“Kevin Garnett is an Average NBA Forward”
That’s what Bob Ryan says here, a statement bound to stir a response. I’m sure there’s a few bloggers that can confirm or refute this assertion based on stats. For the record, KG is averaging 13.2 PPG, 7.6 RPB, 1.0 BPG, and 2.3 APG, while shooting 48% the floor. All of these numbers, while sub-par for the Ticket, sound like he still belongs in the upper third or better of all NBA big men.
via Lex Nihil Novi: “Kevin Garnett is an Average NBA Forward”.
So I was curious.
I went ahead and gave KG some help, plopping in a filter for Power Forwards that play 20+ minutes a game, with at least 10 games played. So if you’ve played well but only played in four games (I’m looking at you, Yi’s DRR), you don’t get special placement. 20+ minutes a game may seem low, but you have to factor in guys who are playing above-average ball but not getting minutes. I did per 40, because, well, that’s just intelligent. Here’s where he’s at.
PER: 15th (Just above Matt Bonner!!! This says something about the metric or about Matt Bonner. You decide which.)
DRR (percentage of available defensive rebounds gathered): 8th
TRR (% of total rebounds available): 11th
True Shooting %: 25th (!)
Usage (% of possessions used): 13th
Blocks per 40: 10th
Weighted Assists per 40 (weighted for 3pters): 11th
Assist to Turnover ratio: 9th
Points per 40: 16th
UPDATE: Adjusted Plus/Minus: 6th
So, there you go. He’s top 10 in two categories, and only below 15th in two. Throw in the immeasurables like team leadership, communication, defensive presence, veteran savvy, and yelling and barking at teams he knows his team is better than in meaningless games in November, and I think you can conclude Garnett’s not an average power forward. He’s a slightly above average power forward so far.
I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that idea. I’m just going to say he’s awesome and hope El Tigre Monstruoso doesn’t eat me.
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