stanleybostitch wrote:So what's the next trend that will become a differentiator and young kids will adopt? Defense. But then we'll have traded away our one elite defender in Frank if some on this board have their way, b/c at 22 Frank should be jettisoned for spare change and a bag of balls.
It's a good question and a fair one.
If we look at classic MoreyBall and scoring on three efficient levels, I'd say free throw shooting.
The refs massaging late game dynamics to push ratings, extend playoff series and protect the most marketable superstars means there is a high value on a prospects ability to sell contact. The right way to jump into a defender and basically play for a whistle is an art form. However the problem is most prospects will not have that explosive first step nor athleticism to consistently exploit this like a James Harden. Free throw shooting however is a different animal. If anyone could get NBA teams to make just 5-6 more free throws a game guaranteed against their rosters averaged out over time free throw shooting, that person could be paid 10 million a year as a specialized coach.
Consider how much more dominant that Lakers run would have been if Shaq could have converted 2-3 more free throws a game.
Of course there's a relationship between free throw shooting and projecting a prospects chances to be a functional/good/elite long range NBA shooter. But the pathway is different. Shots at the rim for wings/attack guards is reliant on consistent penetration. Three point shots have to factor in variance depending on what stage of the game. (Fatigue/attrition impacts mechanics/form) Also streak shooting is a reality from behind the arc. Free throw shooting however happens almost in a vacuum. Much of it is mental along with consistency.
The pathway to defense is still efficient offense. A player who takes better shots and understands floor spacing and how to keep the ball moving effectively is saving energy. This can be allocated to defense. This was the bane of Melo. All that bull**** jab stepping for a long two on poor shot selection against two defenders while freezing his teamamates out was a waste of energy. That along with poor conditioning plus lack of mental commitment left him nothing for defense.
The basic physics behind the "Granny Free Throw", esp for big men, is sound. Part of the issue was Rick Barry being a general ******* and it's biggest proponent. And I know, like Shaq, many don't like how it looks, but MoreyBall is a really ugly soul draining way to play and watch basketball so I don't see the same apprehension as in the past. The analytics/efficiency movement has taken a lot of the ego out of how players produce.
But, let me pick your brain for a minute. Do you see any variations in defense ( overall ,on ball, team, etc) that you will see as a differentiator?
8/28/2020 10:13 PM