Lamarcus Aldridge 3-pointers..

[HarlemHeat37]

Over/Under 180 attempts?

[Kawhitstorm]

Over/Under 180 attempts?

Definitely under. Dirk during his MVP season attempted 173 & attempted less than 180 b/w 2008-2011. I would chalk LMA in for about 2 attempt per game MAX.

[MaNu4Tres]

Under

[Mikeanaro]

I say under.

[Dex]

Under. LMA should shoot if he is wide open on the corner 3, and there really isn't much of a reason he should have many meaningful touches outside of the line anywhere else.

[apalisoc_9]

Under for sure..Unless we're relegating him to a 3 point shooter.

A couple of attempts a game at 35% should be enough to get the defense honest and provide spacing.

[Kawhitstorm]

Under. LMA should shoot if he is wide open on the corner 3, and there really isn't much of a reason he should have many meaningful touches outside of the line anywhere else.

Actually he can shoot 3s from the wings b/c of the high PnR action. He's usually a step away from the 3 point line when he's popping for a jumper so he could just take a step back & take a 3 kind of like how Rasheed/Billups used to run it in Detroit. Carmelo was actually able to decrease his mid-range attempts in 2012-13 by pulling up for 3 instead of 20ft jumpers. Corner 3s are already with his range but teams don't run PnR on the sideline so he usually take them if he left open.

[exstatic]

Over. Boris Diaw, who I consider a VERY reluctant 3 point shooter, managed to hoist 169 of them last year. LMA is not a reluctant anything, and the Spurs will convince him through numbers that he's better off taking those two steps back and shooting 35% than shooting 45% from long two land.

[exstatic]

Under for sure..Unless we're relegating him to a 3 point shooter.

A couple of attempts a game at 35% should be enough to get the defense honest and provide spacing.

Two attempts per game is 164. You're almost to 180 right there. Wouldn't shock me to see him put up double his 105 from last year. 210 would be a little over 2.5 per game.

[SuperCam]

Two attempts per game is 164. You're almost to 180 right there. Wouldn't shock me to see him put up double his 105 from last year. 210 would be a little over 2.5 per game.

82 games tho? Nah.

[Kawhitstorm]

Over. Boris Diaw, who I consider a VERY reluctant 3 point shooter, managed to hoist 169 of them last year. LMA is not a reluctant anything, and the Spurs will convince him through numbers that he's better off taking those two steps back and shooting 35% than shooting 45% from long two land.

Diaw was being DARED to shoot 3s & he doesn't have an affinity to jacking up mid-range shots unlike LMA.

[Kawhitstorm]

Two attempts per game is 164. You're almost to 180 right there. Wouldn't shock me to see him put up double his 105 from last year. 210 would be a little over 2.5 per game.

105 was a big jump for him last season so doubling it would really require him stepping out of his comfort zone.

[HarlemHeat37]

^^This is true, but I found it interesting that Aldridge himself has said that he is going to continue transitioning into shooting 3s to preserve his body with age..

With Kawhi, Parker, Duncan and West already shooting a lot of mid range Js, I wouldn't be surprised if Aldridge is permitted to shoot more 3s..

[SpursFan86]

I'll guess that he puts up around ~150

[exstatic]

82 games tho? Nah.

He's barely 30, and I believe SA has no 4 in 5s this year. I'd be shocked if he didn't play at least 80. Hell, Duncan played 77 last year.

[SuperCam]

He's barely 30, and I believe SA has no 4 in 5s this year. I'd be shocked if he didn't play at least 80. Hell, Duncan played 77 last year.

Nig missed an average of 10+ games a season the last three years. Not gonna happen, tbh

[Kawhitstorm]

^^This is true, but I found it interesting that Aldridge himself has said that he is going to continue transitioning into shooting 3s to preserve his body with age..

With Kawhi, Parker, Duncan and West already shooting a lot of mid range Js, I wouldn't be surprised if Aldridge is permitted to shoot more 3s..

As long as he doesn't go all Rasheed & start jacking up 3s then I wouldn't mind him mix it up. I could see him attempting about 3 per game once he gets comfortable shooting it from the wing/top of the key. Establish him inside & posting up for his turnaround to start the game then once he's in rhythm then give him the green light especially for dagger 3s.

LoL @ him preserving his body when he doesn't even get to the line much & complains about doing the dirty work, he does have a diva attitude.

[ElNono]

under imo

[SAGirl]

hhhhhmmm I am truly unsure... but... we did not see him spotted in a corner for a 3 in those drills. Sounds to me like they will want him involved. Probably will mix it up.. I am going with Nono and Kawhitstorm on this.
Under.

[Kawhitstorm]

hhhhhmmm I am truly unsure... but... we did not see him spotted in a corner for a 3 in those drills. Sounds to me like they will want him involved. Probably will mix it up.. I am going with Nono and Kawhitstorm on this.
Under.

He's probably not going to start the season shooting 3s until he gets comfortable w/ the system & knows where/when he could get his shots. He already has the range to shoot the corner 3 & made a bunch last season so he doesn't really need to work on it unlike the top of the key/wing 3s.

[HarlemHeat37]

As long as he doesn't go all Rasheed & start jacking up 3s then I wouldn't mind him mix it up. I could see him attempting about 3 per game once he gets comfortable shooting it from the wing/top of the key. Establish him inside & posting up for his turnaround to start the game then once he's in rhythm then give him the green light especially for dagger 3s.

LoL @ him preserving his body when he doesn't even get to the line much & complains about doing the dirty work, he does have a diva attitude.

I agree about his diva attitude, it's part of the reason I think he'll be shooting more 3s, too:lol..

[D_Admiral]

Lol deez niggas be playing 2k then come to ST to start a thread about LMA 180 3pa

[SpurPadre]

I wonder if West will attempt some, tbh.

[Mikeanaro]

I agree about his diva attitude, it's part of the reason I think he'll be shooting more 3s, too:lol..
It could happen thats why this is an interesting poll.

