Bargnani Effect Case Study

Carroll immediately becomes the Raptors' best perimeter defender, which isn't saying much considering who he finds himself surrounded with. As Eric Koreen of the National Post acknowledges, having the former Atlanta Hawk in the lineup will allow DeMar DeRozan to defend smaller wings, leaving tougher assignments for the more adept Carroll to tangle with on a nightly basis.

Skilled big men are a highly sought-after commodity in the NBA. And there's no escaping the fact that the current Nets roster is awfully short on those, with only Lopez and Hamilton being able to play big minutes at the five. That's the biggest reason Sean Marks decided to take a flier on Egidijus Mockevicius, an undrafted 23-year-old Evansville graduate. Mockevicius was the NCAA's leading rebounder last season, averaging 14 rebounds per game for the Purple Aces. He also projects to be a decent rim protector, which is another thing NBA teams are high on. Like Ferrell and Beech before him, the Nets signed Mockevicius to a partially guaranteed one-year deal.

His field goal percentage is steadily increasing over the past three years that he spent in the league, yet he is not shooting a lot from outside, only having attempted around 1 three pointer each game, and 87% of his field goals attempted are two-pointers, and among those field goals he attempted, 50.2% of them are 0-3 feet away from the basket. It can be seen from his highlights and stats, that he finishes most of his possessions inside the paint or from mid-range. But if he wants to avoid injuries, in order to spend a preferably longer time in the league, and to have a more all-around game, a consistent long-range shooting ability is what he needs the most. In addition to working on his shooting skills, it would also help him join the all-star club much faster if he could learn to create his own shots. Throughout the past three seasons, 50 % of the field goals and 76% of the three pointers that he attempted were assisted by other teammates, so that means he was always on the receiving end of a pass while cutting, running down the court or running to an open spot. What he needs is to able to create shots for himself during an iso play, like Joe Johnson or James Harden. This skill would prove useful in a lot of occasions during crunch times or when his teammates are kept off

The biggest X-factor for the Sixers is second year big man Joel Embiid. Embiid is one of the rare players that has the distinct possibility of being out of the league or a top 10 player in the NBA five years from now. After missing his entire rookie season with a foot injury, Embiid will be forced to miss another season after aggravating his foot. It would be a big boost for the Sixers future if Embiid could come back and avoid being labeled the next Greg Oden. Despite not having Embiid’s services this season, the 76ers will still have two very talented young big men in Jahlil

Often compared to Jason Kidd, Ball has been commended for his leadership qualities along with his maturity and court vision. He is a facilitator in the veins of a true point guard, something not very common in the league anymore. He had an impressive season averaging 14.7 pts per game, 7.6 assists, and 6.1 rebounds helping catapult UCLA to a number 3 seed in the NCAA tournament. \

Stephen Curry’s hard work started to bring attention to him. Although nationally ignored since his young age, Stephen Curry’s accurate 3 point shots could not be ignored anymore. His 3 point shots led the team into

When Anthony Davis has been healthy, he has given fans a vision from the past when legendary centers were the conquering giants of the NBA. Davis’s point totals per game have increased every season, finishing fourth in points per game behind three electric backcourt players.

Kristaps Porzingis had the highest free throw % for a rookie in 2015-2016 season. He has so much talent that he has not been able to show yet. He doesn’t play on the best team and doesn’t get a whole lot of opportunities to shoot the ball. He is deadly underneath the hoop and behind the 3 point line. Kristaps is one of the best picks the new york knicks have ever made and he is slowly working at breaking records.

The flip of big men is a win/win for the Celtics, who likely shed money and bring in a better player. Theis is more versatile on offense and defense as the Celtics also brought in 2016 first rounder Ante Zizic, which would have limited Zeller's minutes even

For the past 6 months to a year, the NBA media have proclaimed Kawhi Leonard to be a player who is approaching superstardom. But in reality Kawhi Leonard has a long way to go before he reaches superstardom because at this current moment Leonard has yet to become one of the primary focal points within the San Antonio Spurs offense. When it comes to the Spurs offense, Tony Parker typically brings the ball up the floor until he gets up to the three point line, then he calls for a screen. Once the screen is set, he goes over the top of it and if there is no defender on the other side of the screen he will drive to the basket. Parker will try to score if he sees a wide open path towards the basket, otherwise he will pass it to the perimeter to try to get a three point shot for the team. However if there is a defender on the other side of the screen he will pass to the screener for a jump shot.

The Cleveland Cavaliers is in the works of improving and upgrading its roster this upcoming NBA season.

The Celtics received a burst of energy from their young core, and Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points, but it was Smart’s defense and scrappy play that led the charge back from 18 points down. Smart finished with nine rebounds, 12 points, three assists, two blocks, and two steals off the bench. In our NBA staff predictions, I picked Marcus Smart as my “Sixth Man of the Year,” but he may ultimately become one of the Celtics’ key

Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks are smack in the middle of the playoff hunt, yet there does not seem to be a clear answer as to what they might do. They already traded away Kyle Korver, but also appear poised for upgrades. When it comes down to it, the Hawks will only seek to add a player and take a risk with re-signing Paul Millsap this offseason.

With Wade aging and being injured along with having locker room cancer Rajon Rondo, Butler was forced to be the leader of a tumultuous locker room and on the court of a team who could not figure out how to hit a three pointer. Butler has had a career year this year, while still remaining a menace on the defensive end. His game has reached career highs as he is averaging 24 points per game, 5.5 assists, and 6.4 rebounds. Butler’s most impressive stat is how he is only trailing 4 time MVP Lebron James and back to back MVP Stephen Curry in Real Plus-Minus Win Shares. Butler is the start middle and end for the Bulls and if Butler goes then so do the

Kristaps Porzingis' strong play during the first seven games is a major reason why the Knicks were able to win three games so far. At the same time, his strong play has helped fantasy owners who were able to grab him in their respective drafts. Many believed he was going to have an impressive sophomore season.