Gregg Popovich still has no respect for LeBron James jumper

[Aiolos]

Wow was watching recent games of the Spurs vs Heat and damn Gregg Popovich stil has damn near no respect for Lebron James jumper. Lebron though luckily actually buried alot of jumpers against them and hopefully that continues but that could have just been a fluke.

Seriously I urge you guys to check out the highlights if you guys doubt me. Leonard, Green, etc anybody who picks him up for the most part was ordered to give Lebron space.

This seriously IMO will really test Lebron's jumper in the biggest stage.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGFQ_kVEB8g[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf81S3Fois4[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7oaZJb8XKo[/youtube]

Notice how Lebron for the most part was making jumpers against them and damn nearly never really penetrated when the defense was set.

Man this going to be interesting because judging how they been playing Pop still aint scared of Lebron's jumper. I really hope though our boy Lebron James lays the massacre down on them though!

Just felt this needed its own thread because I really believe this is going to be huge for us if we want to win the title. I know alot of people always talk about Lebron attack! attack! attack! but you cant do that forever and once again I'll say what I always when it comes to pure drivers to the hoop ala Rose, never in the history of the NBA has any player won a ring that didnt have a respectable jumper.

Look at Wades points in his 2006 Finals, damn near all of his points came from mid range jumpers.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNBmR09eUPU[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6mi9K53L4c[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QtQtN7NTMY[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTv_tZtRnus[/youtube]

Game 6 was basically just jumpers for Wade but to be honest it would seem pretty pathetic for a player to win the title on layups lol. In all seriously though the jumper is necessary tool if you are a perimeter player that wants a ship.

[SideshowBob]

Lebron's eFG% on jump shots :

Regular Season

2009 - 42.6%
2010 - 43.6%
2011 - 45.7%
2012 - 44.5%
2013 - 49.3%

Playoffs

2009 - 47.7%
2010 - 48.1%
2011 - 43.4%
2012 - 39.6%
2013 - 46.9%

[fast-break]

Lebron's eFG% on jump shots :

Regular Season

2009 - 42.6%
2010 - 43.6%
2011 - 45.7%
2012 - 44.5%
2013 - 49.3%

Playoffs

2009 - 47.7%
2010 - 48.1%
2011 - 43.4%
2012 - 39.6%
2013 - 46.9%

Quite the jump from 2012... but he's looked steady overall.

His jump shot has always been a bit underrated.

[Aiolos]

Lebron's eFG% on jump shots :

Regular Season

2009 - 42.6%
2010 - 43.6%
2011 - 45.7%
2012 - 44.5%
2013 - 49.3%

Playoffs

2009 - 47.7%
2010 - 48.1%
2011 - 43.4%
2012 - 39.6%
2013 - 46.9%

Thanks for the stats.

Its great to see Lebron progress and I feel this serious is going to show the naysayers how great Lebron has become.

Hope its like when Wade won the title in 2006, I remember when Antoine Walker was told in an interview after Wades legendary Game 3 that the Mavs didnt believe Wade can shoot the rock and Walker said "They believe he can shoot now!" LMAO classic line from that 2006 run.

[Aiolos]

Lebron's eFG% on jump shots :

Regular Season

2009 - 42.6%
2010 - 43.6%
2011 - 45.7%
2012 - 44.5%
2013 - 49.3%

Playoffs

2009 - 47.7%
2010 - 48.1%
2011 - 43.4%
2012 - 39.6%
2013 - 46.9%

Quite the jump from 2012... but he's looked steady overall.

His jump shot has always been a bit underrated.

It just seems streaky at times though. I really wish Lebron would develop a beast mid range game similar to Kobe.

[fast-break]

Lebron's eFG% on jump shots :

Regular Season

2009 - 42.6%
2010 - 43.6%
2011 - 45.7%
2012 - 44.5%
2013 - 49.3%

Playoffs

2009 - 47.7%
2010 - 48.1%
2011 - 43.4%
2012 - 39.6%
2013 - 46.9%

Quite the jump from 2012... but he's looked steady overall.

His jump shot has always been a bit underrated.

It just seems streaky at times though. I really wish Lebron would develop a beast mid range game similar to Kobe.

Yeah it can be at times... but overall his midrange game is pretty good. Now if he could just emulate Kobe's FT % I'm giddy.