[apalisoc_9]

As long as he doesn't go all Rasheed & start jacking up 3s then I wouldn't mind him mix it up. I could see him attempting about 3 per game once he gets comfortable shooting it from the wing/top of the key. Establish him inside & posting up for his turnaround to start the game then once he's in rhythm then give him the green light especially for dagger 3s.

LoL @ him preserving his body when he doesn't even get to the line much & complains about doing the dirty work, he does have a diva attitude.

The diva attitude is no secret with Aldridge, that's part of the reason why I am still partly worried about him. Just ask Portland fans.:lol

His sensitivity to touches and PPG is really worrisome.

on topic, his decreased minutes and touches will most likely result in him forcing the three ball so who knows...:lol

[Maj_G]

Last year there were ~450 3PA between; Marco, CJ, and Bonner! Plus Diaw took 162 shots shooting 32%. LMA is at 35%, I am pretty sure he will be above 180. KL had 192 3PA at 34.9%

[TheDoctor]

Under. He will sit a bunch of 4th quarters due to the Spurs destroying teams.

[Kawhitstorm]

Last year there were ~450 3PA between; Marco, CJ, and Bonner! Plus Diaw took 162 shots shooting 32%. LMA is at 35%, I am pretty sure he will be above 180. KL had 192 3PA at 34.9%

You are comparing apples to oranges. Marco/Bonner are out there as designated 3 point shooters & Kawhi is usually in the corner by design. Diaw shoots 3s b/c he isn't much of a mid range guy & teams actually beg him to take 3s. On the other hand, LMA's bread & butter has always been the mid-range shot thus he has to go out of his way to abandon his sweet spot & shoot 3s.

Garnett for example was a mid-range guy but never really became a 3 point shooter even though a lot of his shots attempts were near the 3 point line & you can also say the same for D-West. Carmelo (aka the LMA of SFs) started mixing it up at the advice of Kidd but most of his 3 point attempts are pull-up & he plays a different position than LMA.

Love is basically a 3 point shooter, Dirk went from being a 3 point shooter to being more of a mid-range guy & Rasheed went from being an inside player to being a 3 point shooter w/o even bother much w/ mid-range shots. Bosh could be a blue print for LMA but Bosh is soft as fuck which is why he's happy jacking up 3s nowadays.

[Kawhitstorm]

I wonder if West will attempt some, tbh.

D-West is too macho to jack up 3s, he's most likely going to be bullying backup forwards in the post when he's isn't taking mid-range shots.

[Ditty]

I've seen a couple Aldridge videos, and I like when he is playing near the rim at times on offensive rebounds. He seems to a very good job on tipping in a lot of offensive rebounds something we haven't had for quiet a while. I do hope we run a lot of pick and pops for him but the plays we are going to the basket, I would like to see him clean up a lot of misses. So I hope his 3 pointers are down this season is what I'm trying to say. :lol

[SAGirl]

I've seen a couple Aldridge videos, and I like when he is playing near the rim at times on offensive rebounds. He seems to a very good job on tipping in a lot of offensive rebounds something we haven't had for quiet a while. I do hope we run a lot of pick and pops for him but the plays we are going to the basket, I would like to see him clean up a lot of misses. So I hope his 3 pointers are down this season is what I'm trying to say. :lol I like this too. I actually do like him playing close to the basket some. I already voted under. Other guys convinced me, but he's a very good rebounder and has good quickness for a big guy.

[Kawhitstorm]

I've seen a couple Aldridge videos, and I like when he is playing near the rim at times on offensive rebounds. He seems to a very good job on tipping in a lot of offensive rebounds something we haven't had for quiet a while. I do hope we run a lot of pick and pops for him but the plays we are going to the basket, I would like to see him clean up a lot of misses. So I hope his 3 pointers are down this season is what I'm trying to say. :lol

With Tim most likely playing in the paint LMA is better suited to stick to his mid-range jumpers & fade-aways. He's a good offensive rebound b/c he has long ass arm thus doesn't need to jump to tap the ball but on the defensive side he actually has to block out thus there is more work to do. Tim is most likely going to be the garbage man while LMA/Kawhi launch mid-range/fade-aways. Pop also doesn't like players attacking the offensive board b/c the opposition can counterattack w/ fastbreaks.

In any case, I wouldn't be worried about rebounding considering the starting frontline consists of Tim/LMA/Kawhi all of whom can average 10 per if they wanted.

[SAGirl]

With Tim most likely playing in the paint LMA is better suited to stick to his mid-range jumpers & fade-aways. He's a good offensive rebound b/c he has long ass arm thus doesn't need to jump to tap the ball but on the defensive side he actually has to block out thus there is more work to do. Tim is most likely going to be the garbage man while LMA/Kawhi launch mid-range/fade-aways. Pop also doesn't like players attacking the offensive board b/c the opposition can counterattack w/ fastbreaks.

In any case, I wouldn't be worried about rebounding considering the starting frontline consists of Tim/LMA/Kawhi all of whom can average 10 per if they wanted.

I agree with this too, but I do think they will mix it up a little... at least I hope. I want to see some big to big passing possibly as well. I missed the era of Timmy and David entirely, but even Timmy and Tiago passing inside was fun. Tiago had no range but he was a good passer an unselfish guy. Boris and Timmy has a lot more spacing, but they passed a lot among themselves as well. The focus of this era is Kawhi, LMA though so its going to look entirely different, but I do not mind the occassional LMA close to the basket. He was a good roll man too with BAtum throwing him lobs. Not suprised at all Batum is a better passer than Lillard. I feel like LMA was not used very creatively by Portland and lately they asked him to shoot 3s to open things up for Lillard. I want to see LMA beasting a little bit TBH.

For me some 3s is fine, but not all 3s come on ppl.

