(this comes to you courtesy of queenie)

THE QUEEN'S ROYAL COURT: GETTING TO THE GO-TO GUY

Isiah Thomas talks about the "natural growth process" of the Knicks, which seems to coincide with the growth of Eddy Curry. As the 23-year-old center develops, so do the Knicks into a team that no longer lives on the perimeter.

"Where Eddy's at right now, he definitely will become a go-to guy," Thomas said. "That's one of the subtle changes that's happening within our team, the direction of the ball is starting to go more inside, which is forcing some changes out on the perimeter. There's a natural growth process that will happen, and it's happening within our team." (Hahn, Alan NEWSDAY, 12/1/2006)

Allan Houston was the last Knicks player to score 20 or more points in seven consecutive games. Eddy Curry joins H20 in this impressive accomplishment. Curry recorded points 21, 20, 24, 24, 24, 27 and 26 during the seven game streak for average of 23.7 ppg to go along with 8.8 rpg. Also, Curry recorded three double-doubles (points/rebounds) during the seven games.

The Knicks are 3-4 during Curry’s seven game epiphany (.428) compared to 4-9 (.307) in their previous 13 games.

While this stretch of games is noteworthy and a "first" in the 6'11", 285 lbs Center's NBA career, it should be expected. Knicks GM/President/Coach Isiah Thomas gave up alot for Eddy. In addition to giving Curry a $56 million contract, he sent the Bulls two players, Tim Thomas (max. expiring deal) and third-year PF Mike Sweetney to Chicago PLUS a 2006 draft pick that turned into Tyrus Thomas and a 1st rounder swap for 2007. The Bulls' option to swap first-round picks in the 2007 NBA Draft could result in a potentially devastating event, a high lottery pick. Next year's Draft is laden with big men that will pay immediate dividends, most notably Greg Oden of Ohio State and Joaquin Noah of U of Florida, a key member of the 2006 NCAA Men's Basketball Champs.

With that said, it is of great importance for E-City to continue his domination in the paint while continuing his growth in proliferating both rebounding and block shots. Most importantly, Curry must become an imposing and assertive presence on the defensive end. Curry is the key to any success this team will experience now or in the future...he is also key to Isiah's job security, as he recently revealed its playoffs or bust!

Thomas’ plan going in to the season was to be an up-tempo team, employing the QUICK offense, utilizing all dimensions of the hardwood. There would be no point guard, just “push men.” Thomas knew that the combination of petulant and redundant guards Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury would have difficulty meshing so rather than putting the ball strictly in the hands of one to create, it became an “equal opportunity” offense. It also became apparent that Marbury and Francis cannot thrive in such a system and it remains evident that they really cannot co-exist in the same backcourt. Moreover neither play with the same skills and quickness when both were recipients maximum contracts. I will not even touch the lockerroom issues or Isiah and Marbury’s “too close for comfort” relationship either.

Then there is Jamal Crawford, best friend and former Bull’s teammate of Curry. Crawford has the most experience of any guard on the Knicks playing with Curry. He is also the bench’s leading scorer as a “sixth man” with 15.6 ppg, and second on the team only to only Curry. Nate Robinson, the dimunative, ball of energy is the fourth guard of this rotation. Often playing and feeling most comfortable with his buddy from Seattle, Jamal and Nate have produced many exciting moments as Knicks. The high-energy duo, especially when paired with David Lee, often keep the team in games and routinely outplay the starting unit.

Four scoring guards and one scoring center bereft of a true defensive power forward and true “pass first” PG make for an interesting “case-study.” Upon the return of injured, defensive-minded SF Jared Jeffries, changes to the line-up likely will be made and a guard’s playing time will likely be reduced. G-F Quentin Richardson has been the team’s best two-way player this season and could be moved to the starting SG spot within 10 days when Jeffries returns.

Marbury and Francis are averaging career lows in all statistical categories, plus their lucrative contacts make both guards difficult to bench. Crawford can be inconsistent and has shown he is a great option as a sixth man due to his versatility. Jamal has also shown that when he plays PG, he is more under control and makes better decisions with the basketball. It is also evident he has chemistry with Eddy Curry. Nate Robinson is a little too hyperactive to play in lengthy stretches plus his inexperience tends to show when asked to orchestrate and distribute. Nate is a SG in a PG’s body, but his energy is beneficial to the team.

