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NOCIONI: CHANGING HIS GAME?

I’ve noticed something weird about Andres Nocioni in the last 2 games… 

When he came here from Chicago, his reputation was that of a “knock ‘em down” three point shooter who played aggressive defense. 

 

In his first 23 games with the Kings last season, he averaged 13.7points, 6 rebounds 1.6 assists, .448 FG% and .441 on 3PT’s. 

 

This season, Nocioni came off the bench, became a starter, was relegated to the end of the bench, and has swung back and forth from 5mins/game to 24mins/game. 

 

His season averages are at their lowest since his rookie season: 8.9points, 3.1rebs, 1.1 assists, .402 FG% and .372 3PT’s. 

 

Something needed to be done and it seemed to me like Nocioni has changed his game recently to try and contribute in a different way.

 HOW?

By trying to shift from a three point shooter to a slasher/shooter.

 

Star-divide

Here are the figures:

In his 23 games with the Kings last season, 102 of his 252 shots were 3pointers. That’s a whopping 40% of all the shots Nocioni took. 

 

In the last 3 games, he has attempted a total of 27 shots, of which 9 were three pointers. That’s only .33% of all the shots he took. 

 

In fact, he has taken an average of 2.1 3pointers/game in the last 8 games, shooting 17 threes and making 9 of them (that’s about 53% from 3 point land!) More importantly, he shot just 17 threes in 48 attempts, a 35% clip. 

 

Contrast that to Nocioni’s 40 3point attempts in 96 shot attempts (42%) in January, his 58 3point attempts in 128 attempts (45%) in December and his 52 3point attempts in 130 tries (40%) in November. 

 

How successful has he been in his attempt to become a slasher?

Well, it’s been a bag of mixed results. In the Knicks game, he went 1-5 on 2pointers, while in the Toronto game, he was more respectable with 3-7 on 2pointers. In last night’s Pistons game, he was absolutely spectacular, making 5-6 2pointers. 

 

So, is this recent trend of slashing instead of shooting from 3 Nocioni’s new game style? We’ll see, won’t we?

(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)

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Comments

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There’s really not that much of a difference. In that 3 games stretch you mentioned, if he takes one more 3 per game,he’s right back at 40%.

And no offense, but I really hope we won’t see, at least not on this team.

by DesertFox on Feb 11, 2010 12:00 AM PST reply actions  

True. But the point of the statistic is to show that he could have taken the three...

…and he has taken the three in those situations…but this time, he didn’t.

Sure, 1 less ill-advised threepointer a game may seem small, but it could turn out to be 32-35 more ill advised threepointers that could turn into a higher percentage shot.

And no offense taken. You’er entitled to your opinion.
In this case, Im not even arguing that we retain Noce or that he’s a better player because of this.
I am merely trying to validate if my observation about him is valid or not.

There can only be one Noce!

by NoceOne on Feb 11, 2010 12:43 AM PST up reply actions  

I posted this somewhere else, but fuck it

Last year he was a tough defender who could stroke the three. This year he gets the ball and jacks it up right away. It’s like he and Donte switched brains this summer.

I’ve noticed Noc slashing more too. However, I get scared every time he does. He’s not a great ball handler and I almost always see him take a terrible shot. If I want someone taking it to the rim I want it to be Tyreke since he has actual ball handling skills and will actually pass it out if needed

www.mancancook.net

by vfettke on Feb 11, 2010 5:50 AM PST reply actions  

I think he's pretty good when he drives actually

I’d like to see more of it – for someone else.

So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii

by lietothegirls on Feb 11, 2010 10:36 AM PST up reply actions  

Agree with both NoceOne and lttg

and while it hurts to say it because I was a big Noc fan last year, it’s too little too late.

"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson

by Bluejohn on Feb 12, 2010 12:44 PM PST up reply actions  

I was a big Noc fan last year.

