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The players who "own" Rashard


During the discussion of Brandon Bass, a point came up about whether Rashard could guard power forwards. I got curious, and there was a list provided by a commenter of forwards that he felt Rashard didn't guard well. This list was David West, LaMarcus Aldridge, Carlos Boozer, Pau Gasol, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Lamar Odom, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Antawn Jamison, Josh Smith, Andray Blatche, Dirk Nowitzki, and Zach Randolph (that's a heck of a list...). I removed Duncan, since I still consider him a C, but looked at the others. What I did was figure their points per game and rebounds per game for the last three seasons, since Rashard moved to PF. Then I looked at the PPG and RPG against Rashard. By comparing the two, there's a "Lewis Factor" where a positive means the opponent does better than average, a negative means they do worse than average. It's not 100% precise, since there will be some time against Lewis' backup, but given that none of our backup PFs are shutdown specialists and the overall averages also include time against backups, their effect on the numbers should be (relatively) minimal. Areas where Lewis holds opponents to less than average are bolded.

Star-divide

David West: 20.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG
Against Lewis: 21.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG
Lewis Factor: +0.8 PPG, -1.6 RPG

LaMarcus Aldridge: 17.9 PPG, 7.7 RPG
Against Lewis: 14.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG
Lewis Factor: -3.6 PPG, +0.8 RPG

Carlos Boozer: 19.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG
Against Lewis: 19.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG
Lewis Factor: +0.3 PPG, +0.1 RPG

Pau Gasol: 18.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG
Against Lewis: 18.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG
Lewis Factor: -0.7 PPG, -0.3 RPG

Kevin Garnett: 16.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG
Against Lewis: 12.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG
Lewis Factor: -4.0 PPG, +0.4 RPG

Lamar Odom: 12.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG
Against Lewis: 11.5 PPG, 10.3 RPG
Lewis Factor: -0.6 PPG, +0.8 RPG

Amare Stoudemire: 23.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG
Against Lewis: 20.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG
Lewis Factor: -3.2 PPG, +1.2 RPG

Chris Bosh: 23.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG
Against Lewis: 24.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG
Lewis Factor: +1.9 PPG, 0.0 RPG

Antawn Jamison: 20.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG
Against Lewis: 19.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG
Lewis Factor: -1.1 PPG, -1.4 RPG

Josh Smith: 16.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG
Against Lewis: 15.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG
Lewis Factor: -0.4 PPG, +0.7 PPG

Andray Blatche: 10.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG
Against Lewis: 9.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG
Lewis Factor: -1.1 PPG, -0.8 RPG

Dirk Nowitzki: 24.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG
Against Lewis: 25.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG
Lewis Factor: +0.4 PPG, -1.2 RPG

Zach Randolph: 19.7 PPG, 10.8 RPG
Against Lewis: 20.1 PPG, 11.3 RPG
Lewis Factor: +0.4 PPG, +0.5 RPG

 

As can be seen, Lewis does better than average against quite a few of these power forwards, holding 8 of the 13 to less than their average on points, and 5 of the 13 to below average for rebounding. The only one to score significantly above his average against Lewis is Chris Bosh. Aldridge, Blatche, Stoudemire, Garnett, and Jamison are stifled by Lewis, with all averaging at least a point less than normal. Gasol, Jamison, and Blatche all have trouble with Lewis both scoring and rebounding; Gasol is the least affected, but none of the three are effective against Rashard. This suggests the perception that these players "own" Rashard is based less on how well they do against him compared to the rest of the league, and more based on the fact that these guys are good. Using these players as a baseline, Rashard would appear to be an average to above average defender with regard to scoring, and a below average rebounder.

This FanPost was made by a member of the Orlando Pinstriped Post community, and is to be treated as the opinions and views of its author, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

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hey.....pretty good research dude............i liked that.........

that makes me feel a little better anyway………so at least he keep them to their average or less………

except against bosh…………..doesn’t that figure?!

Just one man's opinion...
"mark my words...we will draft 2 corners within the first 4 picks" - 2009
"mark my words...we will draft 4 new linebackers this off-season" - 2010

by hwyatt3 on Jul 22, 2010 1:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeh i’m sure the fact that Dwight Howard is in the paint has NOTHING to do with the dip in the numbers for these power forwards…. Wake up.

by David Polega on Jul 22, 2010 2:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Seeing big men #‘s go down at the 4 spot against the magic would be expect to happen with out without lewis there. Am I saying its the only thing that ever stops a 4 from scoring? no. But when the largest difference he can come up with is a guy scoring 4 less points than his Average, yes I think that small statistical variance is easily explained by Howard’s help defense and rebound gobbling.

by David Polega on Jul 22, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh I agree, and like Lewis over any 4 not named Gasol or Nowitzki. But the defensive nonsense has got to stop. He’s a good match up for garnett cuz its length vs length but other than that the man is just an average defender.

by David Polega on Jul 22, 2010 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

IF anything Mark

I think Dwight’s impact is that he helps the backcourt more than he helps Shard.

