I feel like this gets brought up a lot, but then I like to bring up that the game has evolved A TON since then. I wish I could find my post from years ago, when I actually took the time to look up the numbers, but the number of teams who are jacking up a metric shit ton of threes per game. Our defense was good when there was only a couple teams putting up 20+ threes per game. Now it's basically the entire league. It started with Houston and GSW. Now it's everyone. We have been absolutely horrible at defending the three, and unfortunately that's what everyone is doing now.
The league average in that 17-18 season was 29 3PA per game, at 36.2%. It's currently at 34 3PAs, at 36.1%. The pace of the game has increased slightly. Teams shot 36% against us then, 38% this past year from 3. Teams shot 40% on corner 3s against us then, 39% this year. One big difference, that year we had a 79% DRB percentage. This past year, 75. We were better at limiting FTAs that season. Doesn't seem to simply be teams bombing from 3.
I was going to go thru the effort so thanks for saving me from that effort and saving to forum from another one of my stats posts. That was only 5 seasons ago by the way the point I was making was that the Blazers were able to field a solid defense while covering for 73 minutes/game from Dame/CJ. The game has evolved a little since then, but it would still be more than possible to cover for one bad defender like Dame if it wasn't a terrible defensive SG next to him. IIRC, even with Dame/Ant as the starters, the Blazers were around 20th with Hart as the starting SF; and Grant is average at best as a defender
Yeah I think I was misremembering how far back the data I was pulling was. Now I'm curious if I can dig up that post.
are the 2018 3PA's unbalanced? Was it just a few teams like Houston, GSW, jacking up soo many 3's, it actually altered the total NBA tally ?? All teams nowadays are launching more 3 pointers. Not simply the handful of teams that are actually good at them. Even the teams that can usually knock them down, seem to refuse to stop shooting them when they have off nights. shooting 3's is an easier way to play basketball It's a more effective way to score points It can be a more efficient way to tilt the game But shooting tons of three's that miss, takes a lot away from the entertaining athleticism of NBA players. It's an adjustment period for NBA fans, every team is now looking for Rodney Rodgers, Robert Horry's, Sean Elliott's, Rashard Lewis type players. The coveted 3&D wings will begin piling up in the NBA, and a rise in 3PA's will only keep growing towards epic proportions. Will Denver become a blueprint for future success? Will teams decide to build a team with strong NBA players that can get the ball inside for easier shots and win a championship? Something tells me no .... too many teams have committed to smaller lineups that can jack up triples like nobody's business.
Remember, basic math If the number is big, it takes much more volume to increase the total percentage. There is no "slight increase" when raising a larger percentage.
I agree Dame is a defensive liability. He's the best player the face of the franchise. As he leads others will follow. Not to say his teammates will dog it on D just because Dame isn't good, but the leader sets the tone and Dame isn't going to inspire lock down D around him. The question is can the team surround Dame with awesome defense (while landing a star player) in one offseason to warrant trading their high pick. I say no, but I'm not a GM. Maybe Cronin stumbles on something miraculous. Possibly a second and third move to transform the team. Doubtful. I say keep the pick and hold off on trading Dame until we get the right offer.
Here you go man. Here's what Chat GPT has to say. "As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Damian Lillard, the NBA player, has not been involved in any significant instances of GM manipulation. However, it's worth noting that situations and events may have occurred after my knowledge cutoff. Damian Lillard has been a highly respected and influential player for the Portland Trail Blazers, and he has been vocal about his desire to compete for championships. He has publicly expressed his frustrations with the team's performance and the need for improvements to the roster. Lillard's comments have sparked discussions about his future with the franchise and potential moves by the Blazers' front office. While Lillard's desire to see changes and improvements in the team's roster may have strained his relationship with the front office or led to speculation about his future, it wouldn't necessarily be accurate to label it as "GM manipulation" or consider it his own Achilles heel. Many star players express their opinions and concerns about their team's direction, and it is not uncommon for organizations to take those comments into consideration when making decisions. It's important to recognize that the NBA is a complex environment with various factors influencing team performance and player decisions. The success or failure of a team cannot be solely attributed to one player's comments or actions."