As a low-post player, Eddy Curry relies on his guards to get him the ball and/or create an offensive opportunity. Let’s look at all four guards’ performances this season.

STEPHON MARBURY
MPG: 34.1 mins
PPG: 10.8
APG: 4.7
RPG: 2.2
SPG: .90
TOPG: 2.3

STEVE FRANCIS
MPG: 27.9 mins
PPG: 11.1
APG: 4.6
RPG: 3.7
SPG: 1.1
TOPG: 2.2

JAMAL CRAWFORD
MPG: 33.4 mins
PPG: 15.6
APG: 3.4
RPG: 2.6
SPG: 1.0
TOPG: 2.2

NATE ROBINSON
MPG: 20.1 mins
PPG: 9.1
APG: 1.7
RPG: 2.4
SPG: .70
TOPG: 1.6

Next let’s look at assist totals on the season.
* Marbury: 93 total assists
* Francis: 78 total assists
* Crawford: 67 total assists
* Robinson: 33 total assists

With respect to Curry, how many of his total FGM on the season (126 on 54.5% shooting) have been assisted by these guards?
* Crawford: Of Crawford’s 67 assists, 19 were to Curry
* 15% of Curry’s shots were created by Crawford (19 assists/126 FGM)
* 28% of Crawford’s total assists went to Curry (19/67)

* Francis: Of Francis’ 78 assists, 20 were to Curry
* 15.8% of Curry’s shots were created by Francis (20 assists/126 FGM)
* 26% of Francis’ total assists went to Curry (20/67)

* Marbury: Of Marbury’s 93 assists, 14 were to Curry
* 11% of Curry’s shots were created by Marbury (14 assists/126 FGM)
* 15% of Marbury’s total assists went to Curry (14/67)

* Robinson: Of Robinsons 33 assists, 5 were to Curry
* 3.9% of Curry’s shots were created by Nate (5 assists/126 FGM)
* 15% of Nate’s total assists went to Curry (5/33)

The Q Factor
* Q-Rich: 42 total assists, with 17 to Curry
* 13.5% of Curry’s shots were created by Q-Rich (17 assists/126 FGM)
* 40% of Q’s assists went to Curry (17/42)

Next let’s look at guards assist to CURRY vs total assists during the SEVEN game Curry explosion
* Francis: 11 assists (25 total)
* Crawford: 11 assists (25 total)
* Marbury: 6 assists (32 total)
* Robinson: 3 assists (15 total)

With respect to Curry’s seven game streak, how many of his total FGM (61 on 59.5% shooting) have been assisted by these guards?

* Crawford: Of Crawford’s 25 assists, 11 were to Curry
* 18% of Curry’s shots were created by Crawford (11 assists/61 FGM)
* 44% of Crawford’s total assists went to Curry (11/25)

* Francis: Of Francis’ 25 assists, 11 were to Curry
* 18% of Curry’s shots were created by Francis (11 assists/61 FGM)
* 44% of Francis’ total assists went to Curry (11/25)

* Marbury: Of Marbury’s 32 assists, 6 were to Curry
* 9% of Curry’s shots were created by Marbury (6 assists/61 FGM)
* 19% of Marbury’s total assists went to Curry (6/32)

* Robinson: Of Robinsons 15 assists, 3 were to Curry
* 5% of Curry’s shots were created by Nate (3 assists/61 FGM)
* 20% of Nate’s total assists went to Curry (3/15)

The Q Factor
* Q-Rich: 10 total assists, with 7 to Curry
* 11.5% of Curry’s shots were created by Q-Rich (7 assists/61 FGM)
* 70% of Q’s assists went to Curry (17/42)

How Curry has affected the guards games (pre/post 7 game streak differential)?
* Nate: 11.2 ppg on 49% shooting/5.3 ppg on 41% shooting (- 5.9 ppg/-8 FG%)
* Crawford: 17.7 ppg on 38.5% shooting/11.7 ppg on 40% shooting (-6.0 ppg/+1.5 FG%)
* Francis: 11.5 ppg on 42% shooting/10.7 ppg on 42% shooting (-.8 ppg/0.0 FG%)
* Marbury: 11.5 ppg on 38% shooting/9.4 ppg on 37% shooting (-2.1 ppg/-1.0 FG%)

