tone wone wrote:A lot of it is just the conference itself being healthier and stronger. Memphis being a disaster due to injury has been offset by OKC and MIN making huge leaps. Lebron and AD being healthy is offset by The Clippers getting a healthy Kahwi and The Pels getting a healthy Zion.
I mean the Kings were a 3 seed last year while winning just 48 games. Last season the conference was wide open because EVERYONE (sans Denver) was a mess. This year its competitive because everyone is actually competent and healthy.
From a talent stand LA is actually less talented than they were at this time last year. They basically have no good defenders after AD healthy.
Yeah.
+ Reaves was sensational last year at this point of the season while this year he's only a random role player - and AD is nowhere near DPOTY impact he had a year ago, this is something you can't blame on Ham.
AD this year:
+1.3 DEPM (outside of top50)
+1.0 net (negative)
-6.8 DFG% at rim (average value for centers)
-2.3 DFG% (solid, not great)
Last year, AD was -6 net on much better defensive team, especially since he returned from injury in January. At some point, you have to evaluate players based on their actual impact, not resume or beliefs. With AD being just good defensively and no depth, this team is a symbol of mediocrity.
Since he finally did they've been good but it was too late.
To the people who are really good with stats (you know who you are), is this site legit? No pay wall or anything. Just stats and stats and stats. Thanks in advance.