Lauer Sounds Off: Numbers
By Scott Lauer
February 7, 2013
bobcats.com
Scott Lauer is the radio play-by-play voice of the Charlotte Bobcats. His column will appear on bobcats.com on Thursdays throughout the season. The opinions expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Bobcats organization.
Numbers don’t lie… just like the ESPN show. Sometimes they don’t tell the full story, but it’s hard to ignore statistical information. That said, on the flight home from Cleveland last night, I evaluated some of the more pertinent positive statistics involving the core Bobcats players.
Kemba Walker – his 17.5 ppg is 2.6 higher than the next highest figure (Ramon Sessions). His 1.9 steals rank 5th in the NBA. He’s played every game.
Ramon Sessions – A career high 14.9 ppg. 5.85 Free Throw attempts per game, and he capitalizes on the opportunities, shooting 85%. He’s played every game; just he and Walker can say that.
Ben Gordon – 13.1 ppg. 42% from 3-point range, ranking in the top 15. 84% from the line.
Gerald Henderson – 12.5 ppg. 43% from the field. A career high 41% from the arc.
Byron Mullens – 11.8 ppg. A team best 7.8 rebounds per game.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – 9.6 ppg. 47% from the field. 5.9 rebounds per game. For a slasher, who should get to the line more often as his career develops, he’s a steady 76% free throw shooter already. He’s a player who’s value isn’t justified by mere stats – he has a knack for getting to loose balls and clutch boards. Averaging 1 block per game as well.
Jeffery Taylor – 6.7 ppg. He started the Houston game hitting his first six shots, and the Cleveland game, by hitting his first four. His 3-point shooting is up to 37%. A 79% free thrower. His defensive effectiveness isn’t measured on basic stat sheets, so you know he provides even more value.
Bismack Biyombo – Hauls in 6.9 rebounds, and blocks 1.8 shots per game.
Brendan Haywood – Averages 5.1 rebounds in only 20 minutes of game action.
Lauer Blog Archive:
1/31/13: Lauer Sounds Off: Grizzlies Get Trading Started
1/24/13: Lauer Sounds Off: Biz a Bright Spot in Last 2 Games
1/14/13: Lauer Sounds Off: Seattle Still Deserves a Team
12/27/12: Lauer Sounds Off: 9 Observations Heading Into New Year
12/20/12: Lauer Sounds Off: Kemba Deserves All-Star Consideration
12/13/12: Lauer Sounds Off: Biz a Big Matchup
10/31/12: Lauer Sounds Off: NBA Predictions
9/27/12: Training Camp In Asheville!
9/20/12: Offseason Moves