The Sky is the Limit, Unless JaVale Has Been Short-Changing us on his Vertical Leap

by Jake Whitacre on Apr 21, 2009 7:22 PM EDT in Player Analysis

Kevin Broom did some excellent stat-crunching on JaVale McGee's rookie season that's worth your time to read.

It's certainly no secret that JaVale McGee surpassed everyone's expectations this season and we're all excited about how he'll continue to grow as he gains experience. Then again, it seems like every team has one of those players, so I've been trying to temper my excitement about his production this season. It's been tough, but I think I've been able to accomplish that this season and not make a potentially outlandish statement that could cause an uproar at a blog for an opposing team. Not that I'm saying anyone that writes for this site did that or anything.

But now that I see how his rookie numbers compare with other good-to-great centers in their rookie year, it's hard not to get excited about what the future holds for this guy. There are still some things that need some work for sure (most of which don't show up in your traditional stat-sheet, which sounds cliché, but I think is applicable here) but most of it is stuff that can be improved with proper teaching while he's still at a point in his career where he's moldable.

At least we know the new coaching staff won't have to help JaVale with his athleticism.

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Pam on Javale

If you haven’t seen this interview with Javale’s mother they’re worth it, especially for her perspective on his game and his height.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQONrVYS0g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh79C1ui7BQ

by Siis on Apr 21, 2009 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

Makes it all the more ridiculous

That he played so little this year. At least Eddie had the good sense to start him.

Getting buckets since 2003.

by Icantfeelmyface on Apr 21, 2009 10:49 PM EDT reply actions

Especially considering that the alternatives

were a guy who make Lamar Odom look consistent and an unathletic power forward who averages fewer rebounds per 40 than Caron. Even though I’m obviously not a coach or NBA analyst or anything, I still think it’s better to have a mistake-prone guy average ten rebounds than a crafty veteran averaging 5, especially if it comes with the added bonuses of player development and fan-pleasing dunks.

by pantslessyoda1 on Apr 21, 2009 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

By the way, Kevin's site is fantastic

by pantslessyoda1 on Apr 21, 2009 11:18 PM EDT reply actions

I would like to take back what I said in the Odom vs. McGee thread

I am much much happier that we have McGee and wouldn’t trade him for Odom straight up. But will Flip give him time on the floor so he can continue to get better?

"Would you like to shoot me now or wait till you get home." --- Daffy Duck

by George Templeton on Apr 22, 2009 9:41 AM EDT reply actions

I think...

…McGee’s future playing time will in large part be decided by McGee. If he follows the Dwight Howard path — hits the weight room, commits himself to improving every aspect of his game — then he’ll play all the minutes he can handle. If he follows the Benoit Benjamin route — relaxes in the offseason, coasts on physical ability instead of learning the game, lets himself be content with getting by — then he’ll play less.

by TheSecretWeapon on Apr 22, 2009 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

Pretty much

His main problems are a lack of strength and an inability to know where to go on defense (I don’t really care about him developing a post move or something at this point, since he can already shoot midrange jumpers and most of his points are going to be on garbage buckets anyways). Neither of these things are really that fun to work on for NBA players, but at least he’s got his mother yelling in his ear if he can’t motivate himself.

by pantslessyoda1 on Apr 22, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

One caveat of concern

I just added this to the posting:

Only 5 other centers over the past 30 years have had truly comparable rookie seasons (between 900 and 1400 total minutes and a PER between 15.0 and 19.0). Two of the other 5 were rookies this year with McGee (Oden and Hibbert), and best of the other three was James Donaldson. Here’s the list sorted by rookie PER:

1. Greg Oden — 18.1
2. Javale McGee — 17.0
3. Stanley Roberts — 16.3
4. Zeljko Rebraca — 16.2
5. Roy Hibbert — 16.1
6. James Donaldson — 15.9

by TheSecretWeapon on Apr 22, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions