Kawhi now 2nd in steals in NBA

[Deleted]

He did not have enough games played before. He has 2.10 Steals per game
He is 2nd only to Steph Curry with 2.12 Steals per game.
He is only a couple big steal games away from leading the NBA in steals
and on his way to being a lock for All NBA First Team Defense
He is the best in the NBA at steals without fouling just ahead of Curry and Jimmy Butler at 1.05 St/Fl rating
He is second only to Tony Allen(1.50) in steals to turnovers at a St/To rating of 1.38
Rarely is anyone but a center or power forward Defensive player of the year because height equals blocks
which are probably overrated but in reality Kawhi I believe will be the best defender in the NBA this season.
Go Aztecs!!!

espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/steals/sort/avgSteals/year/2015/seasontype/2

[Deleted]

Why are blocks probably overrated but you're using a defensive stat that Steph Curry(below average defender) is leading in as a sign of Kawhi's ability? Kawhi deserves to be in the conversation for all defensive teams, but I imagine his injuries could hurt his chances.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 8:38:22 GMT -8 @borngtr said:

Why are blocks probably overrated but you're using a defensive stat that Steph Curry is leading in as a sign of Kawhi's ability?

A steal provides possession of the basketball in all instances.
A block much of the time is blocked out of bounds and gives the ball back to the opposing team.
Also a block sometimes gives a easy layup to an unguarded trailing player.
A steal often leads to an easy basket in transition. A block can do that if possession occurs that but most blocks occur close to the basket making easy transition baskets less often as off steals.
The Warriors style of play using speed would create more steal opportunities.
Also Curry is on ball a much higher percentage of the time than Kawhi giving him more opportunites.
The Spurs style of play does not use speed so much which only makes Kawhi's defense more remarkable. 
The intangibles of Kawhi's defense are not in the stats. When Kawhi does not play 
the Spurs give up close to 10 points more per game.
That's a testament to how good a defender and team defender Kawhi is .
Jimmy Butler is a likely All NBA First Team Defense player but Kawhi's numbers are better than his overall. 
Per 48 Minutes Kawhi has over 1 Steal more than Butler. And he blocks more shots than Butler and he is the same height as Kawhi at 6'7"

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 8:55:38 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

Mar 6, 2015 8:38:22 GMT -8 @borngtr said:

Why are blocks probably overrated but you're using a defensive stat that Steph Curry is leading in as a sign of Kawhi's ability?

A steal provides possession of the basketball in all instances.
A block much of the time is blocked out of bounds and gives the ball back to the opposing team.
Also a block sometimes gives a easy layup to an unguarded trailing player.
A steal often leads to an easy basket in transition. A block can do that if possession occurs that but most blocks occur close to the basket making easy transition baskets less often as off steals.
The Warriors style of play using speed would create more steal opportunities.
The Spurs style of play does not use speed so much which only makes Kawhi's defense more remarkable. 
The intangibles of Kawhi's defense are not in the stats. When Kawhi does not play 
the Spurs give up close to 10 points more per game.
That's a testament to how good a defender and team defender Kawhi is .

Steal attempts can also lead to players being out of possession. I'm not arguing against Kawhi, simply saying that if Steph Curry is the leader then maybe you might want to be a bit more skeptical of that stat if you're going to question blocks.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 8:59:59 GMT -8 @borngtr said:

Mar 6, 2015 8:55:38 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

A steal provides possession of the basketball in all instances.
A block much of the time is blocked out of bounds and gives the ball back to the opposing team.
Also a block sometimes gives a easy layup to an unguarded trailing player.
A steal often leads to an easy basket in transition. A block can do that if possession occurs that but most blocks occur close to the basket making easy transition baskets less often as off steals.
The Warriors style of play using speed would create more steal opportunities.
The Spurs style of play does not use speed so much which only makes Kawhi's defense more remarkable. 
The intangibles of Kawhi's defense are not in the stats. When Kawhi does not play 
the Spurs give up close to 10 points more per game.
That's a testament to how good a defender and team defender Kawhi is .

Steal attempts can also lead to players being out of possession. I'm not arguing against Kawhi, simply saying that if Steph Curry is the leader then maybe you might want to be a bit more skeptical of that stat if you're going to question blocks.

57% of Blocks result in possession by the Blocking team. 1 in 6 of blocks go out of bounds giving possession back to the opposing team.
A steal is only recorded as so if a player or team gains possession. A block in many instances does not mean a team gains possession. 
On a few occasions a steal is stolen back immediately but that is rare. A higher percentage of steals leads to easy baskets whereas 
blocks occur so close to the basket they lead to fewer easy baskets than steals do. 

www.82games.com/comm16.htm

You can look at the stats of Jimmy Butler on ESPN and Kawhi is a better defender than Butler and they are both 6'7".

