Comments on: Which Pistons attempt end-of-quarter desperation shots? (Or why we should cut Rodney Stuckey a break)

By: Andrew H

Andrew H — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:41:49 +0000

I think we should consider the personality of the players in this analysis as well. To me it’s more probable that Prince and Monroe don’t attempt these shots because of their laid back demeanors rather than stat padding. Now if you’re looking at end of the shot clock shooting, I’d predict that Prince has taken more of these shots than any other Piston,

By: tarsier

tarsier — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:44:44 +0000

I’m pretty sure in that scenario, absolutely every player would take the shot. One such made game winner will help them more than 20 missed ones in terms of what GMs remember and how they get paid.

But it does remain a problem that players play for stats. That’s why GMs should and do look at more than stats.

By: tarsier

tarsier — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:42:42 +0000

And then you encourage guys to shoot from just behind halfcourt instead of just past halfcourt even though they had time to take another step.

Players always have ways to play for stats. Let GMs sort out which ones are actually good and which portions of stats are meaningless. If they can’t do so and pay guys wrong, it’s their own damn fault when their teams suck.

By: The Rake

The Rake — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:19:02 +0000

This has been and will always be a problem in the NBA, where guys truly care more about their money (thus their stats/percentages) than they do winning. They figure the odds are so low then why bother. In college I can’t imagine that the problem would be nearly as severe, because it IS about winning and not about self. It is what it is. Guys admitting to it does little to help the matter though at all. KD and BK, whats the point?
In the fourth quarter with the game within 3 points, then I sure hope guys would be more willing to take the chance, but even then, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is not a 100% ratio where guys work to get the shot off, it is just a league mentality. No doubt about it.

By: RalphHau

RalphHau — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:38:51 +0000

At one time I had a lot of respect for Stuckey, but the end of last year and pretty much alll of this year he has been doing absolutely nothing. There are flashes of what he might have been but in general he looks more like a bull in a china shop than a basketball player. I would definitely trade him.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:22:05 +0000

This is very frustrating as a fan. I always hated watching this.

I also completely understand the players trying to save their percentages (3% for stuckey is significant). Let’s face it, for a guy like Stuckey, the difference of 3% could be more money than your average American makes in a lifetime if he is perceived as a good, improving or bad 3 pt shooter.

It’s also a huge problem for the NBA and a very easy fix. All the NBA needs to do is rewrite the stats part of the rulebook that if you shoot with time expiring from the defensive side of the court, it only counts as a shot if it goes in. Then, everyone will do it!!

By: Sloppy Joe

Sloppy Joe — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:17:05 +0000

Yeah, ’cause we are so deep with quality 2 guards right now.

By: DasMark

DasMark — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:02:27 +0000

Too hard on Stuckey?

If I were Dumars, I would trade him for a bag of sun chips and pocket lint at this point.

By: tarsier

tarsier — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:47:17 +0000

Good job Stuckey for taking these shots. Now just stop taking non desperation 3 point attempts.

By: Tommy B

Tommy B — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:37:41 +0000

Great analysis, Dan. Thank you.