It always hurts when a favorite player on a team you’re emotionally invested in is traded away.
So it was a gut punch for Florida Panthers fans when news broke late Friday night that Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar had been traded to the Calgary Flames.
Especially Huberdeau, the franchise scoring leader and a complete class act since Florida drafted him with the third overall pick in 2011.
But the outrage evident in knee-jerk social media is misplaced in light of the return — a 24-year-old coming off a 42-goal season (104 points) and newly signed to a long-term deal.
And, who is built for playoff hockey, and has shown it.
If unfamiliar with Matthew Tkachuk’s work, check out any number of highlight videos on YouTube. He’s a dynamic forward who will energize FLA Live Arena playing alongside Aleksander Barkov and another skilled wing such as Carter Verhaeghe or Sam Reinhart.
He’ll do so for the next eight years after agreeing to a $76 million contract. Notably, Barkov is also embarking on an eight-year deal this season.
Blockbuster deal shakes up NHL
A trade involving two players coming off 100-point seasons is a stunner. All the experts and many fans are quick to call this a win for Calgary. Yes, Panthers GM Bill Zito gave up a hell of a lot: Huberdeau and Weegar and a prospect with some potential (Cole Schwindt) and a future first-round pick.
But Huberdeau and Weegar will be playing on expiring contracts and can walk away after the upcoming season.
Weegar was definitely hitting free agency and would've priced himself out with the Panthers. However, Tkachuk is an upgrade over Huberdeau and is younger. I think Calgary wins the trade for now, but will be better for Florida long-term pic.twitter.com/bZd2e5JjTc
What strikes me is this was a Pat Riley sort of trade. Zito has shown since he got to South Florida in 2020 that he is not at all hesitant to make a bold move. He didn’t let being tight against the salary cap prevent him from swinging one of the biggest NHL trades in years.
Zito stuck his neck out on this one and it will be fascinating to see how it plays out.
Peel away the emotion and local sentiment about star players who have meant a lot to Panthers fans and this deal makes sense.
Notably, Tkachuk is just entering his prime while Huberdeau is 29 and will be playing though his next contract well into his 30s.
Various factors involved in trade
Trying to work out a long-term deal for Huberdeau, who can be an unrestricted free agent next summer, was supposed to be priority one for this Panthers offseason. Safe to assume that finding out what that would take to accomplish factored into the decision to trade him.
Weegar, a talented two-way defenseman, can also be a UFA after the upcoming season. It would have been unlikely to keep both players long term.
Zito has made it clear he is chasing the Stanley Cup in the short term. Getting to the second round for the first time since 1996 wasn’t enough to justify the status quo.
Being swept in the second round by the Tampa Bay Lightning likely was a consideration in making this trade. The Panthers’ high-scoring offense managed only three goals in four games, and also sputtered in the series win against the Washington Capitals.
Coming off a 115-point regular season, Huberdeau was mostly ineffective throughout the playoffs, registering one goal and four assists in 10 games.
Weegar’s untimely giveaway cost the Panthers Game 2 against the Lightning, and he also had a game-changing turnover in the Game 1 loss in the series against the Capitals.
Tkachuk better suited for playoffs
Huberdeau is one of the top playmakers in the NHL, his anticipation uncanny, his passing often dazzling. He’s been a joy to watch for 10 seasons in Sunrise.
In Tkachuk, the Panthers gain a creative scorer whose more physical style is better suited to playoff hockey. In 12 playoff games with Calgary this past season he had 10 points (four goals).
Can’t wait to see how his offensive skills mesh with Barkov.
Also looking forward to what else Zito has up his sleeve this offseason. Now he has a big hole to fill on the blue line, which already needed improvement.
Zito spent a lot of draft capital on making a run in the recent playoffs and couldn’t prevent Claude Giroux, Mason Marchment and Ben Chiarot from departing in free agency.
Now he has made his riskiest gamble in dealing away one of the biggest stars in Panthers history. Emotionally it’s a blow to the fan base.
But when a franchise has been flailing in mediocrity for decades, it’s tough to make a case for staying the same course.
Ten years of hope under previous GM Dale Tallon didn’t produce a single playoff series win. They never advanced past the first round with Huberdeau in the lineup until this year.
That is not to detract from Huberdeau’s contributions and accomplishments. I covered him for a number of years and always admired him as a player and a person. I recall how he and Barkov immediately thrived when Jaromir Jagr arrived and joined them on the top line, and how entertaining it was to watch the trio circulate the puck around the offensive zone — Huberdeau had 12 points in his first 13 games with Jagr.
Make no mistake, we’ll miss ya, Hubie.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Panthers, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/huberdeau-1.jpg542813Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2022-07-23 17:23:432022-07-24 12:40:09Pressure Point: Panthers’ blockbuster deal makes sense, but Huberdeau will be missed
Before it was too late, the Suns sobered up and matched Indiana’s offer sheet for Deandre Ayton. Waiting an entire season after he was eligible for his rookie extension was a waste of time. It only pissed him off, and now they can’t use him as trade bait to get Kevin Durant out of Brooklyn until Jan. 15, but Phoenix’s center can veto proposals this year.
Ayton has improved every season of his career. Considering his abilities as a finisher up to 16 feet away from the rim + his effectiveness guarding the interior, it’s still bewildering that Phoenix never appreciated his value until they were left with no choice. Without him giving up touches, willingly sacrificing his body to get teammates open, and crashing the glass for extra possessions, the Suns would have never made the Finals in 2021.
On offense, Ayton has turned into one of the league’s most efficient players, finishing each season in the top 20 in field goal percentage and the last two years in the top 20 in offensive rating.
His 7-foot stature overwhelms defenders near the rim, making help necessary after the catch. In the dunker spot, he can jump higher than his matchup and go back up for a close-range shot.
Attacking through pick ‘n’ roll is one of Phoenix’s choice strategies, using it on ¼ of their possessions. With Ayton as the roll man, he scores 5.4 points a night on 64% from the field. Nonetheless, Ayton is underutilized as the scoring option in screen ‘n’ roll. Unless the defense sends a weak side shot blocker or clogs the paint, #22’s size and soft touch present an advantage in a league that heavily relies on small-ball.
It’s important to note that Ayton’s activity as a screener buys teammates precious seconds being open while also giving him a small window to get the ball back. In the regular season, he was fifth in screen assists averaged (5.4), with 11.6 points scored for the team with his help.
