Hibbert anyone?

[LB3533]

What is with the continued fanboyism over the shot blocking defensive center?

Statistical Data from last year's regular season.

'13-'14: Top 10 teams in total blocks averaged out to 450.8 through the whole season (league avg is 386). This works out to around 5.5 BLKs/Game (L.AVG = 4.7/G).

These Top 10 BLKing teams, their opponents scoring average, and FG% - 99.9 PPA, 0.444 FGA%.

League average opponents' PPG = 101, FG% =45.4%

So comparing to the league average, the top 10 most blocking teams limit their opponets scoring per game by 1.1 points. And they limit their opponents' FG% by 1%.

Looks pretty small.

How do the top 10 blocking teams compare to the top 10 teams PPGA and FGA%?

99.9 PPGA to 96.7 PPGA

So the top 10 teams to limit points per game were better by 3.2 points per game compared to the top 10 blocking teams.

44.4% FGA% to FGA% 43.9%

The top 10 FG defense teams were better at it by 0.5%.

This relects that the block shot isn't the most important defensive statistical metric to determine whether or not a team's defense is crappy, average, acceptable, good, excellent, or best.

Celtics were tied for the 7th least blocking team in the league last year with 343 total or 4.1 BLK/G. We were also tied for 5th worst at defending the shot with our FG defense at 46.5% allowed.

So if we were lousy at swatting the shot and lousy at defending the shot, how were we not the easiest team to score points on? In fact we were virtually dead middle with PPGA at 100.7 (L.AVG 101), nearly identical.

How did we not allow our opponents to score 109 or 110 points per game against us?

By the numbers, we were tied for 5th best team at defending against the 3 pointer.

We were also able to be average or around the area of average at forcing turnovers and limiting FTA per game. So because we weren't completely awful in these two areas, that helped us stay at the average in allowing points per game.

But our best defensive attribute seems to reside in our very good - excellent defense of the 3 point shot.

How else can we improve on our defense, next year? Even if we don't have that shot blocker??

1) Take care of the ball on our offense. We can't be the 4th best team at turning the ball over.

2) Improve our shooting. We were tied for being the 2nd worst shooting team last season at 43.5%. We were tied for being the 3rd worst 3 point shooting team in the L last season at 33.3% from distance.

Yes, if we can improve on these two offensive skills, these improvements will help us on the defensive side of the ball!

By taking care of the ball on offense and making more of our shots, making more of our 3's, we can help limit our opponents' opportunities to score on fastbreaks.

[CFAN38]

What is with the continued fanboyism over the shot blocking defensive center?

Statistical Data from last year's regular season.

'13-'14: Top 10 teams in total blocks averaged out to 450.8 through the whole season (league avg is 386). This works out to around 5.5 BLKs/Game (L.AVG = 4.7/G).

These Top 10 BLKing teams, their opponents scoring average, and FG% - 99.9 PPA, 0.444 FGA%.

League average opponents' PPG = 101, FG% =45.4%

So comparing to the league average, the top 10 most blocking teams limit their opponets scoring per game by 1.1 points. And they limit their opponents' FG% by 1%.

Looks pretty small.

How do the top 10 blocking teams compare to the top 10 teams PPGA and FGA%?

99.9 PPGA to 96.7 PPGA

So the top 10 teams to limit points per game were better by 3.2 points per game compared to the top 10 blocking teams.

44.4% FGA% to FGA% 43.9%

The top 10 FG defense teams were better at it by 0.5%.

This relects that the block shot isn't the most important defensive statistical metric to determine whether or not a team's defense is crappy, average, acceptable, good, excellent, or best.

Celtics were tied for the 7th least blocking team in the league last year with 343 total or 4.1 BLK/G. We were also tied for 5th worst at defending the shot with our FG defense at 46.5% allowed.

So if we were lousy at swatting the shot and lousy at defending the shot, how were we not the easiest team to score points on? In fact we were virtually dead middle with PPGA at 100.7 (L.AVG 101), nearly identical.

How did we not allow our opponents to score 109 or 110 points per game against us?

By the numbers, we were tied for 5th best team at defending against the 3 pointer.

We were also able to be average or around the area of average at forcing turnovers and limiting FTA per game. So because we weren't completely awful in these two areas, that helped us stay at the average in allowing points per game.

But our best defensive attribute seems to reside in our very good - excellent defense of the 3 point shot.

How else can we improve on our defense, next year? Even if we don't have that shot blocker??

1) Take care of the ball on our offense. We can't be the 4th best team at turning the ball over.

2) Improve our shooting. We were tied for being the 2nd worst shooting team last season at 43.5%. We were tied for being the 3rd worst 3 point shooting team in the L last season at 33.3% from distance.

Yes, if we can improve on these two offensive skills, these improvements will help us on the defensive side of the ball!

By taking care of the ball on offense and making more of our shots, making more of our 3's, we can help limit our opponents' opportunities to score on fastbreaks.

With out diving to deep into statistical analysis (do to lack of time). I have a few counter points.

1. I don't necessarily think a "Rim protector" has to be an elite shot blocker. Marc Gasol is no doubt a great rim protector and former DPOY who has never averaged more then 2blk per game. I think the fanboyism is for a defensive anchor who can be the backbone on an elite defense.

2. You point out how poor a shot blocking team last years Cs where yet they where great at defending the 3 and there for a middle of the back D for points allowed. I look at that as the reason why they need a rim protector. The Cs have guys like Rondo, AB, Green and now Smart who can really get up and defend perimeter players taking away easy shots. However when ever you commit to playing tight D you leave yourself and your team open to break downs that give your man a lane to the basket. If you take away a guys outside shot he will use this lack of opportunity and the defenders close proximity to drive to the hoop. With a big who can take away the easy finish whether it be by taking up space (wide body tall reach) or by providing a shot blocking presence you create an elite D. In a perfect defense a team can play tight on the perimeter forcing the offensive player to drive the lane, where he meets a wall at the rim and either has to take a bad contested shot or kick the ball out to a teammate who is equally well guarded.