[apalisoc_9]

With Tim most likely playing in the paint LMA is better suited to stick to his mid-range jumpers & fade-aways. He's a good offensive rebound b/c he has long ass arm thus doesn't need to jump to tap the ball but on the defensive side he actually has to block out thus there is more work to do. Tim is most likely going to be the garbage man while LMA/Kawhi launch mid-range/fade-aways. Pop also doesn't like players attacking the offensive board b/c the opposition can counterattack w/ fastbreaks.

In any case, I wouldn't be worried about rebounding considering the starting frontline consists of Tim/LMA/Kawhi all of whom can average 10 per if they wanted.

tendencies and strategy will most likely change depending on who is in the court. I xan see the team allowing LMA to go for offensive boards playing alongside the 2nd unit.

[littlecoyotecoin]

Under. He will sit a bunch of 4th quarters due to the Spurs destroying teams.

This. Also already mentioned, he'll miss some games. Maybe sit a game or two. Pop might encourage 3's from his higher % locations, and encourage fewer from the rest, balancing out.

But, I think this team has great depth, and he'll be sharing the limelight with a murder's row of a bench sometimes (and the starting five isn't so shabby either). I think our bench may just destroy some teams this year.

But, although 35% isn't too bad, it's not lights out. No need to be settling for that. Work it to Green, et al, if we're going to be shooting 3's.

Austin Daye is a career 35% 3 shooter, and we all know you guys' feelings about his shooting abilities. He shot .414 and .333 in his two partial seasons here as a scrub. I chose "under" as a hopeful prediction. I hope he's not shooting too many.

[ducks]

over

[bigzak25]

I haven't watched this player enough to know whether he is worth a fuck at the 3 pt line. It is a long season.

[Arcadian]

Since you set the number at 180, it's obviously under.

If you had said 100, we'd have something to debate about.

[Nathan89]

Since you set the number at 180, it's obviously under.

If you had said 100, we'd have something to debate about.

There is way more to debate at 180 than 100. 100 is a sure thing.

[Arcadian]

There is way more to debate at 180 than 100. 100 is a sure thing.

Why do you think that?

Aldridge's 3PA each season:

07 - 2
08 - 7
09 - 28
10 - 16
11 - 23
12 - 11
13 - 14
14 - 15
15 - 105

He has never approached 180. Only once has he surpassed 100. So...?

[Kawhi 5-0]

Over. Boris Diaw, who I consider a VERY reluctant 3 point shooter, managed to hoist 169 of them last year. LMA is not a reluctant anything, and the Spurs will convince him through numbers that he's better off taking those two steps back and shooting 35% than shooting 45% from long two land.

I was going to say under, but you make a very good point. If Aldridge had gone to the Rockets, I'd definitely say over. I don't think Aldridge shooting the 3 is necessarily a bad thing. The main beneficiaries would be guys who can get to the basket (Kawhi, Tony, Manu) by way of spacing. Boris has great post moves and is effective down low, but Aldridge is even better on the post due to athleticism (quickness) and mid-range shooting touch. That said, I am still betting under. If Aldridge is being groomed to take Tim's place, then I would assume they want him thinking "big". I would imagine that open 3s for guys like Green and Mills would result from using Aldridge like a younger Tim or even The Admiral. Most likely the Spurs will mix things up and experiment so as to not become too predictable. However Aldridge works best with the team around him, that's how he'll be used this year.

[apalisoc_9]

No way Aldridge is getting groomed to take tim place..He's 30 years old.

The Spurs will suck his talent dry the first two years and will most likely look for a third star once his game fades a bit.

[SAGirl]

I was going to say under, but you make a very good point. If Aldridge had gone to the Rockets, I'd definitely say over. I don't think Aldridge shooting the 3 is necessarily a bad thing. The main beneficiaries would be guys who can get to the basket (Kawhi, Tony, Manu) by way of spacing. Boris has great post moves and is effective down low, but Aldridge is even better on the post due to athleticism (quickness) and mid-range shooting touch. That said, I am still betting under. If Aldridge is being groomed to take Tim's place, then I would assume they want him thinking "big". I would imagine that open 3s for guys like Green and Mills would result from using Aldridge like a younger Tim or even The Admiral. Most likely the Spurs will mix things up and experiment so as to not become too predictable. However Aldridge works best with the team around him, that's how he'll be used this year.
I briefly read an article that showed the impact that big men playing close to the basket have on open 3 point shots. Its significant. You definitely want a big man playing close to the basekt to draw help and open the floor for 3 point shooters. Aldridge is versatile in that he can do both. I agree that he's athletic/quick and sufficiently strong to start scaring ppl if he rolls to the basket or starts to grab position there. He could potentially play some minutes without Timmy as many have pointed out. Here is the article I mentioned:
http://nyloncalculus.com/2015/07/24/traditional-big-men-and-three-point-shooting/

Also:
https://twitter.com/MaxRappaport/status/623867969316220928/photo/1

Edit: (Sorry I dont know how to post tweets but its a nice graphic.)

[Maj_G]

You are comparing apples to oranges. Marco/Bonner are out there as designated 3 point shooters & Kawhi is usually in the corner by design. Diaw shoots 3s b/c he isn't much of a mid range guy & teams actually beg him to take 3s. On the other hand, LMA's bread & butter has always been the mid-range shot thus he has to go out of his way to abandon his sweet spot & shoot 3s.

Garnett for example was a mid-range guy but never really became a 3 point shooter even though a lot of his shots attempts were near the 3 point line & you can also say the same for D-West. Carmelo (aka the LMA of SFs) started mixing it up at the advice of Kidd but most of his 3 point attempts are pull-up & he plays a different position than LMA.

Love is basically a 3 point shooter, Dirk went from being a 3 point shooter to being more of a mid-range guy & Rasheed went from being an inside player to being a 3 point shooter w/o even bother much w/ mid-range shots. Bosh could be a blue print for LMA but Bosh is soft as fuck which is why he's happy jacking up 3s nowadays.

