7SoM: Webisode 28, Jermaine O'Neal's Defense

by gian casimiro on Apr 19, 2011 11:00 AM EDT in 7 Seconds or Mess

Two years ago at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference one of the hot topic essays was on the value of the block. I've forgotten the specifics at this point but Jermaine O'Neal ranked first in blocks at the rim. That's all that happened. That's the end of the story. Now, I know that's not amazing to some of you but you ask one of these stat fellas and that stuff is flippin' incredible isn't it?

In Game 1, JO dominated the third quarter on the defensive end and was the factor in the Knicks' 13 point output. It wasn't just with his four blocks (two of which came in said quarter). Jermaine O'mnipresent made sure all lanes were rerouted and all interior shots contested.

The Knicks have a personnel issue at the non-Amar'e Stoudemire-big position, this we know. Do they roll with defensive-minded Ronny Turiaf or space-'em-out Shawne Williams? Mike D'Antoni opts for the extra offensive weapon traditionally but Game 1 was an exception as Extra E played less than 10 minutes. The result was frequent problems with spacing. Strange as it was to see, D'Antoni sacrificed his offense to match up better with the Celtics' front line. Game 2 should be an eyeopener if he elects to do it again.

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Sweep the leg!

Again, not sure why MDA doesn’t just deploy Shelden to Sensei John Kreese the opposing team’s best player. This strategy, although not “defense.” per se, would garner respect and adoration city-wide.

by LoHudKnicks on Apr 19, 2011 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

that's what i've been saying!

and i keep getting these “not sportsmanlike” and “unethical” garbage responses.

Still on the fence about Carmelo's dopey smile

by knickswin on Apr 19, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

uhhh. ok.. anyways back to the thread post.

I think shawne has been a little constipated as of late. And i liked the choice to play turiaf more. Turiaf had soem nice finishes around the rim. And I his intensity actually anchored the team D we displayed. With amare at the 5, im not so sure we will play that same D.

"they try to do what he do, and been where he's been, but they get folded in two.....he's the dude"

by semsemma on Apr 19, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

He's got a torn tendon on the index finger of his shooting hand iirc

by Doug Chu on Apr 19, 2011 12:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Would like to see some extra E at the 5 this game too.

Have TD push the rock and E sprint to his spot. Challenge JO to bust it up and down the floor. Also might nudge the Cs to run their offense through JO as well. Despite some early game success, he will wear down. And with E parked in the corner, either Garnett or O’Neal will have to drag themselves out of the middle to honor him.

by Crackback on Apr 19, 2011 11:46 AM EDT via mobile reply actions