'a great way to end the year indeed! Way to go JLin!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
just a funny story here in malaysia lin is not famous.ive worn (knicks)lin shirt here and somebody ask me why i cheer for lin.they though its lin dan (olympic gold medalist 2012 badminton china)malaysia got the silver lee chong wei:)then i explain it.i never been a basketball fan before.the feel good story jlin brings,thats what i like and winning.even my 4yr old son watch jlin.
Man, just like that and 2012 was over. Don't know about you all, but i feel like time went on by in hyper speed for me. Maybe i'm getting old. Anywho, happy new year to JLin and all his awesome fans. Thank you site owner and posters for making 2012 interesting.
Happy 2013 to all the fans here, administrator JLinFan#1, and Jeremy! NBA has been, pretty much, all about Jeremy for me in the year 2012, and we all know he's far from peaking yet. Wow, can anyone here imagine how GOOD is he going to be?? MAN! Thank you Jeremy and everyone else who's been here through the ups and downs and making everything that much better!! Praise the Lord for his glory!
Amen to that. I have enjoyed this site very much, and it helped me a great deal getting through the days when our hero's stat line didn't match what we thought he was capable of. But even while he is playing well, the joy of seeing that on the Gerald 39 highlights is still incomplete without the sharing.
I have to give McHale some credits for last night's game. Beside letting Lin played thru his mistakes, he called a couple of timeouts when the Hawks ware trying to mount a comeback which stopped their flow and Rox increased the lead. This is what the coach supposed to do to manage the flow, I remembered he mentioned the word "flow" in one of post game interview. The coach (not the players) is the one to manage the flow (to stop the opponent and not to impede our own). Now that we saw what the young Rox can do in the last 10+ games with these raw talents. If somehow we run into a stretch of games that we loss to the teams that we are supposed to beat, I think McHale's job will be on the line. If we don't make playoff this year, I don't think his job will be extended after the season.
Happy New Year to everyone and especially to JLinFan#1 (the web master). Thank you for creating this web site to allow the like minds to share their thoughts on JLin.
Heh we were just talking about what a mistake it was in okc game to pull him in 3q because even thou lin made 3 consecutive mistakes they needed lins defense and playmaking.
And look what mchale does he leaves lin in and plays him for 39mins...any idiot can see lins defense contributed greatly to the win.
I swear mchale reads this blog...look at how he resets harden with a timeout when he starts going iso mode in 3q something weve been talking about where he doesnt do enough with his timeouts to reset bad players and stop opposing flow.
I really hope McHale has turned the corner and continue to let Lin play thru his mistakes. I just signed up for NBA League Pass. I want to watch JLin plays his game. I don't want to see him sitting on the bench for most of the game. 30-35 min is all I am hoping for, more will be bonus. Please don't make me waste my hard earn $$$.
Hehe I bought my leaguepass preseason just to watch Lin :)
But because of him my family watches basketball now on regular basis...We throw around names like CP3/D12/Nash/etc like we know them, even the wife is starting to make imo quite insightful comments about offensive/defensive plays of different teams...
Shocked I am.
NBA should thank Lin for increasing the # of NBA fans since he exploded on the scene, and Leaguepass sales. They should include him in allstars for that alone!
Happy new year everyone. I hope JLin continues to be aggressive and just plays his game. I also hope dumb ass McHale gets the axe in 2013. PS. Avoid Clutchfans. The ppl there are so retarded and ignorant on so many levels it's ridiculous.
I do avoid Clutchfans because of most people there are exasperatingly STUPID. I lurked a few times at first just out of curiosity. Except that I hope a few patient members are willing to remain there (if in fact there are?) to set the records straight if things get too out of the realm of reality.
I am a member of a Lakers forum and even there, Jeremy has threads, from scouting reports during his summer league days until now, with bashing from LinLakers fans and LinLakers haters.
Clutchfans is really not that bad. Yes - there are haters and trolls and ignorant folks among the regular posters - but - is it that much better here? Seriously?
If you observe clutchfans for a while you will notice that the number of posts in gamethreads is exceptionally high if Rox/Lin had a bad game. Funny enough - same thing happens here, too.
People would criticise, call JLin names. But - when it comes to name calling I would even say its much worse here than it is on CF. Im serious!
E.g. they would crack jokes (call him "eremy" -> cause he has no "J" lol!) but at least they show good humor. Believe you me - its much harder to read posts from "fans" here who call Lin an idiot or worse and insist on venting by insulting Lin cause they would take a bad game personal -> CRAZY!!!
I have noticed that even doubters and pure Rox fans on CF have come to appreciate and love JLin. The number of critics has gone down.
Thanks via, I've been looking for this clip all over the place.
I also appreciate this comment on youtube:
"Some people have zero context. Fans on the Clutch Fans website were ASKING TO SEE THIS. They all wanted Jeremy Lin to make it but of course he missed it. The joke was "Harden thought he was passing to Westbrook or Durant". NO BIG DEAL HERE. Heck, I like Jeremy Lin and wanted to see what the heck happened. How often do you see an alley oop thrown TO YOUR POINT GUARD? Not many and that's why this was interesting. Just relax folks."
Good point! Thats exactly what Im saying. I relly believe that the majority of people on CF like Lin. I must add though that posters on CF often incorporate humor in their posts. Its a kind of humor that I actually like a lot. Maybe some people here dont get the humor and therefor misunderstand...
Er, if you read CF now yes, its not nearly as hostile towards Lin.
When Lin first confirmed to sign with Rockets, there was a lot of doubters. It got worse when legions of "LoFs" made accounts, and it about critical massed as the doubters were "proven right" by Lin's struggles preseason to December.
There are obviously a lot less of that now Lin is starting to turn a new leaf, something I mentioned here a few days ago. They are generally accepting Lin as a Rocket now or resigned to the fact that Lin is here to stay, although majority of the old timers still believe Lin is not all star material, just an ok PG good enough to start, with the potential to be great, because Lin has yet to be consistent.
They are Rocket fans first, so their sentiments are understandable. This is where things differ, we dissect Lin with a scalpel, and although we argue back and forth about what makes Lin great or what he needs improvement, we all generally believe Lin is great and a potential elite PG (as in, top 5).
Otherwise we wouldn't be here. Unless yer one of those trolls that KHuang is out to destroy, and destroy he has :D
I agree. LoFs have signed up on CF but old members have come to accept and like Lin as well. You said they "only" think of Lin as OK starter with great potential but Im ok with that. I wittnes them people cheer for Lin and defending Lin on a regular basis. Im talking about old members with thousands of posts.
Yes - here we find mostly LoF but that makes a big - not always possitive - difference. People here often totally concentrate on Lin. There they look at the team performance (being Rox fans and not so much Lin fans). That often results in very fair critique and interesting views. And like I said - they have great humor.
Here its always the same after a bad game "Lin has no balls, Lin made dumb turnovers, Lin is scared, Lin cant shoot". Its sometimes unbearable.
I'm re-watching Blaiyan's highlights from the last three games (Spurs, OKC, and Atlanta), and it is hilarious how Lin's no-look passes are duping the defense. I recommend watching those plays in slow motion. In slow-mo you can catch defenders looking the wrong way that you might not see watching in real time. He's got defenders all over the court looking the wrong way LOL it's great! Reminds me of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Aaron Rodgers manipulating safeties with their eyes...
Its the evolution of lin. I thought he needed to do that last year, shaking and baking. Its coming around. Thats the beauty of lin as a player. He knows exactly where he needs to improve (easy part). The hard part is actually incorporate during real gametime action. So far he is checking things off of the list to accomplish
So funny!!! I love it!!! First, I thought it's when a bunch of them wear that Harvard t-shirt on the bus, but then, later I saw a guy wear #17 dancing, then I knew, that is the part you are talking about!
Why Harden (or any max contract player) is allowed to play through mistakes and high TOs?
My approach is purely financial and has very little to do with player's actual athletic abilities. In short, every franchise needs their max contract player to have high PPG (or good looking stats) in order to preserve the market and contract value.
To the common man, coaches' top priority is to win games. However, another equally important and less talked about responsibility is that coaches must understand and meet the needs of the franchise in preserving the market value of the max contract players. Imagine the situation: a lesser market value player, in our case, our very capable and competent Jeremy Lin, plays more minutes, shoots more, and score more than Harden, what does this say about the investment in Harden?
Team management and owners want to look smart among their peers when it comes to player selection and investment. Lin, in his own way, is capable of scoring as many points per game as Harden, if given the same leeway in the game. Since Rox paid way more for Harden, a deliberate decision is being made to let him score the points so the management can look competent, and at the same, to retain Harden's high trade value.
Assuming that everyone on the team is trade-able, I don't claim to know all the restrictions and such, it will be more feasible to ship out a young max contract player with a near 30 PPG, which is a high impact number. Jeremy Lin, on the other hand, with a mere 8 mil per year salary, comparatively speaking, does not need achieve an above 20 PPG in order to meet his contract value. Jeremy's current stats are well in line money value wise, and the coaches will keep the current usage trend accordingly. Jeremy is very trade-able as is, and nothing more is needed from him on the court; anything extra is just icing on the cake.
Following the same financial logic and argument, we can see why CParsons is being kept in the game longer on average than Lin, and the coaches are more tolerant towards his mistakes. CParsons is given the opportunity to pad his stats so to increase his trade value. It will not be surprising to see CParsons being traded soon.
'It will not be surprising to see CParsons being traded soon.' Good observation. If Houston wants a good player like Cousins, they have to trade off several players like they did giving up KMart and Livingstone for Harden.
That's why Parsons the product is being developed, promoted and shopped around to prospective franchises (by giving him extra minutes). CP started off the season well but is the possible/probable trade the reason for his recent poor form? After his poor shooting and being benched in the Hawks game, Lin gave him a few matey punches and pats on the back to boost his confidence. I'd hate to see Chandler go as well, wish there was some other way of getting a star PF without letting go of current good players in the team.
I kind of agree the preserving of values of the max contract player is also a priority of the club. But people already know what Harden can do. He has shown his abilities in OKC and Houston. I don't think there is any needs to artificially pad the stats for Harden. I really think Houston needs to let these group of raw talents gel for a year to see how they can do instead of rushing to the market for the PF this year. If they can get to the playoff and even reach the second round, they can say they are closer and require the max contract PF for next season. These group of players need to play together for a season or two to grow together before they can talk about being a championship caliber team.
I dont think harden is allowed and he has been improving in the TO department, and he actually started playing defense last game no doubt mchale got on his case.
But I will say that he is probably given the benefit of the doubt or free pass sometimes because he is scoring and dishing so well.
Whereas harden established his role early with his stellar performance lin has struggled just to find his role and identity and turned I what many perceived to be generally poor performance leading to many pundits to call lin a bust. This required lin to get better and for coaching to start trusting him. Lin becoming healthier and getting back in shape helped his confidence and as a result becoming more aggressive. And we need to give coaching more credit they have really worked around lin and adjusting accordingly so they can set a rotation that lin can handle and one that is responsive when he isn't doing well.