Offensively Butler is a better player than Kawhi but not by much.

Iguodala and Chris Paul were all 2014 NBA First Team Defense last year but Kawhi has better stats than both this season by a large margin. 
And even including blocks Kawhi is really second in Blocks for Small Forwards(30 minutes or more pg) behind Draymond Green. Josh Smith and the Greek Freak Yannis are both taller than 
Kawhi and closer to power forwards. 

[sdcoug]

Mar 6, 2015 8:55:38 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

Mar 6, 2015 8:38:22 GMT -8 @borngtr said:

Why are blocks probably overrated but you're using a defensive stat that Steph Curry is leading in as a sign of Kawhi's ability?

A steal provides possession of the basketball in all instances.
A block much of the time is blocked out of bounds and gives the ball back to the opposing team.
Also a block sometimes gives a easy layup to an unguarded trailing player.
A steal often leads to an easy basket in transition. A block can do that if possession occurs that but most blocks occur close to the basket making easy transition baskets less often as off steals.
The Warriors style of play using speed would create more steal opportunities.
The Spurs style of play does not use speed so much which only makes Kawhi's defense more remarkable. 
The intangibles of Kawhi's defense are not in the stats. When Kawhi does not play 
the Spurs give up close to 10 points more per game.
That's a testament to how good a defender and team defender Kawhi is .

You are GREATLY undervaluing blocks. A shot blocker deters players from driving and often alters shots, even if they don't block them. Teams without a shot blocker often get torched by teams scoring in the paint. As a fan of SDSU which has SS you should know the value of a shot blocker. 

There are a lot of defensive stats available in today's game, including real defensive plus-minus (DRPM). They all are important. As good as Kawhi is many would argue Duncan is the best defender on the Spurs. His DRPM is higher, and is a terrific shot blocker and rebounder. Just like on GS, as quick as Curry is Bogut has the NBAs best DRPM. 

Not saying Kawhi isn't great, just you can't discount shot blockers. They change the game.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 9:13:49 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

Mar 6, 2015 8:59:59 GMT -8 @borngtr said:

Steal attempts can also lead to players being out of possession. I'm not arguing against Kawhi, simply saying that if Steph Curry is the leader then maybe you might want to be a bit more skeptical of that stat if you're going to question blocks.

57% of Blocks result in possession by the Blocking team. 1 in 6 of blocks go out of bounds giving possession back to the opposing team.

www.82games.com/comm16.htm

You can look at the stats of Jimmy Butler on ESPN and Kawhi is a better defender than Butler and they are both 6'7".
Offensively Butler is a better player than Kawhi but not by much.

Possession isn't the only way that blocks impact a game, having a shot blocker helps deter shots in the paint, impacting shooting percentages and strategy.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say about Kawhi and Butler being the same height.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 9:17:22 GMT -8 @borngtr said:

Mar 6, 2015 9:13:49 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

57% of Blocks result in possession by the Blocking team. 1 in 6 of blocks go out of bounds giving possession back to the opposing team.

www.82games.com/comm16.htm

You can look at the stats of Jimmy Butler on ESPN and Kawhi is a better defender than Butler and they are both 6'7".
Offensively Butler is a better player than Kawhi but not by much.

Possession isn't the only way that blocks impact a game, having a shot blocker helps deter shots in the paint, impacting shooting percentages and strategy.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say about Kawhi and Butler being the same height.

Kawhi blocks more shots than Butler and Butler has been playing at 1st Team NBA ALL Defense level until he was hurt. He will be out about a month. 

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 9:14:50 GMT -8 sdcoug said:

Mar 6, 2015 8:55:38 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

A steal provides possession of the basketball in all instances.
A block much of the time is blocked out of bounds and gives the ball back to the opposing team.
Also a block sometimes gives a easy layup to an unguarded trailing player.
A steal often leads to an easy basket in transition. A block can do that if possession occurs that but most blocks occur close to the basket making easy transition baskets less often as off steals.
The Warriors style of play using speed would create more steal opportunities.
The Spurs style of play does not use speed so much which only makes Kawhi's defense more remarkable. 
The intangibles of Kawhi's defense are not in the stats. When Kawhi does not play 
the Spurs give up close to 10 points more per game.
That's a testament to how good a defender and team defender Kawhi is .

You are GREATLY undervaluing blocks. A shot blocker deters players from driving and often alters shots, even if they don't block them. Teams without a shot blocker often get torched by teams scoring in the paint. As a fan of SDSU which has SS you should know the value of a shot blocker. 

There are a lot of defensive stats available in today's game, including real defensive plus-minus (DRPM). They all are important. As good as Kawhi is many would argue Duncan is the best defender on the Spurs. His DRPM is higher, and is a terrific shot blocker and rebounder. Just like on GS, as quick as Curry is Bogut has the NBAs best DRPM. 

