Post by djmyte on Dec 22, 2005 9:33:26 GMT -5
by BBS Scouting Services
One of the more interesting stories of this season has been the dominance of teams playing in the Central division. This "Division of Death" boasts 4 teams with winning percentages over .600, another that is just missing the mark and another that would probably be in the same neighbourhood if it weren't for the infamous injury bug. So, what is it that makes the teams in this division so successful? Looking past overall talent base we've found a consistent theme among the squads and one that is responsible for this divisions' winning ways. A major key to success has been consistent excellence at the point guard position. The engine that propels the boat, the point guard is key to establishing an efficient offense and is the starting point of a solid defense.
In New Orleans, you'll find the 6 foot 7 Shaun Livingston running the show. An outstanding defender that is among league leaders in assists(9.2 per) and steals(2.4 per), Livingston shoots a solid 46% from the field and is averaging just over 20ppg. In Milwaukee, you'll find Magic. Magic Johnson that is. Although he isn't the starting point guard this season, Magic shares primary ball handling duties with Derrick Rose. As a shooting guard Magic averages 5.4 assists and fills up the rest of the stat sheet with ease. Combined, Rose and Magic average 12.7 dimes per and shoot the lights out from all over the court. In Toronto, Raymond Felton is the man with the plan. Felton comes in at 18ppg and just over 9 tasty dishes per serving. He shoots a steady 46% from the field and provides a tough defensive presence as well as strong leadership. In Cleveland, Andre Miller gets his 'mates involved and is spelled by a quality backup in Mike Conley. Miller sports an assist per game average of 9.4 and also knocks down threes at an extremely efficient rate(42%). Combined, these two guards give Cleveland one heck of a backcourt presence on both ends of the court. In Chicago, the Baron is busy putting on a display, especially this season. With three player of the month awards under his belt and a shot at MVP, Baron averages an outstanding 19ppg, 10apg and 2.4spg. Davis is helping to keep the Bulls competitive while the team explores a youth movement. In Detroit, you have Chris Paul dealin the goods and partaking in some thievery on most nights. Paul averages 9 dimes and 2 steals per and hits his open looks(39% from downtown). He was a major reason Detroit was able to stay in the race while O'Neal was out an extended period of time due to tendinitis.
After looking at the statistics and more importantly, their on court presence, it's easy to see why the Central is dominating the field this season. These floor generals promote efficient play, distribute the wealth, maintain chemistry and cohesion, score when need be and are the first line of defense without the ball. The lessened to be learned by the rest of the league is simple; get a hold of a quality point guard and hang on tight, because without one, you're chances of success diminish with every trip down the court. Too bad it's easier said than done.
One of the more interesting stories of this season has been the dominance of teams playing in the Central division. This "Division of Death" boasts 4 teams with winning percentages over .600, another that is just missing the mark and another that would probably be in the same neighbourhood if it weren't for the infamous injury bug. So, what is it that makes the teams in this division so successful? Looking past overall talent base we've found a consistent theme among the squads and one that is responsible for this divisions' winning ways. A major key to success has been consistent excellence at the point guard position. The engine that propels the boat, the point guard is key to establishing an efficient offense and is the starting point of a solid defense.
In New Orleans, you'll find the 6 foot 7 Shaun Livingston running the show. An outstanding defender that is among league leaders in assists(9.2 per) and steals(2.4 per), Livingston shoots a solid 46% from the field and is averaging just over 20ppg. In Milwaukee, you'll find Magic. Magic Johnson that is. Although he isn't the starting point guard this season, Magic shares primary ball handling duties with Derrick Rose. As a shooting guard Magic averages 5.4 assists and fills up the rest of the stat sheet with ease. Combined, Rose and Magic average 12.7 dimes per and shoot the lights out from all over the court. In Toronto, Raymond Felton is the man with the plan. Felton comes in at 18ppg and just over 9 tasty dishes per serving. He shoots a steady 46% from the field and provides a tough defensive presence as well as strong leadership. In Cleveland, Andre Miller gets his 'mates involved and is spelled by a quality backup in Mike Conley. Miller sports an assist per game average of 9.4 and also knocks down threes at an extremely efficient rate(42%). Combined, these two guards give Cleveland one heck of a backcourt presence on both ends of the court. In Chicago, the Baron is busy putting on a display, especially this season. With three player of the month awards under his belt and a shot at MVP, Baron averages an outstanding 19ppg, 10apg and 2.4spg. Davis is helping to keep the Bulls competitive while the team explores a youth movement. In Detroit, you have Chris Paul dealin the goods and partaking in some thievery on most nights. Paul averages 9 dimes and 2 steals per and hits his open looks(39% from downtown). He was a major reason Detroit was able to stay in the race while O'Neal was out an extended period of time due to tendinitis.
After looking at the statistics and more importantly, their on court presence, it's easy to see why the Central is dominating the field this season. These floor generals promote efficient play, distribute the wealth, maintain chemistry and cohesion, score when need be and are the first line of defense without the ball. The lessened to be learned by the rest of the league is simple; get a hold of a quality point guard and hang on tight, because without one, you're chances of success diminish with every trip down the court. Too bad it's easier said than done.
Courtney
Minerva
Lesley
Sharona
Telisa