It’s critical for big men to receive a steady diet of touches so all the work that goes towards defending the paint and getting teammates open doesn’t waver. Twelve attempts a game for Ayton is not enough when he shoots 63.4% from the field, and the right way to play is inside out. Not the opposite.
For the Suns’ 2022 playoff run, they finished 10/13 games with more shots coming outside of the paint than in it. That style of play can hinder big men, and it’s peculiar Phoenix didn’t counter with more of an inside game when Chris Paul couldn’t get to his mid-range shot in Round 2. Ayton is a mismatch against most players who will defend him. If he bricks from close range, he can snag an offensive rebound unless stuck in poor positioning.
There are only five players in the NBA with a higher post-up frequency than Ayton (Robin Lopez, Joel Embiid, Jonas Valanciunas, Jusuf Nurkic, Kristaps Porzingis). Phoenix’s center is second in that group in percentage of shots 0-3 feet from the basket (33.3) but first in made field goal efficiency in that zone (79.3). When a player scores that well around the cup, it’s surprising if he misses next to the restricted area. It might open up extra space on the perimeter if Ayton gets more looks with his back to the basket because of traps or doubles sent his way.
The danger in focusing the attack from the outside is that it limits second chance opportunities. If a pivot is standing close to the rim while his team is heaving up an excessive amount of 3-pointers, most misses will be long rebounds and out of reach of big men.
As the Suns’ second line of protection, Ayton was one of the most involved defenders in the league. Despite missing 24 games in 2021/2022, he still put a hand in front of more attempts than 95% of the NBA with 659 contests. Opponents scored 44.3% of shots with Ayton in front of them.
His averages in blocks don’t jump off the stat sheet but his impact taking away lanes is a premium the Suns couldn’t afford to lose.
At 24 years old, Ayton is not a finished product. Big men take longer to develop than guards and forwards, which makes his future promising. Keeping him around a Hall of Fame playmaker like CP3 and a proven gunslinger in Devin Booker should help expedite the process as long as Ayton isn’t forgotten about on offense.
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/image0-85.jpeg174290Mateo Mayorgahttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgMateo Mayorga2022-07-20 14:25:312022-07-20 14:25:31Mateo’s Hoops Diary: Deandre Ayton is Worth Betting On
With a new coaching regime in Miami, Lynn Bowden has a shot to make the roster, The question is, what is Lynn Bowden’s fit on the Dolphins roster?
Last year I wrote about how Lynn Bowden Jr, would be an X factor in Miami. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Bowden was placed on season ending IR.
Fit as a wide receiver
Currently listed as a wide receiver in Miami, Lynn Bowden Jr. played only 10 games his rookie season. Of those 10 games, Bowden started in four games for Miami.
Bowden played a big role for the Dolphins offense down the stretch in the 2020 season, catching 27 passes for 212 yards (7.9 avg.) in the final five games.
In the Dolphins offense, Lynn Bowden Jr. is a rare talent. He can line up out wide, in the slot, as a running back, or a wildcat quarterback.
Within this new Dolphins offense; however, Lynn Bowden Jr. is not the rarity. Receivers like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Erik Ezukanma can do everything Bowden does.
Frankly, the Miami Dolphins wide receiver roster is loaded with versatile talent:
Tyreek Hill
Jaylen Waddle
Cedrick Wilson
Erik Ezukanma
Preston Williams
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Cody Core
River Cracraft
DeVonte Dedmon
Braylon Sanders
While Bowden Jr. will see some snaps at receiver if he is kept on the roster, will it be enough to make a sizable impact?
In 2020, Bowden logged 9.6% target percentage when he was on the field. Player profile loggs it as the 99th best in 2020.
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Cedrick Wilson are locked as the Dolphins first three receivers. Battling for the fourth receiver spot will come down to rookie Erik Ezukanma, Bowden, and Preston Williams.
Both Williams and Ezukanma are bigger than Bowden and can line up more on the outside. Williams has taken snaps at running back before. Ezukanma at Texas Tech did the same things Bowden did.
Financially, letting go of Bowden earns almost $1.04 million back to sign free agents in the middle of the season due to any injuries.
Player
Cap Charge
Dead Cap
Cap Savings
Erik Ezukanma
$886,248
$724,992
$161,256
Lynn Bowden Jr.
$1,038,128
$0
$1,038,128
Preston Williams
$1,290,000
$275,000
$1,015,000
However, depth on the roster is like money, you can never have too much. Carrying more than six receivers on the roster is a necessity, especially in a pass-heavy league.
But…
Lynn Bowden Jr. as a running back?
We all know in 2020, the Las Vegas Raiders botched their plan for Bowden Jr. by slotting him as a running back. It never worked out.
But what if the Miami Dolphins tried it?
When the time comes Lynn Bowden Jr. will be a great case study in the value of versatility.
We’ve seen what Julian Edelman, Taysom Hill, Brian Mitchell, Antwan Randle-El, Hines Ward, and others back to Frank Gifford and Paul Hornung have accomplished, but staff matters.
This is where Lynn Bowden could thrive in an offensive staff and scheme assembled by Mike McDaniel.
Yes, we all have heard Mike McDaniel and his evolution of turning Deebo Samuel into an all-pro wideback.
Just the combination of running the ball and Bowden’s toughness minimizes the offense’s risk in the passing game.
A personnel of Waddle and Hill on opposite sides of the field with Bowden Jr. in the backfield will make defenses scratch their heads. There’s an advantage of lining him up in the backfield and as a running back.
Those are the four top guys at running back right now, and Gaskin has the least dead money and offers the most cap savings by far.
The Dolphins are also carrying Alec Ingold whose 2022 salary is fully guaranteed for a cap charge of $2,750,000 at fullback. Chase Edmonds and Alec Ingold are both locks for the roster.
Again, depth is money- but you become smart with money. Unless there’s an injury in camp at the position or Gaskin has a strong training camp, it will be hard justifying his cap charge as a running back.
“Miami's running backs room is packed with talent, and after the additions of Raheem Mostert, Chase Edmonds and Sony Michel, there may not be room for both Ahmed and last year's leading rusher, Myles Gaskin.”
The Miami Dolphins currently have the fourth-highest positional spending at the running back position. This is where Lynn Bowden Jr. comes into play.
The Dolphins can carry Bowden as the fifth running back on the roster while also stacking the deck at wide receiver on the roster.
Positions are given based on a core scheme. In contrast, the league is moving towards position-less football on offense and defense with players becoming more versatile.
NFL teams make roster and personnel changes each game based on the opponent and matchups dictated. There may be more receivers on a game day roster one week, more running backs another week, and potentially two fullbacks the week after.
