Leap Year - The Kemba Walker Thread III

[MasterIchiro]

Doesn't factor in shot clock nor how freely and swiftly a defender is approaching.

(a) Let's not pretend like Kemba has ever been viewed as a perimeter threat that required quick closeouts in previous seasons.

(b) This season 4% of his threes are shot with between 7 - 0 seconds left on the shot clock. Last season that number was 8%, and the year before it was 9%. That is not anywhere close to enough to account for a 50% improvement in percentage.

Still a bulk of that percentage came on low quality possessions where Kemba's looks to his teammates went nowhere and nothing was cooking. We had so many low quality possessions that a bad shot selection from Kemba was the better alternative. He is surrounded by talent on offense now rather than Hendo, MKG and christ, Biz.

[yosemiteben]

“I lived in the gym this summer, just trying to be more consistent,” Walker said. “I know to get to another level I had to make 3s; be more consistent with it.”

He was inconsistent. It was on him to fix it. He has to share at least some significant portion of the blame for his past inability and the praise for fixing it.

[MasterIchiro]

“I lived in the gym this summer, just trying to be more consistent,” Walker said. “I know to get to another level I had to make 3s; be more consistent with it.”

He was inconsistent. It was on him to fix it. He has to share at least some significant portion of the blame for his past inability and the praise for fixing it.

He also called himself a gym rat in that same interview so he has always worked hard. He didn't just all of a sudden work harder. He can now relax more and ease into his shot rhythmn because the lack of talent surrounding him on offense has been replaced with support. The urgency was turned down and psychologically he got a boost. I've always believed psychology and the mental component of the game, in any sport, impacts performance. Steph Curry is even mentally tougher this year and performing better. The reason why it seems so drastic with Kemba is because of the change in context. He does share some responsibility for the past but I will share a heap of credit with Cho for the present. Dumped a bust pick Vonleh after trying to dump bust pick Cody and got a year of Batum. Dumped loser free agent Hendo and Lance. Got lamb from a dummy. Dumped bust pick Biz. We will see how the Frank pick goes.

[Braggins]

He was always the only playmaker out there, the only player who could create his own shot and sometimes the only perimeter threat. Hendo and MKG were none of those things and they logged a TON of minutes with Kemba. I can't wait until they figure out how MKG damages the offense in today's NBA when he returns. Bench please, like Oladipo.

Our offense was statistically better with MKG on the court as opposed to off last season. Everyone doesn't have to shoot threes to have a good offense. It doesn't matter how much you hate anyone who isn't a good 3 point shooter, all evidence suggests that we are simply a much better team with MKG.

Oladipo is not analogous to MKG. He isnt nearly as good a defender at this point and he is turnover prone. MKG is better than Dipo and Orlando had too many non-floor spacers in their lineups. We don't have that problem anymore.

[MasterIchiro]

He was always the only playmaker out there, the only player who could create his own shot and sometimes the only perimeter threat. Hendo and MKG were none of those things and they logged a TON of minutes with Kemba. I can't wait until they figure out how MKG damages the offense in today's NBA when he returns. Bench please, like Oladipo.

Our offense was statistically better with MKG on the court as opposed to off last season. Everyone doesn't have to shoot threes to have a good offense. It doesn't matter how much you hate anyone who isn't a good 3 point shooter, all evidence suggests that we are simply a much better team with MKG. Oladipo is not analogous to MKG. He isnt nearly as good a defender at this point and he is turnover prone. MKG is better than Dipo.

MKG logged huge minutes with Kemba so of course. I hope he is a bench player. He's not talented enough for modern offense.

[Joest2003]

Point blank, Kemba got his ass in the gym and figured out his three point shot, and now he's reaping the benefits of defenses having to close out on him on the perimeter. Seems unfair to blame MKG or Henderson for Kemba's inability to make lightly contested threes in previous seasons when he's doing so at a very impressive 46% clip now.

Say what you want about Walker because we all know you mods have a bias against him because of the "fake Uconn fans" he has brought but there's no way you can deny that playing with guys like batum, Lin, and lamb doesn't make it easier to score and get more open shots then with MKG and Hendo. That's not even a debate for anyone with any sort of basketball knowledge. It's more than just spacing.

[yosemiteben]

MKG logged huge minutes with Kemba so of course.