You are correct they all have different roles on the court, but my question is this; who do you expect take these shots, Patty will take some but I expect LMA to take some as well. He has the highest 3P%, other than tony, and danny and well bonner. It would be silly for Pop not to have him shooting 3s. As far the Garnett reference, LMA was taking <30 3PA before last year in which he had 105 and it's something he said he wants to add to his game. Again, why would Pop not let him shoot 3s???????

[Spurtacular]

Over. Pop would rather have LMA shooting NBA threes than college threes.

[Kawhitstorm]

You are correct they all have different roles on the court, but my question is this; who do you expect take these shots, Patty will take some but I expect LMA to take some as well. He has the highest 3P%, other than tony, and danny and well bonner. It would be silly for Pop not to have him shooting 3s. As far the Garnett reference, LMA was taking <30 3PA before last year in which he had 105 and it's something he said he wants to add to his game. Again, why would Pop not let him shoot 3s???????

It's not that he will be banned from taking 3s it's just that his sweet spot in inside the 3 point arc & it's better if he post-up to draw double teams rather than camping at the arc launching 3s. I could see him spotting up at the corner for end of game situations if Kawhi is isolating or taking dagger 3s if he finds himself wide open on a play. Otherwise, it would require a high PnR set to give him good looks but we have yet to see the offensive sets for the upcoming season.

[exstatic]

Over. Pop would rather have LMA shooting NBA threes than college threes.

This.

You guys aren't even looking at this right. His threes won't come at the expense of post-ups, they'll come from the 250+ shots he takes from 16-23.

[Raven]

he won't be allowed to shoot them unless he can make a certain one .500. Then it will be scaled, but until he can consistently show, that he can make a wide open 3 from a specific position. Not going to be part of the plan.

[jyra]

I think Bosh is a good comparison to look at in this situation:



Aldridge



% of FGA by Distance
FG% by Distance


Season
Age
Tm
Lg
Pos
G
MP
FG%
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P


2014-15 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrila01/gamelog/2015/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
29
POR (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/2015.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
NBA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2015.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
PF
71
2512
.466
.926
.192
.164
.206
.365
.074
.475
.701
.448
.392
.415
.352





Bosh



% of FGA by Distance
FG% by Distance


Season
Age
Tm
Lg
Pos
G
MP
FG%
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P


2012-13 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/boshch01/gamelog/2013/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
28
MIA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/2013.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
NBA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2013.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
C
74
2454
.535
.918
.294
.133
.128
.363
.082
.557
.749
.380
.379
.529
.284


2013-14 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/boshch01/gamelog/2014/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
29
MIA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/2014.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
NBA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2014.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
C
79
2531
.516
.771
.280
.106
.109
.276
.229
.569
.712
.495
.481
.487
.339



Bosh's total three point attempts jumped from 74 to 218 (2.8/game) even though he was a much worse shooter than LMA at the time. As others have already aluded to you can also see that the Bosh mostly took more threes instead of long twos while still getting a healthy amount of shots inside. So I don't think that getting to 180 is much of a stretch at all.

[Kawhitstorm]

I think Bosh is a good comparison to look at in this situation:



Aldridge




% of FGA by Distance
FG% by Distance


Season
Age
Tm
Lg
Pos
G
MP
FG%
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P


2014-15 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrila01/gamelog/2015/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
29
POR (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/2015.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
NBA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2015.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
PF
71
2512
.466
.926
.192
.164
.206
.365
.074
.475
.701
.448
.392
.415
.352





Bosh



% of FGA by Distance
FG% by Distance


Season
Age
Tm
Lg
Pos
G
MP
FG%
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P
2P
0-3
3-10
10-16
16 <3
3P


2012-13 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/boshch01/gamelog/2013/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
28
MIA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/2013.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
NBA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2013.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
C
74
2454
.535
.918
.294
.133
.128
.363
.082
.557
.749
.380
.379
.529
.284


2013-14 (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/boshch01/gamelog/2014/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
29
MIA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/2014.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
NBA (http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2014.html?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool)
C
79
2531
.516
.771
.280
.106
.109
.276
.229
.569
.712
.495
.481
.487
.339



Bosh's total three point attempts jumped from 74 to 218 (2.8/game) even though he was a much worse shooter than LMA at the time. As others have already aluded to you can also see that the Bosh mostly took more threes instead of long twos while still getting a healthy amount of shots inside. So I don't think that getting to 180 is much of a stretch at all.

Bosh had to become a 3 point shooter b/c LeBron & Wade along w/ the defense were occupying the space inside the 3 point arc.

[Nathan89]

Why do you think that?

Aldridge's 3PA each season:

07 - 2
08 - 7
09 - 28
10 - 16
11 - 23
12 - 11
13 - 14
14 - 15
15 - 105

He has never approached 180. Only once has he surpassed 100. So...?

The significant increase from 2014 to 2015. You don't increase that much by accident. He wants more threes in his game and the Spurs will encourage him to take even more to limit mid-range shots.

[jyra]

Bosh had to become a 3 point shooter b/c LeBron & Wade along w/ the defense were occupying the space inside the 3 point arc.

Well with TP, TD and Kawhi around you could argue the same. But I don't think that you can really say that it was a necessity for Bosh. They won the title in 2012 and 2013, so they were doing fine even before Bosh made that huge jump from 3.

[Kawhi 5-0]

I briefly read an article that showed the impact that big men playing close to the basket have on open 3 point shots. Its significant. You definitely want a big man playing close to the basekt to draw help and open the floor for 3 point shooters. Aldridge is versatile in that he can do both. I agree that he's athletic/quick and sufficiently strong to start scaring ppl if he rolls to the basket or starts to grab position there. He could potentially play some minutes without Timmy as many have pointed out. Here is the article I mentioned:
http://nyloncalculus.com/2015/07/24/traditional-big-men-and-three-point-shooting/

Also:
https://twitter.com/MaxRappaport/status/623867969316220928/photo/1

Edit: (Sorry I dont know how to post tweets but its a nice graphic.)

