Brandon Bass Returns to the Orlando Magic's Rotation
by Ben Q Rock on Mar 4, 2010 12:00 PM EST
in Analysis
39 comments
When the Orlando Magic signed burly power forward Brandon Bass to a 4-year, $16 million deal less than one month after the bigger, stronger L.A. Lakers eliminated them in the NBA Finals, conventional wisdom said that the Magic were giving in, abandoning the three-point-happy style that had brought them much success during coach Stan Van Gundy's two-year tenure. Surely Rashard Lewis, who led the league in three-pointers made and attempted last year at the power forward spot, would shift back to his natural position of small forward, and Orlando would play a more traditional game overall.
Instead, Bass has languished at the end of the bench for much of the season. Lewis continues to start at the four, while second-year man Ryan Anderson, whose combination of three-point range and solid rebounding is rare among players his age, gobbled up the backup minutes. A frustrated Bass and Tony Dutt, his agent, were rumored to have sought a trade before ultimately backing off and deciding to let the situation play out. It's important to note that throughout all this time, Bass has remained professional and continued to work on his game, and has not sulked.
It appears as though that patience has paid off, for all parties involved. With Anderson mired in an awful shooting slump since January (50.4% True Shooting, compared to 58.8% from October to December), and with Orlando's schedule featuring more athletic power forwards on the opposing side, Bass is getting a chance to prove he's a good fit with this Magic team, as he's been the first power forward off the bench in each of Orlando's last three games. Moreover, Orlando is starting to see a return on its moderately priced investment.
First, to illustrate Bass' sporadic playing time, here's a chart breaking down how many minutes each power forward has played in each game this season. Note how Bass, represented with red, shows up erratically, while Anderson (blue) is more consistent. Also note that the minutes sometimes exceed 48 due to Lewis spending time at small forward and/or Bass playing center in certain games. UPDATE: I've fixed the chart so all the minutes from each game line up. My favorite thing this chart illustrates is how Marcin Gortat, in purple, went months without playing at that position, then logged 11 minutes there seemingly out of nowhere in a Magic win over Boston. You can click the image to enlarge it.
Although Bass has played better lately--I hesitate to say he's "excelled," since he's still a work-in-progress defensively, in March--and although Anderson has regressed, there's still a reason why Van Gundy's decision to use Anderson more overall was the right one: Orlando's a better team with Anderson on the floor, despite the fact that Anderson's individual stats only marginally best Bass'. As of 82games.com's latest update, Orlando performed 6.6 points per 100 possessions better with Anderson [ed. note: misuse of wording] on the floor as opposed to off it. With Bass, the Magic are 11.7 points worse per 100 possessions, meaning Orlando is an astonishing 18.3 points better with Anderson over Bass per 100 possessions. If you prefer adjusted plus-minus, Anderson has Bass beat there as well, sporing a two-year adjusted plus-minus of 6.34 to Bass' 1.87, per basketballvalue.com's latest update.
But Bass needs to play in order to get comfortable, and with Anderson slumping, now's the best time to get him minutes. Additionally, as you can see in this video of his press conference after last night's win against Golden State, Van Gundy said he consulted the schedule and found that many of Orlando's opponents this month are "very, very quick at the power forward spot," and that he prefers Bass against those matchups because his athleticism enables him to "handle" those assignments. He also said that he wanted to play Bass in several consecutive games, "not just one game and then off for another two weeks" because he "wanted to see what he can do."
But I'm more curious about April, May, and possibly June. As great as Anderson's been this year, Bass might be better equipped to tangle with Orlando's potential playoff opponents. Miami has Michael Beasley and Udonis Haslem; Chicago has Hakim Warrick and Taj Gibson; Toronto has Chris Bosh and Amir Johnson; Boston has Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis, and Rasheed Wallace; Cleveland has J.J. Hickson and Antawn Jamison, against whom Van Gundy has repeatedly given Bass the nod over Anderson. Former Magic forward and current NBA TV analyst Dennis Scott may have been right when he said Bass could be the Magic's difference-maker in the playoffs, although he emphasized Bass' experience, and not the Magic's matchups, in making that comment. What I'm getting at is that there's no time like the present--or, really, no time like training camp--to get Bass acclimated to his teammates, and vice-versa. Anderson's a terrific player, the better player, and much more likely to be part of the Magic's long-term future than Bass is. But short-term, Bass has earned his chances.
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Let's just hope Ryan and Bass will both be in top form for the playoffs
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
Yeah, I really don't read much into this.
