2014-2015 NBA thread

[Steve9347]

Gasol is an absolute perfect fit for this any offense.

Fixed.

 

A versatile big man who sees the floor, blocks shots, and scores at will fits anywhere.

[chw42]

This is idiotic.

 

One look at his efficiency numbers tells you that Gasol this year hasn't been leaps and bounds better than Gasol with the Lakers in the past 2. Gasol's shooting 48% this year, he shot 48% last year. His TS% is .540 this year, it's been in the .520 range the past two years. He's getting to the line a bit more this year, but in terms of actually shooting the ball, he's not any better. His rebounding rates are better, especially on offense, which helps his ORtg a bit.

 

Prime Gasol once led the league in ORtg and had a TS% around .600. This isn't that guy and he'll never be that guy again. But I'm fine with it. I just don't think he's this team's MVP. That title belongs to Butler.

[chw42]

He's had his fair share of duds too (Portland, Atlanta and the Nets last week). Again, I don't disagree, but Pau's offense from the post provides quite a bit of space on the floor for Butler and Noah (edit: and Rose) to do their thing. I think that's forgotten.

 

I think the fact you remember the exact games where he wasn't outstanding means he was definitely outstanding the rest of the games.

[southsider2k5]

Fixed.

 

A versatile big man who sees the floor, blocks shots, and scores at will fits anywhere.

 

Apparently not in one with a legendary ballhog.

[Steve9347]

This is idiotic.

It was actually a true statement. Gasol's prime has come and gone, where he never dipped below 50% shooting and peaked at 57% in his best fully healthy season. He's now shooting about the same as last year (actually, worse), but he's playing way more minutes and working the glass and getting blocks in the system.

 

He's a perfect player for any system, but being on a team with other focal points on the roster definitely helps him out - last year with Kobe down the Lakers had f*** all else save Pau.

[Steve9347]

Apparently not in one with a legendary ballhog.

Dude was gimpy in 2012/13 and last year there was no Kobe. Before that, his time with the Lakers and Kobe was outstanding and included two championships. He's a phenomenal player who's aging quite well!

[Chisoxfn]

Fixed.

 

A versatile big man who sees the floor, blocks shots, and scores at will fits anywhere.

Tell that to Mike D'Antoni.

[Chisoxfn]

One look at his efficiency numbers tells you that Gasol this year hasn't been leaps and bounds better than Gasol with the Lakers in the past 2. Gasol's shooting 48% this year, he shot 48% last year. His TS% is .540 this year, it's been in the .520 range the past two years. He's getting to the line a bit more this year, but in terms of actually shooting the ball, he's not any better. His rebounding rates are better, especially on offense, which helps his ORtg a bit.

 

Prime Gasol once led the league in ORtg and had a TS% around .600. This isn't that guy and he'll never be that guy again. But I'm fine with it. I just don't think he's this team's MVP. That title belongs to Butler.

Who said Gasol is the team MVP? He's been a great addition and is deserving of an all star game but the teams best player is currently Butler. That said, what Gasol brings on the court (and off the court) is huge.

[Chisoxfn]

Apparently not in one with a legendary ballhog.

Kobe loved Pau. Pau loved Kobe. Pau hated D'Antoni.Lakers had crap. Pau moved to greener pastures.

[Chisoxfn]

Dude was gimpy in 2012/13 and last year there was no Kobe. Before that, his time with the Lakers and Kobe was outstanding and included two championships. He's a phenomenal player who's aging quite well!

Lets hope he continues to age well!!!

[chw42]

Who said Gasol is the team MVP? He's been a great addition and is deserving of an all star game but the teams best player is currently Butler. That said, what Gasol brings on the court (and off the court) is huge.

 

Jenks said it a page back. Somebody else mentioned this was prime Gasol a few days ago in this thread as well. I just wanted to chime in with my thoughts about that.

[bmags]

It was actually a true statement. Gasol's prime has come and gone, where he never dipped below 50% shooting and peaked at 57% in his best fully healthy season. He's now shooting about the same as last year (actually, worse), but he's playing way more minutes and working the glass and getting blocks in the system.

