I think blocked shots are overvalued. They often don’t even result in a turnover. You’re better off simply altering the opponent’s shot but not blocking it because you (as the alterer of said shot) and your teammates should be better positioned than the opposition to rebound an altered shot. A blocked shot is more likely to go to an opponent or out of bounds than to a teammate.
Did you watch Shelden play? His blocks were regarded as particularly effective because he tended to pull the ball down instead of swatting it any which way.
Also, a blocked shot is much more likely not to end up in the basket than a not-blocked shot.
Undersized and lacking in the athleticism to make up for it. I was surprised he didn't carve out a better long-term reserve role, but I don't think I ever thought he would be a regular NBA starter.
Yes, I watched pretty much every game Williams played in while at Duke. And sure, a blocked shot won’t go in the basket, but an altered shot almost never will either. I still don’t see a compelling reason to believe the defense ends up with a better outcome by blocking a shot rather than altering it. I believe it’s the other way around.
If Williams were a great defender — as supposedly evidenced by his high block percentage — I think he would have played more seasons in the NBA than he did. There’s always a place for a good rim protector. Anyway, I hope he is doing well. I always liked Shelden and was quite happy when Boston drafted him.
“Those two kids, they’re champions,” Krzyzewski said of his senior leaders. “They’re trying to teach the other kids how to become that, and it’s a long road to become that.”
Right. There's probably never been a defender who alters lots of shots without also blocking many others. It is the fear of the blocked shot that causes offensive players to alter their shots.
The greatest defender ever certainly believed in the blocked shot. He was also known for keeping them in play, which of course I would agree is better than blocking them out of bounds.
Basically ANYONE drafted by the NY Knicks since 2006 has been OVER valued...