Long Division
Posted by Kevin Arnovitz on Fri, 05/26/06, 03:06pm:
Here's an interesting exercise, Naçion members...
The Los Angeles Clippers average 94 possessions per game. Of those 94 possessions, about 13 result in turnovers (though a good number of those are offensive fouls). So let's say, hypothetically, that the Clippers get 85 possessions per game that don't result in a turnover of the bonehead variety.
Very generally (forgetting the imperfection of said
exercise), how are you allocating those possessions?
How many shots for Elton on an average night (keeping in mind that a trip to
the line qualifies as a possession, though an offensive put-back doesn't count
as a new possession)? Chris Kaman? How many times should Livingston
attack the rim or post up the smaller PGs that inevitable guard him? How
many possessions do you reserve for Cassell PUJITs? If you, like Trapp, believe that Maggette is
the "better player" on the wing and should be a cornerstone of the offense, how
many of these 85 possessions are his?
How many sets do you run for Vlad to get him an open look (and, as
Justin often notes, Vlad needs plays run for him)? What about Cat, who averaged 13 possessions per game
this season? The Naçion has been
hankering for Singleton to see more minutes - so how many shots? And Q
is going to have some great open looks off the Brand double-team that he'd be
foolish not to take, shots he's been drilling with proficiency and that he
needs to shoot to keep the defense honest.
How many?
Please show your work.
d.han wrote:
Here’s my approach: 84 possessions a game, breaks down to approximately 21 possessions per quarter.
1-15 – Inside out ball, with priority to EB, THEN Kaman, then the Guard mismatch in Sam, Shaun, Cat. First 5 should be dumped down low to EB. Allow him to establish his game. The remaining 6-15 should be a mix of EB/Kaman drawing the double and kicking out, the high screen and roll with EB/Kaman and Sam/Shaun, swing the ball around the perimeter and allow Cat, Corey, Shaun to take their man off the dribble, or spot up V-rad for an open three.
16-20 – These remaining possessions should be divided up between the occasional Sam PUJIT, Sam posting up the smaller opposing guard, Q-Ross open jumper, Shaun off the dribble, Corey or Cat in transition, etc. etc.
21 – Who else? Give it to Sam. He’ll take the shot or dump it into EB or pass it to Cat. Both have proven to hit big shots to close out quarters.
Only shots 1-5 and 21 should be taken in that order. The other shots, 6-20 can and should be mixed up a bit, ALTHOUGH EB should touch the ball on at least ½ of possessions 6-20. This would guarantee that EB gets his 24+ shot attempts in the game (Kevin’s number from Game 6), and that he would touch the ball 64+ times a game.
One thing about Corey. Its all about adjustments and improving your game in the off season. Keeping in mind the playoff roster/rotation and whether Corey or Ross will start, a few set plays for EB and Corey could provide instant scoring for the Clips. A simple half court 2-man give and go or post repost between the 2 would be amazing. Right now, Sam can feed the post, but he’d be hard pressed to make the quick hard cut to the basket. Insert Corey. He could even fake the hard cut, take a step back when the D collapses on EB and take an open jumper. Corey’s a much better spot up shooter and he needs a good second or two to get set. And yes, I am assuming Corey will learn how to make a decent entry pass into the post.