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jul 27, 2010 5:06 AM EDT up reply actions  

Thats a Great List

Im really glad Bosh isnt going to be a concern……wait…….s**t.

by Ajax2771 on Jul 22, 2010 8:02 PM EDT reply actions  

Forgive Me for Being Concerned About the Upcoming Season

Its just that Orlando has 3 huge pains in the ass a few hours down the road. And a few in here as well.

by Ajax2771 on Jul 22, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Aww, you really shouldn't say things like that about yourself.

We accept you for what you are.

I'm a girl too.

Haters gonna hate.

by GoMagicGo on Jul 22, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

Aww. Ben.

You’re no fun!

I'm a girl too.

Haters gonna hate.

by GoMagicGo on Jul 22, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

I am thinking hard about discontinuing participation on OPP.

I do not need additional irrational discourse and irritation in my life. I enjoyed my first year here, but the argument for the sake of argument and half assed fallacious logic has taken the fun away,

Does anyone know of an Orlando Magic fan blog anywhere?

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew

I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll

"I thank my teammates for letting their men blow by them." - Alonzo Mourning after winning the DPOY award

by NC Magic Fan on Jul 23, 2010 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Best bet is to just ignore the haters. Has worked well for me lately (past day or so).

If they keep getting responses, they will keep spitting garbage out. If no one talks to them, they will just sit there twiddling their thumbs.

by MagicMark on Jul 23, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

I started contributing again after, by my standards, a decent amount of time away from OPP.

I just could not hold my tongue any longer though. I agree with what seems to be the general consensus among the contributors that have been here longer than three weeks which is that people are arguing for the sake of arguing.

ORL⚝NDO M⚝GIC
-SEMINOLES-;;-►

by Wally Balls 407 on Jul 23, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dont Worry Guys

As soon as the season starts I will not be participating in OPP or any other Magic Fan blogs or boards. I become a Magic cheerleader and unabashed, unapologetic supporter like many of you are now. When its the offseason though, I believe its time to be very open, honest and analyze our team as objectively as possible. I love my town and the team it represents and have been a fan since they were almost the Orlando Heat, Orlando Tropics and Orlando Juice. I rode out the Hewitt years, attended the Magics first win and hopefully will still be around to see the Magic win their first championship. Civil discourse is a part of life though, and there will always be differing opinions as to what the best course for our team is. As far as my opinions go, please keep in mind they originate from a desire to see the Magic succeed. End of line.

by Ajax2771 on Jul 23, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ajax, you are not the problem

You are hard headed, stubborn and admit to being and ass, but you are not arguing for the sake of the argument, you believe your statement, (no matter how wrong they are). With you it is discourse, which is on of the purpose s for the board.

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew

I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll

"I thank my teammates for letting their men blow by them." - Alonzo Mourning after winning the DPOY award

by NC Magic Fan on Jul 23, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

You make this sound like Dr Phil NC

If OPP had Just the people who please you and agree with you the site would have such a low valuation and no growth potential whatsoever, good thing you are not a decision maker for this site cuz its actually a good site. Like Ive said before stop getting so sentimental and just enjoy your time here and be happy the Magic are contenders so it gives us something to talk about instead of crying through mediocre seasons. No one argues for the sake of arguing everyone is expressing their opinions and it if doesnt corroborate what your saying then thats your problem and stop arguing for the sake arguing about Non-Baketball related things like you do. The people who have been on this site for 45 years and hold stock options for when this site goes public and blows up…you guys should be happy that people who have been only been here for 3 days are contributing as well…growth is good…some people are overly possessive without any reason….ITS JUST BASKETBALL…..DISCUSS..CHILL…

by rahido on Jul 25, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

There is only one poster I would eliminate.

And OPP would be a better place.

Peace out.

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew

I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll

"I thank my teammates for letting their men blow by them." - Alonzo Mourning after winning the DPOY award

by NC Magic Fan on Jul 25, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think it starts with a failure to listen.

That falls mostly on the occasional newcomer who might fail to recognize that internet communities function much like other societies—with history, norms, and standards. Historically 3QC/OPP have had a high level of discourse and respect. The “vets” would like to protect that.

Newcomers are freely welcome. Some of us cantankerous “vets” need to give more freedom for this and kindly correct erroneous statements, etc. But don’t assume new people are idiots. They may be new to advanced stats, the value of the 4-1 offense with our personnel, how well Lewis plays defense, etc. Educate with patience.

