FU Graph: Perimeter Player Classification

I'm combining my inner nerd again and I have a new graph for my loyal readers. The last one I did was a breakdown of the 30 teams along the spectrum of conventional/unconventional. For this one, I'll be categorizing the different types of perimeter players on offense. If I had more time, a lot more of my posts would have graphs attached to them. PowerPoint is addictive to a nerd like me. I decided to not give definitions because I expect my readers to know the difference. If you don't, then you should reading which names are where. Anyway, peep the graph below.

The first element of the graph that may be noticed is Kobe's name in the merged center of the Venn diagram. Even though Kobe's a scorer by trade, he remains somewhat efficient with his shots and shot selection. I actually gave long consideration to placing Dirk in the middle of the graph as well. As much grief as I give the Big German, he's turned the silkiness of his jumper into a weapon of mass destruction. I've never seen a player so feared when he rarely sets foot in the paint. He's what Rasheed Wallace should have been his entire career since 'Sheed decided to be strictly perimeter-based. That's enough praise for Nowitzki. Moving on.



What I discovered through my research is that there aren't many "pure" shooters in the NBA. Well, at least there aren't many that are worth mentioning. Once a player becomes labeled as solely a shooter, the other facets of his game—if there are any—are rarely developed. Ray Allen is only a shooter because his jumper is that deadly. He's a scorer at heart, and still attacks the basket. Rashard Lewis poses as a scorer, but we don't feel him (we need something realer). In order to ascend offensively, a player must be a threat off the dribble. More options equals more potency.

The third component of the graph is Tony Parker's name outside of the three circles. That's because Parker is a symbol for the point guards that score, but not really. This includes Rondo, Rose, Miller, and even Billups, Paul and Williams to a degree. Yes, they can score, but they aren't considered scorers. Only Billups as "Mr. Big Shot" has a label of shot-maker. And most of those names have a pretty high FG%, but the perimeter jumper isn't their strong suit. But with not being a part of the graph, point guards are able to float among the periphery of it. They're able to morph into whatever their team needs them to be outside of the distributor and floor leader. Nash's name should probably be among them; but I think he's the easiest to classify among the 1-guards.

As with any post, leave comments and disagreements in the appropriate box. These are my interpretations, meant only to inspire Basketball thought. There will be more graphs to follow.



Peace.

The Mavericks as The Mavericks

I was watching the second Presidential Debate with a couple of my friends, ridiculing talking about John McCain and Sarah Palin's constant referral to themselves as mavericks when it hit me: they really are mavericks. In fact, they are the Dallas Mavericks. Meet me after the random picture for an explanation...

(In fact, read this on FreeDarko before/after you read this. The most ingenious thing ever created. Period.)

John McCain is Dirk Nowitzki. As the leader and best player on the Republican Party, he is the first option on offense and the current face of the franchise. For the beginning part of his career, he could rely on his jumper; also known as saying he was a prisoner or war. With a silky smooth touch, he manages to weave his way through the court, picking his spots to unleash his go-to move. With his recent nomination, McCain has been forced to expand his game, including some back-to-the-basket plays, and even having to play a little defense.

The more difficult is defining who Sarah Palin is. She could be Jason Kidd, chosen by the Republicans to shake things up in the party and create a buzz that helps the Republicans maintain the Presidential championship. The problem with that is that she has no experience, while Jason Kidd is the granddad of point guards; so maybe she doesn't fit into that role.

Palin could be Antoine Wright, a young talent that was thrust in the starting lineup to shake up things and provide a little grit (something like a pit bull/hockey mom/I'm sick of hearing that) to compliment Dirk McCain. Palin is also good at defending the crossover spinning questions; and since she has little professional experience just like Wright. I guess starting your career on the New Jersey Nets is the same as being Governor of Alaska. The flaw that comes with painting Palin as Antoine Wright is that Wright didn't have nearly the hype Palin did coming into the Association. But if Palin can choose not to stick to formats, then I can choose to personify her as two players...

Dirk and the Mavericks have had recent obstacles that have stood in their way for the past two years, perhaps depriving them of championship glory. The GOP Mavericks face a similar challenge in Barack Obama. Obama's simultaneously channeling the "We Believe" popularity or Oracle Arena in '06-'07 and the youthful swagger and spirit of Chris Paul. Despite lacking playoff experience and being unconventional in his political offensive and defensive philosophies (when he's actually mentioned them), he's ahead in the series against the GOP Mavericks. He's aligned himself with a complimentary piece that has his back like David West and Stephen Jackson (and yes, Biden's that crazy) to help shore up his deficiencies. Obama and the New Golden State Change have combined the hype of crowd atmospherer and his own immense talent to form a political machine for which the GOP Mavericks can't quite devise a gameplan. And with Dirk McCain getting up there in age and Palin not being the long-term answer for them, the GOP's Presidential window is closing.