Fully expect lins duties to increase now he can handle more. Yeah I believe coaching is behind lin from day one they know lins struggles bette r than we do and its starting to pay dividends.
With Asik and Smith in at the same time would lead to two guys taking up the same space. Neither can shoot the outside jumper so to me this could bog down the driving lanes for both Harden and Lin. I am not sure it is a good idea.
I really want McHale to just for once let JLin play PG for a entire game and not sharing the position with Douglas, Delfino, and definitely not Parsons nor Harden just JLin, the PG. That's my wish for 2013 regarding JLin 's game. I just want to see how well the Rox will finish a game with Lin in charge from start to finish.
I am watching LAL vs 76ers right now. Steve Nash carries the ball up the court every time. That is a pure PG. Even though he only has 4 pts at the half, he is the one to direct the play. He is the real floor general. Also Denver stops LAC winning streak finally. We won't have a chance anymore. Too bad.
He's a career 42.8% 3 point shooter, and his worst 3 pt percentage in a season was 37% in his third season. We would all kill to have Jeremy shoot 37% from 3.
That doesn't make any sense either. So you're saying haters are wrong when they say Jeremy will never be as good as Nash, because of one single game, which isn't even finished yet?
why, you expect haters to actually say Jeremy will have a career comparable to Nash? in terms of game, Jeremy is so much like the younger version of Nash. Nash got his first induction to 50-40-90 club last 2006 I think, when he was around 31 or 32. you think Jeremy will never be as good as a PG as well as scorer like Nash?
You're the one that inexplicably brought up Nash's 3 point shooting. Since you brought it up, Nash shot 41.8% from 3 point land in his rookie year. Please stop before you further embarrass yourself.
excuse me ach, I'm no doubter of Jeremy Lin, I'm not sitting on a high horse like you. the comment is a simple comment to say that, "hey, yes even Nash misses his 3s..." you're the one who spit venom. it wasn't even directed to opening an argument. learn some humility and stop sitting on a tall horse so you won't fall hard...
nah, i know that 50-40-90 record before you brought that up. if you're being sensitive with a simple comment that you have to answer it every time, thinking it's always an invitation to spit venom, learn to discern...
Dislike peole acting arrogant just because they thought they know more than you! Despise people who started the whole thing but asking others to please stop. Jeremy will be as good as Nash or even better than Nash, if he continue improving. Who knows? There are still plenty of time to show.
i actually agree with this ranking. With how the rockets are playing the only teams both west and ease that i can see beating them are Heat, OKC, SPURS and Clippers. They are at the level of Memphis and the Warriors right now. I I wonder if portland will make the play-off. That team is scary.
Well, the teams that are ranked above the ROX are the ones that they couldn't beat for now, so I'd say it's a very fair analysis.
Some people may have a word with Miami ranking 6th, but if we think about it, the ROX were one 3-pointer away from beating them, and they just recently lost to the Pistons and Bucks.
My pre-season prediction for the ROX was that they'd be battling for lower half of the playoff seeds shoulder to shoulder with the Nuggets and eventually yield. So I'm fine with the Nuggets sitting ahead of the ROX.
@romz - Trailbalzers beat Knicks to dust... and Rockets fell to Trailblazers twice. supposed to be only once, but due to bad coaching it happened twice. more likely they'll make the playoffs and will give Rockets tough competition on 5th seed.
I don't think that the Rockets losing to the Trailblazers is due to bad coaching.
I think it's due to Nicolas Batum, who's emerging as the modern day Dominique Wilkins (a high flying athlete who's inconsistent but super explosive).
The Rockets cannot do anything with Batum. He's been the toughest single opponent the Rockets have faced. Batum is simply too physically overwhelming for the Rockets minimum wage forwards.
The only Rockets defender who has a chance of slowing Batum down is Jeremy Lin. Lin has the quickness and strength to battle Batum, though he obviously cannot jump over Batum. It would be better than Batum strutting around the court scoring wildly, like he has against the weak Rockets forwards.
If I were coaching the Rockets, I'd move Lin onto Batum defensively for the 4th quarter and let the new guy James Anderson chase Damien Lillard as Lillard cherrypicks off Aldridge and Batum.
Royce White @Highway_30 "Suck it up/Be a man" is one of the most detrimental concepts to #HumanWelfare today... It's sad, going into the #NewYear lets do better! 12:02 PM - 1 Jan 13
Sad truth is NBA is a business, a corporation that ultimates is concerned about its profit, product, image, and maybe just maybe the welfare of its players or help to have a constructive influence on culture at large...
My feelings are in great pain after reading Chandler Parson's tweet last night that said:
"Chandler Parsons @ChandlerParsons Dinner with a great crew. @JLin7 @pdpatt @JHW_III @AbeNdoye @AntwaunMolden @R_CROWLEY @colea45 @JWAFAN @kevjumba and company. "
After spending our time here at jeremylin.net, game in and game out, it is quite disheartening to see that me and everyone here were NOT invited to dinner with Jeremy. A lot of regulars here on this site have supported Jeremy on the Internet since pre-Linsanity.
I think Jeremy should at least come here and give us some acknowledgement. There's just NO WAY that he does not know about this site. He may even be reading our posts after every game. If we all speak out and make our voices heard, Jeremy will have to at least buy us all dinner once! It's the least he can do for our ongoing support. If you agree with my statements, please join me and speak out to let Jeremy know we are not some worthless internet groupie. I would love to meet not only Jeremy, but you all one day.
I really think Lin plays basketball like a video game. He got good anticipation skills, but on top of that he's also guessing. It's like you sense the fireball coming so you jump, because by the time your eyes visually confirm the fireball it's too late to jump without eating the shoryuken.
Watch how the other 4 Rockets are just standing still. Lin's 2 steps ahead, and he's like "big man + rebound + distance to hoop = dunk, so if I jump now I can catch him on the way up while I'm coming down."
He may get burned every now and then for guessing wrong, but the net gain is always going to be in the positive.
Unfortunately there are people who dont think so. The other night somebody was bickering about Lins TOs. Someone else pointed out that Lin had nice steals and blocks. Of course - the guy who was bickering didnt care...
Not sure if Jeremy merely guessing IMO. He's got pretty amazing court vision on both ends of the court. He seems to have an innate ability to see the play developing before it happens leading to many steals, deflections, and jump balls this season. A good example is the last play in regulation of SAS game, Duncan's drive was stopped when Jeremy deflected the ball out of his hands.
The only time where I really see him guess and get burned on a regular basis is when he over-commits in the paint and closes out on the three pointer shooter a little to late. Other times , he's kind of in no mans land not really guarding anyone on switches... but hopefully those lapses will get fixed with more experience.
great video but eww, that site that shall not be named is gross.
Looking forward to watching Lin develop into an all star. I know he will. Many people, including HOU fans don't believe it but forgive their ignorance.
I agree with what you're saying. "Guessing" is probably not the right word, but to me he's acting aggressively on his very good instincts. It is on the risky side, but to me the reward is worth it. And it's also so much fun to watch.
Beyond court vision and ability to see the play before it develops, I think he's got an amazing sense of what an individual is about to do. He started jumping up for this block BEFORE Josh Smith has landed from the rebound.
Great players like Lin see the play developing before it actually happens.
That's why I've been so adamant that Lin is a truly great player of All Star or Hall of Fame ability. It's not his color, but his innate anticipation combined with his athleticism. Such anticipation cannot be taught or trained, as it's inborn.
When I look at the draft process, I shake my head at the clueless general managers that cannot spot Lin's kind of great player timing. Lin's court anticipation and athleticism are blatantly obvious to me and most other people posting on this forum, even from his college days. Yet these fancy GMs with their big salaries and bigger scouting reports can't observe that most basic court sense instinct that a great player like Lin innately has.
When I look at players, I look first at that court sense. That's why in the 2012 draft I targeted Jae Crowder, Andrew Nicholson, and Lin's ex teammate Jeremy Lamb who I think would have been scoring double figures per game after the All Star break had the Rockets kept him. Those were the only three players I felt could actually play winning basketball, and their court sense was the main reason why. Maybe their bodies weren't quite intimidating by NBA standards, but I also felt that all of them had NBA athleticism even though it isn't immediately apparent due to their youth.
Court sense is the most translatable skill when one jumps from college to the NBA.
Agree with KHuang, those half and 3/4 court passes Jeremy consistently make through defenders is another perfect example. Those passes are IMO pretty difficult to make considering all the variables... where our players are going to defenders, etc. One of the really cool plays Jeremy a few games ago was during the bulls game? when the two teams were fighting for the ball on the floor... and before the other team got possession of the ball and was ready to pass it to his team, Jeremy already took 2 - 3 steps to close out the passing lane... WOW!
Rox is neck to neck with them for 6th, I'm expecting some close games. But comparing schedules Nuggets have their work cut out for them in January, ours is easier imo though not by much.
Personally I think GS is going to drop because their January schedule is much harder compared to their schedule in December. I'm still thinking Rox can make 5th seed western conference, if Lin continues to improve like we think he will.
BTW how do you guys/gals think Rox will match up with Warriors this season?
Just something I noticed while watching the Hawks game for the 3rd time...
Sampson, when asked during half time about Rox guards turning it on and how when Jeremy was missing outside jumpers and then started attacking it really changed everything around, what did Sampson say?
"I'm going to give you a revelation Bart, when the ball goes in its amazing how good your offense looks"
Lol wtf is that supposed to mean? Combined with McHale's 0 mention of Lin in post game, kind of makes you wonder what kind of standards they set for Lin...
man, don't even get me started. Everyone noticed how hard they tried to not mention Lin. it's maddening.
They like him and think he's an extremely hard worker but other than that, they view him as a role player. watch their videos, they're not high on him (in terms of bball skills/talent).
"Everyone noticed how hard they tried to not mention Lin. it's maddening." - YUP. [No mention ANYWHERE.]
Ixx Axxx @Ixxxxxx @JasonCFriedman The utter lack of recognition of Jeremy's exceptional game still leaves a bad taste and a few question marks hanging. Sorry. 10:00 AM - 1 Jan 13
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman @Ixxxxxx organization loves Jeremy, has immense respect for him as a person and player, and very much wants him to succeed and believes he 1:29 PM - 1 Jan 13
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman @Ixxxxxx will. Yet somehow there remains perpetual talk of "jealousy" or that the coach/GM/players are somehow out to sabotage his success. 1:30 PM - 1 Jan 13
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman @Ixxxxxx simply refusing to entertain these ridiculous notions. 1:32 PM - 1 Jan 13
Ixx Axxx @Ixxxxxx @JasonCFriedman Jason, No insult intended, so apologies. Your article was just an example. eg McHale didn't mention @JLin7 in one word, etc. 2:14 PM - 1 Jan 13
Ixx Axxx @Ixxxxxx @JasonCFriedman And he racked up such stats, that it makes no sense. I respectfully disagree that Harden/Asik had an exceptional game. 2:16 PM - 1 Jan 13
[Friedman is inconsequential, like ach said, but there's no one else to complain to.]
The Rockets have to maintain internal team chemistry. With all the attention of the media focused on Lin, the Rockets are entirely justified in diverting the media toward the other players. Lin himself would want more attention on his teammates.