I loved watching him on the floor. He made such a noticeable difference for the team last season, but last season was a different team. I liked not only his shooting, but also how active he was defensively. This year, I do not see him as much of a difference maker. Part of that is because, this new team is much scrappier than it was last season. Sometimes he comes in and puts down some shots, but other than that I don’t notice him so much. I think there are enough people in his position, who can replace him now. I don’t feel that we would miss him like we would have last season

To be the best, you have to do your best. Otherwise, you are only second-rate.

by Slam_Dunk on Feb 14, 2010 10:42 AM PST up reply actions  

i'm betting

his “change of heart” is more from getting his butt chewed by PW for jacking up off balance 3’s on a regular basis. He has been slashing more, and was pretty successful in last night 1st half, but i still hate to see him get the ball outside the arc. no patience

"every once in a while a kernel of truth...uhh... corn is revealed in my usual pile of poop" - betweentheeyes

by debrixtha1 on Feb 11, 2010 9:05 AM PST reply actions  

My guess would be

that it’s because his threes aren’t dropping. The only time his 3pt% has been worse is 07-08 and his rookie year. Just like Donte, when what you are doing isn’t working you have to find another way to earn your minutes. Hopefully also like Donte, getting one thing going will help bring back the rest of his game. Interestingly enough, even with his slump, he is still the fourth best 3pt shooter on the Kings for the season. I expect K-mart will pass him soon, The big problem is that he has jacked up more threes than anyone on the team. Twenty more than Omri who is our best three point shooter for the season. That can’t go on.

"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"

Sammyp831.

by SavageBeast on Feb 11, 2010 9:58 AM PST reply actions  

Bombs Away, Baby!!!

When Nocioni shoots 5 or more threes in a game, the Kings are 9-6.

When Nocioni shoots less than five threes in a game, the Kings are 9-27.

Shooters shoot. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Keep firing away!

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 11, 2010 12:36 PM PST reply actions  

A when Jupiter is in Mar's orbit

and Venus aligns with Uranus, the Kings are 10-0.

These kinds of stats don’t mean squat unless you can actually show how Noc firing 5 threes makes the Kings win more games.

Logic fail.

"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"

Sammyp831.

by SavageBeast on Feb 11, 2010 5:35 PM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Check out the Kings W-L

when Kevin shoots 3 or less threes or 15 or less shots, and tell me there’s no takeaways from that.

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 11, 2010 8:41 PM PST up reply actions  

How about when Spencer shoots 2 or more threes?

"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims

by edm7 on Feb 11, 2010 8:47 PM PST up reply actions  

4-11 2 or more, 13-24 one or none

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 12, 2010 1:44 PM PST up reply actions  

And what's the record when

When ime shoots 2 or more threes?

"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims

by edm7 on Feb 12, 2010 3:41 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Udoka

Game log

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 12, 2010 4:08 PM PST up reply actions  

Thanks

and how about when Sergio takes more than 4 shots?

"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims

by edm7 on Feb 12, 2010 5:16 PM PST up reply actions  

Dammit

What is the Kings’ record when Sean May eats three burgers and a chocolate shake, and then accidentally vomits all over Donte, who has to wear a replacement jersey that is a size too big?

When life gives you lemons, just say "f--- the lemons" and bail

by CaliforniaJag on Feb 12, 2010 11:04 PM PST up reply actions  

He would need thirty burgers to not be able to keep em down, therefore not logical!

Judgment day is coming!

by Widowwolf on Feb 13, 2010 2:16 AM PST up reply actions  

18-34

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 13, 2010 10:55 AM PST up reply actions   1 recs

Bottom line

Kings play much better when Nocioni shoots a lot of threes.

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 13, 2010 10:14 AM PST up reply actions  

Why?

"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims

by edm7 on Feb 13, 2010 10:26 AM PST up reply actions  

Good question

Maybe because it spreads the floor, gives you another scorer, keeps a better defender on the floor longer.

At one point fairly early in the season, I think the Kings were ninth in 3 Pt FG Pct, but only 18th in threes made. I thought it was a good idea then to shoot more threes and still do. Kmart, Nocioni, Donte and Casspi are all capable from 3.

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 15, 2010 7:45 AM PST up reply actions  

When beno shoots five 3's we're undefeated!

(rest it)

So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii

by lietothegirls on Feb 11, 2010 10:08 PM PST up reply actions  

Is that with the dome opened or closed?

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 11, 2010 10:15 PM PST up reply actions  

Closed

But is it sunny or rainy outside?

"Children want what they want when they want it." ... Andy Sims

by edm7 on Feb 11, 2010 10:17 PM PST up reply actions  

Doesn't matter

when you’re equiped with a draino

let it rain

So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii

by lietothegirls on Feb 11, 2010 11:04 PM PST up reply actions  

0-3 :)

We’re also unbeaten when Brockman shoots a three.

