2018-2019 NBA Season Thread [Archived] Basketball • Page 909

I watched those Russ/Oladipo teams and it was rough.

The sample size is probably too small to know for sure though:

The Westbrook Effect: Do Players Really Get Better After Leaving OKC?

here’s an extra variable to consider when assigning blame for this post-OKC boost. Based on their age, most of the players in this sample should have improved. Harden was 23 in his first full season after leaving the Thunder. Waiters and Reggie Jackson were 25, and Green was 26. This year, Oladipo and Kanter are 25, while Sabonis is only 21. Research shows that basketball players improve throughout their early 20s, peak around 27, and decline from there, so it makes sense that the young Thunder exports would have posted better numbers when — a year older and more experienced — they found new teams.

Splitting the group into younger and older players reveals sharp, age-based differences between their last year in OKC and their first year elsewhere. Eight of 11 players in their 20s have increased their points per game in their first post-Thunder season, while just one of six in their 30s have; nine of 11 players in their 20s have boosted their PER, versus just three of six in their 30s.

 

His team TS% is higher than when he is on the floor that not when you look at it. Reg Season was 55.6% with him on, 52.3% off. Same with the playoffs. 54% on. 45.9% off. Oladipo didn't look like much in Orlando either. I do think that a Russ lead team has no chance at succeeding in the playoffs because he refuses to change, but Steven Adams practically built his scoring averages on Westbrook passes and putbacks. His assist totals aren't flukes and the Thunder were at their best this season when he was the secondary scorer and deferred a bit more to PG.
The Thunder need someone else who can be counted on for points so Westbrook doesn't feel like he has to carry the team on his back when PG is hurt. The emergence Siakam has lightened Lowry's load and has allowed him to focus on running the offense now that his shooting has gotten worse and it's been hugely beneficial to the team because the team is better with Lowry on the floor but he can't be trusted with a large offensive load. I feel like Russ is in the same position. If the Thunder had reliable shooters outside of PG, Russ wouldn't feel the need to bomb 3's as much.

I still want him to get his ass kicked though.

 

I mean, one: he does, and two: PG was in the mvp conversation this year. This “Russ needs more” thing is bonkers when he’s losing to less talented teams in back to back years in the first round.

 

the playoffs aren't a great look for him because he sucks in the postseason and is the most overrated player in the NBA

 

oh wow that's soon. bring it on.

 

I'm looking forward to the Bucks/Celtics series. It'll be interesting to see the Bucks face an actual challenge.

Bucks in 6 obviously but they'll have to try for once.

 

the last time the Bucks won a playoff series I was 15 and Thursday just released Full Collapse soooooo let's get it tonight!

 

Russell Westbrook seems like a DICK! - Nick Friedell to Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective pod

 

Clinch night lets goooo

 

I hope this is the last time I see Reggie Jackson in a Detroit jersey.

 

We can only dream

 

Bucks can make history tonight - first team playoff series win in 18 years. gonna be beautiful. #FearTheDeer

 

Jesus, Giannis

 

That was kinda dangerous Ersan

 

How nice of the Bucks to give the Pistons a head start so Giannis can hunt them down later like The Most Dangerous Game.

 

Great move to hill there

 

Ersan!

 

Malcolm i miss u

 

Lol blake go home

 

Props to Blake for being out there.

 

I guess the Bucks want to clinch at home

 

Ha

 

Hill has been so good recently