Chieflion
12-24-2010, 05:22 AM
Thought I should get this off my chest. Over the last month, I thought RJ has been less involved in the offense. Yes, his 3s have improved, but it is no reason to park him at the 3 point line all game.
Richard Jefferson has been a huge part of the Spurs' resurgence this season, particularly in November, when he scored 14.7 points per game that month. This month, he scored 12.8 points per game, it could improve, but who knows. He has been rebounding far better this month, so props to him.
I am going to compare Richard Jefferson's shot attempts this season, compared to last season.
2009-2010 (9.6 shot attempts including 2.3 three point shot attempts, 3.5 FTs per game)
2010-2011 (9.6 shot attempts including 4.1 three point shot attempts, 3.7 FTs per game)
So, wait a minute. What is the difference? All the talk about RJ's improvement was just at the 3 point line, plus he had to sacrifice more shots closer to the rim. Should Richard Jefferson be rewarded more shot attempts, or at least more plays for him? Per 36 minutes, it is clear Richard Jefferson's attempts have decreased since last season instead. Is this how the Spurs offense rewards people, even with the increased pace?
It is clear that Richard Jefferson is also extremely important to the Spurs offense and re-modeled his game. This season, will be by far the most 3s he has taken in his career. His efficiency on the offensive end is just phenomenal. 63.4 TS% is extremely good and it shows RJ's dedication to the Spurs. RJ's usage percentage, however, has dipped from last season, from 18.3 to 17.4%. Yes, it is true his assist percentage has dropped significantly.
On to the next stat, offensive rating. Last season, Richard Jefferson had a 110 rating. This season, he has a rating of 123. Well, 123 isn't unheard of from ridiculously good shooters. It again shows how insanely efficient on offense the Spurs are when Richard Jefferson is in the game. Even with George Hill and James Anderson out, the Spurs have not found ways to get Richard Jefferson more involved outside of the 3 point shooting.
Where were the plays that got RJ easy baskets at the rim? I only saw the alley-oop plays and not much else. Where was the Duncan back pick backdoor cut? This hasn't really been showcased. Richard Jefferson's athletic abilities should be maximized near the rim to give the Spurs an option to create easy baskets instead of dying by the 3.
This is not a complaint, the Spurs are 25-4. We are all happy, but improvements can always be made and as good as the offense is, it could be better, and this is it. Richard Jefferson may be only our fourth option, but a very reliable one indeed.
Richard Jefferson has been a huge part of the Spurs' resurgence this season, particularly in November, when he scored 14.7 points per game that month. This month, he scored 12.8 points per game, it could improve, but who knows. He has been rebounding far better this month, so props to him.
I am going to compare Richard Jefferson's shot attempts this season, compared to last season.
2009-2010 (9.6 shot attempts including 2.3 three point shot attempts, 3.5 FTs per game)
2010-2011 (9.6 shot attempts including 4.1 three point shot attempts, 3.7 FTs per game)
So, wait a minute. What is the difference? All the talk about RJ's improvement was just at the 3 point line, plus he had to sacrifice more shots closer to the rim. Should Richard Jefferson be rewarded more shot attempts, or at least more plays for him? Per 36 minutes, it is clear Richard Jefferson's attempts have decreased since last season instead. Is this how the Spurs offense rewards people, even with the increased pace?
It is clear that Richard Jefferson is also extremely important to the Spurs offense and re-modeled his game. This season, will be by far the most 3s he has taken in his career. His efficiency on the offensive end is just phenomenal. 63.4 TS% is extremely good and it shows RJ's dedication to the Spurs. RJ's usage percentage, however, has dipped from last season, from 18.3 to 17.4%. Yes, it is true his assist percentage has dropped significantly.
On to the next stat, offensive rating. Last season, Richard Jefferson had a 110 rating. This season, he has a rating of 123. Well, 123 isn't unheard of from ridiculously good shooters. It again shows how insanely efficient on offense the Spurs are when Richard Jefferson is in the game. Even with George Hill and James Anderson out, the Spurs have not found ways to get Richard Jefferson more involved outside of the 3 point shooting.
Where were the plays that got RJ easy baskets at the rim? I only saw the alley-oop plays and not much else. Where was the Duncan back pick backdoor cut? This hasn't really been showcased. Richard Jefferson's athletic abilities should be maximized near the rim to give the Spurs an option to create easy baskets instead of dying by the 3.
This is not a complaint, the Spurs are 25-4. We are all happy, but improvements can always be made and as good as the offense is, it could be better, and this is it. Richard Jefferson may be only our fourth option, but a very reliable one indeed.