I would also note that Marion in Phoenix also averaged less than 1.5 turnovers per 36 generally, playing at a very high pace which is pretty impressive. Turnovers are a part of scoring efficiency although not every turnover comes in the act of trying to score.

Re Free throws, not every player can make hay at the free throw line. But it is a very significant source of offensive efficiency, which is why it’s one of the four factors. But every player is different. Almost like a fingerprint they have different scoring profiles.

Some players are really good at getting to the foul line. Take Kevin Martin. He is shooting 43% from the field but has a ts% of 58% (which is actually low for him and probably will rise a bit.) He took more than 9 free throws per game last year and hit more than 8. That is sort of extraordinary, especially considering how few people know who he is. Although, from peering at B-R I can see that Martin managed to post a ts% of 60.4% while only taking 4.3 fts per 36 his sophomore year.

How about Devin Harris. He is taking nearly 10 free throws per 36 this year and hitting 83% of them. As a result his 45% fg% with just one made three per game turns into a ts% of nearly 59%.

Ultimately, its difficult to see Chandler becoming a very efficient player unless he can improve in one of three areas: three point shooting, free throws, or scoring in the paint. His “fingerprint” so far doesn’t suggest to me that his he will do it. He has always seemed to be in love with the midrange jumpshot, which is the least efficient shot on the court. But anything can happen. A lot of things do change in the first 3-4 years of a players career.

PTS / (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA))

You’re dividing points by the number of shots taken (field goal & modified free throws). So a player that scores a lot with few shots will have a high TS%. But one that does it with more shots will have a lower TS%.

Comparing Marion last year to Chandler this year:

SM 15.1 pts/36, 12.2 FGA/36, 2.3 FTA/36
WC 15.8 pts/36, 14.2 FGA/36, 3.2 FTA/36

Chandler scores slightly more, but takes up more shots/possessions to do so. In a vacuum if you had both players you would prefer Marion, because the team would have 2 more field goal attempts (and one more free throw) to score 0.7 pts (per 36 minutes), which is lower than the league average.

Marion
eFG 55.0
FT 70.7
3P% 33.3
TS% 57.0
FT/FG 13

Chandler
eFG 46.6
FT 81.9
3P% 30.3
TS% 50.7
FT/FG 18

Is Marion’s eFG and TS% higher because of his greater number of 3′s made? Just asking cause Chandler’s got him on free throws.

Personally, I can’t wait for his return. I really don’t mind the losing all that much when I get to watch a couple of improving kids in action. The “hope” is enough to keep my interest.

Lastly, Curry will be back this week. If he can recover his form on offense within a few weeks and draw some double teams, I’d like to see him on the court with Gallinari later this month to see what the Rooster can do from the outside when/if he is left alone. We could really use a consistent outside shooter. We haven’t had one in a long time, but the talk is that this kid can really shoot. I hope they are right.

Weird, I see Nate as vastly improved since his early days. His shot selection and control are way better than they used to be he doesn’t showboat half as much as when he started.

It’s nice to blessed with athletic talent. It’s also a good sign when someone demonstrates a strong worth ethic and the determination to improve. IMO, when you put them together it dramatically increases the probability of improvement over a random case.

First it was his free throw percentage.

Now he’s using his athletic ability to get to the hoop and draw fouls. He also has that aggressive look back in his eyes “again” after spending most of December looking a little lost.

There are no guarantees when you are trying to project how a young player will develop over time, but at least we can feel comfortable that we have a solid prospect. That’s more than we usually have.

Next on the agenda is a reduction in 3 point shot attempts and better overall shot selection.

I dont believe Lee is worth the money he will most likely be able to earn thru FA which is why I dont mind trading him and assume keeping Nate should only cost in the 5 to 6 million per year range which is fine with me. The thing about Chandler is besides his young age, just watching him play gets you excited because the potential seems limitless. There is nothing he cant do, he certainly can improve alot in many areas, but he can shoot both from deep and mid-range, spotting up and off the dribble. Can post-up, drive, dunk on people and even finish after drawing contact. He is now a very good FT-shooter, and can block shots and has shown the ability to cover all 5 positions on the court. Plus he rebounds a bit too.

That is why to me most Knicks fans are excited about Chandler, and you can count me in that group of fans who cant wait to see where this kid is at in a couple of years….