This may be the most logical option of getting a talented and versatile player like Lynn Bowden Jr. on the field.
Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/lynn-bowden-jr-fit-in-dolphins-offense.png9101287Hussam Patelhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgHussam Patel2022-07-15 10:01:132022-07-15 10:01:13Where does Lynn Bowden Jr. fit on the Dolphins roster?
To some, Kevin Durant looks like an NBA labor hero for asking to skip town with four years and $198 million remaining on his deal. Others see him as the dude trying to take the easy way out.
As for his trade request, it would defy logic for the Brooklyn Nets to move Durant. He’s perhaps the league’s most lethal scorer because of his arsenal and the mismatches a 6’11 frame creates. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the organization is bending over backward, acquiescing to KD’s wishes and looking for a negotiating partner.
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Durant doesn’t have any leverage. Willingly putting him on the market is a dereliction of duty by the front office. They have not realized that whatever could be sent back for him won’t be as impactful as the man who already wears the uniform. Taking on assets for the future is risky as well. There is no guarantee the players picked will hit.
Keeping Durant ensures the team is always in the mix, competing or at least the headlines. How many opportunities will any franchise get to have a guy like KD signed long-term? He’s a made man who needs to be convinced the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Offensively, the Slim Reaper has no weaknesses and is one of the rare players in the NBA who would fit well next to any playstyle. When a man as gifted as he has already committed to a team like that, the plan should be trying to fix whatever the differences between the two camps are.
The team has Kyrie Irving riding shotgun for at least one more year. The Nets should have asked Durant the moment he gave notice why he can’t make it work for $198 million? Why can’t he commit to the team as they did to him while he spent an entire year recovering from an Achilles tear? They believed enough in him to devote themselves for four years when no one knew what version of the Easy Money Sniper was coming back. But here we are. The ink on Durant’s extension hasn’t dried, and his interests are elsewhere.
Helping the team win 1/3 playoff rounds he’s participated in and only playing in 106 games as a Net in three seasons shouldn’t buy him the cache to make such an asinine favor.
Ben Simmons still has not made his debut for Brooklyn. His size, versatility, and explosive lateral quickness make him one of the NBA’s premier defenders. He can switch on opponents in zone or man coverage, which will fix some of the Nets’ weak spots while also benefiting the offense by adding transition opportunities.
There are few athletes in the NBA like Simmons. In fact, Durant hasn’t played with a specimen like him since he was Russell Westbrook’s teammate in Oklahoma City from 2008-2016. Simmons is a threat whenever he puts his head down and attacks the basket. His role as a playmaker while sharing the floor with Irving would leave #11 in single coverage while playing off-ball. Kyrie wouldn’t have to work as hard getting open to avoid traps and doubles.
Running pick ‘n’ roll with Simmons as the screener for Durant or Irving could be a nightmare for opponents to guard. The man setting the pick always gets open after the player he pinned shakes loose. If Simmons gets the ball back on the roll, he can attack if the lane is clear, or if he catches a pair of help defenders, he could pass out to an open teammate on the baseline or perimeter. In this play, the Nets could use Ben at center surrounded by a few sharpshooters like Joe Harris, Irving, and Durant to spread out defenders.
This team has never gotten close to maximizing its full potential. Injuries were a factor but Irving selfishly avoiding taking the COVID vaccine negatively affected how the team performed as well. Perhaps if he were available for more than 29 regular season games, the Nets would have been a higher seed than seventh and likely seen a different opponent in round one.
Going forward, per Executive Order 62, courtesy of New York City mayor Eric Adams’ signature on March 24, Irving’s vaccination status won’t prevent him from contributing next season as it did in 2021/2022.
Management shouldn’t give in to Durant’s desires. It’s perfectly feasible that Brooklyn’s star threesome can make things interesting next season. Not giving Durant, Irving, and Simmons the chance to take the floor together would be a colossal failure.
If the Nets capitulate, it will prove they are an unserious organization.
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/image0-83.jpeg266474Mateo Mayorgahttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgMateo Mayorga2022-07-14 17:33:572022-07-14 17:40:33Mateo’s Hoops Diary: Nets Better Off Keeping Kevin Durant
Running the ball to set up the pass is an age-old adage where your father and grandfather told you how to play football, but does running the ball really set up the pass?
Traditionally, when an offense executes a successful run for a significant chunk of yardage, an opposing defense will attempt to compensate by bringing additional defenders into the “run box.” The more bodies in the way of the run, the more likely it is for the run to be held short.
However, if more defenders are in the box, that means there are fewer players to defend passes away from the box, so the passing game has greater opportunity to get the ball further down the field.
The NFL evolves every decade moving onward towards something unique but building on basic concepts. We’ve witnessed the fall of the I-form power football in the ‘70’s, to rise of the West Coast offense in the ‘80’s, Run ‘N Shoot and K-Gun in the ‘90’s, Spread and Shotgun offenses in the early 2000’s to the RPO revolution in the 2020’s.
Ultimately, this has come as a result of the NFL’s purposeful rule changes and schematic breakthroughs that have led to its desired impact: more touchdowns. In turn this led to running the ball much less.
EPA on running the ball to set up the pass
A study done by Sean Clements, who is now a data analyst for the Baltimore Ravens, found that establishing the run early in NFL games does not open the passing game later in games.
Through a boxplot Clements made, it’s found that there is little correlation between running the ball early and at a high volume increases the yardage obtained on passing plays. The next emphasis is through EPA, expected points added. Basically, it measures the expected points of a play.
In a graph made by Ben Baldwin, the number of expected points decreases as the number of rushing attempts increases. Contrary to the belief running the ball will help to set up the pass and score.
If that were the case, then we would expect to see higher EPA as the number of rushing attempts increases.
How the modern era has discontinued running the ball to set up the pass
From 2015-2020 passing on first down has averaged a 7.6 YPA, yards per attempt, while running the ball gained 4.3 YPA.
Per sharp football stats, 30.4% of pass attempts on first down have ended up moving the chains. However, only 12.8% of running plays have picked up another first down. In 2020, NFL teams ran the ball on 50.3% of their first-down plays in 2020 and passed the ball on only 49.7%.
In 2021, NFL offenses averaged 7.4 YPA passing on first down compared to 4.2 YPA rushing.
Even the most run-heavy teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans had higher YPA’s on first down compared to running the ball. San Francisco had an 8.9 YPA passing and 4.4 YPA rushing. Tennessee had 7.2 YPA passing and 4.2 YPA rushing.