Wow...that's very interesting! You're right about the graphic. I was impressed that the article was thinking in terms of variables and causation. Thank you! --Paul

[Maj_G]

Bosh had to become a 3 point shooter b/c LeBron & Wade along w/ the defense were occupying the space inside the 3 point arc.

I think the point is a bit different here; LMA and Bosh both had the same shot distribution by distance, and once bosh charged it his Points Per Attempt went up 1.09 to 1.11! LMA is already shooting better than him on 3s.

[Kawhitstorm]

Well with TP, TD and Kawhi around you could argue the same. But I don't think that you can really say that it was a necessity for Bosh. They won the title in 2012 and 2013, so they were doing fine even before Bosh made that huge jump from 3.

Well, Wade/Bron are shot CREATORS thus Bosh had to be a spot up shooter whether it was corner 3 or mid-range shots. LMA doesn't have the luxury of an elite shot creator & the corners are occupied by Danny/Kawhi when Tony, Manu or Tim are working in the paint. He has to depend on high PnR sets to get clean looks like Bosh.

[jyra]

Well, Wade/Bron are shot CREATORS thus Bosh had to be a spot up shooter whether it was corner 3 or mid-range shots. LMA doesn't have the luxury of an elite shot creator & the corners are occupied by Danny/Kawhi when Tony, Manu or Tim are working in the paint. He has to depend on high PnR sets to get clean looks like Bosh.

Without the numbers to back it up it's hard to say how the Spurs compare to that team in terms of open 3s created but I doubt that it's that far off even with the decline of TP. LMA should get a decent amount of looks unless opposing teams are willing to switch against those high P&Rs.

I don't think that not being in the corner is a big deal. Boris and Bonner have both taken a less than a quarter of their threes from the corners in all but one season with the Spurs. LMA shot 35.2% from the corner last season vs 35.5% overall from 3 (small sample size..).

[TheDoctor]

Lol deez niggas be playing 2k then come to ST to start a thread about LMA 180 3pa

:downspin::lmao

[Kawhitstorm]

Without the numbers to back it up it's hard to say how the Spurs compare to that team in terms of open 3s created but I doubt that it's that far off even with the decline of TP. LMA should get a decent amount of looks unless opposing teams are willing to switch against those high P&Rs.

I don't think that not being in the corner is a big deal. Boris and Bonner have both taken a less than a quarter of their threes from the corners in all but one season with the Spurs. LMA shot 35.2% from the corner last season vs 35.5% overall from 3 (small sample size..).

Who ever is handling the ball in the high PnR sets need to be a treat (aka not Porker) otherwise team will just go under & not switch. Bonner/Boris shoot 3s when teams are collapsing or doubling from the weak-side but I doubt teams will help off LMA unless it's in a PnR set or he's on the strong side corner which will force teams to pick their poison.

[TD 21]

With a paltry 6 attempts in 13 games, I think it's safe to say the answer will be way under.

It's unthinkable that a team that features Aldridge, Diaw and West, is relying on Butler, a fringe player, who can't credibly play PF, in a desperate attempt to wring some three-point shooting out of the PF position.

The trickle down effect to this, is Diaw having his minutes almost halved, while Leonard is having to play too many minutes.

I've harped about the need to find a fourth wing that fits the Neal/Belinelli profile, but they also need Aldridge, Parker and Diaw (he probably never will), to start shooting more threes.

[MI21]

I was trying to find this thread just yesterday, for some reason I couldn't. Thanks for digging it up.

I thought LMA would attempt a few more 3pters from straight on and the corners, maybe 1 a game or something.

[HarlemHeat37]

With a paltry 6 attempts in 13 games, I think it's safe to say the answer will be way under.

It's unthinkable that a team that features Aldridge, Diaw and West, is relying on Butler, a fringe player, who can't credibly play PF, in a desperate attempt to wring some three-point shooting out of the PF position.

The trickle down effect to this, is Diaw having his minutes almost halved, while Leonard is having to play too many minutes.

I've harped about the need to find a fourth wing that fits the Neal/Belinelli profile, but they also need Aldridge, Parker and Diaw (he probably never will), to start shooting more threes.

Ya, it's disappointing that they haven't had him shooting 3s..definitely thought it would become a bigger part of his game, especially based on the comments he made it in the past..

[MI21]

Ya, it's disappointing that they haven't had him shooting 3s..definitely thought it would become a bigger part of his game, especially based on the comments he made it in the past..

Particularly corner 3's which the same range as his long 2's that he loves. It really makes no sense, especially with Parker showing some improved ability from last season to set people up and draw attention in the paint.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Well it's surprising, but watching him it's clearly by design. They want him posting up, close to the basket and crashing the offensive boards, not shooting 3s, while Duncan is being camped at the high post all the time. It might change by the end of the season and playoffs, they're probably saving some wear and tear for Duncan. At some point he'll probably be the big closest to the basket.

[tbdog]

I noticed one Leonards big three pointer the other night that LMA stood in the corner. Maybe we are not noticing it but he might in that corner more than we think, but the defense isn't collapsing. I think Leonard doesn't go all the way to the hoop and settles for his little runners and in the key jumpers.

[still.focused]

Why do we need Aldridge shooting 3s again?

[exstatic]

Why do we need Aldridge shooting 3s again?

Why do the Spurs shoot 3s? They're a high value shot that punishes the opposing D for digging down into the paint to help. LaMarcus shot them really well last year, 35%.

Let's look at 100 shots

LMA's favorite 20 foot long 2 @ 40%, which is good: 80 points

LMA shooting the 3 ball @ 35%: 105 points

[Raven]

Why do we need Aldridge shooting 3s again?

we don't.

[Brazil]

Why do we need Aldridge shooting 3s again?