[DWadeno3]

That's the dumbest conclusion I've ever read and you even opened a new pointless thread for this. Maybe stars like Wade and James are dared into shooting jumpers because it's the most inefficient shot in basketball? Popovich realizes that most players can't keep guys like Wade and James in front of them, but Popovich also wants to avoid other players being forced to help because that'll force his team to rotate and open up the court for everybody else. Thus, he lets LeBron shoot jumpers and well, if he makes them, he makes them, but as long as the rest isn't getting easier looks because of LeBron he's fine with it. With versatile superstars it's usually a pick-your-poison situation and in LeBron's case, the midrange jumper is the shot you want him to shoot because it counts as much as a layup but is much less likely to foul, let alone the fact that your own players are less likely to pick up fouls.

Remember the Suns series when Amar'e would go completely nuts against the Spurs? Remember who won those series? It was San Antonio. It's basically the same principle.

[SideshowBob]

Jumpshooting by series (BBR) 2009-2013

Code: Select all

Year     Series     FG     FGA     eFG%

2009     Detroit    4.8    12.0   .427
2009     Atlanta    6.0    12.8   .598
2009     Orlando    5.8    15.5   .435
2010     Chicago    6.2    12.8   .586
2010     Boston     3.8    11.5   .384
2011     76ers      4.4    11.6   .414
2011     Boston     6.0    15.8   .443
2011     Chicago    5.4    13.8   .442
2011     Dallas     3.5     9.8   .432
2012     Knicks     4.8    13.0   .423
2012     Pacers     5.5    14.8   .388
2012     Boston     6.4    15.9   .446
2012     Thunder    3.4    12.6   .294
2013     Bucks      2.8     6.3   .500
2013     Chicago    2.6     9.0   .356
2013     Pacers     5.7    13.1   .516

[Aiolos]

That's the dumbest conclusion I've ever read and you even opened a new pointless thread for this. Maybe stars like Wade and James are dared into shooting jumpers because it's the most inefficient shot in basketball? Popovich realizes that most players can't keep guys like Wade and James in front of them, but Popovich also wants to avoid other players being forced to help because that'll force his team to rotate and open up the court for everybody else. Thus, he lets LeBron shoot jumpers and well, if he makes them, he makes them, but as long as the rest isn't getting easier looks because of LeBron he's fine with it. With versatile superstars it's usually a pick-your-poison situation and in LeBron's case, the midrange jumper is the shot you want him to shoot because it counts as much as a layup but is much less likely to foul, let alone the fact that your own players are less likely to pick up fouls.

Remember the Suns series when Amar'e would go completely nuts against the Spurs? Remember who won those series? It was San Antonio. It's basically the same principle.

LOL come on DWade 3 dont come at me like this.

I get you about the rotations but thats my point exactly, Lebron shoots jumpers and if defense rotates and a guy has an easy look then so be it.

Pop doesnt want LEBRON TO DRIVE FOR **** DAMN NEAR AT ALL COST!

This type of defese is played typically on the Rondo's of the game that dont have a jumper but Pop doesnt respect Lebrons jumper for ish.

Think about this if Kobe, Durant, Dirk, Allen, etc is shooting you can bet your ass Pop dont want much space on those guys as opposed to Lebron.

Thats my point.

[fast-break]

That's the dumbest conclusion I've ever read and you even opened a new pointless thread for this. Maybe stars like Wade and James are dared into shooting jumpers because it's the most inefficient shot in basketball? Popovich realizes that most players can't keep guys like Wade and James in front of them, but Popovich also wants to avoid other players being forced to help because that'll force his team to rotate and open up the court for everybody else. Thus, he lets LeBron shoot jumpers and well, if he makes them, he makes them, but as long as the rest isn't getting easier looks because of LeBron he's fine with it. With versatile superstars it's usually a pick-your-poison situation and in LeBron's case, the midrange jumper is the shot you want him to shoot because it counts as much as a layup but is much less likely to foul, let alone the fact that your own players are less likely to pick up fouls.

Remember the Suns series when Amar'e would go completely nuts against the Spurs? Remember who won those series? It was San Antonio. It's basically the same principle.

LOL come on DWade 3 dont come at me like this.

I get you about the rotations but thats my point exactly, Lebron shoots jumpers and if defense rotates and a guy has an easy look then so be it.

Pop doesnt want LEBRON TO DRIVE FOR **** DAMN NEAR AT ALL COST!

This type of defese is played typically on the Rondo's of the game that dont have a jumper but Pop doesnt respect Lebrons jumper for ish.

Think about this if Kobe, Durant, Dirk, Allen, etc is shooting you can bet your ass Pop dont want much space on those guys as opposed to Lebron.

Thats my point.

So do you think this series is dependent upon Lebron knocking down his jumpers? Hmm...not a very good team if that's the only way HEAT can secure a win...

This isn't a jump shooting team my friend. If he can knock them down then that's GREAT but that's not the only way to score the ball, is it?