Yet, 20 of 32 NFL teams, run the ball on first down gaining minimal yards compared to easily moving the chains to score. So what gives?
How two-high coverages has stopped running the ball to set up the pass
As a result of the modern NFL, many offenses are trigger-happy and defenses have had to respond with swift actions.
Defenses have adapted as time has passed. This time to coverages that include a large base of two-high safety shells. Two-high coverage means both the strong safety and free safety defend the deep end of the field, with each responsible for a section that runs to each boundary.
Thus leaving the middle of the field open, the main purpose of two-high is to prevent explosive plays in the deep third of the field and not allow big plays.
Some NFL offenses and high-profile quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes have struggled against two-high coverage early on because they struggled to take what the defense gives them.
In 2018, the highest amount of two-high looks faced by any quarterback in the league was 42%. Eight weeks into the 2021 NFL season, only five teams faced two-high safeties less than 40%.
The key to beating two-high coverage? Running the ball. Two-high is not the perfect scheme to use a majority of the time as yards can be gained in the intermediate passing game and the running game.
The side effect of playing two high safeties to defend the pass is that it can leave you -1 defender against the run.. pic.twitter.com/mZONejCNCA
Due to the nature of defensive backs lined up well outside the box, offenses often have a light defensive body count in the box to go against. This opens up numerous lanes for running backs.
How passing the ball has set up the run
Running the ball does keep the defense honest and it can be noted on second and third down. YPA on rush attempts increases to 4.4 on second down and 4.5 on third down. The success rate of it gaining five or more yards is 50% on second down and jumps to 53% on third down.
Passing on second down yields a 6.9 YPA with a 47% success rate, on third down passing results in 7.2 YPA with a 37% success rate. First down has become the most successful passing down to move the chains and get drives started for offenses with a 54% success rate.
The most successful offenses in the NFL have potent passing attacks and have the most success by passing the ball on first down and converting it five-plus yards or past the sticks.
First Down situation Pass: Run Ratios
Buffalo, San Francisco, Green Bay, Cincinnati, and the Los Angeles Rams all have 8 or more yards per attempt passing coupled with being over a 54% success rate. Respectively, each team’s YPA on running the ball increases on 2nd and 3rd downs.
Second and Third down Pass: Run ratios
As the NFL continues its passing revolution, gone are the days of running the ball to set up the pass. With the league running two-high shells almost 50% of the time, the NFL offense has adjusted to throwing the ball more on early downs to gain more yards. Thus, able to run the ball effectively when needed to be.
Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/running-the-ball-to-set-up-the-pass.png7251101Hussam Patelhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgHussam Patel2022-07-14 13:14:122022-07-14 13:14:12Does running the ball set up the pass?
The Miami Dolphins signed Chase Edmonds in free agency filling a pressing need at running back. Chase Edmonds was the first signee for Mike McDaniel, and for a good reason.
Chase Edmonds fit in Miami
With Mike McDaniel as the play-caller in Miami, his offensive scheme is centered around the outside zone running game. Edmonds, while in Arizona did indeed play with zone blocking but in an inside zone scheme.
“The flow of the backers is different because in inside zone, it’s more slow to fast, where I can pitter-patter my steps,” Edmonds said. “Outside zone here, it’s kind of like you’re riding a wave. Once you hit that wave, you’ve got to hit it and go. I’m getting used to that, getting my feet under me. I’m taking pride in that journey, that challenge of fine-tuning it.”
While all zone blocking concepts are the same, the way the running back finds gaps are not. Chase Edmonds does bring that experience into Miami, especially to help quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
3rd and 6 on an obvious passing down.
Kyler sees the light box, bubble screen at the top. IZ run design
Again see Edmonds vision, footwork and IQ
He brings the experience on zone concepts and his most explosive plays come on RPO designs with him reading blocks pic.twitter.com/24kOQd7BtF
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) July 7, 2022
Running the Ball
Arizona routinely ran bubble screen RPO’s where it’s an inside zone option.
AZ ran a lot of RPO’s with inside zone running plays
Edmonds starts to run up the A-gap, cuts left and bursts upfield for a 23 yard gain pic.twitter.com/z3NR3P3hOc
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) July 7, 2022
The most intriguing part of this play is the design itself, the threat of the quarterback keep. Tight end Zach Ertz executes an H-back arc block on this play. Ertz motioning from right-to-left leaves the EDGE untouched and climbs second level.
If the EDGE rusher were to crash on Chase Edmonds, Kyler Murray can keep the ball and run around the edge with Ertz blocking for him. Furthermore, if the linebacker was also focused on Edmonds, Murray could throw the ball to Zach Ertz.
With Chase Edmonds, the Miami Dolphins can utilize this same concept on different designs. After all, the did something similar like it last year.
Chase Edmonds intangibles is exactly what the Miami Dolphins need out of their running back room this year.
In a zone running scheme, running backs should have fast feet to move quickly around blocks, vision to see gaps open up before a block is made and short area burst after running through the hole.
Edmonds brings all of that to Miami, here’s a play that demonstrates his skills.
Box-count RPO. Edmonds runs inside. Kyler has the option to throw the speed out to AJ Green.
Rotated coverage by Indy as they slide the safety late.
Edmonds find the crease using his feet behind the line and slices through the hole gaining 11 yards
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) July 7, 2022
Edmonds finds the crease, using quick footwork behind the offensive line to get into the hole and gains 11 yards. He swiftly reads and reacts to the blocks in front of him
Given his experience and skillset, Edmonds is a near-ideal fit for the rushing offense McDaniel implements.
Catching the ball
Chase Edmonds is capable in the passing game, and a serviceable blocker.
With 96 catches for 713 yards the last two seasons, and no sacks allowed on 132 pass blocking snaps the last three years, Edmonds has demonstrated the ability to play on all three downs.
In Arizona, Edmonds was used in the receiving game as a slot receiver and used effectively in the screen game. As a result of Edmonds skillset, routinely, Arizona utilized his quickness against reacting linebackers in short areas of the field.
With more defenses playing two-high coverage at an alarming rate, it’s important that teams have pass-catchers that can make defenders miss underneath and gain yards after the catch. Last year, Edmonds averaged 7.9 yards after the catch and used as an underneath option.
Chase Edmonds’ Efficiency and EPA
There is another component to the Edmonds news that makes sense from Miami’s perspective.
Efficiency. The emphasis is through EPA, expected points added. Basically, it measures the expected points of a play.