Les Alexander knows exactly what's going on with his team and the Houston media. If there was a problem with Lin, Les would address it internally.
Here's a new year's resolution for the NBA fan: Learn to love the corner 3.
Of all the pillars of the analytics movement that are currently consuming the NBA world, few are more powerful than this one: Where you take shots is almost as important as whether you make shots. Smart shot selection has been a point of emphasis for coaches ever since Dr. James Naismith hung up the first peach basket. But now we have the data to drive the most salient points home. We've learned a lot by looking at the hard data, and it has smartened up the game some. If the midrange game is dying, the blood is on the hands of stat geeks who helped expose their relatively low payoff. But the single most important shot in the game still barely gets any attention at all:
The corner 3.
Want to know how good your team's offense is? Just look at how often it takes corner 3s. Besides looking at field goal percentage, corner 3 frequency is as strong an indicator as any other. Good offenses tend to pound the corners, while bad offenses tend to avoid them.
Why?
Shooting from the corners is like using a cheat code. Little known fact: Three-point shots from the corner are closer than any other 3-point shot. Bust out the measuring tape next time you go to an NBA game, and you'll find that corner 3s stand 22 feet away from the basket, which is a full 21 inches shorter than the 3-point line near the top of the key.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that when it comes to shooting, closer is better. So you probably aren't surprised to learn that players generally shoot better from the corners than any other area beyond the arc. According to NBA StatsCube, 3-point shots from the corners go in 38.7 percent of the time. Three-pointers from the top of the key? Just 34.6 percent. Yes, basketball is a game of inches, too.
This is a helpful reminder that not all shots are created equal. A corner 3-point shot this season has yielded 1.16 points on average. Your average midrange shot? 0.78 points. That might not seem like a lot on the surface, but it adds up over an entire season.
Generally speaking, exchanging just three midrange shots for three corner 3s per game would yield about 100 additional points over the course of a season. To put some perspective on that, 100 points is roughly equivalent to the difference between the sixth-ranked Miami Heat offense and the 13th-ranked Portland Trail Blazers offense last season (85 points separated them). That is why the midrange game is dying and corner 3s are thriving; shooting 15-foot jumpers is a losing affair compared to other shots.
Not buying the gospel of the corner 3? Believe it or not, a team's frequency of corner 3s is more closely linked to successful offenses than the frequency of shots in the restricted area, even though they boast similar payoffs (1.16 points per shot versus 1.19 points per shot, respectively). In fact, when we look at shot frequency from the five shot areas on the floor designated by NBA.com's StatsCube -- restricted-area, in the paint non-restricted-area, midrange, corner 3s and above-the-break 3s -- the strongest correlation with offensive efficiency over the past 17 seasons is the corner 3-pointer.
The NBA is catching on. Teams are shooting corner 3s now more than ever, or at least since the NBA started tracking these things back in 1996. A total of 6.6 percent of all shots come from the corner, up from 6.1 percent last season and more than double what we saw in 1997-98. Although it's impossible to say, much of that growth may have to do with the rise of corner-3-touting analytics.
Why are corner 3s the lifeblood of an efficient offense? Think of them as a product of good spacing. Stick a guy in the corner, and it pulls his defender away from the paint. Shade off a guy in the corner, and you leave yourself vulnerable for a devastating crosscourt or kickout pass (this is called The LeBron James). Throw in the fact that it's easier to hit than any other shot from downtown, and you'll see why corner 3s are the cornerstone of the NBA's top offenses.
So which teams shoot them? Most of the good offenses. But what's interesting is that taking them, not necessarily making them, is what separates the cream from the crop. How does your favorite team rank? Let's break 'em down.
The landlords Teams that take a lot of 3s and make a lot of 3s; the kings of the corner
Ray Allen changes everything. LeBron James now leads the league in assists on corner 3s, already eclipsing his total from last season. But it's not just Allen who's hitting from the corner pocket; Battier has more makes from the corner than anyone else in the league. From 13th last season in attempts to first this season, the defending champs have added yet another weapon to their arsenal.
San Antonio Spurs (5th) Corner 3s per game: 8.4 (3rd) | Corner 3 FG%: 42.2 percent (5th) Notable shooters: Danny Green (29-of-76, 38.2 percent)
The trend-setters. You could list practically everyone on the Spurs' roster here. Green, Patty Mills, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard each have more corner 3s than anyone on the Bulls' roster. It's a copycat league, and teams are now catching on to coach Gregg Popovich's tricks.
New York Knicks (2nd) Corner 3s per game: 7.3 (5th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.9 percent (8th) Notable shooters: Ronnie Brewer (17-of-55, 30.9 percent); Steve Novak (28-of-54, 51.9 percent)
Wait, Novak has missed a corner 3? Believe it or not, Novak isn't the premier corner 3 shooter in the league. Shocking, I know. Oddly enough, Brewer is a corner specialist to the extreme, with 55 of his 60 3-point attempts being from the corners. Imagine if he could actually hit them at a reliable clip.
Brooklyn Nets (11th) Corner 3s per game: 8.1 (4th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.7 percent (11th) Notable shooters: Joe Johnson (21-of-61, 34.3 percent); Jerry Stackhouse (19-of-45, 42.2 percent) The Nets took the sixth-most corner 3s last season, but they ranked 28th in conversion rate so they've taken big strides in the efficiency department this time around. Though Johnson's the big name, the trio of Stackhouse, C.J. Watson and Keith Bogans have more to do with their good standing this season in the corners (combined 44 percent). But can they keep it up?
Only the Spurs hit more corner 3s than the Hawks did last season, but Atlanta has taken a step back now that Joe Johnson (third-most last season) has left the premises. Korver, Stevenson and Anthony Morrow are worthy heirs.
Indiana Pacers (27th) Corner 3s per game: 5.6 (13th) | Corner 3 FG%: 41.1 percent (6th) Notable shooters: Paul George (27-of-55, 49.1 percent); George Hill (13-of-36, 36.1 percent)
Just about the only thing the Pacers' offense does well. Normally a team that makes this many from the corners will have a healthy offense, but the Pacers are the lone exception.
Surprise, surprise: The most stat-savvy team in the league can't get enough of the corner 3. Even though the Rockets have one of the worst conversion rates around, they don't mind. It's still a better play than a midrange jumper -- a shot they appear to be allergic to these days. Worth pointing out that Patrick Patterson is one of the few big men in the league who dabbles in the corner 3, along with Ryan Anderson and Danilo Gallinari.
Los Angeles Lakers (6th) Corner 3s per game: 7.0 (6th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.3 percent (21st) Notable shooters: Metta World Peace (31-of-71, 43.7 percent); Jodie Meeks (15-of-31, 48.4 percent)
They could be entering "landlord" territory soon now that Steve Nash is back in the fold. World Peace has the fourth-most attempts in the league, and Nash will undoubtedly serve him up some more. The Lakers hoped they would have a reliable floor-spacing 4 in Mike D'Antoni's offense, and they might have found one in World Peace. Of note: Kobe Bryant is just 10-of-31 (32.3 percent) from the corners. Expect that field goal percentage to climb.
Los Angeles Clippers (4th) Corner 3s per game: 6.8 (7th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.6 percent (19th) Notable shooters: Jamal Crawford (23-of-65, 35.4 percent); Matt Barnes (18-of-53, 34 percent)
Although Crawford and Barnes have shot the most corner 3s on the roster, Willie Green and Caron Butler have anchored themselves in the corners as well. Like their co-habitants in purple-and-gold, the Clippers could be sharper from here. But that would just be unfair for the rest of the league.
No one's been worse than Iguodala in the corners (minimum 40 attempts). Iguodala has been the rare example of which corner 3s are a losing gamble. With that 26 percent shooting percentage from the corner, it's good that Iguodala doesn't shoot them as often as his teammate Brewer does -- Brewer fires them off more than anybody else leaguewide.
Philadelphia 76ers (20th) Corner 3s per game: 5.7 (10th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.2 percent (12th) Notable shooters: Dorell Wright (20-of-47, 42.6 percent); Nick Young (8-of-33, 24.2 percent)
Doug Collins confessed earlier this season that he's, well, not a fan of analytics, and Nick Young certainly isn't helping the cause. Oddly enough, Young was one of the top corner 3-point shooters last season (48.1 percent on 104 attempts), but he's been nothing short of a disaster thus far in Philly.
Hey, at least they're trying. Like the Pacers, the Wizards haven't been able to do much right on the offensive side of the ball, but corner 3s seem to be high on the priority list. If there is one.
Only Anthony Morrow shot more 3s from the corner than Matthews last season, but Batum has taken over Matthews' domain this season. At 24, Batum has really started to showcase his 3-point shooting skills this season, but he's nowhere near as good from elsewhere beyond the arc as he is in the corners.
The tenants Teams that make 'em but rarely take 'em
Oklahoma City Thunder (1st) Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (22nd) | Corner 3 FG%: 45.2 percent (2nd) Notable shooters: Thabo Sefolosha (18-of-43, 41.9 percent); Kevin Martin (22-of-37, 59.5 percent).
The Thunder are a juggernaut already, but they only dabble in this area. One of the rare teams in NBA history to abandon the corner 3 and still put up monster numbers. Scary thought: What happens if the Thunder realize that Martin might be the best corner 3-point shooter in the league?
Charlotte Bobcats (26th) Corner 3s per game: 3.6 (28th) | Corner 3 FG%: 43.1 percent (3rd) Notable shooters: Ben Gordon (14-of-23, 60.9 percent)
Not sure Gordon's percentage is sustainable, but it's at least worth finding out. The Bobcats could really use a steadier diet of corner 3s given how strong they've been there so far.
Now that analytics pioneer John Hollinger has joined Memphis' front office, I'm half-expecting the Griz to lead the league in corner 3s by season's end. Pondexter has been a nice surprise for a team that's normally allergic to 3-pointers. It wouldn't be a shock if the Grizzlies upgrade their 3-point shooting arsenal at the deadline.
Golden State Warriors (8th) Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (23) | Corner 3 FG%: 40.9 percent (7th) Notable shooters: Klay Thompson (25-of-65, 38.5 percent); Stephen Curry (12-of-26, 46.2 percent).
More would be nice, but that might be greedy with the league's most surprising team thus far. I'm buying low on Thompson's conversion rate in the corners; the kid can shoot.
It's a bit of a surprise that J.J. Redick hasn't shot more from the corners, but it makes sense now that he's taken on more ballhandling duties this season. The Magic wield some elite 3-point shooters in Afflalo and Redick, but they aren't helping themselves at all by ignoring the corners. Only three players made more corner 3s than Afflalo did last season in Denver, but it's barely part of his game now.
New Orleans Hornets (19th) Corner 3s per game: 3.6 (28th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.8 percent (10th) Notable shooters: Ryan Anderson (16-of-38, 42.1 percent)
Anderson is a machine. That is all.
