I decided to take a closer look at the Kings 5 best players, (Reke, Cousins, Thornton, JT, and IT) and see where they excelled and what needs to be addressed in the offseason and improvement in their games. I’ll be using combined information from synergy sports and basketball reference for this info. Enjoy!
Tyreke Evans:
16.5 PPG, 4.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds 1.3 steals 2.7 turnovers. 51% TS, 46% eFG%, 22% Ast, 14% TO rate, 23% USG, and posting a 103 Ortg, 2 OWS’s, and 0.59 WS/48 on the year.
He scored 0.86 PPP overall (264th in the NBA). His 3 strengths this season came from cutting to the rim (1.31 PPP converted baskets at a 69% clip), ISO situations, (0.74 PPP, converting 37% good for 129th in NBA) and as a PnR ball handler (0.71 PPP converting 35% good for 109th in NBA) His spot-up numbers were horrid posting a .70 PPP converting baskets at a 32% clip , 19% from 3, and was ranked 293rd in the NBA in these situations
He allowed 0.88 PPP (points per possession) overall on defense (good for 278th in the NBA) and when defending in ISO situations (0.70 PP, good for 87th in the NBA) allowed opponents to shoot 31% and PnR ball handlers (0.79 PPP, good for 107th in the NBA) allowing opponents to shoot 42%. . He allowed spot up shooters this season to get 1.01 PPP in those situations (good for 255th in the NBA)
Analysis:
Offense-
I’m actually far more impressed this season with his offensive numbers than I’ve been in his whole career. He was able to maintain is playmaking ability from the off-guard spot which is a great sign for us moving forward. He found a way to work off the ball and become a relatively efficient scorer working without the basketball. What’s frustrating is how good this guy could be if he could stretch a defense. He’s already posted strong numbers in most other areas of scoring (transition, cutting to the rim, ISO situations, working in the PnR) with defenses knowing what he’s going to do. It’s a credit to him and his talent level that he’s still able to get solid production other ways without being able to score outside of 5 feet.
However, it always comes back to the same elephant in the room of him: He needs a jumpshot. It’d be an interesting project to look at, but I’d be willing to bet he was among the worst jump-shooters this season amongst starting level guards this season. Of his 119 spot-up jump shots, (49 of them 3s) he was only able to convert at a 32% clip and even a more pitiful 19% from 3. This flat out has to improve if he wants to take his game to the next level and be an elite offensive player in this league. His inability to hit outside shots not only hurts him, but other guys Cousins as well. Defenders can help off Evans and double Cousins with worrying about Evans hurting them from the outside. The correct route for Reke would be for him to just abandon the 3pt shot Ala Wade. Wade was able to keep a defense honest shooting 42% in spot-up situations and only took 11 3s in 83 spot up attempts. His offensive game is so close to being on the next level. It’s up to him now to finally take the time and work out a respectable mid-range game.
Defense-
Reke managed to show signs of being at the very least an above average defender and potential to be elite down the line. His defensive numbers were overall solid, with the only blemish being his inability to defend spot-up shooters. They absolutely torched him this season scoring over a point per possession which is unacceptable for a guy who does well in other facets of defense. Being in the top 100 ISO defenders is fantastic to see as a guard, and just missed the cut for being top 100 in off-screen defense and PnR Ball Handlers. The potential for him to be the elite defender we want is certainly within his grasp, it’s just a matter of him putting it all together and taking his game to the next level.
I’d like to see Reke put in a higher level of effort on defense every night and not take nights off. Being that poor at defending shooters is inexcusable when he did so well in ISO and PnR situations. His defensive metrics indicate he can be one of the top guard defenders in the league by as early as next season. He just has to learn to close out on a more consistent basis and bring the same level of high intensity every night.
Conclusion-
Tyreke is really right on the cusp of being a fantastic basketball player and joining the leagues "elite" guard status. He began adjusting rather well to his off-ball role by the end of the year and his numbers began to reflect it. Really, he's already above average in virtually every category of basketball you can think of; except for the 1 thing that holds him back from being an elite player. Having a jumper that defenses have to respect will open his game up so much and take all his current "very good" skills and turn them into "elite" skills. I'm glad I did this little project as it reopened my eyes to how good of a player Tyreke can be with improving a few aspects of his game. This summer will be crucial for him to add the jumper and make it a weapon, rather than a hindrance. The same goes for his defensive ability. Being that poor at defending spot-up shooters indicates a lack of effort rather than a lack of skill. He will be amongst the leagues best guard defenders once he understands/realizes that he can lock down anyone with bringing a high level of effort and intensity. Here's to hoping that Reke adds the last few aspects to his game this summer!