I think it’s just Van Gundy making sure both guys are ready for the playoffs. As has been said, Van Gundy knows how Anderson fits in with the team. Quite frankly, at this time he is likely the Magic’s long-term solution at PF. Bass, on the other hand, needs the PT in case he’s needed in the playoffs. You don’t want to dust someone off for a second round series when they haven’t played meaningful minutes in 3 months, unless you’re Anthony Johnson. That guy comes ready no matter how long he’s sat for, it seems.
I hate Varejao.
Thank God we have a definite starter in Lewis.
Otherwise, I could see a problem like last year’s Finals with the PG position where there was a lot of confusion as to who should be playing.
The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy
I think Ryan will be key to the Magic's continued success, especially in the playoffs.
Ryan can provide that instant spark, with a transition 3, or a monster offensive rebound. Bass provides neither really. I’ve seen as many defensive mistakes as made jump shots (which I will admit, I always believe will go in).
I think Bass is a good guy, but I’m still not seeing the benefits he provides over Ryan and Gortat.
When the big fella was whistled for his fourth personal foul midway through the third quarter, Stan Van Gundy left Clark Kent alone. And in a phone booth measuring 94 feet across, Dwight Howard used that vote of confidence to transform into his alter ego. - Chris Sheridan
i hope ryan isnt sulking
he looked pretty miserable coming into the game last night. it didnt help that he went 0-5. Reminded me a little of a spoiled little boy fed up with not getting his way. Especially after he missed those two layups at the rim.
That said you gotta love the spirit AJ showed when he finally checked into the game!
Others have mentioned this but Johnson's professionalism is valuable.
He’s always ready to go, no matter what. I applaud that readiness from a veteran.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
ryan and bass..
ryan anderson and bradon bass are obviously different players.. the question now is who is better playing the minutes of lewis and fits with the first lineup and the guys coming off the bench.. :D
we don't light the stars, we simply fade with them..
Well, the answer to that question is Anderson but it doesn't hurt to give Bass a look.
Welcome to OPP, by the way! I see you’re a newer member of the community.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Yeah..
im a follower of the Netsdaily and since they transfered here in SB i decided to make an account.. i’m also a magic fan so don’t worry i’m not here to ruin anything. i always read the third quarter collapse which is now orlando pinstriped post.. more power to those who believe in MAGIC..
we don't light the stars, we simply fade with them..
Good stuff.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
SVG is a smart man.
Get Bass ready, we already know what we have RA.
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Just curious
Ben you say Ryan is the better player? But you just named off alot of PFs that Bass would match up better with instead of Ryan. Wouldn’t that mean Bass is the better player as of now? Lets be honest here if Anderson isn’t hitting his 3s he’s pretty ineffective. Again I’m not hating on Ryan, because I like him as a player. But as of right now Bass is the better player. Ryan definitely has a higher ceiling. But he needs to make adjustments to his style of play, especially getting closer to the playoffs. Standing at the 3pt line hoping he’ll start making shots isn’t the way to go. He needs to be effective in other ways. Just my opinion.
Anderson can drive to the lane, and he does.
He’s also a better rebounder and a defender. So no, Bass is still not the better player right now, even with Anderson’s shooting slump.
I hate Varejao.
Bass is the better matchup against those players Ben mentioned.
It doesn’t necessarily make him a superior player to Anderson.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
What?
Anderson is not a strong driver to the lane. Anderson better defender? Not sold on it, who’s to say Bass isn’t the better defender. If Bass and Anderson played the same amount of mins, then I’d buy your argument. Bass energy and hustle brings a different element to the game. I can tell you one thing for sure, Bass may not gobble up rebounds as far as numbers. But he’s better than Rashard or Anderson at keeping the opposing PF off the offensive glass.
There are no statistics that support anything you've said.
I suggest you read some previous articles on this site about the subject matter. Ryan Anderson was a better rebounder last year as a rookie who didn’t really become a regular in the rotation until the second half of the season. And Anderson has been one of the better rebounders on the team when in the game, especially on the offensive glass.
And yes, the vast majority of Anderson’s shots this year have either been the three or at the rim, the two most efficient shots on the floor. The largest percentage of Bass’ shot attempts are mid-range jumpers, the most inefficient shot on the floor.
Bass was a decent defender at the center position last year, but has never been a strong defender overall. He has floundered trying to guard opposing PF’s the majority of the time he’s been on the floor. That’s true with either numbers or just simply observing the games.