Spacing tbh...

with Tim, LMA, Kawhi and Tony... thats a lot of people near the rim or wanting to go at it... it creates traffic jams and cut lanes to the basket... LMA shooting 3s would greatly improve spacing for the starters and open up things

[still.focused]

Why do the Spurs shoot 3s? They're a high value shot that punishes the opposing D for digging down into the paint to help. LaMarcus shot them really well last year, 35%.

Let's look at 100 shots

LMA's favorite 20 foot long 2 @ 40%, which is good: 80 points

LMA shooting the 3 ball @ 35%: 105 points

Compared to the rest of the league the Spurs barely shoot 3s.
If it was as simple as your numbers logic suggests they should be shooting whole lot more
I know why teams shoot 3s in general, my question is why is there such an urge for LMA to be the one out there shooting them?
Your helping in the paint scenario requires a prominent low post player
Our best low post threat is.............LMA
Why have him go away from his obvious strength & wander to the 3pt line and stand there waiting for kickouts?
Imo LMA standing around is exactly what we don't need him to do particularly if its just for the OPPORTUNITY to jack up 3s
Whos in the post demanding this help anyway?
Teams increasingly elect to defend TD 1 on 1 & Kawhi is usually in the mid post
It works if Boris is in the post but wed be far better with LMA in the post & Boris at the 3pt line
At least Boris can create against a good closeout
People always offer the simple math argument, but..
What about the overwhelming disparity in ft attempts he gets driving or in the post?
What about the number of interior defenders he puts in foul trouble?
What about the cross matches where hes got clear mismatches?
What about his presence on the offensive glass?
Im ok if he ends up out there open & he launches em
But game planning to get him 3pt attempts seems awfully silly TO ME
And being disenchanted when he doesnt shoot em is even worse
How bout we get butt hurt about him not taking the shots the MF already gets 1st

[exstatic]

Compared to the rest of the league the Spurs barely shoot 3s.
If it was as simple as your numbers logic suggests they should be shooting whole lot more
I know why teams shoot 3s in general, my question is why is there such an urge for LMA to be the one out there shooting them?
Your helping in the paint scenario requires a prominent low post player
Our best low post threat is.............LMA
Why have him go away from his obvious strength & wander to the 3pt line and stand there waiting for kickouts?
Imo LMA standing around is exactly what we don't need him to do particularly if its just for the OPPORTUNITY to jack up 3s
Whos in the post demanding this help anyway?
Teams increasingly elect to defend TD 1 on 1 & Kawhi is usually in the mid post
It works if Boris is in the post but wed be far better with LMA in the post & Boris at the 3pt line
At least Boris can create against a good closeout
People always offer the simple math argument, but..
What about the overwhelming disparity in ft attempts he gets driving or in the post?
What about the number of interior defenders he puts in foul trouble?
What about the cross matches where hes got clear mismatches?
What about his presence on the offensive glass?
Im ok if he ends up out there open & he launches em
But game planning to get him 3pt attempts seems awfully silly TO ME
And being disenchanted when he doesnt shoot em is even worse
How bout we get butt hurt about him not taking the shots the MF already gets 1st

I'm not proposing that he sits at the 3 point line like Bonner. You can run pick and pop for a 3. They do it many times per game for Boris.

Players on our team that would benefit from the spacing: Kawhi, Tim, Boris, Tony, Manu. You don't have to be a post up player to benefit, just someone who scores in the paint.

[cjw]

Spacing tbh...

with Tim, LMA, Kawhi and Tony... thats a lot of people near the rim or wanting to go at it... it creates traffic jams and cut lanes to the basket... LMA shooting 3s would greatly improve spacing for the starters and open up things

His long 2's create spacing too - much better than Tiago's. West does too (and Diaw, when he's willing to shoot). That said, he's shown he's capable of shooting 35% from three so getting him open looks there should be a goal of Pop.

I think he will shoot more 3's as the season goes on, but Pop doesn't want to take him too far out of his comfort zone yet. Force him to take 2-3 threes a game that don't fall and it could mess with his mid-range game. It's a long season, with 60+ games for him to get comfortable and expand within the offense. I expect his 3PTA to increase month-by-month.

[still.focused]

Yeah Im not new to basketball at all
I realize the benefit of stretching the floor etc
Thats generic hoops banter
My point is that in this specific instance we acquired the POR iteration of LMA that was DOMINANT on those midrange 2s
How about we let him be as dominant as possible & adjust to that dominance when needed
The same way we adjusted to Manu & Parkers rim attacking dominance back in the day
The same pick & pop for a 3 can be run to force a switch and LMA mismatch where he has the ball in an area of the court that he flat out OWNS
Itll forces similar kickouts but only to better 3pt shooters
Shooters who can attack a close out and even create off the dribble
All the while LMA still has the chance to work, still attacks the offensive board and may even end up unguarded at the 3 pt line after a defensive collapse
Why is the golden ticket movin him instead of just using him?

[exstatic]

U
Yeah Im not new to basketball at all
I realize the benefit of stretching the floor etc
Thats generic hoops banter
My point is that in this specific instance we acquired the POR iteration of LMA that was DOMINANT on those midrange 2s
How about we let him be as dominant as possible & adjust to that dominance when needed
The same way we adjusted to Manu & Parkers rim attacking dominance back in the day
The same pick & pop for a 3 can be run to force a switch and LMA mismatch where he has the ball in an area of the court that he flat out OWNS
Itll forces similar kickouts but only to better 3pt shooters
Shooters who can attack a close out and even create off the dribble
All the while LMA still has the chance to work, still attacks the offensive board and may even end up unguarded at the 3 pt line after a defensive collapse
Why is the golden ticket movin him instead of just using him?
Because LAs dominant shot is less efficient than his league average three pointer. 80 points per 100 shots to 105 points per 100 shots.

[Brazil]

His long 2's create spacing too - much better than Tiago's. West does too (and Diaw, when he's willing to shoot). That said, he's shown he's capable of shooting 35% from three so getting him open looks there should be a goal of Pop.