Not saying Kawhi isn't great, just you can't discount shot blockers. They change the game.

I am not in any way denying the value of a shot blocker. But of course that has less to do with talent than height. Neither Duncan or Bogut want to be out on the wind defending a small forward or a guard. But many of Kawhi's blocks come on players 6'10" or taller. Kawhi can guard a 7 footer. Of course I realize he has an unfair advantage with Superman hands but they are 5" taller than him so I have no compassion for them lol. An on ball defender is a rare commodity. A on ball defender like Kawhi makes Duncan's job much easier because they never get into the key or to the rim. They have to settle for a much more difficult contested jump shot. 

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2015 9:35:34 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

Mar 6, 2015 9:14:50 GMT -8 sdcoug said:

You are GREATLY undervaluing blocks. A shot blocker deters players from driving and often alters shots, even if they don't block them. Teams without a shot blocker often get torched by teams scoring in the paint. As a fan of SDSU which has SS you should know the value of a shot blocker. 

There are a lot of defensive stats available in today's game, including real defensive plus-minus (DRPM). They all are important. As good as Kawhi is many would argue Duncan is the best defender on the Spurs. His DRPM is higher, and is a terrific shot blocker and rebounder. Just like on GS, as quick as Curry is Bogut has the NBAs best DRPM. 

Not saying Kawhi isn't great, just you can't discount shot blockers. They change the game.

I am not in any way denying the value of a shot blocker. But of course that has less to do with talent than height. Neither Duncan or Bogut want to be out on the wind defending a small forward or a guard. But many of Kawhi's blocks come on players 6'10" or taller. Kawhi can guard a 7 footer. Of course I realize he has an unfair advantage with Superman hands but they are 5" taller than him so I have no compassion for them lol. An on ball defender is a rare commodity. A on ball defender like Kawhi makes Duncan's job much easier because they never get into the key or to the rim. They have to settle for a much more difficult contested jump shot. 

Having a shot blocker also makes a wing players job easier. saying that it has less to do with talent than height basically shows me that you have little understanding of the game of basketball.

You're a Kawhi fan, that's great, so am I, you just don't need to diminish the skills of others to prop him up. He's doing fine on his own.

[Deleted]

I simply am trying to say he is the best on ball defender in the NBA period. I have a full understanding of the NBA and realize height gives a player a distinct advantage over someone not as tall. Just reality . But no one will dispute being the best on ball defender is the most DIFFICULT defender to be especially with the lack of fouls on Kawhi's part. There has been only 5 guards in the history of the NBA Defensive player of the Year award that have the won the award. So it really is just the best NBA Shot blocker award at this point correct? Because no guard/small forward has won the award now for about 16 years!!! Gary Payton. And he had Shawn Kemp and Ervin Johnson at the rim averaging 3.2 blocks per game. So blocks to me are overrated but I don't discount shot blocking in any way.

[OldSlowWhiteBaller]

Mar 6, 2015 8:30:28 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

He did not have enough games played before. He has 2.10 Steals per game
He is 2nd only to Steph Curry with 2.12 Steals per game.
He is only a couple big steal games away from leading the NBA in steals
and on his way to being a lock for All NBA First Team Defense
He is the best in the NBA at steals without fouling just ahead of Curry and Jimmy Butler at 1.05 St/Fl rating
He is second only to Tony Allen(1.50) in steals to turnovers at a St/To rating of 1.38
Rarely is anyone but a center or power forward Defensive player of the year because height equals blocks
which are probably overrated but in reality Kawhi I believe will be the best defender in the NBA this season.
Go Aztecs!!!

espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/steals/sort/avgSteals/year/2015/seasontype/2

Myyyyy "Other" Man!

[gigglyforshrigley]

Mar 6, 2015 10:05:10 GMT -8 @aztecwarrior1 said:

I simply am trying to say he is the best on ball defender in the NBA period. I have a full understanding of the NBA and realize height gives a player a distinct advantage over someone not as tall. Just reality . But no one will dispute being the best on ball defender is the most DIFFICULT defender to be especially with the lack of fouls on Kawhi's part. There has been only 5 guards in the history of the NBA Defensive player of the Year award that have the won the award. So it really is just the best NBA Shot blocker award at this point correct? Because no guard/small forward has won the award now for about 16 years!!! Gary Payton. And he had Shawn Kemp and Ervin Johnson at the rim averaging 3.2 blocks per game. So blocks to me are overrated but I don't discount shot blocking in any way.

Not to nit-pick since I agree with you, but Ron Artest won it in the 03-04 season and I'd consider him a SF...He also won it for being an on-ball defender

[northcountymike]

I'm pretty sure aztecwarrior would have Kawhi's baby if he could .