Thanks for reading. Let me know who you'd like a review of next!
Tyreke Evans:
16.5 PPG, 4.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds 1.3 steals 2.7 turnovers. 51% TS, 46% eFG%, 22% Ast, 14% TO rate, 23% USG, and posting a 103 Ortg, 2 OWS’s, and 0.59 WS/48 on the year.
He scored 0.86 PPP overall (264th in the NBA). His 3 strengths this season came from cutting to the rim (1.31 PPP converted baskets at a 69% clip), ISO situations, (0.74 PPP, converting 37% good for 129th in NBA) and as a PnR ball handler (0.71 PPP converting 35% good for 109th in NBA) His spot-up numbers were horrid posting a .70 PPP converting baskets at a 32% clip , 19% from 3, and was ranked 293rd in the NBA in these situations
He allowed 0.88 PPP (points per possession) overall on defense (good for 278th in the NBA) and when defending in ISO situations (0.70 PP, good for 87th in the NBA) allowed opponents to shoot 31% and PnR ball handlers (0.79 PPP, good for 107th in the NBA) allowing opponents to shoot 42%. . He allowed spot up shooters this season to get 1.01 PPP in those situations (good for 255th in the NBA)
Analysis:
Offense-
I’m actually far more impressed this season with his offensive numbers than I’ve been in his whole career. He was able to maintain is playmaking ability from the off-guard spot which is a great sign for us moving forward. He found a way to work off the ball and become a relatively efficient scorer working without the basketball. What’s frustrating is how good this guy could be if he could stretch a defense. He’s already posted strong numbers in most other areas of scoring (transition, cutting to the rim, ISO situations, working in the PnR) with defenses knowing what he’s going to do. It’s a credit to him and his talent level that he’s still able to get solid production other ways without being able to score outside of 5 feet.
However, it always comes back to the same elephant in the room of him: He needs a jumpshot. It’d be an interesting project to look at, but I’d be willing to bet he was among the worst jump-shooters this season amongst starting level guards this season. Of his 119 spot-up jump shots, (49 of them 3s) he was only able to convert at a 32% clip and even a more pitiful 19% from 3. This flat out has to improve if he wants to take his game to the next level and be an elite offensive player in this league. His inability to hit outside shots not only hurts him, but other guys Cousins as well. Defenders can help off Evans and double Cousins with worrying about Evans hurting them from the outside. The correct route for Reke would be for him to just abandon the 3pt shot Ala Wade. Wade was able to keep a defense honest shooting 42% in spot-up situations and only took 11 3s in 83 spot up attempts. His offensive game is so close to being on the next level. It’s up to him now to finally take the time and work out a respectable mid-range game.
Defense-
Reke managed to show signs of being at the very least an above average defender and potential to be elite down the line. His defensive numbers were overall solid, with the only blemish being his inability to defend spot-up shooters. They absolutely torched him this season scoring over a point per possession which is unacceptable for a guy who does well in other facets of defense. Being in the top 100 ISO defenders is fantastic to see as a guard, and just missed the cut for being top 100 in off-screen defense and PnR Ball Handlers. The potential for him to be the elite defender we want is certainly within his grasp, it’s just a matter of him putting it all together and taking his game to the next level.
I’d like to see Reke put in a higher level of effort on defense every night and not take nights off. Being that poor at defending shooters is inexcusable when he did so well in ISO and PnR situations. His defensive metrics indicate he can be one of the top guard defenders in the league by as early as next season. He just has to learn to close out on a more consistent basis and bring the same level of high intensity every night.
Conclusion-
Tyreke is really right on the cusp of being a fantastic basketball player and joining the leagues "elite" guard status. He began adjusting rather well to his off-ball role by the end of the year and his numbers began to reflect it. Really, he's already above average in virtually every category of basketball you can think of; except for the 1 thing that holds him back from being an elite player. Having a jumper that defenses have to respect will open his game up so much and take all his current "very good" skills and turn them into "elite" skills. I'm glad I did this little project as it reopened my eyes to how good of a player Tyreke can be with improving a few aspects of his game. This summer will be crucial for him to add the jumper and make it a weapon, rather than a hindrance. The same goes for his defensive ability. Being that poor at defending spot-up shooters indicates a lack of effort rather than a lack of skill. He will be amongst the leagues best guard defenders once he understands/realizes that he can lock down anyone with bringing a high level of effort and intensity. Here's to hoping that Reke adds the last few aspects to his game this summer!
Thanks for reading. Let me know who you'd like a review of next!
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