It will be an interesting final three weeks between the GOP Mavericks and the New Golden State Change. Will Dirk McCain go the equivalent of Dirk's 2-13 fg in the deciding game debate? We'll see.



Peace.

Letter 71724-H: Mark Cuban

Dear Mr. Cuban,

I've been waiting for you to do something to qualify yourself for letter status. Your "superstar" player has qualified with his Gary Coleman-sized performance in last year's playoffs; and even for a similar effort in the 2006 Finals against the Heat. But now, you've done enough to fill up the special meter and I'm about unleash the Super Move of a letter about you and your team's recent events (yes, I'm a nerd; so what?). Brace yourself...


Let me start by saying you've done a great job bringing this franchise from the beneath the NBA cellar it dwelled in for the previous decade. The memories of Roy Tarpley are gone, and clamoring for the "Three J's" are no more. You've even managed to be so respected that Diddy himself has designed your team's alternate uniforms. I don't even mind your courtside antics and constant beefing with officials because I know, behind the scenes, you work towards them being better at their craft; even though you appear to just be whining.


In fact, I don't have a problem with how you run your team, except for the recent trade you made for Jason Kidd. The problem isn't with making the move for Kidd--he's an all-star point guard and a better player than Devin Harris (or so you feel). I maintain that you are a worse team now; but this blog isn't reserved for basketball analysis, so I don't have to explain myself. The problem I have with you was created in August 2006; when you signed Devean George to a two-year, $4.2 million contract. Again, the problem isn't the contract--George is a veteran swingman that plays pretty good defense and is a decent enough shooter to stay on the floor (two sentences of basketball analysis is enough). The problem lies in the no-trade clause he was allowed to negotiate; like he's a star player. He's Devean George, 1998 & 1999 NCAA Division III Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player; and fifth option for the three Phil-Shaq-Kobe Lakers championships. He must negotiate as well as Matt Millen, otherwise there's no way he should have that kind of vetoing power. Now, because of his apparent omnipotence, Mark; you had to drag semi-retired bust Keith Van Horn from his home in Utah and pay him $4.3 million to make the deal work. Oh, and George is still on your team; feeling, actually, like a star player.

Click for Ray J's cover to his new mixtape...NO JOKE (probably NSFW)

If you want to ship away your future floor general for a chance to win now, by all means, go ahead. Unfortunately for you, you're still not anywhere near the best team in the West. If you were on the other coast, then you'd instantly be a title contender. This wouldn't even make you among the best even if Phoenix and the Lakers hadn't made their own blockbuster trades, (or, in L.A.'s case, theft). You've certainly added validity to my previous idea that the Western Conference has acquired the "trade override" setting that has yet to make it over to the East; but your team hasn't even done anything to strike fear in those, "We Believe," Golden State Warriors--much less the elite teams. Tim Duncan (almost) laughs at how desperate you look. Gregg Popovich will smirk as you're ushered out of the first round; quite possibly by his Spurs.



Congratulations, Mr. Cuban. Congrats on making the Western Conference that much more interesting. Congrats on now becoming the 6th best team in the West; and adding more teams to the list of those that keep you from crying while being presented with the real trophy, instead of at Dirk's "MVP" presentation. A piece of advice: The sooner you and Avery Johnson realize Josh Howard is the best player on your team, the closer you will be to that title. The sooner Dirk shows that he can play with a heart bigger than the Grinch's was--or else be willing to play second fiddle to J-Ho (and Jason Terry in the fourth quarter), the better the Mavs will become. You can't purposely misspell Dwyane Wade's name because he actually has a ring; and single-handedly became both Superman and The Flash and dismantled your Mavs in the Finals. You and Dirk griping about the officials is lame. How about next time your team actually plays like the better team, instead of changing its starting lineup to adjust to a .500 team.

Let's hope Kidd is that final piece you've coveted for the last five years as San Antonio and their team completeness have surpassed you in every year except one; and Timmy had to be hurt for most of the season, plus Manu had to give an unnecessary foul for you to be in position to win the series--and it still took seven games. I wish you and your team good luck on the rest of the season, because you are going to need it.



Sincerely,

Sun


P.S. Nice moves.