Clutch When It Mattered Most
Posted on December 8, 2008
The last in a series of three posts inspired by a single TrueHoop bullet, I’m back to weigh in on the question of who is “more clutch” — Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?
The overall “clutch” numbers, as defined by 82games.com, seem to indicate that LeBron edges Kobe out in this area. But here is the all-important question: Do the numbers tell the full story?
Here’s a hint: They don’t. But I know what does.
Filed Under Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Free Throw Shooting, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Statistics, assists, big games, clutch, leadership | 18 Comments
LeBron’s Fabled Mid-Range Improvements
Posted on December 6, 2008
This may surprise you — if you’ve read some of my past work, you may have gotten the opposite impression — but I’m a big fan of LeBron James. How can I not be? Much like Kobe Bryant, I can’t help but respect the rare combination of incredible talent and the work ethic to match.
The problem is that fans of LeBron tend to want to give him credit even for things he has not yet accomplished. That’s not only unfair to other players, but it’s also a disservice to LeBron James himself.
Case in point: LeBron’s supposed “improved mid-range shooting.” The question is: Has he actually improved?
Filed Under Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Mid-Range Jumpshot, Statistics, poor shooting | 13 Comments
True Shooting: Statistics in Context
Posted on February 26, 2008
Statistical comparison is a necessary evil in the sports world. On the one hand, we know that a player’s statistical accomplishments do not occur in a vacuum. Since factors such as position, body and build, teammates, opponents, and much more can significantly affect a player’s statistical output, comparing two players statistically is like comparing apples and oranges.
On the other hand, any attempt to compare two players without some form of quantitative measurement never leaves the realm of subjectivity. Thus, rational and logical (not to mention measurable and substantial) comparisons between two players cannot be performed without a certain amount of statistical comparison — making statistical comparison not only inevitable, but necessary.
Unfortunately, when making statistical comparisons, many people fail to account for the context in which a player’s statistics are recorded. They attempt to do the impossible — indeed, the irrational — by making straight statistical comparisons without accounting for each player’s multi-faceted context.
This is the issue that I want to explore: What is an appropriate way to compare two players statistically?
Filed Under Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Statistics | 38 Comments