Location, Location, Location

Reading McHale’s in-depth look at the Bulls’ shooting woes, I wanted to see where the Bulls rank in terms of where they take their shots. Luckily HoopData has all that info.

Here’s the rundown in terms of ranking for attempts, field goal %, and AS% (percentage of makes that are assisted).

At the rim: 26th attempts, 24th percentage, 21 AS%
<10 feet: 21st attempts, 7th percentage, 5th AS%
10-15 feet: 11th attempts, 5th percentage, 2nd AS%
16-23 feet: 1st attempts, 26th percentage, 7th AS%
three: 27th attempts, 30th percentage,5th AS%
free throws: 25th attempts, 26th percentage, 26th free throw rate

The reason I like this data so much is that it tells something really obvious in more detailed, pragmatic terms. The Bulls take the most attempts in the lowest efficiency areas. The most efficient shots are shots at the rim (proximity), threes (more points, more likely open), and free throws (undefended). The least efficient shots are 10-15 feet and 16-23 jumpers. You’re likely to both be defended there, and they’re harder to hit. The Bulls are bottom 10 in attempts in all the efficient areas and top five in both of the inefficient areas. What’s more, they’re top ten in assisted percentage from the least efficient areas. Translated, the Bulls are throwing a ton of passes that result in mid-range jump shots, and very few that result in layups and dunks.They’ve got high assist rates all over, top five in <10 feet and threes, but since they’re shooting dead last from threes, that’s not helping much. Meanwhile, they’re not getting to the line, and when they’re there, they’re not making them. Saying “work on free throws” seems pretty obvious, but it’s more than that. You can live with shooting a low percentage if you’re getting enough opportunities. The Kings are 15th in free throw percentage, but third in most made free throws. So they’re getting a ton of points off that (23.4 a game), while the Bulls are getting the fourth fewest.

The sum of all this for the Bulls should be “Play smarter, not harder.” They’re working really hard and that’s evident in their defensive stats, but on offense, they’re targeting low percentage shots, not converting anything easy, and not drawing fouls. Part of this can probably be attributed to how they’re using Brad Miller. It’s fine to use Miller as the drift-out three option (fake the clearout for an ISO-Rose drive, then drive and dish to Miller), his percentage on those will improve. It’s another to keep running him at the high post and high screen and roll continuously, meaning you have no one low to get easy baskets, and you’re continually putting him in decision making roles more and more. Rose needs to focus more on getting inside assists as opposed to settling for dishing to the open jump shooter, and those jump shooters need to start attacking more.  Finally, when you’re at the rim, just focus and get the ball in the little circle.  They’re top 15th in %Blocked, but there’s also a huge grouping between 10 and 22 who are all very close in percentage, so they’re not abysmal there. They don’t even have to necessarily improve both. Either create more attempts to make up for your poor shooting, or shoot better to make up for the few opportunities you have low.

Also, if you could reach deep inside Kirk Hinrich’s subconscious and drag his jumper kicking and screaming back to the surface, that would be great, thanks.