May 23, 2009

Joe Schaller

TPR scale: 180+ MVP, 140+ superstar, 110+ all-star, 85+ starter, 65+ bench

A drop in TPR is normally expected during the playoffs. Defense and overall competition are much stiffer. There are some who rise to the challenge with career performances.

The Best; Of the twelve teams eliminated so far nobody performed at a higher level than Dirk Nowitzki. It was the Mavs inability to stop the Nuggets high powered offense which did them in. Jason Kidd also had a solid playoffs for Dallas however one of the most notable performaces (John Hollinger touched on this) was that of Brandon Bass' 147 TPR in only 192 minutes. Considering he played half the minutes of other Mavs it is mind boggling how Rick Carlisle used him so little particularly against a smallish Nuggets club where Erick Dampier was ineffective and a front line of Bass, Nowitzki and Howard may have excelled.

The Worst; Like the last two years Jason Terry 72.5 fell flat in the playoffs as well as Joe Johnson 62 and Ron Artest 73. Artest takes way too many shots and the Rockets may want to let him go and look to add another 3-point shooter.

The Celtics; If not for a stellar Magic team it could very well be Boston facing the Cavs. Ray Allen was well below his season TPR but Rajon Rondo was exceptional, Eddie House on fire and Glen Davis 100 rising to the challenge with KG and Powe sidelined.

Honorable Mention; Along with Glen Davis, Chicago's Kirk Hinrich 114.5 and Joakim Noah 104.5 had strong playoff performances.

A minutes bonus is added to TPR

First Team Losers__TPR__score

• G Brandon Roy Por__149___151
  
• G Rajon Rondo Bos__127.5__146.5
  
• C Yao Ming Hou_____129.5__135.5
  
• F Dirk Nowitzki Dal___176___186
  
• F Brandon Bass Dal__147___146.5
  Second Team
  
• G Dwyane Wade Mia_140.5__144.5
  
• G Eddie House Bos__135___136.5
  
• G Jason Kidd Dal____113.5__123
  
• G Ray Allen Bos_____103___121.5
  
• F Paul Pierce Bos____106.5__124

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