3 replies to this topic

[bob schmidt]

By The Numbers...
When Houston starts each game, it has a good lineup by the numbers if you consider the actual rankings of each player in his position according to John Hollinger. See
data used to evaluate each player.

At PG, Lowry ranks #7 and Dragic #15 of 32 players qualified in the Western Conference. At SG, Martin is #3 and Lee #16 of 37. At SF, Budinger is ranked #9 of 30, while Parsons is listed as a PF. Chandler would rank #15 if placed among Small Forwards. At PF, Scola ranks 24 and Patterson 25 of 36 players. Dalembert holds down #6 ranking of 31 qualified, while Hill holds a respectable #15 ranking.

Looking more closely at stats, this data permits a closer evaluation between individual players. Comparing this year’s performance between Lee, Bud, Parsons, and Dragic reveals the following:
With similar minutes, between 340 and 501, Bud has a field goal efficiency factor of .540. By comparison, Lee is .512, Dragic is .501, and Parsons is .459.

Comparing offensive and defensive performance reveals that Lee produces 106 pts per 100 plays while surrendering 104. Bud produces 113 per 100 plays and gives up 106. Parsons produces 101 per 100 plays while surrendering 101. Dragic produces 109 per 100 plays while giving up 106.

Lee is a plus 2 per 100 plays in terms of net gain or loss, while Bud is a plus 7 points. Dragic produces a net gain of 3, and Parsons produces neither a gain nor a loss.

So, why is Budinger not even in the regular rotation? I am stumped, and find no explanation as to why his minutes are not assured on a game-to-game basis. Don’t get me wrong, I like all four players. I want to see our two 23 year olds, Bud and Parsons, both getting predictable playing time to build their confidence and skills.

[TwistedNematic]

Bob, sometimes with bench players it might be the case that their limited playing time is whats keeping their performance stats so high. I'm not saying its the case but it could be possible that if Bud were handed more minutes his points per 100 plays would decrease offensively and increase defensively. It just could be that by limiting his minutes McHale is maximizing his efficiency. But I do have to agree with you, I think he needs more playing time. Chandler's offense hasn't really come of age yet and the second unit does struggle offensively.

[bob schmidt]

Both Lee and Bud logged over 1700 minutes last season, don't think that McHale would have reason to limit one of them. Hopefully, Bud will see more time pretty soon, and then time will tell the story...

[DaDakota]

Great read, and totally agree, honestly, I would like to see Budinger and Parsons playing together more often with Parsons guarding the tougher matchup and playing the stretch 4.

DD