November 13, 2009

Joe Schaller

In Orlando Trevor Ariza showed tremendous potential before being slowed by injuries. In L.A. he proved to be an excellent role player and sixth man however he always knew he could be much more. His Mini Slam versus the Kings showed his versatility and star potential.
Last week the Rockets were one of the surprise teams however they were victims to one of this weeks surprise teams as they lost to the Kings despite Ariza's great game.

Chris Paul is going to need more Mini Slams from David West if the Hornets expect to avoid more frustration. West's 6 offensive rebounds, 5 assists, no turnovers and efficient scoring helped Paul and Bobby Brown squeek by the Mavs in overtime.
It appears the Hornets may look a lot like last season- star power but very short on depth.

Trailing by 15 starting the fourth quarter Dirk Nowitzki's Mini Slam featuring 40 points led the Mavs to an eleven point win over the Jazz. Not only did he score in bunches Dirk was very efficient with 12 for 22 from the field and 15 for 16 from the line.
5 blocks, 2 steals, 5 assists and no turnovers sealed the deal. Eleven rebounds brought Dirk very close to the Grand Slam.

The Grand Slam

• Scoring: (points x 2) - fga - fta = 25+
  
• Rebounding: (ORB x 2) + DRB = 16+
  
• Ballhandling: Assists - (turnovers x 2) = 5+
  
• Disruptive Defensive: (Steals x 2) + Blocks = 9+
  
• A Mini Slam is 3 of the 4
  
• The Mini Slam replaces the inane and archaic triple double as an indicator of single game achievement.

A Grand Slam is a very rare event. Dirk Nowitzki had one about six years ago with my old formula and Lebron completed the first under the new and more difficult formula this past season.
There were a total of 26 Mini Slams last season led by Chris Paul with a spectacular seven.

Grand Slam
Lebron James, Cleveland 119 vs Phoenix 111, March 12 2009

• Scoring: (34 points x 2) - 24 fga - 13 fta = 31
  
• Ballhandling: 13 assists - (3 turnovers x 2) = 7
  
• Rebounding: (6 ORB x 2) + 4 DRB = 16
  
• Disruptive Defense: (3 steals x 2) + 3 blocks = 9

The '08-'09 seasons multiple Mini Slams: Chris Paul (7), Dwight Howard (3), Lebron James (2), Dwyane Wade (2)

'09-'10 MINI SLAMS

Trevor Ariza, Houston 100 vs Sacramento 109, November 13

• Scoring: (28 points x 2) - 21 fga - 4 fta = 31
  
• Ballhandling: 5 assists - 0 turnovers = 5
  
• Disruptive Defense: (5 steals x 2) + 1 block = 11

David West, New Orleans 114 vs Dallas 107 OT, November 4

• Scoring: (25 points x 2) - 18 fga - 5 fta = 27
  
• Ballhandling: 5 assists - 0 turnovers = 5
  
• Rebounding: (6 ORB x 2) + 4 DRB = 16

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas 96 vs Utah 85, November 3

• Scoring: (40 points x 2) - 22 fga - 16 fta = 42
  
• Ballhandling: 5 assists - 0 turnovers = 5
  
• Disruptive Defense: (2 steals x 2) + 5 blocks = 9

Total Performance Ratings-- since 1996

1. Scoring
   
2. Scoring Efficiency
   
3. Ballhandling
   
4. Rebounding
   
5. Disruptive Defense
   
6. One on one Defense
   
7. Team Defense
   
8. Team Game Pace
   
9. Schedule Strength
   
10. Projected Improvement or Decline
    
11. Teams Wins Adjustment

Ratings indicate productivity per minute played. See my feature "The TPR Formula" for more information.

• Joe Schaller
  
• 505-722-3103
  
• schaller_6@msn.com