FWIW, I count 36 times Thomas played more than 27 minutes in a game, and I prefaced my first post by saying that I think it's reasonable to assume his numbers would translate to per 36. Within a span of 7 games (games 46-52), he put up 14/13 against Houston in 37 minutes, 15/10 against NOH in 30, 23/12 against Dallas in 45, 22/10 against Detroit in 41, 15/8 against Miami in 38, and 21/12 against Denver in 44. The 27 MPG is an indication he's a bonehead (but getting better). He gets yanked for not running back on defense or jacking up a few quick jumpers in a row; not playing within the scheme of things the coach envisions. I also think no one stat tells the whole story and provided a number of them (including the 27 minutes vs. 38 minutes) so everything could be considered in context. Don't get the idea I'm being a homer about this. I think it was a horrible trade, especially considering the Bulls' frontcourt at the time and since, what Thomas has cost against the cap, and how LMA was and is a player who filled an obvious need. I think players (regardless of position) who have more TO than assists tend to be poor decision makers and have negative impact on the game. The point behind this thread is that people seem to think the Bulls would throw him in as cap filler in some trade to get rid of Hinrich for lesser players. At this point, he's the equivalent of a graduating college senior. He turned from an outright bust into a servicable player partway through the season and has an actual chance of evening out the trade (or better, perhaps). The time for salary dump is over now that their prize FA is gone. They're not looking like contenders so they may as well play the guy for the last guaranteed season of his contract and see if he pans out.
FWIW, when I've seen Oden play (maybe 10-15 games), he reminds me of a young Mutumbo. Raw on the offensive end, but a ready defender from the start.
So you're saying that comparing season stats, even if both players played exactly the same minutes isn't exactly apples/apples. I agree.
I'm saying merely that the pace of the Knicks inflates raw stats for Knicks players and deflates raw stats for Blazers. You can generalize that to your statement, sure. Ed O.
I happen to agree you should consider pace. But wouldn't you think guys who play a higher pace game would get tired faster? Need more rest?