[Aiolos]

That's the dumbest conclusion I've ever read and you even opened a new pointless thread for this. Maybe stars like Wade and James are dared into shooting jumpers because it's the most inefficient shot in basketball? Popovich realizes that most players can't keep guys like Wade and James in front of them, but Popovich also wants to avoid other players being forced to help because that'll force his team to rotate and open up the court for everybody else. Thus, he lets LeBron shoot jumpers and well, if he makes them, he makes them, but as long as the rest isn't getting easier looks because of LeBron he's fine with it. With versatile superstars it's usually a pick-your-poison situation and in LeBron's case, the midrange jumper is the shot you want him to shoot because it counts as much as a layup but is much less likely to foul, let alone the fact that your own players are less likely to pick up fouls.

Remember the Suns series when Amar'e would go completely nuts against the Spurs? Remember who won those series? It was San Antonio. It's basically the same principle.

LOL come on DWade 3 dont come at me like this.

I get you about the rotations but thats my point exactly, Lebron shoots jumpers and if defense rotates and a guy has an easy look then so be it.

Pop doesnt want LEBRON TO DRIVE FOR **** DAMN NEAR AT ALL COST!

This type of defese is played typically on the Rondo's of the game that dont have a jumper but Pop doesnt respect Lebrons jumper for ish.

Think about this if Kobe, Durant, Dirk, Allen, etc is shooting you can bet your ass Pop dont want much space on those guys as opposed to Lebron.

Thats my point.

So do you think this series is dependent upon Lebron knocking down his jumpers? Hmm...not a very good team if that's the only way HEAT can secure a win...

This isn't a jump shooting team my friend. If he can knock them down then that's GREAT but that's not the only way to score the ball, is it?

Well its not so much be a jump shooting team, its about making key jumpshots, Wade is no jumpshooter but he made just enough to win his ring.

[DivineFury]

That's the dumbest conclusion I've ever read and you even opened a new pointless thread for this. Maybe stars like Wade and James are dared into shooting jumpers because it's the most inefficient shot in basketball? Popovich realizes that most players can't keep guys like Wade and James in front of them, but Popovich also wants to avoid other players being forced to help because that'll force his team to rotate and open up the court for everybody else. Thus, he lets LeBron shoot jumpers and well, if he makes them, he makes them, but as long as the rest isn't getting easier looks because of LeBron he's fine with it. With versatile superstars it's usually a pick-your-poison situation and in LeBron's case, the midrange jumper is the shot you want him to shoot because it counts as much as a layup but is much less likely to foul, let alone the fact that your own players are less likely to pick up fouls.

Remember the Suns series when Amar'e would go completely nuts against the Spurs? Remember who won those series? It was San Antonio. It's basically the same principle.

Some would argue the Suns should of won the series in 07. I also believe they swept them a year or two after. Not sure the Spurs won or lost either series because off good or bad scheming.

Forcing Lebron into long 2's and fade-aways is what would be ideal. Mid-range jumpers, especially the ones that are closer to 10 ft than 20 ft and completely open are not something you want to give up constantly. There's a reason Lebron is making so many in those games, they are easy shots. If you look at the GSW series, they got killed first two games partially because of giving up to much space to shooters.

I will say Pop is good at adjusting, so if Lebron starts knocking down those shots, he will not keep going with that strategy. But outside of doubling or help defense on Lebron when he has the ball, it would be very hard to strategically force him into longs 2's and fade-aways.

[dolphinatik]

sure we can shoot jumpers but that is the Spurs strong point. We excel at fast athletic play so that is our strong point and we should do that until they stop it. Gotta respect the Pacers for hammering our weakness until it forced us to adjust. If they shot jumpers we would have buried them. Point is we will play our strong point first which is athletic attacks to the basket.

[fast-break]

LOL come on DWade 3 dont come at me like this.

I get you about the rotations but thats my point exactly, Lebron shoots jumpers and if defense rotates and a guy has an easy look then so be it.

Pop doesnt want LEBRON TO DRIVE FOR **** DAMN NEAR AT ALL COST!

This type of defese is played typically on the Rondo's of the game that dont have a jumper but Pop doesnt respect Lebrons jumper for ish.

Think about this if Kobe, Durant, Dirk, Allen, etc is shooting you can bet your ass Pop dont want much space on those guys as opposed to Lebron.

Thats my point.

So do you think this series is dependent upon Lebron knocking down his jumpers? Hmm...not a very good team if that's the only way HEAT can secure a win...

This isn't a jump shooting team my friend. If he can knock them down then that's GREAT but that's not the only way to score the ball, is it?

