Tyreke...the ballhog??

I do think this topic is worthy of discussion, Silly. Here’s how I see it: Let’s say Tyreke is going full steam at a defender on a 2 on 1 fast break, and he knows he can maneuver around him, with one of his long escape strides, for a close flip at the hoop. And to his right he has Mancakes Brockman streaking the wing as only Mancakes can. What does he do? If he passes:

(1) The pass could be errant.
(2) The recipient could bobble the pass.
(3) The recipient could botch the field goal.

If Tyreke involves less talented teammates when the play is there to be made on his own, he complicates the play, and gives an opening to the defense. This example is exaggerated to make a point, which is Tyreke is well-advised to keep the ball and attack the defense until forced to make a pass to an open teammate.

In fact, it is the job of a PG to create an advantage by breaking down his defender to force defenders to help. In forcing help, he draws defenders away from teammates. That’s Basketball 101, not over dribbling, nor ball-hogging.

The downside to keeping the ball on the aforementioned play is that while Tyreke is making the high percentage play, he is not always rewarding teammates for energy and hustle. Guys want the ball when they are open, and Tyreke needs to balance his unstoppable penetration skills with need to keep teammates involved. The word ‘synergy’ comes to mind, which is to seek a sum greater than the individual parts, and that does not happen with a one man show.

I am not implying Tyreke is a ball hog, only that there is an art to playing synergistically as a team that comes only with time and experience together, and the right blend of talent.

I have made the point in the past that when Tyreke is surrounded by more talented teammates, as a PG, he must play to exploit their strengths. Get them the ball where they can do most damage. Now that Tyreke has a real low post PF in Landry, he is well-advised to use him to fullest extent: find him on cuts, and rolls to the hoop. He is a finisher, so let him finish.

If you are Tyreke, and feeling spry, and there is a small crease in the line of defense you know you can exploit, then dumping the ball to JT does not sound super appealing, given JT’s post play inefficiency. But dumping the ball to Landry, although the same small crease is available, is not such a a bad option, particularly if Landry has been working over the defender on previous possessions. No advanced pedigree required here, just play smart basketball. Spreading the wealth keeps defenses guessing as to the next point of attack. Sharing in the context of real scoring options, and not sharing for sharing sake alone, prevents a defense from tilting the floor, and in a perpetual state of vulnerable uncertainty.

If you observe the arc of a career of franchise type players (MJ, LeBron, Kobe, Carmelo, etc) you will see that they went through a phase in which they were predominantly scorers, and as their careers evolved, they learn to be more efficient, and pick their spots more through the course of the game. They still score a ton, but deferring to teammates and playing decoy become strategies to maximize potential of the team. I think this is a natural evolution of highest caliber player, and this is what we will see with Tyreke, because it is the most energy efficient way to win, prolong a career, survive a long season, and advance deep in the playoffs.

Statistically, you could say a guy is a ball-hog if he is jacking a lot of shots, but not efficient relative to teammates. Gilbert Arenas and Monta Ellis come to mind as guys who shoot too much for my taste. In terms of Kings, Chris Webber, John Salmons, Nocionni were (and are) too shot-happy to my liking. I don’t see Tyreke falling into this group. When you can make 46% FG without a reliable jumper, get the line 7-8X, and opponents design defense around you, you are an offensive juggernaut. And you should act accordingly. Not for box score bragging rights, or individual accolades, but for collective purpose.

Ultimately, Tyreke will be evaluated as to the overall effectiveness of the offense, and points scored in context of a resurgence to relevancy. With K-Mart vanished, he is in charge. He has been handed the keys. He’s in drivers seat. It is job to start this engine and step on the gas. He need only unlock the doors and welcome capable passengers aboard.