By The Numbers - Guangdong Southern Tigers
Sept 27, 2015 4:02:11 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2015 4:02:11 GMT
By The Numbers – A look at how a group of (almost) kids have Guangdong off to a 14-6 start.
General manager Dave Seer has been clear throughout the offseason, preseason and early regular season – his goal was to get his young team some experience under their belt while hopefully not turning over top 10 pick to Moscow. Was he genuinely aiming low or was he trying to catch the league by surprise? Here’s a look at some of the more interesting numbers behind their unexpected start to the season.
Guangdong rookies Dario Saric, Julius Randle and Jabari Parker
The above numbers and their record notwithstanding, Guangdong still have much to prove. Led by a GM that few would call patient, they'll likely have to keep up their early success to avoid major roster changes - even then, roster stability doesn't go hand in hand with Seer. Despite all the disclaimers and low projections, league observers know how much this team would hate to turn a high draft selection over to Moscow via the Randle trade. That being said, management has made it clear they assembled this young roster with the long-run in mind, we'll see which route they follow as the team likely falls closer to their projected growing pains throughout season.
General manager Dave Seer has been clear throughout the offseason, preseason and early regular season – his goal was to get his young team some experience under their belt while hopefully not turning over top 10 pick to Moscow. Was he genuinely aiming low or was he trying to catch the league by surprise? Here’s a look at some of the more interesting numbers behind their unexpected start to the season.
21.1 – The average age of this roster of thirteen players. No player is older than 23, and the youngest included a couple teenagers, Jabari Parker and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Given the extreme youth and inexperience of this roster, it’s no wonder Seer has tempered expectations for this team.
.700 – The surprising winning percentage of the Guangdong Southern Tigers through 20 games. In the preseason the management of the Tigers held firm on the stance that a .500 team would be absolutely their best case and ceiling. Has their quick start changed their minds? Or are they waiting for the other shoe to drop?
20 & 7 – Points per game and Rebounds per game of 18 year old Jabari Parker through 20 games. Everyone knew of Parker’s high ceiling, but he’s 18 – he’s supposed to be a project. Pumping out 20 & 7 while shooting 50% from the field has definitely been a catalyst for his team thus far. Jabari was the recipient of the first Eurasia Rookie of the Month honor this season.
44.5 – Rebounds a game for the Guangdong Southern Tigers – good enough for 5th in the league overall and a 52.3% Rebound Percentage (4th in league). Likely the most surprising statistic supporting the Tiger’s success, given the team has no real starting center, an incredibly raw power forward, and not much in the way of frontcourt depth. This team has bought into the reward that team rebounding brings and they’re all battling for every board on both ends of the court. It helps that they’re getting 24 boards a game out of their three rookie starters – Dario Saric, Julius Randle and Jabari Parker.
54% - the Field Goal percentage of rookie Julius Randle while also churning out 18ppg and 9rpg playing out of position at center. Much was made of the off-season trade that saw Guangdong send two first round draft picks to Moscow in exchange for the athletic forward, obviously it’s too early to tell, but Randle’s success has eased some of the doubt.
21/6/6 – The fantastic stat-line coming out of the Shooting Guard spot with Gilbert Arenas outplaying the man he was traded for in the offseason. The key centerpiece in a package that came to Guangdong for all-star Julius Erving in a deal that had some scratching their heads, Arenas has done his best to prove his worth. Yet another Southern Tiger playing out of position, Arenas has adapted quickly to the two-guard spot and done well to facilitate the offense while still finding enough of the ball to contribute 21ppg.
27.2 – Assists per game generated by this team’s high movement offense, 4th in the league. Aaron Brooks played well enough in preseason to convince coach Lenny Wilkens to start him at the point alongside Gilbert Arenas at SG. The result? Over 12apg from the duo with another 4 a game from rookie PF Dario Saric. The Tigers have learned early that their athleticism and movement have given opponents fits – what till happen as the opposition catches on and those young legs begin to tire?
5 – the number of rookies on this roster, three of whom are starting. Jabari Parker, Julius Randle and Dario Saric have started all 20 games, while Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Bogdan Bogdanovic are providing some welcome minutes off the bench. Luckily this team is lead by saavy veteran coach Lenny Wilkens – a calming and wise mentor for this inexperienced squad.
Guangdong rookies Dario Saric, Julius Randle and Jabari Parker
The above numbers and their record notwithstanding, Guangdong still have much to prove. Led by a GM that few would call patient, they'll likely have to keep up their early success to avoid major roster changes - even then, roster stability doesn't go hand in hand with Seer. Despite all the disclaimers and low projections, league observers know how much this team would hate to turn a high draft selection over to Moscow via the Randle trade. That being said, management has made it clear they assembled this young roster with the long-run in mind, we'll see which route they follow as the team likely falls closer to their projected growing pains throughout season.
