Posts by Brett Koremenos
-
Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and the Chicago Bulls’ Minutes Problem
With his team nursing a 94-86 lead in the waning moments of last night’s game against Philadelphia, Chicago center Joakim Noah crouched low on the left block as Evan Turner attempted the second of two free throws. As the ball arced toward the rim, Philly’s backup center, the lumbering Spencer Hawes, took one step toward […]
-
![Evan Turner and Rudy Gay]()
The 3-Point Evolutions of Evan Turner and Rudy Gay
The growing importance of the 3-point shot in today’s NBA is hardly a secret. It has become an essential element for efficient team offense. Not only is the shot itself valuable, but its mere threat creates by far the most precious commodity in the game today — space. Modern-day defenses, more sophisticated and aggressive than […]
-
The Struggles of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Undersized Backcourt
Coming into the season, the biggest question facing the Milwaukee Bucks was one of fit. Their ceiling was going to be defined by how well their diminutive, shot-happy backcourt of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis could co-exist. Armed with a full training camp, it was left to head coach Scott Skiles — known for his […]
-
![Frank Vogel]()
What’s Wrong With the Pacers?
Three weeks into the season and it’s become clear the Indiana Pacers are in big trouble. An offense that ranked in the top third of the league last season has completely slid off the rails, ranking 29th in offensive efficiency, just ahead of the woeful Wizards team they defeated last night. It’s been a rather […]
-
![Blake Griffin]()
No, by All Means, You Dunk It: A Look at Blake Griffin’s Passing vs. the Heat
In today’s NBA, it’s hard to find a more polarizing player than Blake Griffin. To those that despise him, Griffin is a whiny, flopping ogre capable only of powering the ball through the rim with vicious force and little else. Others able to take a more objective look at his game point out that Griffin, […]
-
![Lakers]()
The D’Antoni Effect: New Roles for the New-Look Lakers
New Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni brings with him the famed spread pick-and-roll system that in the mid-2000s rejuvenated not only the Suns franchise, but the entire league. With its emphasis on spacing and ball movement out of pick-and-rolls, the scheme is a perfect foil to the aggressive, strongside-blitzing defenses that are commonplace in today’s […]
-
![Eric Gordon]()
Eric Gordon and the Optimism Bias
In early July, the Phoenix Suns signed restricted free agent Eric Gordon to a four-year, $58 million offer sheet. Gordon is only 23 years old and is a rising star in a position losing its star power. But he has missed 107 games in four seasons and played in just nine last year. The New […]
-
![James Harden]()
Rocket Man: Breaking Down James Harden’s First Game for Houston
Just days after transitioning from Oklahoma City’s sixth man to the focal point of a young Houston roster, James Harden put on quite the show in his first game as a Rocket. In his first test as a leading man, against the Pistons last night, Harden looked the part, notching 37 points and 12 assists […]
-
![Gregg Popovich]()
Five Signature Plays of the Five NBA Title-Contending Teams
Despite Sam Presti providing a shocking twist with the James Harden trade Saturday night, there still remain five teams entering the 2012-13 season with serious championship credentials. As tipoff continues to inch tantalizingly closer, here’s a guide to the go-to sets for each member of this quintet of contenders. San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker Drag […]
