timvp
04-14-2012, 06:34 PM
Here's the latest update. I included all minutes except for when Diogu, Thomas, Dawson or Dentmon were on the court. A green cell means that the player in the column improved the number for the player in the row. A red cell means the opposite. So basically, the more green in a player's column, the better.
Point Differential Per 100 Possessions
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-1.jpg
Points Scored Per 100 Possessions
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-2.jpg
Points Allowed Per 100 Possessions
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-3.jpg
Minutes Played
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-4.jpg
Observations:
-Tony Parker's defense continues to be a quiet bright spot this season. Offensively, at first glance Parker's red is surprising ... but then once you consider he is starting next to the four most offensively-challenged players in the rotation, it's much less surprisingly. His numbers point to a fivesome of Parker, Ginobili, Jackson, Bonner and Splitter being a fantastic unit, which makes sense.
-The numbers for Tim Duncan continue to say he's not close to his prime level of play. It's notable that Duncan makes both Parker and Ginobili about half as effective as they usually are. Bonner and Jackson are two players that really help him. It's disappointing that Duncan next to Diaw hasn't been successful. Obviously, the sample size isn't very large but the defensive numbers much worse than I would have guessed.
-Manu Ginobili has been amazing offensively but not so hot defensively. Overall, though, his offense has easily outshined any negatives. It's great to see that he works so well next to Leonard. Diaw and Jackson have both been a good fit next to Ginobili. Jackson and Ginobili show some defensive promise. (Speaking of which, Ginobili's defense is best when he's playing with one of the other shooting guards. Could that mean his best defensive position these days is small forward? Further evidence to support that theory is his defense is bad when next to Leonard. Hmm...)
-While Kawhi Leonard still mostly has red, his numbers have improved as the year has progressed. Defensively, he's very solid when he has Duncan or Diaw behind him. Otherwise, not so much. Offensively, he's great next to Ginobili, which is logical since Ginobili is such a great passer that he allows Leonard to get a ton of easy buckets.
-Even though Danny Green has some explosive shooting outbursts, he's mainly just a defensive player. Outside of Parker (and Jackson if you want to include him), Green grades out as the best perimeter defender on the team.
-Gary Neal's colors couldn't paint a clearer pictures. Very good offensive player, horrible defensive player. Unfortunately, his bad defense overshadows his offense; he brings everyone down overall except Parker and Duncan -- and even those are just barely up. Neal and Blair together produces some of the worst defense ever witnessed on a contending NBA team.
-Speaking of DeJuan Blair, this says he's by far the weakest link on the team. His poor defense makes him unplayable next to Bonner, Neal, Green and Splitter. His poor offense can only be camaflauged by Ginobili.
-Matt Bonner is The King. Outside of his defense next to Blair and Leonard, he makes every other player on the roster better on both sides of the court. That's fantastic work by Bonner. Now let us pray that he can translate this level of play to the playoffs.
-Tiago Splitter's offensive numbers have remained strong -- outside of his inability so far to produce next to Duncan. Although, defensively, it looks like Splitter has been slipping lately. He hasn't done well next to the new guys and his numbers next to Ginobili and Leonard are surprisingly really high. That said, his overall numbers continue to be one of the best on the team.
-To say Boris Diaw has had a smooth transition so far would be an understatement. If you want to know why, look at what he's done when next to Bonner. Sure, small sample size ... but that's extremely high regardless. In fact, that duo has the highest scoring mark and the best defensive mark. It's at least partially a fluke obviously but Pop should think about trying it out a bit more just in case.
-Stephen Jackson has also had a smooth transition. He does his best work next to the players he knows (TP, TD, Manu and Diaw) and The King, which makes sense. Jackson and Diaw's defensive chemistry especially shines through.
-The current starting lineup looks broken judging by these numbers. Blair plays poorly next to Leonard and Green. Leonard and Green don't play well with each other. If Pop is going to put Jackson in the starting lineup, he might want to think about replacing Green instead of Leonard since Jackson and Green have been offensively inept when paired. Starting Diaw should be an upgrade ... as long as that Diaw/Duncan number is a fluke and not indicative of a poor match.
-When Pop trims the rotation, the obvious player to cut is Blair. Beyond him, the next on the chopping block could arguably be Neal since his defense is so horrible.