Chicago Bulls (23rd) Corner 3s per game: 2.5 (Last) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.1 percent (13th) Notable shooters: No one
Here's a fun fact: Battier, Brewer, World Peace, Green and Novak each have made more corner 3s than the entire Bulls team this season. The odd thing is that it's almost impossible to get off a corner 3 against the Bulls' defense, so they presumably understand how devastating the shot can be. Alas, this is what happens when you gift-wrap Kyle Korver to the Hawks.
The claustrophobics Never take 'em, rarely make 'em
Dallas Mavericks (24th) Corner 3s per game: 4.5 (21st) | Corner 3 FG%: 27.9 percent (Last) Notable shooters: O.J. Mayo (9-of-25, 36 percent); Vince Carter (4-of-23, 17.4 percent)
Yeesh. Carter and Dahntay Jones have shot a combined 17.1 percent on corner 3s this season. Once more: Yeesh. Let's move on.
Toronto Raptors (13th) Corner 3s per game: 4.9 (16th) | Corner 3 FG%: 34.4 percent (28th) Notable shooters: None
No one on the team has shot more than 20 corner 3s this season, although Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan have shown promise there. Andrea Bargnani has taken 90 of his 94 3-balls away from the corners. This just in: Bargnani isn't smart with his shot selection.
Something tells me that Daniel Gibson silently whimpers with every LeBron James pass to Ray Allen in the corner.
Utah Jazz (11th) Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (24th) | Corner 3 FG%: 35.8 percent (26th) Notable shooters: None
There's this: Paul Millsap has made six of his eight attempts from the corners this season. Might want to check whether it's fool's gold.
Phoenix Suns (15th) Corner 3s per game: 5.1 (15th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.6 percent (20th) Notable shooters: Jared Dudley (12-of-36, 33.3 percent); Michael Beasley (10-of-24, 41.7 percent)
Beasley, huh? Indeed, every blind squirrel finds a nut.
Sacramento Kings (16th) Corner 3s per game: 4.8 (18th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.8 percent (18th) Notable shooters: Marcus Thornton (20-of-43, 46.5 percent); Francisco Garcia (12-of-25, 48 percent)
The Kings' offense has quietly been solid this season, but it's not because it pounds the corners. In fact, the Kings could probably use a higher dosage there. Although it must be said: Isaiah Thomas is shooting a diminutive 4-of-21 (19 percent) on corner 3s this season.
Milwaukee Bucks (25th) Corner 3s per game: 5.3 (14th) | Corner 3 FG%: 38.3 percent (17th) Notable shooters: Mike Dunleavy (16-of-32, 50 percent); Monta Ellis (11-of-25, 44 percent)
It feels like Ersan Ilyasova should be a better corner 3-pointer shooter than he is, but he's made only one so far this season. Side note: Dunleavy's contract continues to be one of the biggest steals in the sport (making only $3.7 million this season).
Minnesota Timberwolves (22nd) Corner 3s per game: 3.8 (27th) | Corner 3 FG%: 36.9 percent (23rd) Notable shooters: Luke Ridnour (14-of-33, 42.4 percent) They could really use a dynamic 2 who can also give them a corner 3 weapon, but a healthy Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love should help decongest the floor a bit better.
Boston Celtics (18th) Corner 3s per game: 4.7 (19th) | Corner 3 FG%: 36.6 percent (25th) Notable shooters: Jeff Green (18-of-42, 42.9 percent); Jason Terry (17-of-43, 39.5 percent)
Man, do they miss Ray Allen here. Last season the Celtics ranked third in corner 3 field goal percentage, but this season they've plummeted all the way down to the bottom handful of teams. Courtney Lee (third-most corner makes last season) was supposed to fill that role, but he's been a mess for the C's so far, having made only nine corner 3s this season. Weird but true: Green has missed all 12 of his 3-point attempts away from the corners.
Thanks for the article. In retrospect, I think this "Moneyball" approach contributed to Jeremy's shooting woes to start the season.
The disparity between Jeremy's mid-range jumpers (whether Js or floaters/bankers) and long-range jumpers is unusually huge.
Most starting PGs are GOOD from mid-range and MEDIOCRE from 3pt range...so it makes sense to shoot 3s (esp. corner 3s as the article states) instead of mid-range shots. But Jeremy is a GREAT mid-range shooter and a BAD 3pt shooter (for now)...so it doesn't make sense to take so many 3s (even corner ones).
Jeremy is shooting so much better of alte because of two things 1) Regained strength in his knee to finish layups 2) Return of his mid-range game. Whether it's a 5ft banker or 18ft jumper, he's once again taking shots that aren't layups or 3s.
Let him work on his shot during the offseason, I have no doubt it will improve in the coming years. But for now? Knock it off and let Jeremy be Jeremy. Look at Tony Parker...he still only shoots 1-2 3s per game. You don't 3s if you're money from mid-range.
Their PG is western conference player of he week. 20 10 6 last week an 8.8 apg for the season. Seems like we've got a matchup between two promising young guards.
Funny how this preview describes Harden's defense:
" In a series of big wins, it’s gone largely unnoticed that whoever James Harden guards seems to have a big night lately. Whether this is poor man defense, lapses in communication, or simply players giving him 110% is up to debate, but the door is open for Gordon to try to show Harden up, even if it’s in a loss."
FUNNY! Not playing D has its perks. Not only do you conserve energy, but you also cut down on your fouls and injuries. This will boost your minutes per game as long as the coach tolerates poor man defense. Logically speaking, this will cut down your teammates' minutes when other people risk energy, injury and fouls when they have to cover your man as well as their own.
Do you guys think that signing Josh Smith would help the Rockets?
Initially I thought "Nah, Josh Smith gets scored on at will by the battleship power forwards like Garnett".
But then I thought about it a bit more and was like "Waitaminute. Josh Smith is a mobile shotblocking alley ooping athletic combo forward. He can HELP".
I think that the Rockets need a player like Josh Smith who can physically match up against guys like Lebron or Batum. Plus, I could easily see Smith raising his game alongside Jeremy Lin.
KH, Josh Smith's athleticsm cannot be taught and the Rox are missing that piece of the puzzle. His shot selection can be taught to be better. The only variable is the attitude. As they say, high risk high reward.
'a great way to end the year indeed! Way to go JLin!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
yay!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!
New year resolutions for Jeremy: Production like today's every night and the Rockets to make the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! :-D
Lin now has five multi-block games on the season, which matches Eric Bledsoe (5) for the most such games in the NBA by a guard this season.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletesuch an awesome block
DeleteBlock gif!
happy new year guys!
WTH!? Even JlinFan#1 is robbing Jeremy of blocks from his stat sheet! :) I thought he had three.
DeleteMorris and Asik say I don't want any part of this. JLin goes beast mode ans says give me that!
DeleteThat is sooooo nice to watch. Best versatile Linsanity style superman PG in the league!
DeleteWow though it wasn't at the rim, that was still a dunk attempt that he blocked! Lin is STRONG!
DeleteHo hum.
DeleteJust another ESPN Top Ten highlight reel athletic play by Lin that we all can never truly get used to seeing.
Every game, Jeremy Lin does this kind of jawdropping athletic superstar stuff. It's routine for him!
it's his great timing and not necessarily is ability to jump with this block. Great block nonetheless.
DeleteHere's to a great 2013! ^^
ReplyDeletehappy new year via thanks for the updates and links and all about jlin:) stuff/news/streams
DeleteGlad to contribute. [It's the least I can do, I learn so much from all you guys.] :)
Deletejust a funny story here in malaysia lin is not famous.ive worn (knicks)lin shirt here and somebody ask me why i cheer for lin.they though its lin dan (olympic gold medalist 2012 badminton china)malaysia got the silver lee chong wei:)then i explain it.i never been a basketball fan before.the feel good story jlin brings,thats what i like and winning.even my 4yr old son watch jlin.
DeleteJLin is an excellent role model for your son, you're a great dad for setting that up. [He'll thank you later!] :)
DeleteHey Chong, tim to get a Rockets #7 jersey.
Deletewell, i am malaysian.. actually Jeremy lin is one of the top search in GOOGLE. everywhere/everyone know him
Deletehttp://www.google.com/zeitgeist/2012/#malaysia/people
I guess it's a matter of which neighborhood one's in...
DeleteI'm malaysian too. I'm safe to say 90% people around me know lin. Girls love him here, I'm not very happy with this.
DeleteHave a blessed 2013 everyone! Have a blessed 2013 for Jeremy and more wins, playoffs seeding and championships to come...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year 2013
ReplyDeleteMay this year will be The Year of Lin
Don't trip during January, still many tough times ahead. Rise & Overcome!
Happy New Year Everyone! Godspeed Jeremy
ReplyDeleteMan, just like that and 2012 was over. Don't know about you all, but i feel like time went on by in hyper speed for me. Maybe i'm getting old. Anywho, happy new year to JLin and all his awesome fans. Thank you site owner and posters for making 2012 interesting.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2013 to all the fans here, administrator JLinFan#1, and Jeremy! NBA has been, pretty much, all about Jeremy for me in the year 2012, and we all know he's far from peaking yet. Wow, can anyone here imagine how GOOD is he going to be?? MAN! Thank you Jeremy and everyone else who's been here through the ups and downs and making everything that much better!! Praise the Lord for his glory!
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. I have enjoyed this site very much, and it helped me a great deal getting through the days when our hero's stat line didn't match what we thought he was capable of. But even while he is playing well, the joy of seeing that on the Gerald 39 highlights is still incomplete without the sharing.
DeleteThanks and wishing for a most blessed year.
I have to give McHale some credits for last night's game. Beside letting Lin played thru his mistakes, he called a couple of timeouts when the Hawks ware trying to mount a comeback which stopped their flow and Rox increased the lead. This is what the coach supposed to do to manage the flow, I remembered he mentioned the word "flow" in one of post game interview. The coach (not the players) is the one to manage the flow (to stop the opponent and not to impede our own). Now that we saw what the young Rox can do in the last 10+ games with these raw talents. If somehow we run into a stretch of games that we loss to the teams that we are supposed to beat, I think McHale's job will be on the line. If we don't make playoff this year, I don't think his job will be extended after the season.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to everyone and especially to JLinFan#1 (the web master). Thank you for creating this web site to allow the like minds to share their thoughts on JLin.
Heh we were just talking about what a mistake it was in okc game to pull him in 3q because even thou lin made 3 consecutive mistakes they needed lins defense and playmaking.
DeleteAnd look what mchale does he leaves lin in and plays him for 39mins...any idiot can see lins defense contributed greatly to the win.
I swear mchale reads this blog...look at how he resets harden with a timeout when he starts going iso mode in 3q something weve been talking about where he doesnt do enough with his timeouts to reset bad players and stop opposing flow.
I really hope McHale has turned the corner and continue to let Lin play thru his mistakes. I just signed up for NBA League Pass. I want to watch JLin plays his game. I don't want to see him sitting on the bench for most of the game. 30-35 min is all I am hoping for, more will be bonus. Please don't make me waste my hard earn $$$.
DeleteHehe I bought my leaguepass preseason just to watch Lin :)
DeleteBut because of him my family watches basketball now on regular basis...We throw around names like CP3/D12/Nash/etc like we know them, even the wife is starting to make imo quite insightful comments about offensive/defensive plays of different teams...