 

He's a perfect player for any system, but being on a team with other focal points on the roster definitely helps him out - last year with Kobe down the Lakers had f*** all else save Pau.

 

"but he's playing way more minutes and working the glass and getting blocks in the system."

 

These things matter. Eye test also matters, the Bulls letting Pau post-up has re-engaged him. He was reasonably efficient under D'antoni as everyone is, but sorry, Pau is absolutely better than 2012-2014 Lakers Gasol.

[bmags]

One look at his efficiency numbers tells you that Gasol this year hasn't been leaps and bounds better than Gasol with the Lakers in the past 2. Gasol's shooting 48% this year, he shot 48% last year. His TS% is .540 this year, it's been in the .520 range the past two years. He's getting to the line a bit more this year, but in terms of actually shooting the ball, he's not any better. His rebounding rates are better, especially on offense, which helps his ORtg a bit.

 

Prime Gasol once led the league in ORtg and had a TS% around .600. This isn't that guy and he'll never be that guy again. But I'm fine with it. I just don't think he's this team's MVP. That title belongs to Butler.

 

Sorry, I should have bolded only the "The Gasol we are seeing isn't that different from the Gasol on the Lakers the past 2 years". I completely disagree with that.

[chw42]

Sorry, I should have bolded only the "The Gasol we are seeing isn't that different from the Gasol on the Lakers the past 2 years". I completely disagree with that.

 

He really isn't that different though. D'antoni did him no favors, but the fact he's shooting about the same percentage as last year tells you he's not much better.

 

His minutes-load, his rebounding, and his blocked shots are definitely better this year, which are big contributions to the team. However, his per 36 shooting numbers are extremely similar (4.9 FTA/36 for both years, 1.7 FGA less than last, but even 14.8 FGA per game when looking at his overall numbers) and he's converting at a similar rate outside of FTs (48% from the field both years, FT% is up almost 10%, which explains his slightly better TS%).

Edited January 6, 2015 by chw42

[southsider2k5]

Chuck Garfien ‏@ChuckGarfien 3m3 minutes ago

 

Derrick Rose on his sore hip: "I should be able to play tomorrow. I'm not worried about it."

[Dick Allen]

Chuck Garfien ‏@ChuckGarfien 3m3 minutes ago

 

Derrick Rose on his sore hip: "I should be able to play tomorrow. I'm not worried about it."

I think he should re-consider. Sitting at a graduation in 15 years with a sore hip would be a drag.

[thxfrthmmrs]

Chuck Garfien ‏@ChuckGarfien 3m3 minutes ago

 

Derrick Rose on his sore hip: "I should be able to play tomorrow. I'm not worried about it."

 

He must be suffering from dancer's hip. I knew that strutting back to the bench after those big shots will take a toll on him.

[Boogua]

He really isn't that different though. D'antoni did him no favors, but the fact he's shooting about the same percentage as last year tells you he's not much better.

 

His minutes-load, his rebounding, and his blocked shots are definitely better this year, which are big contributions to the team. However, his per 36 shooting numbers are extremely similar (4.9 FTA/36 for both years, 1.7 FGA less than last, but even 14.8 FGA per game when looking at his overall numbers) and he's converting at a similar rate outside of FTs (48% from the field both years, FT% is up almost 10%, which explains his slightly better TS%).

Putting up numbers on a bad team isn't the same thing as putting up numbers on a good team. It's usually difficult to go from one situation to another and put up the same raw numbers while playing better defense. I think most people would say that he has been much better this year than he was in the last two with the Lakers, even though the numbers are similar.

[SoxAce]

He really isn't that different though. D'antoni did him no favors, but the fact he's shooting about the same percentage as last year tells you he's not much better.

