Is the Eastern Conference Really about LeBron and Derrick? by Lamar Battle

We’ve made it to August NBA fans! Another month closer to the opening of training camp and meaningful basketball being played again. Much of the NBA summer coverage is dedicated to rumors and speculation, let’s take a respite from the whispers credited to “multiple sources” and dive in to 5 interesting stats from the Chicago Bulls’ 2013-2014 season.

1. Jimmy Butler Shot 43% On Corner Three’s

Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler’s 3P% fell be nearly 10% this past season from the previous one. The explanation for this dip is quite clear to me. The below chart explains what changed.

Column 1 shows Butler’s overall 3-Point %, column 2 shows the % of 3-point shots that came from the corner, and column 3 shows the % shot on corner threes.

As we can see, Butlers 10% dip in overall 3P% may simply be attributed to his 30% decline in 3’s taken from the corner.

With Derrick Rose’s slashing ability and Pau Gasol’s post game Jimmy can hopefully find his way back to the corner where he could benefit from an influx of offensive talent around him.

2. Mike Dunleavy Held His Opponent to the Lowest eFG%

According to Synergy, Mike Dunleavy was the highest rated defender on the Bulls at 91st percentile, also held his man to lowest eFG% — BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) August 18, 2014

Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

When people think about Mike Dunleavy their first thought isn’t typically “World-Class Defender” yet on a team with several elite, and decorated defensive players it was Mike Dunleavy who managed to hold his opposing player to the lowest eFG% (a statistic that adjusts for the fact that a 3-point field goal is worth one more point than a 2-point field goal).

In Tom Thibodeau’s defense perimeter players deny their players entrance to the lane. They do this by over compensating their defense to the inside pushing players base-line where big man are stationed and ready to assist forcing a more difficult shot.

The system itself lends help to perimeter defenders, so Dunleavy wasn’t locking down guys one on one, but he was playing his part in leading them to the base-line, proving he can be counted on to perform in Thibodeau’s demanding defensive system.

3. Pau Gasol Had 92 Blocks in 2013-14

Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Despite playing in only 60 games last season Gasol was able to rack up 92 blocks. The unique thing about this number is that it is exactly equal to the number of blocks Carlos Boozer had as a Chicago Bull.

Gasol totaled Boozer’s blocking numbers from 4 whole seasons in just 60 games.

Gasol’s 1.5 blocks per game would put him on pace to have tied for the team lead with reigning defensive player of the year, Joakim Noah. Gasol’s size and shot blocking will be a welcomed addition to a Bulls line-up that features a defensive system designed to funnel perimeter players into help from interior defenders.

4. The Bulls Outscored The Wizards While Noah and Gibson Were On The Court Together

Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Depth issues, among other issues, plagued the Bulls during their brief playoff stint in 2014. The two returning members of the Bulls’ front-court rotation, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, actually outscored the Wizards in the 118 minutes they were on the floor together during the series.

similarly, the 3-man combination of Noah, Gibson and Butler also posted a higher point total over the 101 minutes they shared the court together during the series.

If theirs one resolution Bulls fans can take away from the series its that our core players, who played, performed while on the court together. I’m an eternal optimist and will always find the good in every situation, even when those situations are terrible playoff series.

5. Mike Dunleavy Ranked in the Top 4 in 9 statistical Categories Last Season

Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

In case you can’t tell, I’m a Mike Dunleavy fan. I feel he’s a tremendous value given the contract he’s on and feel it’s far too common a suggestion on basketball forums and sites that the Bulls look to move Dunleavy.

Back on topic, here are the 9 statistical categories Dunleavy finished in the top 4 in last season:

Stat Rank Points 4th Blocks 3rd Steals 4th Assists 4th Rebounds 4th FT% 2nd 3P% 2nd Minutes Played 3rd Games 1st

Dunleavy’s finger-prints are all over the stat book. He contributes in a wide variety of categories and is a player that can be counted on to contribute towards winning basketball. If the shots not falling Dunleavy will use his length to pull down rebounds or sacrifice his body to take a charge.

Dunleavy was brought in to be a back-up last season but after the trade of Luol Deng he gamefully stepped up to the plate and contributed to a 48 win team.

As we gain more and more access to stats and information our understanding of the game will continue to evolve. Where we previously only had access to the over-all 3-point percentage we can now break down 3-pointers by position on the court, giving us a greater understanding of a players’ ability.

As always, keep it locked in to Pippen Ain’t Easy for all your Bulls news, rumors, analysis and stats.