I think he will shoot more 3's as the season goes on, but Pop doesn't want to take him too far out of his comfort zone yet. Force him to take 2-3 threes a game that don't fall and it could mess with his mid-range game. It's a long season, with 60+ games for him to get comfortable and expand within the offense. I expect his 3PTA to increase month-by-month.

His long 2s don't stretch as much and if he has to take a long 2, I'd prefer to see him take a step back to be on a 3 position.

I agree on the rest of your post tho, I think he worked on this shot but for now he and coach want to focus on indeed his comfort zone mid range

[Brazil]

Yeah Im not new to basketball at all
I realize the benefit of stretching the floor etc
Thats generic hoops banter
My point is that in this specific instance we acquired the POR iteration of LMA that was DOMINANT on those midrange 2s
How about we let him be as dominant as possible & adjust to that dominance when needed
The same way we adjusted to Manu & Parkers rim attacking dominance back in the day
The same pick & pop for a 3 can be run to force a switch and LMA mismatch where he has the ball in an area of the court that he flat out OWNS
Itll forces similar kickouts but only to better 3pt shooters
Shooters who can attack a close out and even create off the dribble
All the while LMA still has the chance to work, still attacks the offensive board and may even end up unguarded at the 3 pt line after a defensive collapse
Why is the golden ticket movin him instead of just using him?

try o click enter once in a while, would be more readable

[SAGirl]

Well it's surprising, but watching him it's clearly by design. They want him posting up, close to the basket and crashing the offensive boards, not shooting 3s, while Duncan is being camped at the high post all the time. It might change by the end of the season and playoffs, they're probably saving some wear and tear for Duncan. At some point he'll probably be the big closest to the basket.


Spacing tbh...

with Tim, LMA, Kawhi and Tony... thats a lot of people near the rim or wanting to go at it... it creates traffic jams and cut lanes to the basket... LMA shooting 3s would greatly improve spacing for the starters and open up things
LMA being close to the basket seems by design.
If you want your best rebounding big (strongest and most agile at this point at least) to fight for an O board you have to have him close to the basket. You probably want him close to the basket bc that is his advantage against small ball, and whatever delays he causes on the opposing team grabbing a rebound with his hustle (even if he doesn't win the O board), is time wasted for the small ball team in trying to get easy transition baskets (their bread and butter) and allows us to get back in transition.

[Brazil]

LMA being close to the basket seems by design.
If you want your best rebounding big (strongest and most agile at this point at least) to fight for an O board you have to have him close to the basket. You probably want him close to the basket bc that is his advantage against small ball, and whatever delays he causes on the opposing team grabbing a rebound with his hustle (even if he doesn't win the O board), is time wasted for the small ball team in trying to get easy transition baskets (their bread and butter) and allows us to get back in transition.

I would be pretty surprise that pop wants LMA to crash O rebounds, O rebounds have never been a priority for Spurs. We always finish among worst nba team on this area.

For small ball teams what you said could make sense but Spurs will try anyway to oblige opponents to not play small ball and then on transition defense (one Spurs priority) lma is quicker than Tim nowadays so not sure about you want him close for defense purpose tbh

[SAGirl]

I would be pretty surprise that pop wants LMA to crash O rebounds, O rebounds have never been a priority for Spurs. We always finish among worst nba team on this area.

For small ball teams what you said could make sense but Spurs will try anyway to oblige opponents to not play small ball and then on transition defense (one Spurs priority) lma is quicker than Tim nowadays so not sure about you want him close for defense purpose tbh
Not sure exactly how these early experiments will go. I am just stating my observation and a possible reason for Pop's experiment. To see if it works? To see how good LMA is at that? I am not sure, its just what I observed.

[still.focused]

U
Because LAs dominant shot is less efficient than his league average three pointer. 80 points per 100 shots to 105 points per 100 shots.

It took LMA the entire yr to get 105 3pt attempts up (he only made 37)
In that same time he scored 306 pts on FTs alone
Your simple math logic is flawed because it doesn't account for any FTs
FTs that come almost exclusively from his 2pt attempts
You cant just pretend they didn't happen you damn dummy

[HarlemHeat37]

Aldridge shooting 3s is much better than his mediocre post game, tbh:lol

[Splits]

:lol 180

Halfway through the season: 10

[Brazil]

There is way more to debate at 180 than 100. 100 is a sure thing.

:lol

you meant 10 ?

[sasaint]

I've seen a couple Aldridge videos, and I like when he is playing near the rim at times on offensive rebounds. He seems to a very good job on tipping in a lot of offensive rebounds something we haven't had for quiet a while. I do hope we run a lot of pick and pops for him but the plays we are going to the basket, I would like to see him clean up a lot of misses. So I hope his 3 pointers are down this season is what I'm trying to say. :lol

^ I have been saying this since the beginning of the season. I do not know how many he has shot through the first half of the season, but I hardly remember his taking any, which suits me fine.

[SpursFan86]

Yeah I was way off :lol

Wish he could get to where he was last year though. Taking 1.5 3s a game and making them at a 35% clip seems reasonable to me; it's not like we'd be asking him to camp out behind the 3-point line all game and not spend time in the paint.

[Spurtacular]

0-10 3FG. And probably half of those or more were shots to beat the buzzer. He has not been looking to shoot threes at all. That is a bit odd considering he was coming off a career high of 37-105. But it's clear that he and/or the Spurs don't want him hang outside the arc.

[Purch]

It would make no sense for you guys to take a player out of his confort zone.. When instead you could utilize his strengths.

[HarlemHeat37]

It would make no sense for you guys to take a player out of his confort zone.. When instead you could utilize his strengths.

Aldridge himself said he plans on shooting a lot more 3s as his career progresses to help extend it, tbh, which was what influenced this thread..

It may have been different if the Warriors weren't the primary threat to the Spurs, as it seems like Pop is combating their style by utilizing a dominant paint attack/antiquated offensive model for the SL..