The Q Factor
* Q-Rich: 14.8 ppg on 55.6% shooting/15.25 ppg on 42% shooting (+.45 ppg/-13.6 FG%)

OBSERVATIONS:

* Jamal and Francis seem most committed to allowing Curry to be the Knicks 1st option. This is evidenced throughout the season and during the 7-game streak; over 20 games (collectively, 27% of JC and Steve’s assists account for 31% Curry’s FGM) and through the streak (44% assists JC and Steve’s account for 36% of Curry’s FGM)
* Marbury, though leading the team in assists- 15% of Steph’s assists accounted for 11% of Curry’s FGM on the season; and through the streak- 19% of Steph’s assists accounted for 9% of Curry’s shots
* Nate needs to pass more! His numbers are almost too small to even make a hypothesis. His minutes have declined and as evidenced by his scoring and FG differential- he is less effective on the court when his minutes are cut. (14.1 mpg during 7 game streak vs 23.2 mpg pre-streak)
* Jamal’s scoring has dropped but his FG% has gone up, which means he is taking less shots and looking for his teammates versus scoring. Jamal is also valuable in 4th Q situations.
* Interestingly, Q is shooting way more and scoring about .5 ppg during the streak, but his shooting % has dramatically decreased. However, he is not an “assists” guy because he is more of a shooter/post player, BUT he is always looking for Eddy too.

DISCUSSION:

I hope you enjoyed this! I know there are intangibles and chemistry involved in the success of a team, but if Curry is out “go-to” guy, we need to put him on the floor with the right people. It’s a long season and these numbers will likely change with the return of Channing Frye and Jared Jeffries…but for now, this is all yours to discuss!

I award Queenie a PHD. in Currology with a minor is Marburyism.


It does look like the team has slowed down which helps the defense.

The offense going thru curry enacts less one on one and better ball movement.

My god, Larry Brown is coaching this team.

holy crap, she used the word "bereft". That's the first time for site. I gotta go get my dictionary.

Nifty (and very telling) analysis there. Good show.

Posted by martin:

who does queenie think she is, BlueSeats?

she's just like me only 10x as smart and 1000x better looking.

great job queenie. that's some serious power posting.

i feel like most of those stats reveal things many of us were intuiting already, but it's great to have our instincts confirmed.

next stat i'd love to see is the percentage of isiah's phone calls that are attempts to dump crybury.

Nice post by Queenie. I would like to agree that if we're going to build around Curry, then I'm fine with that, but we'll need more personell. I think there's another thing that you're missing in that fine assessment, and that's turnovers made as a result of feeding Curry. I think if I had a post for everytime there was a blown lob to Curry from Crawford or Francis, or a poor post feed from just about anyone, then I would be blowing Bonn away, post count wise. I think while it's always the passers fault, Curry still needs to continue working on his post positionig, and I know he is, b/c I saw him working on it with Herb and Mark A, on Saturday, during their shootarounds.

I think Chris Childs and Charlie Ward would have been perfect for Eddie. I think those are the types of guards that can really work well with Eddie. Maybe currently, someone like Eric Snow, Derek Fisher. Those are good vets, but I think the younger players are what we should be targetting. I think Q Rich is probably most efficient at getting the ball to Curry, for now, and he'd be a great compliment to a ball distributing PG as well. If you can have one starting, with Q, Jefferies and Curry, then I think all you would need is a shotblocker starting up front.

All this is assuming, of course, if Curry continues to stay on course and improves. If he falls back to his old ways, then this whole thing is pointless. You'd need to build around someone else.

I thought marbury passed well last night. feeding the post just isnt his strength. Its hard to believe he didnt have a single assist on a 36 point scoring night for ec.

Very good post.

I kind of like the thought of Marbury working to get the other guys the shots. While Nate, Crawford, Q look to get Curry shots. Since Curry isn't going to be the one to pass out of the post and get them shots. Its about everyone being effective not just Curry.

But I do mind that Marbury can't stop guards from getting in the paint. Just by that, and the fact that he isn't a quality 3pt shooter id rather go in another direction at PG.

But we all know that Marbury is untradeable and that Marbury isn't going to get cut or come to a buyout. He is going to be here until his contract runs out.