KG's Numbers Are Down From Last Year

[return2glory]

First off, I'd like to start by saying I'm very happy with the way this team has been playing, especially during the 8 game winning streak. But one thing I'm noticing is KG hardly ever scores over 20 points anymore. His numbers are down from last year.

KG is averaging only 16.1 points vs 18.8 from last year. His rebounding is also down from 9.2 per game vs 8.5 for this year. KG's steals are also down from 1.41 to 1.12 this year. His FG% is also down from 53.9% to 48.8%. KG is playing about the same number of minutes, 32.8 per game last year and 32.6 minutes this year. KG averaged 13.9 shots per game last year compared to 14.4 this year.

One reason KG's scoring is down is because he isn't getting to the line enough. His FT attemps have gone down fro 4.7 per game to 2.4 per game.

No one is really talking about KG's numbers going down this year because we are winning. It's no big deal now, but it is a little concerning to me. I hope this isn't a sign of getting old and I hope KG can step it up come playoff time.

Your thoughts.

[Al-Haqq]

He needs to attack the rim and start posting up more, it really is that simple.

I don't think he really cares about his numbers any more, but we seriously do need him to post.

[Joekickass2008]

^^ Agree. I was hopeful POB may give us some one how was gunna post up and bang offensively in th epost, but he dont.

[Tirion]

yeah, that's concerning, especially since I drafted him in my fantasy team.
I wasn't expecting nothing fancy from him, but figured, that at least repeat of his last year #s was a pretty sure thing. apparently not. I think that the decline in offensive stats is because offense is run almost exlusively through Rondo at this point and KG isn't getting much opportunites to create either for himself or for his teammates. Lack of defensive #s can be attributed to a decline in his athletic abilites and progress of Perk. Although it's more of the later I think, cause his athletism still looks great to me (dunking, jumping etc).

[GuyClinch]

KG is in his 14th year of NBA ball. I think you have to expect some slippage. LB only played 13 years total right? <g>

[Fencer reregistered]

Defensive rebounding numbers are very situational.

For a considerable fraction of all rebounds, it's just which of several guys bothers picking them up.

That's especially true for a team that scares the opponent on the break, causing them to be serious about transition defense.

[Dave_From_NB]

I think with all of the Big 3, that for years they had no reasonable hope of winning a championship, and as a result there was more of a focus on numbers to build their legacy. I think now they are at the point where they realize that winning championships is going to be the pinnacle of their legacy, and they've already built up enough numbers. So early in the season, I think they're playing just well enough to win, and they're more than happy if other guys are grabbing the rebound, or if they're sitting the 4'th quarter and watching the bench mop up.

Particularly for things like KG driving the basket and picking up fouls, that's something that is tough physically, and it wouldn't surprise me that they're just not relying on that sort of thing if they don't have to.

At this point, I'm more watching the numbers for Perk and Rondo, than the Big 3. Perks rebounds and blocks are way up, Rondos assists are way up, all good. And although their points numbers aren't up, they've both shown improvement there IMO. Continued improvement for Perk and Rondo are necessary to compensate for the inevitable decline in production from the Big 3.

[humblebum]

I'm with Dave from NB. We all want to believe that KG and Pierce and Ray are bringing it every night with great intensity but they just simply aren't doing that this season. The focus and energy is more spotty compared to last season. Let us not forget the short offseason, the ridiculously tough playoff run, and a pretty emotional regular season and previous offseason. These guys know their bodies and they understand what the main goal is, to win a championship.

In terms of KG's actual physicality he looks good to me. Good hops, good lateral movement, mean fall away jumper. All the pieces are still there in his game he just needs to put it together.

The most important development early on is the improvement we're seeing from Rondo and Perkins. Remember these guys are the ones the defense will cheat off of, if they can improve their games to the point where this is not an option for the defense then the Celtics will be even better equipped to repeat.

[DieselCeltic]

I'm not worried about KG. We have other guys who can contribute. We are winning, that's what counts. KG's mins are down and that's because our bench is producing. I'm happy with that. KG will be a maniac in the playoffs, and I'd rather rest him and use our qualified bench and then fire him up in the playoffs.

[return2glory]

. KG's mins are down and that's because our bench is producing.

That's the thing, KG's minutes aren't down as I stated in the original post. KG is averaging 32.6 minutes per game compared to 32.8 last year.

[return2glory]

I agree with Dave_From_NB that Perkins and Rondo's improvements are more important than what PGA is doing. Because let's face it. they aren't like wine, they don't get better with age after a certain point.

But KG needs to get to the line more. 2.4 FT attempts per game is a joke for a player like KG. He needs to get to the line atleast 4-5 times per game like last season.

[s1ickd]

Actually from what I can tell in games, KG doesn't really go all out unless the team is truly challenged. In games like against Toronto where Calderon pissed him off, or against Philadelphia when he just felt like demoloshing the entire Sixers team, he regained his MVP form.

But often times, he just looks to fascilitate on offense and play solid defense. In all honesty, doing that is good enough to coast through the regular season and get a #1 seed in the east.

Paul Pierce does this too, as there are some games he puts up way more shot attempts than others. I don't think its laziness, i think its more a result of having such a good, efficient team.

[Harison]

That's the thing, KG's minutes aren't down as I stated in the original post. KG is averaging 32.6 minutes per game compared to 32.8 last year.

In the end of the season, KGs minutes will be obviously lower than last year, same for Pierce, etc. It doesnt seem to be less simply because they played near 40 mins in the very start of the season, and after Celtics regained nice form as a team and blowing oponents out, big 3 are resting more and more. Look at LA, they are resting Kobe in the same way, Cavs started doing this for LBJ as well. All top players in Tier1 teams are coasting and pretty much waiting for the playoffs.

But KG needs to get to the line more. 2.4 FT attempts per game is a joke for a player like KG. He needs to get to the line atleast 4-5 times per game like last season.

Sorry but I disagree, a LOT of injuries happen when players are driving to the basket due to physical contact, unlucky fall, etc. If any of the Big 3 will get injured, Celtics can kiss next ring goodbye (especially if injury would happen to KG). I much rather prefer coasting Big 3 during season, taking as little risk as possible, and unleash full force during playoffs