"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 12, 2010 1:47 PM PST up reply actions  

there are no takeaways from that

What we've got here is, failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach.

by Grasul on Feb 13, 2010 12:25 PM PST up reply actions  

I don't think so

I think its more of he doesn’t like his situation and wants to play for a winner so he is not playing as hard

by MJ5 on Feb 11, 2010 4:24 PM PST reply actions  

Uhm, sorry, I found your statement really weird.

So Nocioni gives up easier jack-it-up-once-you-touch-it three pointer for the much harder pound-it-inside-get-hit-possibly-get-blocked-and-humiliated-hopefully-get-fouled drive because he’s not playing as hard?

There can only be one Noce!

by NoceOne on Feb 11, 2010 5:33 PM PST up reply actions  

Agreed NoceOne

MJ5’s logic makes no sense at all.

"And I never said I don’t like KMart. I just don’t think the duo is good for the team. They are essentially two of the same player"

Sammyp831.

by SavageBeast on Feb 11, 2010 5:37 PM PST up reply actions  

Nocioni would never pass judgment

He’d shoot it

When life gives you lemons, just say "f--- the lemons" and bail

by CaliforniaJag on Feb 12, 2010 2:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Not saying about 3s just effort in general

why his stats are down. He is not motivated and happy with his situation

by MJ5 on Feb 11, 2010 6:19 PM PST reply actions  

yeah no

Could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?

by wallywagon11 on Feb 11, 2010 6:43 PM PST up reply actions  

I don;t think effort is much of a problem with Noce.

Sometimes, it’s the wrong kind. Like arguing and getting techs because you’re so pumped up when you drove and you got hit and there’s no call. While Noce is arguin, his man is hitting a jumper.

There can only be one Noce!

by NoceOne on Feb 11, 2010 10:32 PM PST up reply actions  

My perception

is that he does seem to be taking it to the hole more, and I like it quite a bit. He seems to really be asserting himself on the defensive end much more lately too. He has a few technicals as well, maybe he hasn’t been pleased with his game this year and is trying a lot harder to be productive. I really like him as a professional, but this has not been a good season for him.

by MichaelMack on Feb 11, 2010 7:31 PM PST reply actions  

Noc-

We all heard the celebration from Bulls fans when Noc got traded here and it took like 2 games for him to show us why they were so happy. One night Noc is on fire, the next he is cold as ice. The difference I see in this year compared to last has more to do with coaching than it does Noc himself. When Noc is on fire, Westphal let’s him go crazy. When Noc is cold, Westphal gives him a nice cozy spot next to Sean May and Kenny Thomas so we don’t have to suffer through his lack of conscience. From the moment he stepped off the plane here in Sac it has always been the same thing- Noc wants his 10 points and it doesn’t matter how he is going to get it. I’m not really bashing Noc here, just making an observation. I personally believe that Noccioni can fit into any system and contribute for any team because every team needs a guy like this.

The Sacramento Convergence concept offers Sacramento, the Central Valley, and the State a solution to feasibly construct a new multi-use Entertainment and Sports Complex.

by jjham15 on Feb 11, 2010 8:58 PM PST reply actions  

There are only two problems with Noc -

He is older than the youth movement on this team, and his contract. Put Noc’s game in Casspi’s body (and contract) and no one would complain.

Noc is a fine player, just not the right fit for where the Kings are right now. My hope is that the Kings find a contender for him so that he may ply his craft in a more appropriate environment.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 12, 2010 10:22 AM PST reply actions   1 recs

Your comments always make me feel like I'm 12 years old.

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 Feb 12, 2010 4:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Nocioni to NBDL

The Kings should unleash Nocioni onto to the NBDL with one mission: domination. Let Nocioni take on teams 1 on 5. He could become a legendary baller in the NBDL: racking up MVPs and other NBDL-accolades.

by Pollard4LIfe on Feb 12, 2010 4:52 PM PST up reply actions  

I remember calling for Noc to be traded

at the beginning of the season and getting ripped for it here. Weird, we could have actually unloaded him for value instead of now realizing what Chicago realized that he’s a below average 3 pt shooter who is too unathletic to truly play good defense and he’s a black hole once he gets the ball passed to him. In general, I like penetration more than camping at the line.

Ron Rivera for Cal Head Coach. I'm a one man movement!

by bringbackbuddytrees on Feb 14, 2010 11:40 AM PST reply actions  

I recall this differently

The general consensus here has been to deal Noc as soon as the opportunity strikes. Unfortunately, his contract is in excess of his value. I sure would be interested in knowing what deals of “value” we passed on so that we could retain Noc’s services.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Feb 14, 2010 12:00 PM PST up reply actions  

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