Shocked I am.
NBA should thank Lin for increasing the # of NBA fans since he exploded on the scene, and Leaguepass sales. They should include him in allstars for that alone!
Happy new year everyone. I hope JLin continues to be aggressive and just plays his game. I also hope dumb ass McHale gets the axe in 2013. PS. Avoid Clutchfans. The ppl there are so retarded and ignorant on so many levels it's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI do avoid Clutchfans because of most people there are exasperatingly STUPID. I lurked a few times at first just out of curiosity. Except that I hope a few patient members are willing to remain there (if in fact there are?) to set the records straight if things get too out of the realm of reality.
DeleteI am a member of a Lakers forum and even there, Jeremy has threads, from scouting reports during his summer league days until now, with bashing from LinLakers fans and LinLakers haters.
DeleteClutch's got lowlights...
Delete[Gotta mention though, CF a good source of postgame interview clips.]
DeleteClutchfans is really not that bad. Yes - there are haters and trolls and ignorant folks among the regular posters - but - is it that much better here? Seriously?
DeleteIf you observe clutchfans for a while you will notice that the number of posts in gamethreads is exceptionally high if Rox/Lin had a bad game. Funny enough - same thing happens here, too.
People would criticise, call JLin names. But - when it comes to name calling I would even say its much worse here than it is on CF. Im serious!
E.g. they would crack jokes (call him "eremy" -> cause he has no "J" lol!) but at least they show good humor. Believe you me - its much harder to read posts from "fans" here who call Lin an idiot or worse and insist on venting by insulting Lin cause they would take a bad game personal -> CRAZY!!!
I have noticed that even doubters and pure Rox fans on CF have come to appreciate and love JLin. The number of critics has gone down.
Thanks via, I've been looking for this clip all over the place.
DeleteI also appreciate this comment on youtube:
"Some people have zero context. Fans on the Clutch Fans website were ASKING TO SEE THIS. They all wanted Jeremy Lin to make it but of course he missed it. The joke was "Harden thought he was passing to Westbrook or Durant". NO BIG DEAL HERE. Heck, I like Jeremy Lin and wanted to see what the heck happened. How often do you see an alley oop thrown TO YOUR POINT GUARD? Not many and that's why this was interesting. Just relax folks."
Moin Hans:
DeleteGood point! Thats exactly what Im saying. I relly believe that the majority of people on CF like Lin. I must add though that posters on CF often incorporate humor in their posts. Its a kind of humor that I actually like a lot. Maybe some people here dont get the humor and therefor misunderstand...
Er, if you read CF now yes, its not nearly as hostile towards Lin.
DeleteWhen Lin first confirmed to sign with Rockets, there was a lot of doubters. It got worse when legions of "LoFs" made accounts, and it about critical massed as the doubters were "proven right" by Lin's struggles preseason to December.
There are obviously a lot less of that now Lin is starting to turn a new leaf, something I mentioned here a few days ago. They are generally accepting Lin as a Rocket now or resigned to the fact that Lin is here to stay, although majority of the old timers still believe Lin is not all star material, just an ok PG good enough to start, with the potential to be great, because Lin has yet to be consistent.
They are Rocket fans first, so their sentiments are understandable. This is where things differ, we dissect Lin with a scalpel, and although we argue back and forth about what makes Lin great or what he needs improvement, we all generally believe Lin is great and a potential elite PG (as in, top 5).
Otherwise we wouldn't be here. Unless yer one of those trolls that KHuang is out to destroy, and destroy he has :D
I'm not THAT tough, am I Kenoshi?
Delete@Kenoshi:
DeleteI agree. LoFs have signed up on CF but old members have come to accept and like Lin as well. You said they "only" think of Lin as OK starter with great potential but Im ok with that. I wittnes them people cheer for Lin and defending Lin on a regular basis. Im talking about old members with thousands of posts.
Yes - here we find mostly LoF but that makes a big - not always possitive - difference. People here often totally concentrate on Lin. There they look at the team performance (being Rox fans and not so much Lin fans). That often results in very fair critique and interesting views. And like I said - they have great humor.
Here its always the same after a bad game "Lin has no balls, Lin made dumb turnovers, Lin is scared, Lin cant shoot". Its sometimes unbearable.
Of course - here we also find comments like "cant make it in the NBA..." -> all comming from Lin-Only-Fans...
Deletelol
ReplyDeleteI'm re-watching Blaiyan's highlights from the last three games (Spurs, OKC, and Atlanta), and it is hilarious how Lin's no-look passes are duping the defense. I recommend watching those plays in slow motion. In slow-mo you can catch defenders looking the wrong way that you might not see watching in real time. He's got defenders all over the court looking the wrong way LOL it's great! Reminds me of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or Aaron Rodgers manipulating safeties with their eyes...
ReplyDeleteexcellent observation, achondroplasiaphobia...
DeleteJeremy Lin's passing reminds me of Magic Johnson's no look passing.
Its the evolution of lin. I thought he needed to do that last year, shaking and baking. Its coming around. Thats the beauty of lin as a player. He knows exactly where he needs to improve (easy part). The hard part is actually incorporate during real gametime action. So far he is checking things off of the list to accomplish
DeleteThoguh his no look passing (in combination with the way he moves) has improved -> he has been doing that as Knicks PG as well.
DeleteZach Lowe: 10 Things I Like and Don't Like
Delete10. Jeremy Lin's Functional No-Look Passes
he should have been a QB in the NFL..
ReplyDeleteHe has some football skills:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09t6VenBxxw
But imagine Lin in the NFL -> people going after him -> 300 pound bodies piling up on our boy 8)
happy new year ;)
ReplyDeleteRewind youtube style
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCkYw3cRwLo
Lets see if you can figure out where JLin is "mentioned" :)
So funny!!! I love it!!! First, I thought it's when a bunch of them wear that Harvard t-shirt on the bus, but then, later I saw a guy wear #17 dancing, then I knew, that is the part you are talking about!
Deletehahaah complete with Knicks jersey..
DeleteTats, rocking a fro lol
DeleteRandom thought:
ReplyDeleteWhy Harden (or any max contract player) is allowed to play through mistakes and high TOs?
My approach is purely financial and has very little to do with player's actual athletic abilities. In short, every franchise needs their max contract player to have high PPG (or good looking stats) in order to preserve the market and contract value.
To the common man, coaches' top priority is to win games. However, another equally important and less talked about responsibility is that coaches must understand and meet the needs of the franchise in preserving the market value of the max contract players. Imagine the situation: a lesser market value player, in our case, our very capable and competent Jeremy Lin, plays more minutes, shoots more, and score more than Harden, what does this say about the investment in Harden?
Team management and owners want to look smart among their peers when it comes to player selection and investment. Lin, in his own way, is capable of scoring as many points per game as Harden, if given the same leeway in the game. Since Rox paid way more for Harden, a deliberate decision is being made to let him score the points so the management can look competent, and at the same, to retain Harden's high trade value.
Assuming that everyone on the team is trade-able, I don't claim to know all the restrictions and such, it will be more feasible to ship out a young max contract player with a near 30 PPG, which is a high impact number. Jeremy Lin, on the other hand, with a mere 8 mil per year salary, comparatively speaking, does not need achieve an above 20 PPG in order to meet his contract value. Jeremy's current stats are well in line money value wise, and the coaches will keep the current usage trend accordingly. Jeremy is very trade-able as is, and nothing more is needed from him on the court; anything extra is just icing on the cake.
Following the same financial logic and argument, we can see why CParsons is being kept in the game longer on average than Lin, and the coaches are more tolerant towards his mistakes. CParsons is given the opportunity to pad his stats so to increase his trade value. It will not be surprising to see CParsons being traded soon.
'It will not be surprising to see CParsons being traded soon.' Good observation. If Houston wants a good player like Cousins, they have to trade off several players like they did giving up KMart and Livingstone for Harden.
DeleteThat's why Parsons the product is being developed, promoted and shopped around to prospective franchises (by giving him extra minutes). CP started off the season well but is the possible/probable trade the reason for his recent poor form? After his poor shooting and being benched in the Hawks game, Lin gave him a few matey punches and pats on the back to boost his confidence. I'd hate to see Chandler go as well, wish there was some other way of getting a star PF without letting go of current good players in the team.
I kind of agree the preserving of values of the max contract player is also a priority of the club. But people already know what Harden can do. He has shown his abilities in OKC and Houston. I don't think there is any needs to artificially pad the stats for Harden. I really think Houston needs to let these group of raw talents gel for a year to see how they can do instead of rushing to the market for the PF this year. If they can get to the playoff and even reach the second round, they can say they are closer and require the max contract PF for next season. These group of players need to play together for a season or two to grow together before they can talk about being a championship caliber team.
DeleteI'd like to see Greg Smith play power forward with Asik at center. Just to see if it could work or would it just clog up the paint.
DeleteI dont think harden is allowed and he has been improving in the TO department, and he actually started playing defense last game no doubt mchale got on his case.
DeleteBut I will say that he is probably given the benefit of the doubt or free pass sometimes because he is scoring and dishing so well.
Whereas harden established his role early with his stellar performance lin has struggled just to find his role and identity and turned I what many perceived to be generally poor performance leading to many pundits to call lin a bust. This required lin to get better and for coaching to start trusting him. Lin becoming healthier and getting back in shape helped his confidence and as a result becoming more aggressive. And we need to give coaching more credit they have really worked around lin and adjusting accordingly so they can set a rotation that lin can handle and one that is responsive when he isn't doing well.
Fully expect lins duties to increase now he can handle more. Yeah I believe coaching is behind lin from day one they know lins struggles bette r than we do and its starting to pay dividends.
Esp given such a young team and they have ways to go to compliment each others abilities I really hate to be in mchale And sampsons shoes.
DeleteI think achrI saud it before its probably why they play high pace run and gun because team is too young to be consistent at any half court play
With Asik and Smith in at the same time would lead to two guys taking up the same space. Neither can shoot the outside jumper so to me this could bog down the driving lanes for both Harden and Lin. I am not sure it is a good idea.
DeleteI really want McHale to just for once let JLin play PG for a entire game and not sharing the position with Douglas, Delfino, and definitely not Parsons nor Harden just JLin, the PG. That's my wish for 2013 regarding JLin 's game. I just want to see how well the Rox will finish a game with Lin in charge from start to finish.
DeleteDitto
DeleteI am watching LAL vs 76ers right now. Steve Nash carries the ball up the court every time. That is a pure PG. Even though he only has 4 pts at the half, he is the one to direct the play. He is the real floor general. Also Denver stops LAC winning streak finally. We won't have a chance anymore. Too bad.
DeleteI'm watching the Lakers vs 76ers game too. too bad last Rockets vs 76ers, Holiday sat out with an injury. I'd like to see Jeremy play vs Holiday.
Deleteand yep, even floor general Nash misses his 3s.
*last statement referring to haters saying Jeremy will never be as good as Nash
DeleteYour Nash comment is so ignorant I don't even know where to start.
DeleteNash is one the greatest shooters in NBA history.