The big problem this offseason seems to be new people who, when corrected or debated with, become billigerent and argumentative. The fact that Ben had to put up a post about good manners demonstrates how much stink was rising around here (from old and new alike). Ben is notoriously patient. Such a post shouldn’t be needed. But in many ways it still needs to be heeded.

If the shoe fits, wear it.

Please don't simply ignore the stats when making your case
"...your eyes lie to you sometimes..."

by magicfaninTN on Jul 25, 2010 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

You are correct

I see your point MagicfaninTN I dont think I or anyone who is actually a true Magic fan would become billigerent or argumentative intentionally but the responses such as the one right above yours are so childish and immature that sometimes it doesn’t leave room for any other type of behavior. My bad if I acted unreasonably at any given point and will remember what you said for the future. But im sure you agree healthy debates and disagreements are good and insightful provided it can be done respectfully… which I think is what gets out of hand sometimes here but like you said " Such a post shouldn’t be needed. But in many ways it still needs to be heeded. If the shoe fits, wear it."

by rahido on Jul 25, 2010 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Not to sound insulting to younger members, but I’ve noticed on various boards (both sports-related and otherwise) that the quality of posting on many of them tends to vary based on the school year. When school’s out, the overall quality of discourse declines.

Honor is no substitute for victory.

by The Dark on Jul 23, 2010 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

class of 1970, bunch a a**hole*

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew

I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll

"I thank my teammates for letting their men blow by them." - Alonzo Mourning after winning the DPOY award

by NC Magic Fan on Jul 23, 2010 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sorry Ben

Your board, your rules. Respect.

by Ajax2771 on Jul 23, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions  

Hey...

…if we make the Heat rely on their third-best scoring option, that’s fine by me.

(Given that the Heat’s other frontcourt options include Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony (?), and the 6’8" Udonis Haslem, I’d be shocked if the Magic don’t play Bosh as a C and put Dwight on him.)

I call him LeBron Jim for short.

by 3.3seconds on Jul 23, 2010 4:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

I rec'd this post because the fighting livened up my night

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Jul 23, 2010 12:00 AM EDT reply actions  

we need a thumbs down switch, too. Sort of the anti-rec.

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew

I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll

"I thank my teammates for letting their men blow by them." - Alonzo Mourning after winning the DPOY award

by NC Magic Fan on Jul 23, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions  

That would be so horribly, horribly abused

And sadly, I’m not sure I’d be able to resist the temptation to thumbs down everything Squid posted, just to see her reaction…

Honor is no substitute for victory.

by The Dark on Jul 23, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions  

Good stats.

Oh wait, stats are 100% meaningless if they don’t support my uninformed argument. BAD STATS, BAD!!!

Seriously, these stats, coupled with the team defense stats when Rashard is on the floor compared to Bass should silence some of the noise, even though I know it won’t.

I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.

by slickw143 on Jul 23, 2010 10:16 AM EDT reply actions  

The noise exists for the sake of the noise.

It is not here to enlighten, entertain or educate. It is here for its own amusement by attempting to irratate as many others as possible. Logic will never silence the noise.

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew

I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll

"I thank my teammates for letting their men blow by them." - Alonzo Mourning after winning the DPOY award

by NC Magic Fan on Jul 23, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

This all the way.

ORL⚝NDO M⚝GIC
-SEMINOLES-;;-►

by Wally Balls 407 on Jul 23, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions  

not so much lewis

In most of those cases those player are back to the basket and dwight fixes most porblems.

by hallcliff on Jul 23, 2010 11:47 AM EDT reply actions  

Dwight’s rebounding alone could have the impact your seeing in stats.

by David Polega on Jul 23, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions  

Dwight and Rashard together are approximately average with regards to rebounding (actually slightly below the average PF/C tandem), so Dwight’s rebounding alone would at best make up for Rashard’s glass allergy.

Honor is no substitute for victory.

by The Dark on Jul 23, 2010 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

did i say all

I didnt thinks so the word “most” applies but what you have not put together is how many middle of the road players take him for more than average. And unless you are watching film, do you know whether he was guarding that player or was he in foul trouble and Anderson or Bass was guarding him. Yes he can play solid defense if he is willing but unless his shots are going he seems to not care about defense

by hallcliff on Jul 23, 2010 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

And that:s supposed to be a winning mentality?

Look, i know its an 82 game season, but they are well compensated? Rashard needs to find his killer instinct like 2 yrs ago.

by lugowsky on Jul 25, 2010 12:12 PM EDT reply actions  

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