With Love = 60+ win caliber team
Without Love = 45 win team

Also, Jamison's shot selection (40.3 FG% 48.1 TS%) and his poor defense. And don't tell me he's primarily a three point shooter now. His 34.1% mark was lower than Iguodala's.

[Roy H.]

I've put a lot of thought into my personal, and don't believe I'm up against whether Iguodala or Ginobili can run a team successfully, but rather the preconception that no small forward or shooting guard can? If that's your opinion I'm not sure I have the ammunition to convince you otherwise. Obviously I disagree.

Iggy was probably the primary ball-handler on that Philly team, but the 76ers ranked 20th in offensive efficiency.  That's why I talk about running a good offense.  I love AI2, but I'm not sure I want him as my point guard.

I do like that you've matched him up with Manu. 

I worry, though, that your starting lineup averaged a combined 37.8 points at the NBA level last year.  Combine that lack of scoring production with a non-elite PG (at least in terms of raw assists), and you have an offense that is looking at some major problems.

Ball movement is nice, but somebody has to put the basket in the hoop.  I can buy a non-traditional offense, but convince me that your non-traditional offense has the ability to win when none of your starters averaged as many as 13.0 points per game last year.

Iguodala had a usage rate of 17.7. Holiday had one of 21.8 and Lou Williams had one of 27.4. Also Evan Turner had one of 20.3. Iggy was at least the fourth primary ball handler on his team.

Are you arguing that those guys handled the ball more just because of usage?

Keep in mind, the Celtics leaders in usage were:

Paul Pierce - 28.1
Kevin Garnett - 24.9
JuJuan Johnson - 22.4
Rajon Rondo - 20.7
E'Twaun Moore - 19.9
Brandon Bass - 19.8
Ray Allen - 18.6

Is Rondo the 4th primary ball-handler on the Celts?  And is he closer to Bass in terms of ball-handling than Pierce?

(I'm not a huge fan of usage as a way of telling much of anything.)

Do you have anything better as far as a stat to measure this? Or is it just eye test?

I mean it's quantified as an estimate of the percentage of team plays used by a player while he was on the floor.

Johnson and Moore were barely on the floor, so I think that is skewed for them. Being that there minutes were few and during garbage time when no one else commanded the ball.

I agree it isn't a perfect stat.

No, no stat really quantifies guys who handle the ball but don't take a lot of shots or commit a lot of turnovers.

[Kane3387]

I've put a lot of thought into my personal, and don't believe I'm up against whether Iguodala or Ginobili can run a team successfully, but rather the preconception that no small forward or shooting guard can? If that's your opinion I'm not sure I have the ammunition to convince you otherwise. Obviously I disagree.

Iggy was probably the primary ball-handler on that Philly team, but the 76ers ranked 20th in offensive efficiency.  That's why I talk about running a good offense.  I love AI2, but I'm not sure I want him as my point guard.

I do like that you've matched him up with Manu. 

I worry, though, that your starting lineup averaged a combined 37.8 points at the NBA level last year.  Combine that lack of scoring production with a non-elite PG (at least in terms of raw assists), and you have an offense that is looking at some major problems.

Ball movement is nice, but somebody has to put the basket in the hoop.  I can buy a non-traditional offense, but convince me that your non-traditional offense has the ability to win when none of your starters averaged as many as 13.0 points per game last year.

Iguodala had a usage rate of 17.7. Holiday had one of 21.8 and Lou Williams had one of 27.4. Also Evan Turner had one of 20.3. Iggy was at least the fourth primary ball handler on his team.

Are you arguing that those guys handled the ball more just because of usage?

Keep in mind, the Celtics leaders in usage were:

Paul Pierce - 28.1
Kevin Garnett - 24.9
JuJuan Johnson - 22.4
Rajon Rondo - 20.7
E'Twaun Moore - 19.9
Brandon Bass - 19.8
Ray Allen - 18.6

Is Rondo the 4th primary ball-handler on the Celts?  And is he closer to Bass in terms of ball-handling than Pierce?

(I'm not a huge fan of usage as a way of telling much of anything.)

Do you have anything better as far as a stat to measure this? Or is it just eye test?

I mean it's quantified as an estimate of the percentage of team plays used by a player while he was on the floor.

Johnson and Moore were barely on the floor, so I think that is skewed for them. Being that there minutes were few and during garbage time when no one else commanded the ball.

I agree it isn't a perfect stat.

No, no stat really quantifies guys who handle the ball but don't take a lot of shots or commit a lot of turnovers.

That's too bad. For the record I do think Iggy can initiate the offense. I think the Ginobli and Iggy combo can work. Not any different then a Ron Harper and Scottie Pippen duo in my opinion when it comes to bringing the ball up the floor.

[The Walker Wiggle]

This is why stats don't tell the whole story. No way Manu is better then any of those listed.

It's not even debatable? Take a look at Wade, Nowitzki, and Bryant's production, all had some career low marks, and both the Lakers and Mavericks had disappointing seasons.

(Wade definitely passes the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately test. But he did have some help.)

What do you like better about those guys? That they'd never agree to come off the bench? PPG?

[The Walker Wiggle]

I am leaning towards Phoenix as my pick for division winner.

Would you mind taking a look at this hatch job first?

Jamal Crawford 38.4 FG%
Antawn Jamison 40.3 FG%
Jason Richardson 40.8 FG%
John Salmons 40.9 FG%

The Suns offense features four volume scorers. There's no more gifted creator than Nash, but isn't this asking a lot of him? Particularly given how he thrives alongside high efficiency scorers?

Also, does it matter at all in this exercise that Nash and Richardson are reportedly unwilling to play together?

[Kane3387]

This is why stats don't tell the whole story. No way Manu is better then any of those listed.

It's not even debatable? Take a look at Wade, Nowitzki, and Bryant's production, all had some career low marks, and both the Lakers and Mavericks had disappointing seasons.

(Wade definitely passes the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately test. But he did have some help.)

What do you like better about those guys? That they'd never agree to come off the bench? PPG?

Sure everything is debatable. Maybe I am underrating Manu.

He is a great player, but I just can't say that he is better then Dirk, Wade, or Kobe. Dirk and Kobe are the best players on their team and the focal points of their opposition's defense. Where as Manu is the third guy game planned for.

Wade is clearly not number one on his team, but I guess I just personally can't take Wade over Manu.

[Roy H.]

This is why stats don't tell the whole story. No way Manu is better then any of those listed.

It's not even debatable? Take a look at Wade, Nowitzki, and Bryant's production, all had some career low marks, and both the Lakers and Mavericks had disappointing seasons.

(Wade definitely passes the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately test. But he did have some help.)

What do you like better about those guys? That they'd never agree to come off the bench? PPG?

Sure everything is debatable. Maybe I am underrating Manu.

He is a great player, but I just can't say that he is better then Dirk, Wade, or Kobe. Dirk and Kobe are the best players on their team and the focal points of their opposition's defense. Where as Manu is the third guy game planned for.

Wade is clearly not number one on his team, but I guess I just personally can't take Wade over Manu.

Yeah, agreed.  You've got to look at more than net offensive / defensive rating on an individual basis.  Otherwise, you've got Steve Novak (+24) better than Lebron (+21)