I hate Varejao.
Statistics??
Listen I’m not trying to get into a statistic battle here. Statistics or not, one thing I’ve noticed is PF don’t have their way on the offensive glass when Bass is playing. I’m not even talking about numbers. This is coming from me watching the games.
Usually people who can't back up what they're saying don't want to get into a "statistical battle".
The last three games, where Bass has been getting the back-up minutes, have come across the Heat, Sixers, and Warriors. Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem, the back-up bigs on the Heat, each had 2 offensive rebounds. The Philly and Golden State game each featured extremely lacking frontcourts (especially their second units), so I’m afraid I’m not impressed by Bass’ ability to keep Jason Kapono, Marreese Speights, or Devean George off the glass.
There, I only used the dreaded statistics once in that post.
I hate Varejao.
Nice Try
Don’t try to use backup bigs getting offensive rebs to make your point. All I’m saying is when Bass is in the game opposing 4s aren’t crashing the glass as successfully, getting tip-ins, etc. Bass has been doing a good job in boxing these guys out. Whether or not he gets the rebound is irrelevant to me. As long as someone on the team gets the rebound. Once thing I have notice, since you wanna talk statistics is our FGA have been pretty much even or better than the opponents. Which tells me we’re rebounding the ball better as it reflects with our overall rebounding the past several games.
One more thing I wanna point out to you “stat man”. And even I’m not sure about this yet. But I wanna see how our overall reb improves with Bass getting PT. Again Bass might not get the reb, but I really think he improves our team rebounding. Rashard and Anderson get abused in the paint with energy/hustle type PF on the off glass. Why? Pretty simple, they’re not as big or as athletic as Bass.
Okay, you talk about other players aren't getting offensive boards.
So I bring up some that did, and now I’m not allowed to use that anymore? Cool.
It was funny hearing “stat man” used as a veiled insult though. I’m glad Van Gundy never uses stats or anything to make decisions. Oh, he does? Well, that’s cool too.
I hate Varejao.
Stan is also making adjustments based on those stats. Those opponent offensive reb stats aren't looking to good.
Really though I like stats, they do help when trying to make a point. But when you make them the “end all” of trying to prove your point. That’s when I can’t relate to you any longer. Sometimes you gotta think outside of just numbers. And that’s the way you’re trying to prove your point to me.
Numbers count for a lot in basketball.
Obviously they are not the end all be all. But to not count them like you seem to be doing is ignorant. Hustle cannot be measured, but everything else can be using statistics.
Ryan vs. Bass has been the most discussed topic all season
Here are just some of the many posts discussing this:
http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2010/1/12/1246550/ryan-anderson-vs-brandon-bass-a
http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2009/12/22/1210547/ryan-andersons-adventures-in
http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2010/1/5/1234384/video-documentation-of-ryan
now I'm not gonna claim I have the numbers
but both Ryan and Bass when down in form seem to be basketball black holes i.e. Ryan’s gonna jack it up for bad 3s, and Brandon will take that jump shot.
Then again I haven’t watched a Magic game in a while, living in Australia, I have to survive on occasional matches, nba.com highlights and OPP (I’ve been stalking around for a while)
Ryan is far from a black hole.
I can’t believe Anderson, out of everyone on the team, is getting criticized for taking two of the most efficient shots in basketball – free throws and threes. Ryan is in a slump, yes, but he usually doesn’t force bad shots.
Welcome to OPP, btw!
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Did you come to that conclusion using numbers or observations?
I’m confused as to what we’re supposed to use to make statements about this team after this thread.
I hate Varejao.
Not so sharp Mark
MagicMark what do you mean I’m not counting them? I think you’re ignorant for getting my words twisted. Read what I said, I said they “DO HELP”. How about I say it with you. Numbers count for a lot in basketball, doh, I mean duh.
Shrugs shoulders
You tell me, that’s up for you to decide.
You got it.
Anderson better defender? Not sold on it, who’s to say Bass isn’t the better defender.
The numbers, which Ben posted in his write-up. The Magic are worse defensively when Bass is in the game, as opposed to Anderson. The main reason why is because Brandon, for whatever reason, hasn’t picked up the rotations, he’s blown countless pick & roll coverages, and more. Bass’ individual defense isn’t much of an issue but his team defense is, which is why he hasn’t been playing a lot this season. Anderson, more or less, hasn’t had many issues defensively even if he isn’t the best defender in the world.