The average rushing EPA per play last season? A negative number.
However, contextualizing Edmonds rushes, He is one of those rare running backs who was efficient last season.
According to charting data from Sports Info Solutions, Edmonds had an EPA per rushing attempt of 0.08. That placed him fifth overall among ball-carriers with 100 or more rushing attempts last season.
Former SF run-game coordinator and OC Mike McDaniel is now the Dolphins HC.
Per @SportsInfo_SIS, the 49ers used zone blocking 282 times last season, 6th-most in the NFL.
Chase Edmonds on zone blocking last season (50+ carries)
Head Coach, Mike McDaniel values this extremely in his running back room. It’s something he speaks to at lengths in media pressers and believes in his scheme
The value of the running back position — what value do you put on anywhere from a third to a half of the plays on a given offensive season? You got to realize running backs, collectively… you have about 300 to 400 some touches, so it’s incredibly valuable, but there is a more diverse way of finding them. From a historical perspective, there is rookies, second-year players, mid-to-late-round [draftees] that have more success at that position than some others. But it’s…of paramount importance. We just have a concrete skill set that we found that can really flourish in a zone-blocking system.
In Chase Edmonds, McDaniel now has that zone-blocking fit, as well as one of the league’s more efficient backs from a season ago to help bolster the Miami Dolphins rushing attack.
Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/chase-edmonds-miami.jpg9331400Hussam Patelhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgHussam Patel2022-07-09 09:56:052022-07-09 09:56:05Why Chase Edmonds will have the biggest impact in the Miami Dolphins running back room
Tua Tagovailoa has become a hot topic this off-season from pundits deciding if this would be his make-or-break year. Additionally, a recent article from PFT’s Mike Florio detailed that free agent acquisition Tyreek Hill had low expectations for Tua.
The third-year Dolphins quarterback has received the most criticism from the media, fans and throughout last season, even players. One man is here to change that narrative – new head coach Mike McDaniel.
How Mike McDaniel will help Tua Tagovailoa
The big thing is what new head coach Mike McDaniel wants to do. McDaniel comes from the Shanahan coaching tree, the ever glorious wide-zone, bootleg, play-action world with Kyle Shanahan that has made Jimmy Garrapolo, Matt Ryan and Kirk Cousins successful in the NFL.
Mike McDaniel with Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay utilized 12 personnel mainly in their time with the now Washington Commanders. McVay now utilizes a spread concept using 11 personnel to maximize his players skill sets. Kyle Shanahan uses 21 personnel to maximize his offensive players skillset and utilizes the pistol formation.
McDaniel is able to use a combination of the two but put his spin on how he can maximize his players skill set; mainly, Tua Tagovailoa.
The easiest way to explain the offense McDaniel has helped culture through the past couple of years is to break it down into two parts. It’s a wide zone run scheme paired with a west coast offense passing scheme.
In terms of the west coast passing scheme, it involves a lot of play action passes that can be deadly with a good running game. It is comprised of a lot of slants and crossing routes.
This is a perfect offense for Tua Tagovailoa. It truly does maximize everything he does well, while limiting the things he does bad. Tua will be asked to make quick reads, and throw the ball primarily to the middle of the field.
Slants, crossing routes, screen passes, and dig routes are gonna be the bread and butter of this offense’s passing plays, and Tagovailoa excels at those routes
Play-action passing
This off-season the hottest name is Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who understands the the vast superiority of the play-action pass.
Simply put, play action is the easiest way to scheme quarterbacks more time and create big plays downfield.
At the heart of it all is the outside zone run, a very popular run concept in the NFL today. Not only is it effective, the play action off outside zone affords the quarterback more time than a normal dropback when passing.
The biggest question heading into the 2022 NFL season is if Miami’s new offensive line can block decently for Tua. Play-action passing provides Tua more time to maneuver the pocket and throw the ball down the field.
More and more teams are beginning to buy in to this line of thinking, for instance, with the play action rate in the NFL in 2018 reaching 24%. Expect the Dolphins to be one of them.
Per PFF, Tua Tagovailoa has a 80.3 grade on play-action passes and the offense as a whole has a 82.3 grade. In other words, when there’s a successful fake, he usually makes magic happen.
A staple of the 49ers offense McDaniel is from is using the fullback or tight ends to condense across the formation, kick out in a split zone concept that allows for cutbacks, and take advantage of overflowing defenses.
This play action flood concept aims to put the flat and deep third defender in conflict
With the 49ers run game’s reputation and established tendencies, this leaves the window open for play action off of it.
This play action flood concept aims to put the flat and deep third defender in conflict. If #33 stays deep under the corner by Dwelley, QB can hit the 10 yard dig route to Emmanuel Sanders or dump it down to Juszczyk in the flats. If #33 comes up, QB can throw one over his head and in front of the FS occupied by the skinny post ran by Deebo Samuel.
The beauty of play-action is that it can create simple reads and make them even easier.
Mike McDaniel and Kyle Shanahan did an amazing job of giving Garoppolo easy reads and setting him up for success by scheming guys open and allowing for easy completions.
Boot-action and roll-outs in play action passing
Bootlegs are nothing new. Yet the rebirth of the outside-zone-then-boot idea has led to one specific change: the boot-action is no longer a specific down-and-distance call.
It’s no longer about moving the chains on third down, or bluffing on early down to steal ten yards. The boot-action and roll-out has become the go-to way for the league’s most prominent offenses to hit explosive plays.
The NFL is a league of explosives. Hit as many as you can; stop as many as you can. That’s it. In the passing era, that’s the entire ball game.
I believe this may be the key to unlocking an explosive Miami Dolphins offense.
How it works
Bootleg passes have several advantages, but one major disadvantage: they only attack one side of the field.
All play-action bootlegs are built around the same principals and are designed to achieve the same goals. These plays use misdirection to confuse defenders.
In other words, they look like running plays, slowing the pass rush and drawing linebackers close to the line of scrimmage to open passing lanes.
The run action also slows the pass rush, and the movement of the quarterback forces defensive linemen to change their pass-rush angle.
Finally, play-action bootlegs usually move one side of the field with receivers while putting the quarterback in position to execute short, easy throws.
The use of the boot has steadily trickled up across the league. The quarterback, offensive line, and running back are set up like it’s outside zone. Everyone kicks one way. It looks like outside-zone.
However, only the quarterback keeps the ball, rolls to the outside, away from the pass-rush, and then surveys the landscape.
Traditional boot-action concepts are built like any old “flood” concept: there’s a deep route, an intermediate route, and a short route.
