Does Kevin Martin Make Trevor Ariza Better? – The Dream Shake

Since Martin arrived, Ariza has been taking far less shots per game. He has also cut his amount of long two-point jumpers per game in half, and has slightly increased his number of three-point attempts per game. This is a good thing for the team – less shots from Trevor, period.

So, while having Martin on the court hasn’t necessarily made Ariza a better shooter (perhaps he would have more open shots with Kevin playing), Martin’s presence has limited Trevor’s wild shooting, thus benefitting the team. Yes, it’s a small sample size, but it’s also a step in the right direction.

via MythBusting: Does Kevin Martin Make Trevor Ariza Better? – The Dream Shake.

Tom Martin of The Dream Shake has compiled the numbers on Trevor Ariza with and without Kevin Martin and there are some interesting findings.  In my opinion, what’s most significant, more than the reduced number of shot attempts, is the reduced number of long two-point jumpers.

With Ariza, the critical gauge is, not shot attempts, but usage. If Trevor takes 20 shots in a game, but they are all open 3’s or cuts to the basket, that’s acceptable.  What hurts the team is when he attempts to create his own shot off the dribble.

As I explained earlier, due to his skillset, Kevin Martin’s presence drastically alters Ariza’s usage.  The numbers on those long 2’s are indicative of this.  Trevor Ariza does not come off screens for long 2’s like Ray Allen or Chase Budinger, nor does he pump fake the kickout 3 for closer 2’s.  Long 2’s are also never of the spot-up variety because players space out behind the arc, not in front of it.  For Trevor Ariza, long 2’s almost always come off his own dribble, in his attempts to create for himself.

So I agree with Tom.  While Ariza’s shooting hasn’t statistically improved, the difference is benefiting the team.  You can live with Trevor Ariza missing open shots.  What kills you is when he uses up clock and possessions to do it.