04-19-2021, 10:37 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-19-2021, 10:40 PM by DanSchwartzgan.)
(04-19-2021, 07:13 PM)omahen Wrote: WTF guys, come on... KP is clearly number two on this team. Luka is attempting 20 shots per game, KP 16 and THJ as next in line 12. JRich has 10, Brunson 9, DFS 7.7 and Maxi 5.5. You can't blame Luka for taking 20 shots as he is very efficient and you can't really complain KP is being neglected.
This discussion is very interesting. I get the desire of some to make the most of our max player and it is REALLY obvious when he’s standing on the perimeter with his hands outstretched. There is also the need to consider what makes the team most successful. Obviously a single player can’t take all of the shots. So, what is the right number for a less efficient player to take to diversify the offense without hurting the offense?
A couple of interesting data points...KP is getting the second most shot attempts of his career (per 36) and shooting his highest ever TS%. So, he’s contributing scoring and efficiency more than he ever has. He might think he’s killing it. Why wouldn’t you pass to me if I’m better than I was when you gave me a Max contract?
But, he’s still not especially efficient and there are more efficient alternatives. From Luka’s (and Brunson’s) perspective, a pass to KP is the 7th most efficient pass he can throw if it results in a shot attempt. It is literally more efficient to pass to DFS (at least based on TS%). The other challenge is Luka (and Brunson) don’t have to rely on others to create those efficient shots. Luka is unassisted on 90% of his two-pointers and 77% of his three’s. Luka is at a career high of .593% TS% while doing all of this creating for himself and others. If (IF) he has the mindset that I can do this on my own and have a better shot at converting what I’m about to do, it is hard to argue otherwise.
The question is what balance does the team need. That is a coaching decision. It is their job to balance a myriad of competing agendas...personal and team. I can see why KP would want more (noting it is possible he’s insatiable and won’t ever be satisfied). I can also see why Luka would feel justified in not looking his way any more than he already is. If KP should be mad any anyone, it should be JRich who is even less efficient than KP. Which brings up another question. Who loses shot attempts if/when we ever get another gifted offensive player?
(04-19-2021, 09:50 PM)mavsluvr Wrote: Ultimately, it is on the coaching staff to develop a system that results in the two stars being greater than the sum of the parts, or to determine after reasonable effort that their two games are not compatible enough to make that happen.
Agree and well said.