In the modern game, with almost all just about quarterbacks mobile enoughto be a perimeter threat, the quarterback is his own option. If nothing is open, he can run the ball himself.
Usually that quarterback rolls, opens up his hips and fires to a receiver swooping across the field. The defense bites one way, the ball is thrown the other way.
How Mike McDaniel can utilize Boot-action and Play-action passes to help Tua
By many, Tua Tagovailoa is seen as a one-read quarterback who is heavily reliant on RPO’s.
Tua Tagovailoa on RPO plays
– 1st in passing yards – 3rd most pass attempts of NFL QB's – 6th most RPO plays called
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) June 3, 2022
While it might be true that the Dolphins led the league in RPO passes down the field, many forget about Tua’s play-action game. Per Pro-Football reference, Tua Tagovailoa had the 11th highest play-action pass attempts (113).
I expect the Dolphins to utilize a lot of boot-leg and roll-outs with Tua at the helm this season
49ers we’re PA heavy with McDaniel, using some RPO concepts
43.6% of Tua’s throws at Alabama had play-action concepts
Per PFF, Tua was the 8th best PA pass QB in 2022
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) May 26, 2022
Play-action passing with Jimmy Garrapolo
Assuming RPOs are considered play-action, the San Francisco 49ers had a 31% play-action usage in their pass attempts, with Jimmy Garoppolo accounting for 147 passes on 441 pass attempts.
Most of the 49er’s play-action passes in 2021 came from under shotgun compared to the usual Shanahan system. The quarterback under center, him turning and handing off or throwing a play-action pass or bootleg.
The play-action pass from under center in particular was the staple of the Shanahan offense.
Shanahans usual way is not the best play-action system for Tua, neither for Jimmy Garropolo.
Lets consider RPO's as PA passes:
In 2021, with Jimmy G as their QB, SF had a 31% PA pass usage. 147 PA attempts with 441 pass attempts.
In 2021, with Tua Tagovailoa as their QB, Miami had a 53% usage. 206 PA attempts with 388 pass attempts
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) June 10, 2022
2021 became the year where, with McDaniel’s help, Shanahan changed his philosophy. From Week 8 onward, the 49ers were exclusively in shotgun instead of under center.
Per Sharp Football stats, the 49ers were in shotgun on 67% of all passes in 2021, coming in at 13th overall of all NFL teams, an increase from 20th in 2020. When asked about the change from under center to shotgun, here’s what McDaniel had to say:
“Well, Jimmy’s a lot more decisive in the gun. He likes to see it while he’s delivering tight window throws… minimizing pass exclusive situations, which on first and second down, you can do if you have the threat of (run out of gun). And we’ve just kind of evolved. Kyle in 2019, really started noticing that and put pressure on us to evolve. And every week you figure out different ways to do some of the same things, maybe a couple of wrinkles.” Mike McDaniel
Jimmy Garropolo’s efficiency and decisiveness went up towards the middle weeks of the NFL season, a huge part in driving San Francisco to the playoffs.
This is not something new to Mike McDaniel. As an offensive assistant with Washington, McDaniel and Shanahan took the league by storm by utilizing read-option plays to capitalize RGIII’s effectiveness in the run game.
Play action passing with Tua Tagovailoa
Similar to Jimmy Garropolo is Tua Tagovailoa. We’ve seen how decisive Tua can be in no-huddle, up-tempo, shotgun based offense. It’s one of his biggest strengths.
In the play seen above, the Dolphins are in a condensed 11 Personnel formation with Isaiah Ford motioning to the right side of the field.
Jaylen Waddle runs a “go” route and looks to be Tua’s first read. Tua identifies the bracket coverage on Waddle and shifts towards Devante Parker, his second read.
Tua moves LB Rashaan Evans with his eyes and holds him towards Waddle. This creates an opening to fire a pass down the middle to Devante Parker on a post route.
This is the type of play-action sequence Tua is successful at.
New Play-action sequences for Tua Tagovailoa
One of the most used play-calls used by the San Francisco 49ers under Mike McDaniel was the “DRIFT” concept.
It is a quick-hitting play that hits in the zone vacated by linebackers flowing toward the run action.
One of the most common used PA pass concepts McDaniel and Shanahan used was the "DRIFT" concept
One of the most used play-calls in 2019, can be done under center or shotgun.
It is a quick-hitting play that hits in the zone which is vacated by linebackers flowing toward the run pic.twitter.com/hGvl9xMMcG
— Hussam Patel Training Camp Connoisseur (@HussamPatel) June 10, 2022
The run fake draws up the linebackers and opens the zone behind them for the quarterback. This most basic of play-action of concepts opens some of the biggest throwing lanes in any offense I do expect this “DRIFT” concept to be utilized for the Dolphins offense in 2022, especially for Tua Tagovailoa.
How the RPO gives a boost to play-action passing
Per PFF, the Dolphins had 63 downfield RPO’s thrown beyond three yards, which was the highest figure since 2016. These downfield RPO’s generally enhance a teams play efficiency in the run game, giving a boost to play-action passing. In addition, the 2021 Dolphins RPO system was generally a “one-read” system as plays were meant for one person.
This will change as McDaniel brings a different philosophy in terms of RPO’s and improvements along the offensive line. It all starts with a concept called “WANDA”.
The biggest difference is that if the football is not given to the running backs as the quarterbacks first read, the running back himself can become another outlet instead of pass blocking.
By providing another read to the quarterback, the running back runs a “wheel” concept giving another downfield passing threat if the blocking is solid. The threat of the pass will open up running lanes for running backs in RPO’s and Tua in play-action passing concepts.
Fortunately, Miami signed running backs in Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds who have ample experience in this type of offense.
Will these play-action passing concepts work?
“One thing I know about you is you have the ambition to be great. My job is to coach you to get all that greatness out of you”.
These words were uttered by Mike McDaniel in his first phone call to Tua Tagovailoa. McDaniel has success with quarterbacks with similar skill-sets like Tua, however the young man must put in the work to silence his critics and improve.
“What I’ve seen is a skill set that I’m familiar with, that’s very successful in this offense, you’re seeing a very accurate passer that receivers love to catch footballs from — tight spirals and accurate throws, which are huge for run after the catch and YAC yardage. What that means for an offense is if you have people who can run after the catch, that’s an outstanding skill set for him. Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa
It’s time for Mike McDaniel to tap into Tua’s skillsets and Tua to put in the work to make the Miami Dolphins offense successful in 2022.
Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/Tua-Tagovailoa-and-Play-action-passing.jpg7121024Hussam Patelhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgHussam Patel2022-06-30 20:12:242022-06-30 20:12:24Tua Tagovailoa and Play-action passing
The Dallas Mavericks can’t let Luka Dončić’s top gun, Jalen Brunson, walk in free agency. He was a fundamental cog in the team’s success- the most they’ve had in over a decade. The outfit finally broke through in the 2022 postseason, winning a pair of rounds and distinguishing themselves as a group to be respected. If Mark Cuban’s team wishes to build on what they have, he will likely need to overpay Brunson.
Dallas’ coveted free agent is a shifty combo guard approaching his apex. He earned some stripes torching the Utah Jazz in the first round. In that span, he averaged 27.8 points on over 48% shooting while spacing the floor and blowing past perimeter defenders for strong drives to the rim that often attracted help.
In the open court, challengers weren’t fast enough to stay above his hip. When opponents would go under a teammates screen, Brunson would bury triples on either wing. Getting iced on pick ‘n’ roll, he still eluded two defenders by attacking the shot blocker for a finish at the cup.
Brunson’s importance to the rotation cannot be understated. Dallas’ most used five-man lineup in the playoffs consisted of Reggie Bullock, Dwight Powell, Dorian Finney-Smith, Brunson and Dončić, logging 142 minutes in 15 games. That same group was also the most utilized in the regular season, totaling 367 minutes in 40 games.
Losing the team’s secondary playmaker and scorer would be too devastating a blow to recover from immediately. Dončić would have more responsibilities as the primary ball handler and could be at risk of having dead legs in April from the added workload.
Brunson, as the decision-maker with Dončić on the court, lets #77 get free in single coverage moving around the perimeter. It also allows Dončić to conserve energy because he’s not catching the same schemes as he does with the ball after crossing halfcourt.
Chemistry built through continuity is vital for a team. A group must learn how to win together, but they also need to master overcoming the sting of defeat as a unit. The on-court trust the Mavericks have developed over time paid dividends in the squad’s first season under Jason Kidd as head coach. Eight players returned from the previous campaign, but the team changed its guarding philosophy, and the group finished the year as the seventh-rated defense through 82 games and ninth-best in the playoffs. In 2020/2021, Dallas was 21st in the category for the regular season and 10th in the first round with Rick Carlisle as their instructor.
The Mavericks were one of the three last teams standing. They are likely a few modifications away from being good enough to win a title. Perhaps their offense is more potent next season with Tim Hardaway Jr. reintegrated into the lineup to space the floor for cuts by Brunson and Dončić. Maybe they will orchestrate an essential trade for an effective role player by the February trade deadline. But it won’t mean anything if they don’t show Brunson the money.
The season may have been one small step for Dončić, but it was a giant leap for the Mavs.
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With Thursday’s NBA Draft finally here, I’ve put together a list of 25 players for my Miami Heat “Big Board”. With help from Brady Hawk and Greg Sylvander sharing information about who Miami has worked out, I included those players in addition to prospects I felt were fits for the Heat’s system. The Heat are among many teams who may choose to move out of the late 1st round, so I included prospects who would be good fits in the 2nd round or even signed as undrafted free agents. To help Heat fans catch up, I’ve made a comparison to a historical Heat player they may be more familiar with!
EJ Liddell (6’6” F Ohio State) – Played as an undersized post for much of his time at Ohio State. Terrific switchable defender on the ball and protects the rim. In comparison to the other defensive-minded 4’s on this list, he brings the best complimentary offensive game right away. That being said, it can still use some polish with ball handling and passing skills. Likely taken ahead of Miami’s 27th pick based on most mock drafts.
Jaden Hardy (6’4” G Ignite) – Provides a skill set that Miami lacks on its roster. Hardy has a deep bag of ball handling moves and can create a shot on his own. He seems to project immediately as a volume scorer off the bench with the potential to grow into a much more lethal scorer with more complimentary skills. Many rumors of him sliding could put him in range of Miami’s 27th pick.
Blake Wesley (6’3” G Notre Dame) – The highest ranked player on most big boards that worked out for Miami. Wesley is an elusive ball handler and score-first player but still needs consistency in his shot and finishing. Near 7’ wingspan and athleticism provides a huge defensive upside.
Nikola Jovic (6’10” F Serbia) – With many defensive minded 4’s on this list, Jovic brings guard skills as nearly a 7 footer. Still a project that will need development on both ends, but his skillset is the mold for modern stretch 4’s. Defensively is a long way from capable of defending at even an average level in the NBA.
Walker Kessler (7’0” C Auburn) – Athletic big and elite shot blocker. Needs to get stronger to defend NBA bigs. Good screener and finisher, only a roller at this point but has shown flashes of becoming a pick and pop big.
Historic Heat Comp: Hassan Whiteside without the baggage
Jake LaRavia (6’7” F Wake Forest) – Creative passer and good spot-up shooter. Doesn’t provide much off the bounce, but moves well without the ball. While he lacks elite athleticism, competes on defense and can defend multiple positions if he adds NBA strength. Fits what Miami likes at the 4, so likely why Miami worked him out.
Andrew Nembhard (6’3” G Gonzaga) – Coming into the draft at 22 years old, seems close to an NBA ready backup PG. High IQ creator and very physical guard on both ends. Three-level potential, but shot could use polishing.
Caleb Houstan (6’8” F Michigan) – Another fit in the mold of what Miami wants in a complimentary piece next to Jimmy and Bam in the front court. Obviously the Juwan Howard connection at Michigan provides great insight into his projection in Miami. Great catch and shoot threat, high IQ passer, but limited off the bounce. Not the best athlete but should survive defensively.
Christian Koloko (6’11” C Arizona) – Huge potential as shot blocker and finisher, but if you’re Miami, can he fit next to Bam without a jumper? He’s still very raw and would require added strength and development. In theory, he’s an intriguing prospect but not sure the fit is there for the Heat.
Christian Braun (6’6” G Kansas) – Pesky, high-energy defender and superb athlete who thrives in the open floor. Needs to add NBA strength and consistent outside shot to stick in the league. Worked out for Miami and fits the mold of wings who the Heat have developed over recent years.
Justin Lewis (6’6” F Marquette) – Strong, long (7’2” wingspan), switchable defender. Worked out for Miami and would seem to be an ideal fit in their defensive system. Still needs polish offensively to compliment his defensive strengths.
