I don’t think we should compare shooting stats for this season with shooting stats from previous seasons. The league as a whole is shooting below average because of the shorter camp.

To me, the issue with Melo vs. Gallo is not one of talent.

It’s one of basketball IQ.

Melo’s is low.

Gallo’s is high.

Playing intelligently generally means trying to get to the rim (either on your own, assisted, or in transition), getting to the FT line, and taking good looks from beyond the arc “IF” you are very good at it (upper 37% and up).

Here’s a summary of his Melo’s talents.

He’s “great” at getting to the rim, drawing fouls, and is very efficient when he does.

He’s not very efficient taking long or contested 2s and in ISO mode (virtually no one in the league is)

He’s not very efficient from beyond the arc.

Players should only do what they are good at unless it’s late in the shot clock. Their efficiency & usage will then be a function of how many things they are good at and how good they are at them.

The problem with Melo is that he often stops the ball, goes ISO, takes a contested shot, takes a long 2 from just inside the arc, or takes a 3 “when it’s still early in the clock”. That’s what kills his efficiency and prevents other players from potentially getting superiors looks if he would just move the ball.

Melo should lower his usage and stop doing the things he’s not good at (like shooting 3s, going ISO, taking contested long 2s) unless it’s late in the clock.

It’s really that simple.

Ben R:
To further the Kobe and MJ comparisons I would say they were better and more willing passers than Melo and used their isos and overall high usage to open up easy shots for their teammates. Melo does not do that. It’s not that he takes hard shots when the offense struggles and helps create easy looks the rest of the time. Melo either hijacks the offense and creates a shot for himself or occasionally others or is almost a spectator while the others create for themselves. Sort of a my turn your turn situation.

Also MJ and Kobe were elite defenders and created offense with turnovers and defensive stops.

Yes, This.

Brian Cronin (@Brian_Cronin): I would like to see Toney get some rest to see if it helps his shoulder, but in that case, why not start Bibby? Or even (when pigs fly) Lin? It just seems like such a strange idea to commit to a guy not playing the point and then automatically playing him at the point.

I agree, Lin seems like the best choice but maybe MDA doesn’t want to throw too much at Lin all at once. As for Bibby I would prefer Jeffries at PG over Bibby. Bibby is so bad it is actually hard to watch.

I hope it’s because they are sitting TD so he maybe can get healthy and play like he should be playing.

I would like to see Toney get some rest to see if it helps his shoulder, but in that case, why not start Bibby? Or even (when pigs fly) Lin? It just seems like such a strange idea to commit to a guy not playing the point and then automatically playing him at the point.

Brian Cronin (@Brian_Cronin): So wait, didn’t they just make a big thing about how Shump will no longer be a point guard? And they follow that up with him starting…at point guard? Gah?

I hope it’s because they are sitting TD so he maybe can get healthy and play like he should be playing.

Shumpert will be replacing Douglas in the starting lineup.

So wait, didn’t they just make a big thing about how Shump will no longer be a point guard? And they follow that up with him starting…at point guard? Gah?

How about he plays and they have an easy win which lets Melo sit out the entire 4th quarter insuring he doesnt get further injured :-)

Yes! This one. I take this option!

Brian Cronin (@Brian_Cronin): I definitely understand the logic behind that, but I dunno, I really think they need a win right now, and playing him should help to lock a win down, so I’d play him. Unless, of course, he isn’t even 90% healthy yet, in which case, yeah, give him the extra game.

How about he plays and they have an easy win which lets Melo sit out the entire 4th quarter insuring he doesnt get further injured :-)