Basketball Statistics Blog

Friday Press Clippings:
A Scout's-Eye View of the Basketball Game by David Friedman

From 20 Second Timeout
By David Friedman
Download source here: ' A Scout's-Eye View of the Basketball Game ' by David Friedman

"... I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Indiana Pacers scout Kevin Mackey and learn how a professional basketball talent evaluator watches a game ... "

"... The first thing that a scout must consider is talent: can this player play at the NBA level and contribute in a meaningful way? Physically, a scout is looking for players who have an NBA body and NBA athleticism. Next, a scout evaluates if the player can do these things at the NBA level: (1) shoot; (2) get open; (3) rebound; (4) pass. ..."

"... Mackey says that most players are not equipped to play both ends of the floor and sometimes it is difficult to project how a player’s skills will translate from college to the pros. For instance, will a great college shooter be able to get his shot off in the pros? ..."

"... He says, "Players have DNA" —unique traits that form their identities as athletes. What if a player who is lightly regarded plays extremely well? Then Mackey has to determine if the player just got hot for one game, had a favorable matchup or has in fact improved his skills. He will make a note to follow this player’s performance for the rest of the season. If the player was completely off of the radar, the likelihood is that he just had one good game and will soon revert back to his normal level. ..."

Read more articles in 20 Second Timeout.

To read Today's 'Press Clippings' in Spanish, click this week above on the 'Español' tab or afterwards click here: ' El análisis del juego ofensivo en baloncesto:
un paso más allá de la estadística convencional. ' by Sanz, I. and Gutiérrez, P..

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