The good and the bad of LaMarcus Aldridge trying to fit in

[GSH]

This article is sort of weak, but there were a couple of things worth looking at:

http://hoopshype.com/2015/11/07/the-good-and-the-bad-of-lamarcus-aldridge-trying-to-fit-in/


"The Spurs have changed in their statistical profile as an offense from what we’re used to. With Aldridge on the court, the San Antonio has assisted on only 48.9 percent of their baskets, compared to 68.2 percent when he sits. Last season, that would have been a larger difference than the No. 1 ranked Hawks (67.6 percent) and the No. 30 Suns (52.2 percent). The Spurs shot 24.4 percent of their shots from mid-range in 2014-15, a number that has now been bumped up to 32.1 percent."

"On the other end, the Spurs have been beyond fantastic, allowing just 93.0 points per 100 possessions. A mark that would have blown away the Warriors’ top defense from last season."


A lot of people questioned LMA's defense this summer, but it's hard to attribute the Spurs' defensive improvement to anything else, since he's the main difference in the roster. The lack of assists is a problem. It's not just the number of assists - it's the fact that they're only assisting on 49% of their made buckets.

[DMC]

small sample size, still too early.

[HarlemHeat37]

The defense has played against 4 teams with minimal offensive talent, including the worst team in the NBA..too early to claim that it has taken a leap..

[SAGirl]

This article is sort of weak, but there were a couple of things worth looking at:

http://hoopshype.com/2015/11/07/the-good-and-the-bad-of-lamarcus-aldridge-trying-to-fit-in/


"The Spurs have changed in their statistical profile as an offense from what we’re used to. With Aldridge on the court, the San Antonio has assisted on only 48.9 percent of their baskets, compared to 68.2 percent when he sits. Last season, that would have been a larger difference than the No. 1 ranked Hawks (67.6 percent) and the No. 30 Suns (52.2 percent). The Spurs shot 24.4 percent of their shots from mid-range in 2014-15, a number that has now been bumped up to 32.1 percent."

"On the other end, the Spurs have been beyond fantastic, allowing just 93.0 points per 100 possessions. A mark that would have blown away the Warriors’ top defense from last season."


A lot of people questioned LMA's defense this summer, but it's hard to attribute the Spurs' defensive improvement to anything else, since he's the main difference in the roster. The lack of assists is a problem. It's not just the number of assists - it's the fact that they're only assisting on 49% of their made buckets.
Its not just on Lamarcus TBH. He had a 4 assist game and he actually passes, and has tried to be unselfish. In the Wiz game he was doubled pretty aggressively and ended up with TO, there was a lack of cutting from guys as well, everyone just standing around, makes it easier to play the passing lanes once someone is doubled.

It is really the combination of Lamarcus and Kawhiso. Danny off also skews the numbers. Most if not quite literally all his buckets are assisted, but he's slumping badly.

[UNT Eagles 2016]

The defense has played against 4 teams with minimal offensive talent, including the worst team in the NBA..too early to claim that it has taken a leap..
don't think BRO is the worst team in the NBA despite the record, tbh... they're about 9–12 seed range in the Least though

[Mr. Body]

Everyone is hesitant in the first string. It's clear.

[exstatic]

The defense has played against 4 teams with minimal offensive talent, including the worst team in the NBA..too early to claim that it has taken a leap..

What a coincidence. GS played ALL of those teams multiple times last year, too.

[GSH]

small sample size, still too early.


The defense has played against 4 teams with minimal offensive talent, including the worst team in the NBA..too early to claim that it has taken a leap..


I've been around long enough to know that 5 games is a small sample, and that teams can change a lot from the early going. But 5 games with 30% less assisted buckets, and 30% more shots being from mid-range says something about where they are right now. I thought it was a pretty good graphic on what's looked different (wrong?) about the offense.

Of course, a lot of things change when some shots start falling. They looked pretty damned good last night, especially in that second half. If they'd been drawing iron with those same shots, we'd be questioning what needs to be done.

Bottom line, I think LMA is going to be recognized as a plus on their defense, and I think we're going to see some permanent reduction in % assisted baskets this season. Aldridge and West both have respectable in-between games, and Kawhi looks like he'll be going head-up more often. And I'm not saying that has to be a bad thing. They have the personnel to be very versatile, and to bring different looks. If they gel, it will be a lot harder for opposing defenses to switch gears as effectively as the Spurs offense will be able to.

[DMC]

If the team is getting open looks and missing the shots, we know what needs to be done. It's always about getting open looks. If you're forced to the post game you should be able to do that as well, but the Spurs offense is about good - better - best, ball movement, and LMA is a mid range shooter (and a good one), so is Leonard.

[K...]

Are there really more than 5 teams with offensive talent?

I mean warriors and clips obv, but we got okc at full blast and narrowly lost. Cavs? Atlanta? Houston?

[SAGirl]

Well, I couldn't find a "church of Lamarcus" even though I know there is one somewhere at some point, but I couldn't find it using the search engine.

Instead I decided to bump this thread bc this is still on topic:
813531871791419392


“Pop’s very picky on what’s a good shot at times,” said Aldridge, a five-time All-Star. “Of course, I have a little leeway. But it’s tough for me because I always feel like I’m open, even when a guy’s guarding me. So I’m trying not to be myself as much, to take less tough shots.”
If it sounds like a lot to compute in the heat of battle, it can be.


Meshing with newcomer Pau Gasol in the frontcourt has been different from meshing with Tim Duncan a year ago.
Gasol occupies more of the Spurs’ offense than Duncan did in his final season, attempting nearly 10 shots per game. He also puts more pressure on Aldridge at the defensive end than Duncan did.
“We’ve got Pau in the starting lineup, and we’re still trying to bring him along and try to get chemistry with guys,” Aldridge said. “It’s a process. I think guys are getting better every night.”



Since the moment he arrived in San Antonio, Aldridge has felt the pull between being what he has always been — a volume scorer — and being a prototypical unselfish Spur.
“It’s a combination of him wanting to do the right things for the team and understanding the offense and stuff,” said guard Patty Mills, who first played with Aldridge in Portland. “But he’s different. We want him to be aggressive and be himself.”
When Aldridge is aggressive looking for his points, it creates residual benefits for other Spurs.
Teams have to adjust coverages and bring extra defenders at him, freeing up looks for teammates.
“I get excited when he gets the ball in the post,” guard Danny Green said. “It’s one of the few times I can get looks and get open, when they go to double him.”


Occasionally, Popovich has had to remind Aldridge he remains one of the game’s top post scorers. The coach has prodded Aldridge to go with his gut and demand the ball a bit more.
“He’s a great shooter,” Popovich said. “We like to have him shoot it, but he’s also unselfish. He wants to run what we’re running and that kind of thing. I think he’s starting to figure out that it’s important for us for him to score.”

[Mr. Body]

It seems to be clicking a bit more. Gasol is a smart player and active passer, they are looking more comfortable together too.