Last season MKG had a greater offensive impact than Kemba when he was on the floor (MKG = +3.5 per 100 poss, Kemba = +0.4), so you can't attribute MKG's impact just to riding Kemba's coattails.

[Braggins]

He was always the only playmaker out there, the only player who could create his own shot and sometimes the only perimeter threat. Hendo and MKG were none of those things and they logged a TON of minutes with Kemba. I can't wait until they figure out how MKG damages the offense in today's NBA when he returns. Bench please, like Oladipo.

Our offense was statistically better with MKG on the court as opposed to off last season. Everyone doesn't have to shoot threes to have a good offense. It doesn't matter how much you hate anyone who isn't a good 3 point shooter, all evidence suggests that we are simply a much better team with MKG. Oladipo is not analogous to MKG. He isnt nearly as good a defender at this point and he is turnover prone. MKG is better than Dipo.

MKG logged huge minutes with Kemba so of course. I hope he is a bench player. He's not talented enough for modern offense.

So did other players who were statistically drags on our offense. I don't buy that at all. MKG is a good slasher and finisher. He is a solid passer with above average IQ for his age. His range is improving. We have real floor spacers at every position now so his lack of range will have minimal impact if utilized correctly.

Think of it this way. Our offense functions fine with PJ in our starting lineup, who is completely useless in every aspect and no more a floor spacer than MKG. MKG will be an offensive improvement over PJ. We will likely have a top 5 defense with MKG in the lineup and there isn't really any reason we can't maintain or possibly even improve our offense with him.

[MasterIchiro]

Point blank, Kemba got his ass in the gym and figured out his three point shot, and now he's reaping the benefits of defenses having to close out on him on the perimeter. Seems unfair to blame MKG or Henderson for Kemba's inability to make lightly contested threes in previous seasons when he's doing so at a very impressive 46% clip now.

Say what you want about Walker because we all know you mods have a bias against him because of the "fake Uconn fans" he has brought but there's no way you can deny that playing with guys like batum, Lin, and lamb doesn't make it easier to score and get more open shots then with MKG and Hendo. That's not even a debate for anyone with any sort of basketball knowledge. It's more than just spacing.

Word. Yes we are thumping our chests but they had it coming. They tortured us throughout seasons past, constantly bashing our guy and now we're supposed to just shut up and stay on topic and keep things all neat in orderly after they were all allowed to freely rampage against him, enabled and even emboldened by mods like Slam.

[MasterIchiro]

Our offense was statistically better with MKG on the court as opposed to off last season. Everyone doesn't have to shoot threes to have a good offense. It doesn't matter how much you hate anyone who isn't a good 3 point shooter, all evidence suggests that we are simply a much better team with MKG. Oladipo is not analogous to MKG. He isnt nearly as good a defender at this point and he is turnover prone. MKG is better than Dipo.

MKG logged huge minutes with Kemba so of course. I hope he is a bench player. He's not talented enough for modern offense.

So did other players who were statistically drags on our offense. I don't buy that at all. MKG is a good slasher and finisher. He is a solid passer with above average IQ for his age. His range is improving. We have real floor spacers at every position now so his lack of range will have minimal impact if utilized correctly.

Think of it this way. Our offense functions fine with PJ in our starting lineup, who is completely useless in every aspect and no more a floor spacer than MKG. MKG will be an offensive improvement over PJ. We will likely have a top 5 defense with MKG in the lineup and there isn't really any reason we can't maintain or possibly even improve our offense with him.

We will see.

[Joest2003]

MKG logged huge minutes with Kemba so of course.

Last season MKG had a greater offensive impact than Kemba when he was on the floor (MKG = +3.5 per 100 poss, Kemba = +0.4), so you can't attribute MKG's impact just to riding Kemba's coattails.

Well it's usually easier to have a greater offensive impact when your not even being guarded. Jus sayin. I love MKG, I bought a autographed basketball and it's displayed in my room till this day but his offensive flaws are far worse than any flaw walker has. I'm terrified he's going to come back and completely ruin the style of play that is winning us games and has actually made us watchable again

[yosemiteben]

They tortured us throughout seasons past, constantly bashing our guy and now we're supposed to just shut up and stay on topic and keep things all neat in orderly after they were all allowed to freely rampage against him, enabled and even emboldened by mods like Slam.