 

His minutes-load, his rebounding, and his blocked shots are definitely better this year, which are big contributions to the team. However, his per 36 shooting numbers are extremely similar (4.9 FTA/36 for both years, 1.7 FGA less than last, but even 14.8 FGA per game when looking at his overall numbers) and he's converting at a similar rate outside of FTs (48% from the field both years, FT% is up almost 10%, which explains his slightly better TS%).

Part of that also is he is shooting more in the post just as he has in his previous years because of the garbage he had surrounding him. His synergy rating last couple of years with the Lakers was >28.5% in the post. That's by far the most of any spot on the floor. He was actually at his best in pick and roll situations when he was averaging 1.11 points per possession or facing up. The main difference in why he's better than his last couple of seasons in his Laker days is Thibodeau's defensive scheme. Pau is actually excelling in his system which many know was his biggest weakness for years. Add in the fact he has one of the better defenders in overall ratings in Noah backing him up, he's being utilized more in facing up and viola.. New rejuvenated Pau.

Edited January 6, 2015 by SoxAce

[Steve9347]

Lets hope he continues to age well!!!

Agreed.

[Jenksismyhero]

He really isn't that different though. D'antoni did him no favors, but the fact he's shooting about the same percentage as last year tells you he's not much better.

 

His minutes-load, his rebounding, and his blocked shots are definitely better this year, which are big contributions to the team. However, his per 36 shooting numbers are extremely similar (4.9 FTA/36 for both years, 1.7 FGA less than last, but even 14.8 FGA per game when looking at his overall numbers) and he's converting at a similar rate outside of FTs (48% from the field both years, FT% is up almost 10%, which explains his slightly better TS%).

 

I feel like this is one of those examples of "the stats don't tell the whole truth." Someone watching Gasol play last year versus this year would not think they were having the same type of season. The fact that everyone is mildly surprised that Gasol is playing so well is a good indication of that.

[chw42]

Putting up numbers on a bad team isn't the same thing as putting up numbers on a good team. It's usually difficult to go from one situation to another and put up the same raw numbers while playing better defense. I think most people would say that he has been much better this year than he was in the last two with the Lakers, even though the numbers are similar.

 

Being on a better team makes everyone look a bit better. I personally think Gasol's actual talent, in comparison to previous years, is more or less the same. He's just in a better environment where he's fit to succeed. He's got a DPOY winner playing next to him. He's now the second option as opposed to the go-to-guy like he was last year. And the team's winning. Nobody has motivation to play on a crappy team, especially someone nearing their mid-30s.

 

I appreciate what Gasol's been doing for this team, he's way better than what Boozer's been the past 3 years and that's all I could have asked for from him.

[Kyyle23]

Yesterday I was listening to The Score and Mully mentioned that Gasol has 75 blocks this season, and Boozer had 92 the entire time he was with the Bulls.

[LDF]

 

there are more things to take into consideration than stats when figuring out a

value of a playe. Gasol's, IMO may be the person, the glue on defense, the spark

to get that team playing hard, the little things people don't know of and plus

keeping the players mind together.

 

it has also help with the overall talent of other players. what ever it is i like

it.

 

also the FA not signing was the best FA signing that happened.

[Boogua]

Being on a better team makes everyone look a bit better. I personally think Gasol's actual talent, in comparison to previous years, is more or less the same. He's just in a better environment where he's fit to succeed. He's got a DPOY winner playing next to him. He's now the second option as opposed to the go-to-guy like he was last year. And the team's winning. Nobody has motivation to play on a crappy team, especially someone nearing their mid-30s.

 

I appreciate what Gasol's been doing for this team, he's way better than what Boozer's been the past 3 years and that's all I could have asked for from him.

I don't think anyone thinks his talent level has gone up any. You hit the nail on the head with "Nobody has motivation to play on a crappy team, someone nearing their mid-30s". This is why he looks considerably better this year than he has the last few in LA even though his raw statistics were close last year.

 

Also, being on a better team definitely doesn't make everyone look a bit better. I can think of more players that looked worse statistically after joining better teams and those guys weren't 34 years old. Bosh, Boozer, and Love are three really easy examples. Evan Turner last year if you want to even look at fringe guys.