He's had multiple seasons where he shot 50-40-90
He's a career 42.8% 3 point shooter, and his worst 3 pt percentage in a season was 37% in his third season. We would all kill to have Jeremy shoot 37% from 3.
@ach - referring to the actual Lakers game being watched now.. not the whole Nash career.
DeleteThat doesn't make any sense either. So you're saying haters are wrong when they say Jeremy will never be as good as Nash, because of one single game, which isn't even finished yet?
Deletewhy, you expect haters to actually say Jeremy will have a career comparable to Nash? in terms of game, Jeremy is so much like the younger version of Nash. Nash got his first induction to 50-40-90 club last 2006 I think, when he was around 31 or 32. you think Jeremy will never be as good as a PG as well as scorer like Nash?
DeleteYou're the one that inexplicably brought up Nash's 3 point shooting. Since you brought it up, Nash shot 41.8% from 3 point land in his rookie year. Please stop before you further embarrass yourself.
Deleteexcuse me ach, I'm no doubter of Jeremy Lin, I'm not sitting on a high horse like you. the comment is a simple comment to say that, "hey, yes even Nash misses his 3s..." you're the one who spit venom. it wasn't even directed to opening an argument. learn some humility and stop sitting on a tall horse so you won't fall hard...
DeleteFacts too much for you?
Deletenah, i know that 50-40-90 record before you brought that up. if you're being sensitive with a simple comment that you have to answer it every time, thinking it's always an invitation to spit venom, learn to discern...
DeleteSensitive bunch aren't we? Yes, even Nash (and Jordan) misses 3s. Else they would shoot 100%.
DeleteWhat the heck are you guys arguing about?
DeleteSteve Nash had great MVP shooting seasons playing on stacked teams with multiple All Stars to take the pressure off him.
Jeremy Lin is at the beginning of his career, and so far he has vastly outperformed a 3rd year Steve Nash.
Why is this argument turning into a flame war?
Dislike peole acting arrogant just because they thought they know more than you! Despise people who started the whole thing but asking others to please stop. Jeremy will be as good as Nash or even better than Nash, if he continue improving. Who knows? There are still plenty of time to show.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJLin + Team vs Hawks - 12/31/12
ReplyDelete[Blaiyan]
2012-2013 Hollinger Power Rankings
ReplyDelete5. Houston Rockets
That is way higher than even the JLin/Rox fans would have given to the team.
Deletei actually agree with this ranking. With how the rockets are playing the only teams both west and ease that i can see beating them are Heat, OKC, SPURS and Clippers. They are at the level of Memphis and the Warriors right now. I I wonder if portland will make the play-off. That team is scary.
DeleteWell, the teams that are ranked above the ROX are the ones that they couldn't beat for now, so I'd say it's a very fair analysis.
DeleteSome people may have a word with Miami ranking 6th, but if we think about it, the ROX were one 3-pointer away from beating them, and they just recently lost to the Pistons and Bucks.
My pre-season prediction for the ROX was that they'd be battling for lower half of the playoff seeds shoulder to shoulder with the Nuggets and eventually yield. So I'm fine with the Nuggets sitting ahead of the ROX.
@romz - Trailbalzers beat Knicks to dust... and Rockets fell to Trailblazers twice. supposed to be only once, but due to bad coaching it happened twice. more likely they'll make the playoffs and will give Rockets tough competition on 5th seed.
DeleteI don't think that the Rockets losing to the Trailblazers is due to bad coaching.
DeleteI think it's due to Nicolas Batum, who's emerging as the modern day Dominique Wilkins (a high flying athlete who's inconsistent but super explosive).
The Rockets cannot do anything with Batum. He's been the toughest single opponent the Rockets have faced. Batum is simply too physically overwhelming for the Rockets minimum wage forwards.
The only Rockets defender who has a chance of slowing Batum down is Jeremy Lin. Lin has the quickness and strength to battle Batum, though he obviously cannot jump over Batum. It would be better than Batum strutting around the court scoring wildly, like he has against the weak Rockets forwards.
If I were coaching the Rockets, I'd move Lin onto Batum defensively for the 4th quarter and let the new guy James Anderson chase Damien Lillard as Lillard cherrypicks off Aldridge and Batum.
Royce White @Highway_30
ReplyDelete"Suck it up/Be a man" is one of the most detrimental concepts to #HumanWelfare today... It's sad, going into the #NewYear lets do better!
12:02 PM - 1 Jan 13
Meanwhile~
Rox considering suspension.
why just suspension? can't Morey just cut him to free roster space and bring in another better forward?
DeleteSad truth is NBA is a business, a corporation that ultimates is concerned about its profit, product, image, and maybe just maybe the welfare of its players or help to have a constructive influence on culture at large...
DeleteEveryone,
ReplyDeleteMy feelings are in great pain after reading Chandler Parson's tweet last night that said:
"Chandler Parsons @ChandlerParsons
Dinner with a great crew. @JLin7 @pdpatt @JHW_III @AbeNdoye @AntwaunMolden @R_CROWLEY @colea45 @JWAFAN @kevjumba and company. "
After spending our time here at jeremylin.net, game in and game out, it is quite disheartening to see that me and everyone here were NOT invited to dinner with Jeremy. A lot of regulars here on this site have supported Jeremy on the Internet since pre-Linsanity.
I think Jeremy should at least come here and give us some acknowledgement. There's just NO WAY that he does not know about this site. He may even be reading our posts after every game. If we all speak out and make our voices heard, Jeremy will have to at least buy us all dinner once! It's the least he can do for our ongoing support. If you agree with my statements, please join me and speak out to let Jeremy know we are not some worthless internet groupie. I would love to meet not only Jeremy, but you all one day.
Nemo
Haha I think this blog would explode if jlin would do some acknowledgement post here.
DeleteBut id like to meet homie though...
Hows about just a quick shoutout to us jlin I know u readin this mang!
Memo you crazy. Nobody here wanna meet you
DeleteShouldnt be too hard to finding Nemo in a crowd ( pun intended).
Deleteha ha ha ha funny lol he mentioned this site before,right?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete@jd
Delete14:07 site mention.
---
He's since said he avoids reading any publications [but prolly forums too...]
Also, no time.
Hahaha...I have to say you are very creative..
Delete@via, where?
DeleteOops, sorry got my links mixed-up lol.
Delete14:07 site mention.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Delete[Esquire] Things to Which You Should Toast, New Year's Edition:
ReplyDeleteJeremy Lin.
JL has been on a lot of year-end lists - here'e a post that compiles a lot of them
Deletethanks via and unknown.
Delete:)
DeleteAnd Thanks Unknown.
JLin poster in Jan edition of [FCA] Fellowship of Christian Athletes mag
ReplyDeleteTop 5 Sports Stories of 2012
ReplyDelete4. Jeremy Lin
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletesome may have seen this, but whoever hasn't got to see this, especially the slow motion part, it's a beauty:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKIyVRDt5zg&feature=youtu.be
This comment has been removed by the author.
Deletebtw, I got this link from CF
DeleteI really think Lin plays basketball like a video game. He got good anticipation skills, but on top of that he's also guessing. It's like you sense the fireball coming so you jump, because by the time your eyes visually confirm the fireball it's too late to jump without eating the shoryuken.
DeleteWatch how the other 4 Rockets are just standing still. Lin's 2 steps ahead, and he's like "big man + rebound + distance to hoop = dunk, so if I jump now I can catch him on the way up while I'm coming down."
He may get burned every now and then for guessing wrong, but the net gain is always going to be in the positive.
Unfortunately there are people who dont think so. The other night somebody was bickering about Lins TOs. Someone else pointed out that Lin had nice steals and blocks. Of course - the guy who was bickering didnt care...
DeleteNot sure if Jeremy merely guessing IMO. He's got pretty amazing court vision on both ends of the court. He seems to have an innate ability to see the play developing before it happens leading to many steals, deflections, and jump balls this season. A good example is the last play in regulation of SAS game, Duncan's drive was stopped when Jeremy deflected the ball out of his hands.
DeleteThe only time where I really see him guess and get burned on a regular basis is when he over-commits in the paint and closes out on the three pointer shooter a little to late. Other times , he's kind of in no mans land not really guarding anyone on switches... but hopefully those lapses will get fixed with more experience.
great video but eww, that site that shall not be named is gross.
DeleteLooking forward to watching Lin develop into an all star. I know he will. Many people, including HOU fans don't believe it but forgive their ignorance.
I agree with what you're saying. "Guessing" is probably not the right word, but to me he's acting aggressively on his very good instincts. It is on the risky side, but to me the reward is worth it. And it's also so much fun to watch.
DeleteBeyond court vision and ability to see the play before it develops, I think he's got an amazing sense of what an individual is about to do. He started jumping up for this block BEFORE Josh Smith has landed from the rebound.
Great players like Lin see the play developing before it actually happens.
DeleteThat's why I've been so adamant that Lin is a truly great player of All Star or Hall of Fame ability. It's not his color, but his innate anticipation combined with his athleticism. Such anticipation cannot be taught or trained, as it's inborn.
When I look at the draft process, I shake my head at the clueless general managers that cannot spot Lin's kind of great player timing. Lin's court anticipation and athleticism are blatantly obvious to me and most other people posting on this forum, even from his college days. Yet these fancy GMs with their big salaries and bigger scouting reports can't observe that most basic court sense instinct that a great player like Lin innately has.
When I look at players, I look first at that court sense. That's why in the 2012 draft I targeted Jae Crowder, Andrew Nicholson, and Lin's ex teammate Jeremy Lamb who I think would have been scoring double figures per game after the All Star break had the Rockets kept him. Those were the only three players I felt could actually play winning basketball, and their court sense was the main reason why. Maybe their bodies weren't quite intimidating by NBA standards, but I also felt that all of them had NBA athleticism even though it isn't immediately apparent due to their youth.
Court sense is the most translatable skill when one jumps from college to the NBA.
Agree with KHuang, those half and 3/4 court passes Jeremy consistently make through defenders is another perfect example. Those passes are IMO pretty difficult to make considering all the variables... where our players are going to defenders, etc. One of the really cool plays Jeremy a few games ago was during the bulls game? when the two teams were fighting for the ball on the floor... and before the other team got possession of the ball and was ready to pass it to his team, Jeremy already took 2 - 3 steps to close out the passing lane... WOW!
DeleteGames vs Nuggets are going to be interesting.
ReplyDeleteRox is neck to neck with them for 6th, I'm expecting some close games. But comparing schedules Nuggets have their work cut out for them in January, ours is easier imo though not by much.
Personally I think GS is going to drop because their January schedule is much harder compared to their schedule in December. I'm still thinking Rox can make 5th seed western conference, if Lin continues to improve like we think he will.
BTW how do you guys/gals think Rox will match up with Warriors this season?
I hope Lin and the Rockets to annihilate the Warriors...
DeleteJust something I noticed while watching the Hawks game for the 3rd time...
ReplyDeleteSampson, when asked during half time about Rox guards turning it on and how when Jeremy was missing outside jumpers and then started attacking it really changed everything around, what did Sampson say?
