I just did a quick search for ClutchFans threads containing the word "Moreyball" in the topic, and on the first page alone found 5 or 6 threads people had started about how Moreyball was a failure and how it is killing the Rockets team. But then I recently saw this: Does that shot chart on the right look vaguely familiar? Analytics (specifically Morey's "3-pointers and layups" philsophy) is now the de facto standard in the NBA. Morey has probably had a bigger effect on the NBA than any other single person in the last two decades, with the possible exception of LeBron James. You may not like the style. Hell, it might even offend your delicate basketball sensibilities. But it has proven so effective that it has been widely adopted, and it's hard to imagine that changing in the next 5 years or more. All that's left to validate Morey's concepts is winning a title. Which, of course, will require some defense.
I really do think a 4 pointer is coming. Move the 3 line back to the old college line, put a 4 point line at about 27 feet or so. While we’re at it widen the court and play 7 on 7!!
The Texans need to catch up because the Astros and Rockets have been the most innovative sports franchises in the country Go HOUSTON!
Thank you for the post. The only question is how does Morey evolve Morey ball and morph it into something unearthed.
They real reason bucks went elite. N why u see good team lose to bad teams. 3s in volume are the equalizer. N people don't see morey is a half step ahead again with 2 iso players. People will catch on n start copying that too soon.
Moreyball and Harden. Two things I have had to spend wayyyy too much time trying to defend around here over the years.
What I would like them to do (probably will not happen because you have to widen the court and then you lose seats) is to make the 3 point line a uniform length. The corner there is much easier at this level. or just have the 3 point line end at the out of bounds line (don't leave room) thus eliminating the corner 3 (kind of gimmicky looking)
Interesting that this guy is the same guy who wrote the ESPN article praising Harden's stepback! http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26118445/these-step-back-3s-sent-another-planet It's only **** when other guys do it
The numbers are pretty damn irrefutable. You can't possibly make enough long 2's to offset being even a mediocre 3 point shooter, on top of creating extra space for drivers. There is still value in certain true mid range shots, like the ones CP3 takes, weaving into the defense to get a shot that is substantially more makeable than a contested 3. But in general long jumps shots are terrible shots, and some teams are just slower in recognizing simple facts. Offenses may change, I could see the post game coming back into vogue if the league continues getting smaller, but long 2's being bad shots is here to stay.
I don’t know if he should evolve Morey ball or just get better shooters. Just checked the team stats and the Rockets attempt 44.8 3pts/game. The Spurs attempt 24.8/game and are only three games back. That’s not necessarily an argument against Moreyball, just found it interesting.
The left picture looks more like Sprawlball. Hopefully that's what Goldsberry is referring to? Because if he's calling the right photo "Sprawlball", he doesn't know the definition of sprawl... I'll stick with Moreyball
Surefire way to tell when it IS NOT evolving is when dipshit writers and fans stop beginning their rants with this: "Rockets are an elite team, but I HATE how they..."
That is kind of a empty comparison since we have had injuries to 2 of our major guys. if Derozan or Alridge was out for 15 plus games that would put that team deep in the lottery.
It’s not an empty comparison and is relevant to whether the NBA is now playing Moreyball. The Rockets and Spurs are respectively first and last in 3’s per game. The Spurs are playing relatively well without shooting many 3’s. We would have a better record without the injuries but they would still be in playoff contention.
That is not relevant to that question, have you looked at how many of the teams who shoot a lot of threes have top records as opposed to those that don't shoot a lot of threes. You are just basing your argument on 2 teams how about the record of Milwaukee as opposed to San Antonio. Nobody is saying Moreyball is the only way to get into the playoffs, it's saying that most teams are starting to play that way.
Relevant to what question? What is my argument? Here are the leaders in 3 point attempts: Rockets Bucks Mavericks Hawks Nets Celtics Pistons Warriors Jazz Wizards The Spurs, Clippers and Pacers are the bottom 3, and are all in contention. I don’t see how 3 points attempted and records are not relevant to this discussion.