If Bass and Anderson played the same amount of mins, then I’d buy your argument.
This is one of the most played-out arguments I’ve seen, not only here but elsewhere. Bass spent two years with the Mavericks showing what type of player he is and that’s an efficient mid-range shooter who’s a decent rebounder. That’s it. His issues on defense, in my opinion, have a lot to do with the fact he’s playing more power forward this year, as opposed to center last year. There’s a lot to say about a player’s comfort level. I think Brandon has shown that he’s more suited as a center, even if he’s undersized at the position.
Bass energy and hustle brings a different element to the game.
Okay, that’s great, but none of those things are quantifiable.
Bass may not gobble up rebounds as far as numbers. But he’s better than Rashard or Anderson at keeping the opposing PF off the offensive glass.
This is the first thing you got right. Statistically, Bass is a better offensive rebounder than Anderson and Lewis. But with that said, Ryan – overall – is a better rebounder than Brandon. Heck, Matt Barnes is a better rebounder than Bass and he’s a freakin’ small forward for goodness sakes. I’m not impressed.
But I wanna see how our overall reb improves with Bass getting PT.
Statistically, the team rebounding gets worse, not better, with Bass on the floor as opposed to Anderson.
When Anderson is at his best and Bass is at his best, Anderson is the better player. Again, the issue of minutes is irrelevant because Bass, even in his limited minutes, is putting up nearly the same per minute numbers that he put up with the Mavericks the past two seasons. With that noted, Anderson has him beat.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Mar 4, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Okay I understand all of that.
Let see if those rebound numbers change. We shall see. My only argument with that really is the opposing PF offensive reb numbers, while Bass is in the game.
Let me add one more thing though. I’m not gonna beat the Bass vs Anderson into the ground. But as I’ve seen for the past several games. The way the Magic have been playing is the way I think this team should be playing. Number 1: Feed Dwight first and foremost, Jameer is finally at full health. Vince is playing efficiently, he’s posting more, and playing within the offense schemes. The 2nd unit though has been the problem, maybe not now. But esp Pietrus and Anderson with the quick 3s. With that said, I notice Anderson not adjusting his game to the way we need to play. He needs to drive more often and look for better shots. The way he’s been playing is the main reason we blow leads……quick shots. Now I know he’s in a slump, but I think that’s due the way he plays also. He needs to adjust.
I agree with almost everything you said.
I think what helps Bass with the second unit is that he’s a legitimate post presence and that’s something the Magic are lacking when the reserves are in the game. Gortat is more of a pick & roll player, so that’s why you’ll see Orlando’s bench have feasts and famines because the players are so reliant on the jumpshot.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Just a question..
you mentioned “legitimate post presence”… is there some kind of stats to see how effective Bass is posting up? I’ve rarely seen him do that
30% of Bass' offense comes in post-up situations. He's scored 0.84 points per possession, which is "average."
For comparison, Gortat’s post-ups aren’t nearly as good, producing 0.56 points per possession (“poor”) and comprising 17% of his offense.
Bass is much more effective as a spot-up shooter, which comprises 17% of his offense. 1.35 points per possession, which is “excellent.”
I was just saying this!
Great post Ben. A lot of people brought up a lot of good points about SVG seeing what his players can do.
I think Bass can be great for us in certain matchups. He definitely isn’t hesitant to shoot tho.
LT Style, Electric Glide
"It's all part of the plan." Jeff Moorad and The Joker in the Dark Knight.
"Just because you went to the Finals last year, you can’t go out on the floor and expect teams to lay down. We got no heart. You can only make so many excuses. Everybody has to come and play hard, not just one or two guys."-Matt Barnes
Perception= Reality Bass over Ryan Anderson
There are members of the Magic fan base that perceive Ryan Anderson as a chucker. Another person who comes of the bench and chucks 3’s, with the team struggling from 3, they don’t want another person shooting 3’s. The feeling has been compounded by Ryan Anderson’s slump. Bass doesn’t shoot as efficient shot as RA, but he got a solid mid-range jumper and shoots over 50% from the field. He brings energy and appears to rebound at higher a rate, because he is perceived as a traditional 4. Though the stats show something different, some fans perceive it that way.
FEED THE BEAST!!!
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People are ignorant to the numbers sometimes.
If it doesn’t jive with their opinion, they’ll dismiss since it proves them wrong.
I write for Orlando Pinstriped Post and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
Yes
Some people only trust their eyes, they don’t buy in to what they read.
FEED THE BEAST!!!
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