Opponent eFG%

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I have cited this as a key stat for the team over the last couple years and it continues to be our achilles heel. LST has been referencing it quite a bit lately too. It's THE most important stat on defense, far more than defensive rebounding rate, foul rates, and forced turnover rates.

Here is our recent history with this stat (Opponent eFG%, League Rank, # of Wins)
2013-14: 51.8%, 27th, 40 wins - Love traded the next offseason, go super young
2014-15:53.7%, 30th, 16 wins - One of the worst defenses in NBA history...seriously
2015-16: 52.4%, 29th, 29 wins - KAT's rookie year
2016-17: 53.5%, 29th, 31 wins - Thibs first year as head coach, we got worse.
2017-18: 56.1%, 30th, TBD - Butler, Gibson, and Teague join team. We're getting even worse!

Isn't that incredible? We are BY FAR worse in preventing made baskets this year than in any of the other prior defensive train wrecks for seasons. We have Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, and Jeff Teague in our starting unit. These guys have all been on Top 5 defensive teams!

Simply amazing.

[Lipoli390]

I have cited this as a key stat for the team over the last couple years and it continues to be our achilles heel. LST has been referencing it quite a bit lately too. It's THE most important stat on defense, far more than defensive rebounding rate, foul rates, and forced turnover rates.

Here is our recent history with this stat (Opponent eFG%, League Rank, # of Wins)
2013-14: 51.8%, 27th, 40 wins - Love traded the next offseason, go super young
2014-15:53.7%, 30th, 16 wins - One of the worst defenses in NBA history...seriously
2015-16: 52.4%, 29th, 29 wins - KAT's rookie year
2016-17: 53.5%, 29th, 31 wins - Thibs first year as head coach, we got worse.
2017-18: 56.1%, 30th, TBD - Butler, Gibson, and Teague join team. We're getting even worse!

Isn't that incredible? We are BY FAR worse in preventing made baskets this year than in any of the other prior defensive train wrecks for seasons. We have Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, and Jeff Teague in our starting unit. These guys have all been on Top 5 defensive teams!

Simply amazing.

Yes Q, that is amazing! There's room for differing opinions, but I think the case against Thibs as head coach is pretty compelling.

[Shumway]

I'm sure your main point (that we are very poor defensively) is completely valid. But I'd speculate that the entire league has become more efficient and league average Opponent eFG% is also far worse than previous years.

I think the fact that we haven't improved is in itself a compelling stat (in a bad way), so I'm sure it doesn't change your main point. But you're a stats guy - context is always very important.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I'm sure your main point (that we are very poor defensively) is completely valid. But I'd speculate that the entire league has become more efficient and league average Opponent eFG% is also far worse than previous years.

I think the fact that we haven't improved is in itself a compelling stat (in a bad way), so I'm sure it doesn't change your main point. But you're a stats guy - context is always very important.

Good point Shumway, but I don't think this additional information will make anyone feel better:

League median eFG% compared to Wolves Opponent eFG%:
2014-15 - .494 NBA median vs. Wolves Opponent .537 = 43 basis points worse
15-16 - .501 vs. .524 = 23 basis points worse
16-17 - .512 vs. .535 = 23 basis points worse (zero improvement on a relative basis!)
17-18 - .516 vs. .561 = 45 basis points worse

So yes, the league is getting more efficient. Unfortunately, our defense is becoming less efficient on a relative basis. Even worse than our 16 win season!!!!

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Can we get the Sam Mitchell dance again SP?

[TAFKASP]

Can we get the Sam Mitchell dance again SP?

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Thanks SP. Felt like the proper thread for that.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Thanks SP. Felt like the proper thread for that.

Ha, good request Jerry! I still don't know if that is a real clip or photoshopped. I know Sam loves to dance, but I wouldn't think an Irish Jig would be his preference.

[Wolvesfan21]

This is just sad. I still think that Thibs style can and does rub some guys the wrong way with his constant yelling.

How about sitting down calmly explaining to them if they do ever want to be somewhat successful, ever, they are going to have to focus on the defensive end at some point.

I don't know if the guys can't learn, Thibs can't teach, or they simply don't care. Some guys are fine with just collecting a paycheck. They say the right things but, really, is it just lip service?

I wonder if the real big reason behind Thibs bringing in Ta and Butler was to HOPEFULLY for him, have the guys listen to THEM. Since he can't get them to do the right things or effort, night in and night out.

[AbeVigodaLive]

This is just sad. I still think that Thibs style can and does rub some guys the wrong way with his constant yelling.

How about sitting down calmly explaining to them if they do ever want to be somewhat successful, ever, they are going to have to focus on the defensive end at some point.

I don't know if the guys can't learn, Thibs can't teach, or they simply don't care. Some guys are fine with just collecting a paycheck. They say the right things but, really, is it just lip service?

I wonder if the real big reason behind Thibs bringing in Ta and Butler was to HOPEFULLY for him, have the guys listen to THEM. Since he can't get them to do the right things or effort, night in and night out.

To be fair... eventually... we're going to have to question Thibs' chops as a defensive savant IN TODAY'S GAME if this continues.

Young kids. Old vets. Shitty results?