Well its not so much be a jump shooting team, its about making key jumpshots, Wade is no jumpshooter but he made just enough to win his ring.

Key jump shots? Well...I don't really understand what you mean. There are a lot of shooters on this team.

Are you saying SAS will stop him from attacking the rim all together? They'll make it difficult I'm sure...but you can't stop him if that's what he's set out to do.

Lebron's offense is about as versatile as you can get. The midrange, 3 point shooting, post game, off the dribble attacks and playmaking...A winner just wins by any means necessary...

[DWadeno3]

That's the dumbest conclusion I've ever read and you even opened a new pointless thread for this. Maybe stars like Wade and James are dared into shooting jumpers because it's the most inefficient shot in basketball? Popovich realizes that most players can't keep guys like Wade and James in front of them, but Popovich also wants to avoid other players being forced to help because that'll force his team to rotate and open up the court for everybody else. Thus, he lets LeBron shoot jumpers and well, if he makes them, he makes them, but as long as the rest isn't getting easier looks because of LeBron he's fine with it. With versatile superstars it's usually a pick-your-poison situation and in LeBron's case, the midrange jumper is the shot you want him to shoot because it counts as much as a layup but is much less likely to foul, let alone the fact that your own players are less likely to pick up fouls.

Remember the Suns series when Amar'e would go completely nuts against the Spurs? Remember who won those series? It was San Antonio. It's basically the same principle.

Some would argue the Suns should of won the series in 07. I also believe they swept them a year or two after. Not sure the Spurs won or lost either series because off good or bad scheming.

Forcing Lebron into long 2's and fade-aways is what would be ideal. Mid-range jumpers, especially the ones that are closer to 10 ft than 20 ft and completely open are not something you want to give up constantly. There's a reason Lebron is making so many in those games, they are easy shots. If you look at the GSW series, they got killed first two games partially because of giving up to much space to shooters.

I will say Pop is good at adjusting, so if Lebron starts knocking down those shots, he will not keep going with that strategy. But outside of doubling or help defense on Lebron when he has the ball, it would be very hard to strategically force him into longs 2's and fade-aways.

The Spurs beat the Suns in 07/08 and 08/09 4-2 and 4-1 respectively. They swept them in 09/10 but that was more so due to the Suns just killing them from downtown rather than Amar'e hurting San Antonio. That's exactly what Pop will try to avoid with us. Thus, he'd rather have him shoot midrange jumpers than drive and finish or create for others.

Also, you didn't understand my post. Giving space to pure shooters a la Klay Thompson or Stephen Curry is one thing, but giving space to a monster athlete who is close to unstoppable around the basket versus giving him midrange jumpers is another. Thus, your first way to go is dare him to shoot jumpers because you very well know you're not gonna be able to defend both the jumper and the drive. If he catches fire, you can obviously still change your strategy.

Until that happens though, Pop's gameplan is a decent one and has little to do with him disrespecting LeBron's jumper. The percentages just confirm that:

LeBron was shooting 78.3% around the rim, making 5.4 of his 6.9 attempts from the field. He shot 60% (0.9/1.5) from 3-9 ft., 40.7% (0.5/1.2) from 10-15 ft. and 46% (1.8/3.9) from 16-23 ft. Thus, I'd rather give him his 2.7 out of 5.4 than the 5.4 out of 6.9. The around the rim baskets obviously include breakaway dunks/layups, but it's nonetheless too big of a difference to not gamble on daring him to shoot, especially given the high volume of shots LeBron averages around the rim.

Take the aforementioned Curry as an example:
At the rim: 1.2/2.1 (59.2%)
3-9 ft.: 0.5/1.1 (41.4%)
10-15 ft.: 0.7/1.3 (53.6%)
16-23 ft.: 2.1/4.8 (44%)

All this, while he also shot 45.4% from three on 7.7 (!) attempts, which makes for 3.5 makes per game. In comparison, LeBron shot 40.6% from three on just 3.3 attempts, which makes for 1.4 makes.

You notice the large difference in FG% around the rim, while Curry, despite having a slightly worse percentage on higher volume from 16-23 ft., earns his money from the outside as evidenced by his ridiculous three point shooting percentage. That's why the comparison you delivered isn't one to write the strategy off as not efficient. You can't compare two entirely different players and say "Well the gameplan didn't work for that one". Young Amar'e and LeBron are similar players, as in they are explosive freak athletes with an insane finishing ability around the rim who happen to have a decent face-up jumper.

And again, I merely explained that Pop giving him space is part of a good strategy against him rather than him disrespecting LeBron's jumper. If anything, it's a testament to how dangerous LeBron is at going to the basket.

[Flash3]

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