We are trying to advance the quality of the discussion on the board and the general board experience, and part of that will require keeping things on topic. All viewpoints about any topic relating to the Hornets are encouraged and no one should feel that they are unable to state their opinion or view on a topic as long as they adhere to the rules of the board while doing so.

Let's do our best to try to move forward with a clean slate.

[LofJ]

:x

MKG logged huge minutes with Kemba so of course.

Last season MKG had a greater offensive impact than Kemba when he was on the floor (MKG = +3.5 per 100 poss, Kemba = +0.4), so you can't attribute MKG's impact just to riding Kemba's coattails.

Well it's usually easier to have a greater offensive impact when your not even being guarded. Jus sayin. I love MKG, I bought a autographed basketball and it's displayed in my room till this day but his offensive flaws are far worse than any flaw walker has. I'm terrified he's going to come back and completely ruin the style of play that is winning us games and has actually made us watchable again

He's been tasked with watching tons of game tape and scouting all of our games. I guarantee you he's noticing the impact our offensive spacing is having on this team. He's not an idiot, it's why he's been busting his tail to make himself respectable from range. If he had Lance's head on his shoulders I'd be worried, but thankfully he doesn't.

[catch20two]

Kemba doesn't have to force as many shots at the end of the shot clock with much more competent teammates that can create on their own with the ball in their hands in Batum, Lamb, and Lin. That's the big difference from yesteryear when it was Henderson and MKG. I can't wait for MKG to return but by the time he return I wonder if there will be a identity crisis phase where he's weeded out as the odd-man out if his lack of floor spacing on his shot hasn't improved enough not to make him a detriment

This is all spot on. I would add that Walkers wings (MKG and Hendo) shrunk his space to maneuver down to the smallest in the Association. Not only did their lack of range diminish the quality of his looks but they never set him up like Batum can or Lin or even Lamb. Neither can shoot and neither is a playmaker. Add on the fact that nobody could create their own shot other than Kemba and he was forced into the Lions share of shots late in the clock on broken possessions. we probably led the league in broken possessions. then everyone dogpiled on Kemba as if anyone could salvage a decent rythmn playing wih Chos pu pu platter.

i have always hated Hendo and MKG. the only reason why i look forward to mkg return is for defense and rebounding and energy.

hes going to hurt the offense. foolish to think otherwise imo

It's hurting their hearts that we not only have a top half offense but a top 10 offense with Kemba starting, running the show, and being the leading scorer. Do you know how often I read that we'll never have a decent offense as long as Kemba is the starting PG and leading scorer over the years? Lol

We still have some ways to go tho as far as talent. We need a legit scorer that can make Kemba 2nd to 3rd fiddle and then we'll be talking championship possibilities. For now I'm just happy we're looking like a good scoring team instead of a team I barely knew where the points were gonna come from unless one of Kemba or Al had close to a career night on that night. The floor is spread because Batum, Lamb, and Lin can shoot. Props to Messy Marv too for playing like he deserve 3/4 of his contract too.

[catch20two]

The Kemba fanboys (I guess I'm one of association) have spoken and we want our apologies. We told y'all that if you give Kemba some spacing with 3pt threat wings that he'll play better and be consequentially will be more efficient. Y'all disagreed. Y'all are wrong. Lol

[Liver_Pooty]

Kemba doesn't have to force as many shots at the end of the shot clock with much more competent teammates that can create on their own with the ball in their hands in Batum, Lamb, and Lin. That's the big difference from yesteryear when it was Henderson and MKG. I can't wait for MKG to return but by the time he return I wonder if there will be a identity crisis phase where he's weeded out as the odd-man out if his lack of floor spacing on his shot hasn't improved enough not to make him a detriment

This is all spot on. I would add that Walkers wings (MKG and Hendo) shrunk his space to maneuver down to the smallest in the Association. Not only did their lack of range diminish the quality of his looks but they never set him up like Batum can or Lin or even Lamb. Neither can shoot and neither is a playmaker. Add on the fact that nobody could create their own shot other than Kemba and he was forced into the Lions share of shots late in the clock on broken possessions. we probably led the league in broken possessions. then everyone dogpiled on Kemba as if anyone could salvage a decent rythmn playing wih Chos pu pu platter.

i have always hated Hendo and MKG. the only reason why i look forward to mkg return is for defense and rebounding and energy.

hes going to hurt the offense. foolish to think otherwise imo

It's hurting their hearts that we not only have a top half offense but a top 10 offense with Kemba starting, running the show, and being the leading scorer. Do you know how often I read that we'll never have a decent offense as long as Kemba is the starting PG and leading scorer over the years? Lol

We still have some ways to go tho as far as talent. We need a legit scorer that can make Kemba 2nd to 3rd fiddle and then we'll be talking championship possibilities. For now I'm just happy we're looking like a good scoring team instead of a team I barely knew where the points were gonna come from unless one of Kemba or Al had close to a career night on that night. The floor is spread because Batum, Lamb, and Lin can shoot. Props to Messy Marv too for playing like he deserve 3/4 of his contract too.