"I'm going to give you a revelation Bart, when the ball goes in its amazing how good your offense looks"
Lol wtf is that supposed to mean? Combined with McHale's 0 mention of Lin in post game, kind of makes you wonder what kind of standards they set for Lin...
man, don't even get me started. Everyone noticed how hard they tried to not mention Lin. it's maddening.
DeleteThey like him and think he's an extremely hard worker but other than that, they view him as a role player. watch their videos, they're not high on him (in terms of bball skills/talent).
"Everyone noticed how hard they tried to not mention Lin. it's maddening."
Delete- YUP. [No mention ANYWHERE.]
Ixx Axxx @Ixxxxxx
@JasonCFriedman The utter lack of recognition of Jeremy's exceptional game still leaves a bad taste and a few question marks hanging. Sorry.
10:00 AM - 1 Jan 13
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman
@Ixxxxxx organization loves Jeremy, has immense respect for him as a person and player, and very much wants him to succeed and believes he
1:29 PM - 1 Jan 13
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman
@Ixxxxxx will. Yet somehow there remains perpetual talk of "jealousy" or that the coach/GM/players are somehow out to sabotage his success.
1:30 PM - 1 Jan 13
Jason Friedman @JasonCFriedman
@Ixxxxxx simply refusing to entertain these ridiculous notions.
1:32 PM - 1 Jan 13
Ixx Axxx @Ixxxxxx
@JasonCFriedman Jason, No insult intended, so apologies. Your article was just an example. eg McHale didn't mention @JLin7 in one word, etc.
2:14 PM - 1 Jan 13
Ixx Axxx @Ixxxxxx
@JasonCFriedman And he racked up such stats, that it makes no sense. I respectfully disagree that Harden/Asik had an exceptional game.
2:16 PM - 1 Jan 13
[Friedman is inconsequential, like ach said, but there's no one else to complain to.]
It's no big deal.
DeleteThe Rockets have to maintain internal team chemistry. With all the attention of the media focused on Lin, the Rockets are entirely justified in diverting the media toward the other players. Lin himself would want more attention on his teammates.
Les Alexander knows exactly what's going on with his team and the Houston media. If there was a problem with Lin, Les would address it internally.
ESPN Insider: The most important shot in hoops
ReplyDeleteHere's a look at how all 30 squads use -- or don't use -- the corner 3-pointer
Originally Published: January 1, 2013
By Tom Haberstroh
Here's a new year's resolution for the NBA fan: Learn to love the corner 3.
Of all the pillars of the analytics movement that are currently consuming the NBA world, few are more powerful than this one: Where you take shots is almost as important as whether you make shots. Smart shot selection has been a point of emphasis for coaches ever since Dr. James Naismith hung up the first peach basket. But now we have the data to drive the most salient points home. We've learned a lot by looking at the hard data, and it has smartened up the game some. If the midrange game is dying, the blood is on the hands of stat geeks who helped expose their relatively low payoff. But the single most important shot in the game still barely gets any attention at all:
The corner 3.
Want to know how good your team's offense is? Just look at how often it takes corner 3s. Besides looking at field goal percentage, corner 3 frequency is as strong an indicator as any other. Good offenses tend to pound the corners, while bad offenses tend to avoid them.
Why?
Shooting from the corners is like using a cheat code. Little known fact: Three-point shots from the corner are closer than any other 3-point shot. Bust out the measuring tape next time you go to an NBA game, and you'll find that corner 3s stand 22 feet away from the basket, which is a full 21 inches shorter than the 3-point line near the top of the key.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that when it comes to shooting, closer is better. So you probably aren't surprised to learn that players generally shoot better from the corners than any other area beyond the arc. According to NBA StatsCube, 3-point shots from the corners go in 38.7 percent of the time. Three-pointers from the top of the key? Just 34.6 percent. Yes, basketball is a game of inches, too.
This is a helpful reminder that not all shots are created equal. A corner 3-point shot this season has yielded 1.16 points on average. Your average midrange shot? 0.78 points. That might not seem like a lot on the surface, but it adds up over an entire season.
Generally speaking, exchanging just three midrange shots for three corner 3s per game would yield about 100 additional points over the course of a season. To put some perspective on that, 100 points is roughly equivalent to the difference between the sixth-ranked Miami Heat offense and the 13th-ranked Portland Trail Blazers offense last season (85 points separated them). That is why the midrange game is dying and corner 3s are thriving; shooting 15-foot jumpers is a losing affair compared to other shots.
Not buying the gospel of the corner 3? Believe it or not, a team's frequency of corner 3s is more closely linked to successful offenses than the frequency of shots in the restricted area, even though they boast similar payoffs (1.16 points per shot versus 1.19 points per shot, respectively). In fact, when we look at shot frequency from the five shot areas on the floor designated by NBA.com's StatsCube -- restricted-area, in the paint non-restricted-area, midrange, corner 3s and above-the-break 3s -- the strongest correlation with offensive efficiency over the past 17 seasons is the corner 3-pointer.
The NBA is catching on. Teams are shooting corner 3s now more than ever, or at least since the NBA started tracking these things back in 1996. A total of 6.6 percent of all shots come from the corner, up from 6.1 percent last season and more than double what we saw in 1997-98. Although it's impossible to say, much of that growth may have to do with the rise of corner-3-touting analytics.
Why are corner 3s the lifeblood of an efficient offense? Think of them as a product of good spacing. Stick a guy in the corner, and it pulls his defender away from the paint. Shade off a guy in the corner, and you leave yourself vulnerable for a devastating crosscourt or kickout pass (this is called The LeBron James). Throw in the fact that it's easier to hit than any other shot from downtown, and you'll see why corner 3s are the cornerstone of the NBA's top offenses.
DeleteSo which teams shoot them? Most of the good offenses. But what's interesting is that taking them, not necessarily making them, is what separates the cream from the crop. How does your favorite team rank? Let's break 'em down.
The landlords
Teams that take a lot of 3s and make a lot of 3s; the kings of the corner
Miami Heat (Overall offensive rank: 3rd)
Corner 3s per game: 8.7 (most) | Corner 3 FG%: 47.3 percent (1st)
Notable shooters: Shane Battier (37-of-72, 51.4 percent), Ray Allen (22-of-39, 56.4 percent)
Ray Allen changes everything. LeBron James now leads the league in assists on corner 3s, already eclipsing his total from last season. But it's not just Allen who's hitting from the corner pocket; Battier has more makes from the corner than anyone else in the league. From 13th last season in attempts to first this season, the defending champs have added yet another weapon to their arsenal.
San Antonio Spurs (5th)
Corner 3s per game: 8.4 (3rd) | Corner 3 FG%: 42.2 percent (5th)
Notable shooters: Danny Green (29-of-76, 38.2 percent)
The trend-setters. You could list practically everyone on the Spurs' roster here. Green, Patty Mills, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard each have more corner 3s than anyone on the Bulls' roster. It's a copycat league, and teams are now catching on to coach Gregg Popovich's tricks.
New York Knicks (2nd)
Corner 3s per game: 7.3 (5th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.9 percent (8th)
Notable shooters: Ronnie Brewer (17-of-55, 30.9 percent); Steve Novak (28-of-54, 51.9 percent)
Wait, Novak has missed a corner 3? Believe it or not, Novak isn't the premier corner 3 shooter in the league. Shocking, I know. Oddly enough, Brewer is a corner specialist to the extreme, with 55 of his 60 3-point attempts being from the corners. Imagine if he could actually hit them at a reliable clip.
Brooklyn Nets (11th)
Corner 3s per game: 8.1 (4th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.7 percent (11th)
Notable shooters: Joe Johnson (21-of-61, 34.3 percent); Jerry Stackhouse (19-of-45, 42.2 percent)
The Nets took the sixth-most corner 3s last season, but they ranked 28th in conversion rate so they've taken big strides in the efficiency department this time around. Though Johnson's the big name, the trio of Stackhouse, C.J. Watson and Keith Bogans have more to do with their good standing this season in the corners (combined 44 percent). But can they keep it up?
Atlanta Hawks (12th)
Corner 3s per game: 6.6 (9th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.8 percent (9th)
Notable shooters: Kyle Korver (18-of-42, 42.9 percent); DeShawn Stevenson (18-of-37, 48.6 percent)
Only the Spurs hit more corner 3s than the Hawks did last season, but Atlanta has taken a step back now that Joe Johnson (third-most last season) has left the premises. Korver, Stevenson and Anthony Morrow are worthy heirs.
Indiana Pacers (27th)
Corner 3s per game: 5.6 (13th) | Corner 3 FG%: 41.1 percent (6th)
Notable shooters: Paul George (27-of-55, 49.1 percent); George Hill (13-of-36, 36.1 percent)
Just about the only thing the Pacers' offense does well. Normally a team that makes this many from the corners will have a healthy offense, but the Pacers are the lone exception.
The regulars
DeleteTeams that take 'em like experts but don't make 'em like experts
Houston Rockets (9th)
Corner 3s per game: 8.5 (2nd) | Corner 3 FG%: 36.6 percent (24th)
Notable shooters: Marcus Morris (17-of-53, 32.1 percent); Chandler Parsons 21-of-46, 45.7 percent)
Surprise, surprise: The most stat-savvy team in the league can't get enough of the corner 3. Even though the Rockets have one of the worst conversion rates around, they don't mind. It's still a better play than a midrange jumper -- a shot they appear to be allergic to these days. Worth pointing out that Patrick Patterson is one of the few big men in the league who dabbles in the corner 3, along with Ryan Anderson and Danilo Gallinari.
Los Angeles Lakers (6th)
Corner 3s per game: 7.0 (6th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.3 percent (21st)
Notable shooters: Metta World Peace (31-of-71, 43.7 percent); Jodie Meeks (15-of-31, 48.4 percent)
They could be entering "landlord" territory soon now that Steve Nash is back in the fold. World Peace has the fourth-most attempts in the league, and Nash will undoubtedly serve him up some more. The Lakers hoped they would have a reliable floor-spacing 4 in Mike D'Antoni's offense, and they might have found one in World Peace. Of note: Kobe Bryant is just 10-of-31 (32.3 percent) from the corners. Expect that field goal percentage to climb.
Los Angeles Clippers (4th)
Corner 3s per game: 6.8 (7th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.6 percent (19th)
Notable shooters: Jamal Crawford (23-of-65, 35.4 percent); Matt Barnes (18-of-53, 34 percent)
Although Crawford and Barnes have shot the most corner 3s on the roster, Willie Green and Caron Butler have anchored themselves in the corners as well. Like their co-habitants in purple-and-gold, the Clippers could be sharper from here. But that would just be unfair for the rest of the league.
Denver Nuggets (7th)
Corner 3s per game: 6.7 (8th) | Corner 3 FG%: 32.2 percent (29th)
Notable shooters: Corey Brewer (35-of-88, 39.8 percent); Andre Iguodala (13-of-50, 26 percent)
No one's been worse than Iguodala in the corners (minimum 40 attempts). Iguodala has been the rare example of which corner 3s are a losing gamble. With that 26 percent shooting percentage from the corner, it's good that Iguodala doesn't shoot them as often as his teammate Brewer does -- Brewer fires them off more than anybody else leaguewide.
