Pelicans, All-Defense Candidates, Suns, and Why Scoring is Down
Mar 12, 2024
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Topics covered in the podcast include the Pelicans' playoff chances, Zion's improvement, Brandon Ingram's impact, All-Defense candidates, reasons for scoring being down, and a deep dive into the Phoenix Suns' performance and playoff prospects.
Pelicans are a sleeping giant in the competitive West, highlighted by Zion's defensive improvement and Ingram's underrated performance.
Key factors contributing to the decrease in NBA scoring post All-Star break include reduced free throw attempts and officiating changes favoring physicality.
NBA teams showcase diverse playing styles based on star players, with the Suns facing defensive challenges in the playoffs despite their potent offense.
Deep dives
Non-negotiable All-Defense Picks
My non-negotiable All-Defense picks consist of Alex Caruso on the perimeter, known for his defensive impact and versatility, especially evident in the Bulls' defensive transformation. For the interior players, the three non-negotiable picks are Bam Adebayo, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Davis. These players have consistently shown elite defensive skills and impact throughout the season.
Scoring Trends Post All-Star Break
Scoring in the NBA has fluctuated post All-Star break with a decline in points per game. The drop in free throw attempts has impacted scoring, leading to a slight reduction in offensive output. It is suggested that changes in officiating, allowing more physicality, have influenced these scoring trends.
Style Diversity Across NBA Teams
NBA teams exhibit diverse playing styles influenced by their star players, leading to varied approaches to the game. Teams like the Suns, Pelicans, Warriors, and Clippers showcase distinct styles reflecting their key players' strengths and skills, contributing to an exciting mix of strategies across the league.
Suns' Playoff Prospects
The Phoenix Suns face a challenging playoff path with potential matchups against top Western Conference teams. While boasting a potent offense, questions linger over their defensive capabilities. Their success in the playoffs hinges on maintaining offensive firepower and addressing defensive inconsistencies to advance in a competitive field.
Impact of Big Men in the NBA
The resurgence of skilled big men like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo has reshaped NBA play styles. These versatile bigs with shooting and playmaking skills have altered traditional positional roles, adding a new dimension to team strategies. Their exceptional talents expand offensive options and defensive versatility, influencing game dynamics.
Scoring Trends Post All-Star Break
Scoring in the NBA has fluctuated post All-Star break with a decline in points per game. The drop in free throw attempts has impacted scoring, leading to a slight reduction in offensive output. It is suggested that changes in officiating, allowing more physicality, have influenced these scoring trends.
Zach and ESPN's Andrew Lopez discuss the red-hot Pelicans, Zion's play, Brandon Ingram's unheralded season, and how the Pelicans stack up against each of the West's elite. Then ESPN's Kevin Pelton joins to pick All-Defensive teams, talk Heat, Suns, Magic and Jamahl Mosley's extension, the recent decline in scoring and free throws, Victor Wembanyama, and much more.
Pels are a mystery box and a sleeping giant (6:26)
Zion's improved defense and rebounding (10:57)
Herb Jones has a case for All-Defense and Most Improved (13:28)
The Pelicans' shooting luck defensively (20:13)
Not enough talk about Brandon Ingram (27:08)
How the Pels match up against other Western Conference playoff teams (33:30)
Pelton (40:15)
Middle of the East (57:46)
2nd tier All-Defense guys (1:02:47)
Thunder in line for the top seed in the West (1:09:14)
Wembanyama's All-Defense case (1:15:27)
Scoring is down since the All-Star break (1:30:20)