Historic Heat Comp: James Johnson without guard skills
Josh Minott (6’8” F Memphis) – Elite athlete with high-flying bounce. Switchable defender with elite upside, but must add NBA strength to play small-ball 5. Offense is a huge project to develop with no real shooting, passing, or dribbling skills. Worked out for Miami and would address the lacking athleticism on the roster.
Dereon Seabron (6’7” G NC State) – Athletic guard who specializes in getting downhill (80% of FGA at the rim). Poor shooter at this point so would require development in that area. Defensive-upside with his length. Miami worked him out and will fill the need for rim pressure on the perimeter.
Jabari Walker (6’9” F Colorado) – Switchable defender who has high defensive upside. Not quite athletic enough to play the 3, not strong/big enough to survive at the 4. His offensive game needs polish to stick in the league long term. Miami worked him out and fits the mold they’ve used at the 4.
Keon Ellis (6’6” G Alabama) – Creates havoc as an on-ball defender with this athleticism and length (6’9” wingspan). Worked out for Miami and would be ideal playing the top of their 2-2-1 press. Offensive upside is there, but needs polish.
John Butler (7’0” F Florida State) – While certainly a development project, Butler is a 7 footer who can defend multiple positions and is a knockdown shooter (39%) from outside. Could develop into a pick and pop big, but needs to add strength (only 175 lbs.) to survive in the NBA.
Moussa Diabate (6’10” F Michigan) – Switchable defender with length (7’2” wingspan). Effective rebounder. Useful as a pick & roll big, but has limited offensive skill outside of that. Worked out for Miami and played for Juwan Howard at Michigan.
Jaylin Williams (6’9” F Arkansas) – Another defensive-minded 4, but lacks athleticism and shooting ability to fit the Heat’s mold. He is considered to be the best charge taker in the draft, so he already bought into the Heat Culture. Would need significant development on the offensive end to become an NBA rotation player.
Julian Champagnie (6’8” G/F St John’s) – Scorer who does most of his damage on the perimeter. Doesn’t have elite quickness, but can create shots off the dribble. Needs improvement off the catch and shoot mechanics likely would be tweaked. Has high defensive “two-way” upside and is already a very effective off-ball defender. Worked out for Miami.
Jordan Hall (6’7” G St Joseph’s) – Not a great athlete overall, but displays excellent passing abilities for his size. Will need to improve as a shooter and show ability to defend at NBA level.
Collin Gillespie (6’3” G Villanova) – With Miami’s history of developing shooters, and Villanova’s history of putting guards into the league, this could be a great development match. Gillespie is a rare five-year senior who shot 42% from behind the arc who brings a mature control of running an offense. He plays with a high motor, but likely will struggle to defend NBA guard.
Jamaree Bouyea (6’2” G San Francisco) – Likely an undrafted prospect, Bouyea could draw attention as an all-around point guard with great creation ability. His 6’7” wingspan and abilities away from the ball could be developed into a capable defender.
Jared Rhoden (6’6” G Seton Hall) – Lacks elite athleticism, but was a volume scorer for Seton Hall. Could develop into an off the bench bucket getter with solid defense.
Trevion Williams (6’8” F Purdue) – Lacks in the defensive skills that are typically identified with a Heat forward, but projects as a pick and roll big with strong passing skills out of the short roll. Will need to improve his outside shot and find a way to survive defensively as a slower, undersized big.
Quenton Jackson (6’4” G Texas A&M) – Combo guard who can provide scoring punch. Good athlete with two-way potential. Entering draft at 23 years old. Worked out for Miami.
Historic Heat Comp: Khalid Reeves
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People like Stephen Curry come around once in a lifetime. Today no one in the NBA puts more pressure on a defense with their arsenal than #30. He is a marksman that can never be replicated. And likely a demi-god among us mortals.
When Curry sat at the post-game podium, the first question he got was how it felt to win his first Finals MVP. He told the reporter to forget about it because he and his teammates were now champions.
Someone was going to inquire about the award media “experts” had made such a fuss about Curry not having. As if it somehow subtracted from his eminence that it was missing from his oversized trophy cabinet when it’s just a prize for a series.
His response told you everything you’d need to know about him as a teammate. He could have reflected on his achievement, but that didn’t matter to him. Winning his fourth meant something different than the rest.
No surprise there. Curry is a compulsive winner who experienced two years of postseason withdrawals because of injuries to him and other members of his outfit. He reminded reporters and everyone watching live how many days it had been since the Warriors were last sent home- a year and six days.
Yet, it was three seasons ago when Golden State last got a sniff of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Coming off five straight trips to the Finals is usually the last amount of juice the finest dynasties can squeeze out of a run. The Warriors were stubborn enough to finish their late encore.
In the first half of the series, Golden State lost two of the first three and still needed to play a fourth match on the road. In Game 4, Curry scored 43 points coming off screens, attacking in transition and slicing through the paint. Three nights later in San Francisco, Andrew Wiggins stepped up, leading the Dubs in scoring to take a 3-2 lead, sending the series back to Boston.
The Celtics couldn’t climb out of their ditch because they kept dropping while defending the pick ‘n’ roll and were ineffective hunting Curry. When #30 turned the corner of screens, Boston gave up enough space outside while covering the drive to the basket. The Celtics also shot 37% from the field with Steph as their matchup on 80 attempts, per NBA Stats. He was a two-way star. Much to Boston’s surprise and that of part-time observers who still ignorantly believe Curry is the same player defensively he was seven years ago.
Additionally, the Celtics’ short bench eventually bit their tail. They relied upon seven guys for heavy minutes in the series. Their legs were dead.
Through the Warriors’ run, Curry scored 602 playoff points, with 187 of those coming in the Finals. It was the most he logged against the club’s four opponents and the highest output he’s had in the championship round, per basketball reference.
All this jewelry Curry has racked up winning in his career has elevated his street cred to heights only men recognized on a first-name basis understand. I’m not here to say whether or not he is better than any of those guys. But he’s one of them now. If Curry were to wear all of that bling in broad daylight, the sunshine reflecting on his ice could blind a bystander if he’s not careful.
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/image0-77.jpeg192258Mateo Mayorgahttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgMateo Mayorga2022-06-20 12:18:462022-06-20 12:18:46Mateo’s Hoops Diary: Steph Curry, Once in a Lifetime
Through a boxplot Clements made, it’s found that there is little correlation between running the ball early and at a high volume increases the yardage obtained on passing plays. The next emphasis is through EPA, expected points added. Basically, it measures the expected points of a play. 
