SJackson1 (11-03-2012)
I was also really impressed with Mullens. Yes his shot was off and, as he's our only front-court player likely to average over 10 points a game, there's a lot of pressure on him to score but he found other ways to contribute. His defence has improved significantly in all areas. He scored nicely in the post on a couple of occasions, which I want to see much more of. All in all he was a productive player despite the strongest part of his game not functioning.
A worrying, and admittedly basic, look at front-court vs. back-court points (I appreciate Hendo playing about 1/3 of his time at SF skews this):
Front-Court Players = MKG, Williams, Mullens, Thomas, Haywood & Biyombo.
Back-Court Players = Walker, Sessions, Henderson & Gordon.
Total Front-Court Points: 21
Total Back-Court Points: 69
Average Front-Court Player Points per 36 = 5.9
Average Back-Court Player Points per 36 = 22.2
A warning: I'm not a stats guy and these figures have been produced by someone with a very basic statistical intellect![]()
SJackson1 (11-03-2012)
My Article - 'A Light At The End Of The Tunnel' - http://sportsclt.com/2013/04/05/a-li...of-the-tunnel/
NBA Playoff Picks- http://www.youngsportspicks.com/Purchase_Picks.html
I fully appreciate that there are holes you could drive a truck through in my, and I feel I'm over-reaching calling it this, statistical analysis.
To me it illustrates, rather simply, the over reliance on our Guards for our points.
I agree Mullens will find his shot, have a few 20+ point nights and probably average close to 15 points this season. BUT where are the points going to come from in our front-court when we're not playing small ball? That's my worry and the reason behind the above.
I know we're not chasing wins, rather player development, this season but I'd love to see more balance to our offence.
We are totally over-relying on our guards and wings for points!!
We have to forcefeed the ball to Mullens in the post and give him every opportunity to develop down there. Especially since he will be guarded by smaller guys at the 4.
I would do the analysis as pg/sg/sf vs. pf/c . That would make the disparity even worse.
Overall I liked the intensity and aggressive defense I saw last night. Mully was a bit disappointing but an off game is a off game, they happen. Needless to say Kemba put a huge smile on my face as did Hendo even if he went cold in the middle of the game. Tyrus is the only player I was really dissapointed with to be honest. Did absolutely nothing and looked pissed off to be out there.
Overall I love seeing this from Charlotte. Time will tell if this is something to get used to or not but regardless, I'm happy.
Get at me on twitter @dcarnys
I would play MKG at the 4 (for some minutes) if the matchups suit him becasue he would be a handfull on both ends of the floor. He would be too fast offensivley and i think he could hold his own against a 6ft 8/6ft 9 PF.
My Article - 'A Light At The End Of The Tunnel' - http://sportsclt.com/2013/04/05/a-li...of-the-tunnel/
NBA Playoff Picks- http://www.youngsportspicks.com/Purchase_Picks.html
Yeah I think the thing with Mully last night was people we kind of surprised with his defensive effort being a bit better than normal while his offensive game which can be much better was lacking.
I know we have to have some better post play but I'm concerned about having poor shooters. We score most of all our points driving to the basket but we have to be among the leagues worst with missing wide open shots. Only guy I'd currently feel remotely comfortable with hitting a wide open shot is Gordon and he's clearly streaky. Maybe I'm just being tough on the guys....
although the team shot extremely well from the free throw line. i hope we can keep that up.
it was so refreshing to see this team come out and dominate a 3rd quarter. last year, i was so used to the opposing team running train on the bobcats at the start of the second half with adjustments and just kicking things into the next gear. hopefully, that's something this team will own this year.
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