We all know that T-Mac is a great scorer and that scoring is what he thrives on. Steve's scoring went down significantly and it is not impossible that the same could happen to T-Mac. Looking at ppg stats under JVG, its very clear that players score much less under JVG than other systems: Sprewell Was a big scorer with GS, kinda like T-Mac in a way, shot the ball well and could penetrate. However, his numbers declined significantly under JVG: 22-24ppg in GS, down to 16ppg, went up to 18ppg under JVG. A. Houston Another good scorer, very good shooter. Was a good scorer in Detroit and became even better after JVG left. Same story: 20ppg in Detroit, down to 15ppg, went up to 20ppg under JVG. 22ppg after JVG left NYC Ewing His numbers went down every year ever since JVG took over. Was getting old so its kinda hard to make judgement. Francis One of the premier scorers in the NBA for a little while. Didn't get far with it though, but really didn't have anything to work with until Yao. But, its the same story: 21ppg under Rudy, 16ppg under JVG Mobley Very good scorer, same story as Steve and the others. 21 & 18ppg under Rudy, 16ppg under JVG I'm not saying scoring is all that matters to T-Mac, hopefully it's championships. But its clear to see that JVG doesn't utilize scoring out of his players, even if they are very, very good at it. If T-Mac's numbers go down, which history shows it probably will, and he is not happy about it, who is going to pay, JVG or the Rockets? Just a little something to ponder while they are finalizing the trade.
i wouldnt worry. Scoring is manily down because jvg stresses defense. And the games he coaches will be low scoring, so i expect a drop in scoring for tmac.
I don't want to seem like I'm jumping the gun, but I think its something that the Rockets need to think about.
Don't forget Grandmama. He was a big scorer in Charlotte. But I wouldn't be worried. In fact, I'd be very happy with 22ppg, 7rpg, and 5apg from T-Mac... As long as Yao's averaging around 18-21ppg. Don't forget, those Knicks teams had a lot of scoring threats - Houston, Spree, LJ, Ewing, even Camby.
It is hard to have 3 guys averaging 20 ppg when the games are in the 80s every night. That is just the style of play. What you need to look at is if scoring efficiency declined greatly under JVG. Sprees shooting got better after going to the Knicks, Houston's stayed about the same, and Cat had probably his second best season (his best season was when Francis went out and Moochie was feeding him the ball more).
. . . or maybe Yao's scoring will go down because he will have to generate his own shots (off offensive rebounds, etc.).
I wouldn't mind seeing Tmac have a lower ppg avg. If this results in him fine tuning his game he will be all the better. But I agree with those that say this isn't likely to happen because of Jeff.
Given the Riley and Van Gundy Knicks were perenial EC playoff teams, do you think Sprewell and Houston were happier as Knicks or with their combined 2 playoff appearances in 9 seasons with GSW and DET? Also, IMO your focus (ppg) is too narrow and never factors in efficiency (there's a big difference in taking a lot of shots and needing a lot of shots) and points in transition.
I think T-Mac's scoring will go down naturally because he will not be the sole focus of the offense. Yao's shots should natuarally increase, maybe to 15 a game from 12.5 last year. T-Mac, maybe around 20 down from 23.4. T-Mac averaged 25.6 pts in 2001 on 20.9 shots a game. 20+15=35 35 of say 75 average shots a game = 47% of the offense. During Shaq & Kobe's run to the Championships 1999-2001 they averaged 2001: 21.1 + 17.9 = 39.0, 2000: 19.2 + 22.2 = 41.4, 2001: 18.3 + 20.0 = 38.3 shots respectively. I don't see a problem.
I'm sure that the fact that Grand MAMA and big Pat were getting up there in age (as evidenced by the fact they both retired shortly after the finals year) also had something to do with the production dropping
Like I said, I don't think scorings is all that matters to T-Mac, that hopefully its about winning. But Steve's, Cat's, and Houston's, FG% went down under JVG. Cat's and Houston's didn't go down much, but still down none the less. But like you said, there are other factors to be considered.
Not a strong argument in my opinion. Many factors are not factored in, such as the tempo of the game, how many scoring sources of the team, etc.
Yawn... Another VanGundy is the problem thread. Can we um...let the man have his cup of coffee before we kick him out? Can he unpack first? Can he visit Astroworld a couple of times? I wonder if Gundy smiled and giggled, had nothing to do with the Knicks or NYC, ran iso and had his team score 110pts per game would the haters give him a little break.... Don't forget to hate Rudy T. when he becomes a Laker coach. If anything, you gotta be consistant.