[ChumpDumper]

lol

[Hoops Czar]

I agree about his diva attitude, it's part of the reason I think he'll be shooting more 3s, too:lol..

:lol LOL, at that diva attitude. Doesn't complain about minutes; doesn't complain about shot attempts; Doesn't complain about touches; doesn't complain about his teammates. He's not nearly as diva as some of the posters in this forum. Dude's in it to win it.

[HarlemHeat37]

:lol LOL, at that diva attitude. Doesn't complain about minutes; doesn't complain about shot attempts; Doesn't complain about touches; doesn't complain about his teammates. He's not nearly as diva as some of the posters in this forum. Dude's in it to win it.

It's been widely reported that he had a diva attitude in Portland, that's not really debatable..people change, though, obviously..

[Tully365]

It's been widely reported that he had a diva attitude in Portland, that's not really debatable


If you're relying entirely on second hand reports from people you don't know at all, it's absolutely debatable. Whatever issues Aldridge had in Portland (maybe playing with Lilliard), it seems to have been shared by quite a few of the other ex-Trailblazers who also chose to leave.

[HarlemHeat37]

If you're relying entirely on second hand reports from people you don't know at all, it's absolutely debatable. Whatever issues Aldridge had in Portland (maybe playing with Lilliard), it seems to have been shared by quite a few of the other ex-Trailblazers who also chose to leave.

Woj is the most reliable NBA reporter in the business, tbh..

Nothing wrong with being a diva, most star players are, Aldridge isn't an exception..

[Hoops Czar]

Woj is the most reliable NBA reporter in the business, tbh..

Nothing wrong with being a diva, most star players are, Aldridge isn't an exception..

:lol A diva calling other people divas. Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Woj is the king of sensationalism, tbh. Tully is right. Lilliard was the diva/problem in Portland and he's not the only ex-player (Matthews) to make mention of it. Don't get me wrong, Woj's "sources" are legit and some of the best in the business but his articles are filled with a lot of personal beliefs and conjecture.

[Seventyniner]

Aldridge himself said he plans on shooting a lot more 3s as his career progresses to help extend it, tbh, which was what influenced this thread..

It may have been different if the Warriors weren't the primary threat to the Spurs, as it seems like Pop is combating their style by utilizing a dominant paint attack/antiquated offensive model for the SL..

Antiquated is technically correct, but it shouldn't carry a negative connotation here. I see it more like playing scissors for a long time (epitomized by the 2010-2011 Spurs) and switching to rock once the rest of the league starts to copy you.

[HarlemHeat37]

Antiquated is technically correct, but it shouldn't carry a negative connotation here. I see it more like playing scissors for a long time (epitomized by the 2010-2011 Spurs) and switching to rock once the rest of the league starts to copy you.

I don't think it's a negative thing, it's pretty cool of Pop to be going against the grain, most of us weren't expecting it..

[Arcadian]

There is way more to debate at 180 than 100. 100 is a sure thing.

:lol 15 and counting...

[will_spurs]

Let's look at 100 shots

LMA's favorite 20 foot long 2 @ 40%, which is good: 80 points

LMA shooting the 3 ball @ 35%: 105 points

NBA stats are telling an interesting story re: LMA's usage by the Spurs: http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/200746/stats/shooting/

Post game: 68%
Other 2s: 41%
3s: 0%

He's hitting long 2s (20-22ft) at 37%, so that's still a better choice than shooting 3s, obviously.

[ceperez]

NBA stats are telling an interesting story re: LMA's usage by the Spurs: http://stats.nba.com/player/#!/200746/stats/shooting/

Post game: 68%
Other 2s: 41%
3s: 0%

He's hitting long 2s (20-22ft) at 37%, so that's still a better choice than shooting 3s, obviously.

West is more accurate and actually has taken 3's and made it. West is just a better shooter, but isn't as good in the post due to his size. Honestly, Aldridge needs to wake up to reality that his best game is really in the paint! His finesse game outside is adequate but not really exceptional.

[spursistan]

Bump..

he should've been working on this in the summer, no? as we saw in Thunder series, his 3PT has potential and usefulness for the team overall offensive scheme now with Gasol on board, not to mention something he could lean on as he nears the exit of his prime....Let's hope he did; otherwise i have to question his work ethics, tbh...

[SAGirl]

Spurs probably want him scoring in the paint. You need a threat in the paint to open up the 3 pt shot for others. Don't want LMA to turn into DWest but at the 3. Already the team has a candidate for a stretch 4 in Bertans, who is not going to be getting into the paint.

[BillMc]

LMA had 0% in the regular season last year and 100% in the postseason. That can't have happened often for a heavy minutes player in NBA history. :lol

(TD against Phoenix in 2008?)

[look_at_g_shred]

Maybe just for plays out of the time out or end of quarter plays. Like others have mentioned, he needs to be doing his damage in the paint.

[SASdynasty!]

LMA had 0% in the regular season last year and 100% in the postseason. That can't have happened often for a heavy minutes player in NBA history. :lol

(TD against Phoenix in 2008?)
Haha that's awesome. Man that Parker pass to LMA on that 3 at the end of the game against OKC was insane. Almost brought us back.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA0_pa_cmnk

[Chinook]

Nah. LMA should have the three as a threat, but Pau should be the one spotting up. The offense needs to be built off getting Kawhi and LMA the shots they're best at and complimenting that, not figuring out how to get everyone to fit with 2010 Pau.

[BillMc]

Haha that's awesome. Man that Parker pass to LMA on that 3 at the end of the game against OKC was insane. Almost brought us back.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA0_pa_cmnk

Yeah, that was a great pass and play. Man, it would have been soooo sweet if we'd won that game...

[MaNu4Tres]

You can tell Aldridge came into camp out of shape once again.

Expect a slow start from him this year.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

LMA had 0% in the regular season last year and 100% in the postseason. That can't have happened often for a heavy minutes player in NBA history. :lol

(TD against Phoenix in 2008?)

Didn't work well for Nazr.