"Because of limited SportVU coverage in the 2012-13 season, some players in these tables were only observed for a small number of games despite having enough touches to be included. For example, Chris Paul (ranked 1st) and LeBron James (ranked 23rd, not shown) were only observed in away games, for 11 and 17 games, respectively. In these games Paul shot 54% compared to his season average 48%, while James shot for 50% in our data compares to his season average 57%. This sampling bias accounts for some anomalies in this ranking, which could be eliminated by considering the 2013-14 season's complete data."
So, CP3's #1 ranking is based on 11 games were he shot 6% higher FG% than his season average and LeBron's 23rd ranking was based on 17 games where he shot 7% less than his season average. Obviously, more complete data is needed to determine the validity of this new stat or comparing players overall impact. I look forward to seeing a complete list of all players based on the complete 2013-14 SportVU data.
Although the data set isn't complete, I love that Rubio and Westbrook are ranked so low. It confirms what I've been saying about both players for quite some time - that they actually hurt their teams more than they help them.
I first commented in Westbrook hurting the Thunder in the payoffs nearly three years ago by taking shots away from more efficient scorers (Durant and Harden) - especially in the 4th quarter of close games. Last year in the playoffs, Westbrook took more shots that Durant and froze out Durant multiple times in the 4th quarter of close games. When you, as a PG, are taking more shots than a four time scoring champion during the prime of his career, you're not doing your job.
I also don't think it's a coincidence that the Thunder won a higher percentage of their games after Westbrook went down (which I predicted at the time) and then immediately went on a 3-game losing streak when he returned. Without Westbrook holding him back, Durant played the best ball of his career. He's so much more efficient than Westbrook. The problem is Westbrook's ego won't let him play Robin to Durant's Batman. So, he'll always take shots away from Durant, which hurts the Thunder. So, I'm cool with that. I hope Westbrook has a LONG, healthy career in OKC. It will do one of two things - hurt the Thunder in the playoffs by limiting Durant's ability to carry the team to victory, or it will force Durant to become disgruntled and force his way out of Cow Town. As long as Durant doesn't end up a Laker, I'm fine with that.
Rubio is such a horrid shooter team's do not respect his shot and totally back off him when the game is on the line, which leaves his team playing 4 on 5 on the offensive end. That's why Minnesota has such a terrible record in close games over the past two seasons. Recently, Adelman has been benching Rubio in favor of Barea in the 4th quarter. That tells you how bad Rubio is with the game on the line. Adelman would rather go with a midget that can't play defense and shoots .407 from the field than play his former lottery pick with the game on the line.
Shouldn't come as any surprise. The other high lottery pick Kahn took that year, Jonny Flynn isn't even in the league any more. That was the most PG rich raft in NBA history. There were 10 PGs taken in the first round, Kahn took the first two at 5 and 6 and got two of the worst. Rubio and Flynn have combined for a total of 8.3 WS. Steph Curry has 34.2 WS. Ty Lawson (who Kahn actually picked at 18 and traded away) has 29.6 WS, Brandon Jennings, 23.0 WS, Darren Collison 20.2 WS, Jeff Teague 17.2 WS, Jrue Holiday 16.1 WS, even Tony Douglas take at 29 has as many WS (8.3) as Rubio and Flynn combined. Just magine how much better Minnesota would be if they had taken any two of those players instead of Rubio and Flynn. But, that's why Minnesota is Minnesota and is going to miss the playoffs yet again.
I would never want either of these players on my team, and this new stat confirms what I've seen with my eyes and the conclusions I've reached by looking at other stats.
It will be interesting to see what a full season's worth of data will look like for the entire league. I wonder how many GMs are already using a similar system to evaluate potential trades and free agent signings. I wonder if leveling the playing field by making the same data available to all teams will take away the advantage of the teams that have been compiling their own advanced stats for years.
BNM
