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Sunday, October 4, 2015

Lost in Space

Mark Twain wrote, "there are three kinds of lies - lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Coach Daniel shares his analysis on the Hornets.

Charlotte had the lowest three-point percentage in the NBA last season, averaging just over 6 threes a game. Golden State, Atlanta, Cleveland, the Clippers, and Houston all averaged over 10 threes a game.

With both Walker and Stephenson poor (less than 35% three-point shooters), defenses adjust.

How can defenses adjust to poor perimeter shooting? In Boston, we watched teams sag off Rajon Rondo and challenge him to shoot. Teams can "dig" at the post taking calculated risks about helping back on the inside-outside game. Coach Daniel points out how teams help off the perimeter to contain drives and "go under" screens allowing threes and "hard 2s."

It simplifies the "protection" when defenses aren't threatened by perimeter shooters.

Great players make teammates better. In baseball, base stealing threats distract pitchers and give hitters more fastballs. In volleyball, effective blockers take pressure off the back row defenders. Great pass rushers make defensive backs' life easier.

More balanced teams with both inside and perimeter scoring force defenses to "choose their poison."

Coach Daniel opines "bad shooters make bad spacing." Pete Carril said it another way, "bad shooters are always open," and the legendary Chuck Daly believed, "spacing is offense and offense is spacing."