-When you think of Jackson and Diaw, you first think of what they bring on the offensive side of the court. But come the playoffs, it's their defense that could make them invaluable.
Point Differential Per 100 Possessions
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-1.jpg
Points Scored Per 100 Possessions
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-2.jpg
Points Allowed Per 100 Possessions
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-3.jpg
Minutes Played
http://www.dailyelements.com/pp4-4.jpg
Observations:
-Tony Parker's defense continues to be a quiet bright spot this season. Offensively, at first glance Parker's red is surprising ... but then once you consider he is starting next to the four most offensively-challenged players in the rotation, it's much less surprisingly. His numbers point to a fivesome of Parker, Ginobili, Jackson, Bonner and Splitter being a fantastic unit, which makes sense.
-The numbers for Tim Duncan continue to say he's not close to his prime level of play. It's notable that Duncan makes both Parker and Ginobili about half as effective as they usually are. Bonner and Jackson are two players that really help him. It's disappointing that Duncan next to Diaw hasn't been successful. Obviously, the sample size isn't very large but the defensive numbers much worse than I would have guessed.
-Manu Ginobili has been amazing offensively but not so hot defensively. Overall, though, his offense has easily outshined any negatives. It's great to see that he works so well next to Leonard. Diaw and Jackson have both been a good fit next to Ginobili. Jackson and Ginobili show some defensive promise. (Speaking of which, Ginobili's defense is best when he's playing with one of the other shooting guards. Could that mean his best defensive position these days is small forward? Further evidence to support that theory is his defense is bad when next to Leonard. Hmm...)
-While Kawhi Leonard still mostly has red, his numbers have improved as the year has progressed. Defensively, he's very solid when he has Duncan or Diaw behind him. Otherwise, not so much. Offensively, he's great next to Ginobili, which is logical since Ginobili is such a great passer that he allows Leonard to get a ton of easy buckets.
-Even though Danny Green has some explosive shooting outbursts, he's mainly just a defensive player. Outside of Parker (and Jackson if you want to include him), Green grades out as the best perimeter defender on the team.
-Gary Neal's colors couldn't paint a clearer pictures. Very good offensive player, horrible defensive player. Unfortunately, his bad defense overshadows his offense; he brings everyone down overall except Parker and Duncan -- and even those are just barely up. Neal and Blair together produces some of the worst defense ever witnessed on a contending NBA team.
-Speaking of DeJuan Blair, this says he's by far the weakest link on the team. His poor defense makes him unplayable next to Bonner, Neal, Green and Splitter. His poor offense can only be camaflauged by Ginobili.
-Matt Bonner is The King. Outside of his defense next to Blair and Leonard, he makes every other player on the roster better on both sides of the court. That's fantastic work by Bonner. Now let us pray that he can translate this level of play to the playoffs.
-Tiago Splitter's offensive numbers have remained strong -- outside of his inability so far to produce next to Duncan. Although, defensively, it looks like Splitter has been slipping lately. He hasn't done well next to the new guys and his numbers next to Ginobili and Leonard are surprisingly really high. That said, his overall numbers continue to be one of the best on the team.
-To say Boris Diaw has had a smooth transition so far would be an understatement. If you want to know why, look at what he's done when next to Bonner. Sure, small sample size ... but that's extremely high regardless. In fact, that duo has the highest scoring mark and the best defensive mark. It's at least partially a fluke obviously but Pop should think about trying it out a bit more just in case.
-Stephen Jackson has also had a smooth transition. He does his best work next to the players he knows (TP, TD, Manu and Diaw) and The King, which makes sense. Jackson and Diaw's defensive chemistry especially shines through.
-The current starting lineup looks broken judging by these numbers. Blair plays poorly next to Leonard and Green. Leonard and Green don't play well with each other. If Pop is going to put Jackson in the starting lineup, he might want to think about replacing Green instead of Leonard since Jackson and Green have been offensively inept when paired. Starting Diaw should be an upgrade ... as long as that Diaw/Duncan number is a fluke and not indicative of a poor match.
-When Pop trims the rotation, the obvious player to cut is Blair. Beyond him, the next on the chopping block could arguably be Neal since his defense is so horrible.
-When you think of Jackson and Diaw, you first think of what they bring on the offensive side of the court. But come the playoffs, it's their defense that could make them invaluable.