Philadelphia 76ers (20th)
Corner 3s per game: 5.7 (10th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.2 percent (12th)
Notable shooters: Dorell Wright (20-of-47, 42.6 percent); Nick Young (8-of-33, 24.2 percent)
Doug Collins confessed earlier this season that he's, well, not a fan of analytics, and Nick Young certainly isn't helping the cause. Oddly enough, Young was one of the top corner 3-point shooters last season (48.1 percent on 104 attempts), but he's been nothing short of a disaster thus far in Philly.
Washington Wizards (30th)
Corner 3s per game: 5.7 (11th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.1 percent (22nd)
Notable shooters: Martell Webster (18-of-40, 45 percent); Bradley Beal (14-of-36, 38.9 percent)
Hey, at least they're trying. Like the Pacers, the Wizards haven't been able to do much right on the offensive side of the ball, but corner 3s seem to be high on the priority list. If there is one.
Portland Trail Blazers (14th)
Corner 3s per game: 5.6 (12th) | Corner 3 FG%: 38.7 percent (14th)
Notable shooters: Nicolas Batum (22-of-55, 40 percent); Wesley Matthews (20-of-43, 46.5 percent)
Only Anthony Morrow shot more 3s from the corner than Matthews last season, but Batum has taken over Matthews' domain this season. At 24, Batum has really started to showcase his 3-point shooting skills this season, but he's nowhere near as good from elsewhere beyond the arc as he is in the corners.
The tenants
DeleteTeams that make 'em but rarely take 'em
Oklahoma City Thunder (1st)
Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (22nd) | Corner 3 FG%: 45.2 percent (2nd)
Notable shooters: Thabo Sefolosha (18-of-43, 41.9 percent); Kevin Martin (22-of-37, 59.5 percent).
The Thunder are a juggernaut already, but they only dabble in this area. One of the rare teams in NBA history to abandon the corner 3 and still put up monster numbers. Scary thought: What happens if the Thunder realize that Martin might be the best corner 3-point shooter in the league?
Charlotte Bobcats (26th)
Corner 3s per game: 3.6 (28th) | Corner 3 FG%: 43.1 percent (3rd)
Notable shooters: Ben Gordon (14-of-23, 60.9 percent)
Not sure Gordon's percentage is sustainable, but it's at least worth finding out. The Bobcats could really use a steadier diet of corner 3s given how strong they've been there so far.
Memphis Grizzlies (18th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.5 (20th) | Corner 3 FG%: 42.6 percent (4th)
Notable shooters: Mike Conley (11-of-19, 57.9 percent); Quincy Pondexter (23-of-48, 47.9 percent)
Now that analytics pioneer John Hollinger has joined Memphis' front office, I'm half-expecting the Griz to lead the league in corner 3s by season's end. Pondexter has been a nice surprise for a team that's normally allergic to 3-pointers. It wouldn't be a shock if the Grizzlies upgrade their 3-point shooting arsenal at the deadline.
Golden State Warriors (8th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (23) | Corner 3 FG%: 40.9 percent (7th)
Notable shooters: Klay Thompson (25-of-65, 38.5 percent); Stephen Curry (12-of-26, 46.2 percent).
More would be nice, but that might be greedy with the league's most surprising team thus far. I'm buying low on Thompson's conversion rate in the corners; the kid can shoot.
Detroit Pistons (17th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (25th) | Corner 3 FG%: 38.7 percent (15th)
Notable shooters: Kyle Singler (13-of-39, 33.3 percent)
Nope, nothing to see here.
Orlando Magic (28th)
Corner 3s per game: 3.4 (29th) | Corner 3 FG%: 38.6 percent (16th)
Notable shooters: Arron Afflalo (18-of-36, 50 percent)
It's a bit of a surprise that J.J. Redick hasn't shot more from the corners, but it makes sense now that he's taken on more ballhandling duties this season. The Magic wield some elite 3-point shooters in Afflalo and Redick, but they aren't helping themselves at all by ignoring the corners. Only three players made more corner 3s than Afflalo did last season in Denver, but it's barely part of his game now.
New Orleans Hornets (19th)
Corner 3s per game: 3.6 (28th) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.8 percent (10th)
Notable shooters: Ryan Anderson (16-of-38, 42.1 percent)
Anderson is a machine. That is all.
Chicago Bulls (23rd)
Corner 3s per game: 2.5 (Last) | Corner 3 FG%: 39.1 percent (13th)
Notable shooters: No one
Here's a fun fact: Battier, Brewer, World Peace, Green and Novak each have made more corner 3s than the entire Bulls team this season. The odd thing is that it's almost impossible to get off a corner 3 against the Bulls' defense, so they presumably understand how devastating the shot can be. Alas, this is what happens when you gift-wrap Kyle Korver to the Hawks.
The claustrophobics
DeleteNever take 'em, rarely make 'em
Dallas Mavericks (24th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.5 (21st) | Corner 3 FG%: 27.9 percent (Last)
Notable shooters: O.J. Mayo (9-of-25, 36 percent); Vince Carter (4-of-23, 17.4 percent)
Yeesh. Carter and Dahntay Jones have shot a combined 17.1 percent on corner 3s this season. Once more: Yeesh. Let's move on.
Toronto Raptors (13th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.9 (16th) | Corner 3 FG%: 34.4 percent (28th)
Notable shooters: None
No one on the team has shot more than 20 corner 3s this season, although Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan have shown promise there. Andrea Bargnani has taken 90 of his 94 3-balls away from the corners. This just in: Bargnani isn't smart with his shot selection.
Cleveland Cavaliers (29th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.9 (17th) | Corner 3 FG%: 34.6 percent (27th)
Notable shooters: Alonzo Gee (16-of-53, 30.2 percent)
Something tells me that Daniel Gibson silently whimpers with every LeBron James pass to Ray Allen in the corner.
Utah Jazz (11th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.3 (24th) | Corner 3 FG%: 35.8 percent (26th)
Notable shooters: None
There's this: Paul Millsap has made six of his eight attempts from the corners this season. Might want to check whether it's fool's gold.
Phoenix Suns (15th)
Corner 3s per game: 5.1 (15th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.6 percent (20th)
Notable shooters: Jared Dudley (12-of-36, 33.3 percent); Michael Beasley (10-of-24, 41.7 percent)
Beasley, huh? Indeed, every blind squirrel finds a nut.
Sacramento Kings (16th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.8 (18th) | Corner 3 FG%: 37.8 percent (18th)
Notable shooters: Marcus Thornton (20-of-43, 46.5 percent); Francisco Garcia (12-of-25, 48 percent)
The Kings' offense has quietly been solid this season, but it's not because it pounds the corners. In fact, the Kings could probably use a higher dosage there. Although it must be said: Isaiah Thomas is shooting a diminutive 4-of-21 (19 percent) on corner 3s this season.
Milwaukee Bucks (25th)
Corner 3s per game: 5.3 (14th) | Corner 3 FG%: 38.3 percent (17th)
Notable shooters: Mike Dunleavy (16-of-32, 50 percent); Monta Ellis (11-of-25, 44 percent)
It feels like Ersan Ilyasova should be a better corner 3-pointer shooter than he is, but he's made only one so far this season. Side note: Dunleavy's contract continues to be one of the biggest steals in the sport (making only $3.7 million this season).
Minnesota Timberwolves (22nd)
Corner 3s per game: 3.8 (27th) | Corner 3 FG%: 36.9 percent (23rd)
Notable shooters: Luke Ridnour (14-of-33, 42.4 percent)
They could really use a dynamic 2 who can also give them a corner 3 weapon, but a healthy Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love should help decongest the floor a bit better.
Boston Celtics (18th)
Corner 3s per game: 4.7 (19th) | Corner 3 FG%: 36.6 percent (25th)
Notable shooters: Jeff Green (18-of-42, 42.9 percent); Jason Terry (17-of-43, 39.5 percent)
Man, do they miss Ray Allen here. Last season the Celtics ranked third in corner 3 field goal percentage, but this season they've plummeted all the way down to the bottom handful of teams. Courtney Lee (third-most corner makes last season) was supposed to fill that role, but he's been a mess for the C's so far, having made only nine corner 3s this season. Weird but true: Green has missed all 12 of his 3-point attempts away from the corners.
Statistical support provided by NBA.com.
Thanks for the article. In retrospect, I think this "Moneyball" approach contributed to Jeremy's shooting woes to start the season.
DeleteThe disparity between Jeremy's mid-range jumpers (whether Js or floaters/bankers) and long-range jumpers is unusually huge.
Most starting PGs are GOOD from mid-range and MEDIOCRE from 3pt range...so it makes sense to shoot 3s (esp. corner 3s as the article states) instead of mid-range shots. But Jeremy is a GREAT mid-range shooter and a BAD 3pt shooter (for now)...so it doesn't make sense to take so many 3s (even corner ones).
Jeremy is shooting so much better of alte because of two things 1) Regained strength in his knee to finish layups 2) Return of his mid-range game. Whether it's a 5ft banker or 18ft jumper, he's once again taking shots that aren't layups or 3s.
Let him work on his shot during the offseason, I have no doubt it will improve in the coming years. But for now? Knock it off and let Jeremy be Jeremy. Look at Tony Parker...he still only shoots 1-2 3s per game. You don't 3s if you're money from mid-range.
JL and JH are Top 5 NBA Backcourts!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the Bay Area. So, I am a Warriors fan by default.
DeleteWould love to see Jlin share the backcourt with Stephan Curry with David Lee as his PNR partner.
Preview: New Orleans Hornets @ Houston Rockets [1/2/13]
ReplyDeleteTheir PG is western conference player of he week. 20 10 6 last week an 8.8 apg for the season. Seems like we've got a matchup between two promising young guards.
DeleteFunny how this preview describes Harden's defense:
Delete" In a series of big wins, it’s gone largely unnoticed that whoever James Harden guards seems to have a big night lately. Whether this is poor man defense, lapses in communication, or simply players giving him 110% is up to debate, but the door is open for Gordon to try to show Harden up, even if it’s in a loss."
I'd take poor man defense.
FUNNY! Not playing D has its perks. Not only do you conserve energy, but you also cut down on your fouls and injuries. This will boost your minutes per game as long as the coach tolerates poor man defense. Logically speaking, this will cut down your teammates' minutes when other people risk energy, injury and fouls when they have to cover your man as well as their own.
DeleteI want to address the Josh Smith thing.
ReplyDeleteDo you guys think that signing Josh Smith would help the Rockets?
Initially I thought "Nah, Josh Smith gets scored on at will by the battleship power forwards like Garnett".
But then I thought about it a bit more and was like "Waitaminute. Josh Smith is a mobile shotblocking alley ooping athletic combo forward. He can HELP".
I think that the Rockets need a player like Josh Smith who can physically match up against guys like Lebron or Batum. Plus, I could easily see Smith raising his game alongside Jeremy Lin.
KH, Josh Smith's athleticsm cannot be taught and the Rox are missing that piece of the puzzle. His shot selection can be taught to be better. The only variable is the attitude. As they say, high risk high reward.
ReplyDelete