Shouldn't be hurting anyones heart. Its about time. Im thrilled to actually see a team that is fun to watch.

[catch20two]

This is all spot on. I would add that Walkers wings (MKG and Hendo) shrunk his space to maneuver down to the smallest in the Association. Not only did their lack of range diminish the quality of his looks but they never set him up like Batum can or Lin or even Lamb. Neither can shoot and neither is a playmaker. Add on the fact that nobody could create their own shot other than Kemba and he was forced into the Lions share of shots late in the clock on broken possessions. we probably led the league in broken possessions. then everyone dogpiled on Kemba as if anyone could salvage a decent rythmn playing wih Chos pu pu platter.

i have always hated Hendo and MKG. the only reason why i look forward to mkg return is for defense and rebounding and energy.

hes going to hurt the offense. foolish to think otherwise imo

It's hurting their hearts that we not only have a top half offense but a top 10 offense with Kemba starting, running the show, and being the leading scorer. Do you know how often I read that we'll never have a decent offense as long as Kemba is the starting PG and leading scorer over the years? Lol

We still have some ways to go tho as far as talent. We need a legit scorer that can make Kemba 2nd to 3rd fiddle and then we'll be talking championship possibilities. For now I'm just happy we're looking like a good scoring team instead of a team I barely knew where the points were gonna come from unless one of Kemba or Al had close to a career night on that night. The floor is spread because Batum, Lamb, and Lin can shoot. Props to Messy Marv too for playing like he deserve 3/4 of his contract too.

Shouldn't be hurting anyones heart. Its about time. Im thrilled to actually see a team that is fun to watch.

Then now you understand why I was so thrilled to see Hendo leave and Lamb added. This is what was destined on the other side of the pinnacle, a team that is fun to watch. Sooner or later you're going to start listening to me LP, sooner or later, sooner or later.

[Liver_Pooty]

It's hurting their hearts that we not only have a top half offense but a top 10 offense with Kemba starting, running the show, and being the leading scorer. Do you know how often I read that we'll never have a decent offense as long as Kemba is the starting PG and leading scorer over the years? Lol

We still have some ways to go tho as far as talent. We need a legit scorer that can make Kemba 2nd to 3rd fiddle and then we'll be talking championship possibilities. For now I'm just happy we're looking like a good scoring team instead of a team I barely knew where the points were gonna come from unless one of Kemba or Al had close to a career night on that night. The floor is spread because Batum, Lamb, and Lin can shoot. Props to Messy Marv too for playing like he deserve 3/4 of his contract too.

Shouldn't be hurting anyones heart. Its about time. Im thrilled to actually see a team that is fun to watch.

Then now you understand why I was so thrilled to see Hendo leave and Lamb added. This is what was destined on the other side of the pinnacle, a team that is fun to watch. Sooner or later you're going to start listening to me LP, sooner or later, sooner or later.

I think Batum has helped more than anyone, but thats just my opinion.

[catch20two]

I'll just let some of you be naive to believe that we're seeing a new Kemba because he had amazing offseason transformation that blossomed him from a caterpillar to a butterfly instead of it really being Cho doing what we asked for and got some wing players that can shoot and dribble which would make life easier for Kemba.

[catch20two]

Shouldn't be hurting anyones heart. Its about time. Im thrilled to actually see a team that is fun to watch.

Then now you understand why I was so thrilled to see Hendo leave and Lamb added. This is what was destined on the other side of the pinnacle, a team that is fun to watch. Sooner or later you're going to start listening to me LP, sooner or later, sooner or later.

I think Batum has helped more than anyone, but thats just my opinion.

Batum has helped majorly. Can't argue with that but Lamb is our X-factor in my opinion. The season made a turn for the better when he returned from that ankle injury and whenever he has had his scoring spurts.