start with scouting

Chapter 4 The Road Never Envisioned



Chapter 4 The Road Never Envisioned
Although he was mentally prepared for this question, Su Yang was still very excited when he heard who was better to choose.

Durant and Oden, one is extremely powerful, and the other is particularly hip, basically equivalent to Jordan and Bowie.

This is another choice that affects the NBA process, and my answer may change the fate of many people.

In an instant, he had the feeling of strategizing and winning thousands of miles, and one thought after another flashed through his mind.

Of course, as the general manager of the Blazers, Kevin may just use this question to test his logical ability, and he will not take what he said as an important reference. He must have heard other people's suggestions that Durant should be chosen instead of O'Neill in many places. ascend.

After thinking for a moment, Su Yang calmed down and said slowly, "I want to tell a story first."

Kevin nodded in agreement, his eyes widened slightly, as if he was very curious about the story Su Yang was going to tell. After all, when comparing two candidates for selection, various statistics, scouting reports, or even website scores are often pulled out.

And starting with storytelling is either a mystery or a unique way of communication.

"In the 1984 draft, Sam Bowie and Michael Jordan were two options for the Blazers..."

After Su Yang said the first sentence, he stopped and glanced at Kevin, and found that the corners of the other's mouth were slightly raised, and a smile was about to emerge.

With that movement and expression, he obviously understood what he was going to say next, and also guessed Su Yang's final answer.

But Kevin didn't interrupt, and Su Yang continued to talk, from the technical characteristics of Durant and Oden, to the current tactical system of the Blazers, to what developments the two may have in the next few years, and possible risks .

He listed them one by one, word by word, for nearly twelve minutes, he felt dry mouth and wanted to drink iced Coke.

"In the end, I think Durant will perform at a historical level in the future and become the league's ace player, while Oden is more suitable for the current lineup of the Blazers. If there is no injury, he may become an All-Star center."

The Blazers' willingness to choose Durant is very low, because they already have Brandon Roy, and Martel Webster is also a qualified 3D small forward.

Moreover, McMillan can't use small forwards well, and he hardly formulates tactics around small forwards. The obvious difference can be seen from Batum's transformation under Terry Stotts.

From the perspective of the Blazers, choosing Durant is probably a lose-lose choice, not as safe as Oden.

"You think so highly of Durant? The league's ace player? Are you sure?"

Kevin had a skeptical expression on his face, as if he felt that Su Yang was putting on airs and wanted to attract more attention.

"Of course, he has the height of a center player, the speed of a small forward player, and the skill of a guard player. The most terrifying thing is that he has historical shooting ability. If all factors are combined, he is the strongest player in NBA history."

Kevin chuckled: "According to this statement, you should suggest that we choose Durant."

"Yes, as long as you are willing to spend a lot of money to rebuild the entire lineup..."

In Su Yang's view, Kevin is an excellent general manager. When he was still working as an assistant to the general manager, he traded Sebastian Telfair and Theo Ratliff to the seventh pick of the Celtics. , and then switch to Roy in the follow-up operation.

And pack No. 4 picks Tyrus Thomas and Victor Kayappa, trade from the Bulls to Aldridge, and spend cash to buy the No. 27 pick in the first round from the Suns, and then select Sergio Rodriguez .

Regardless of vision or execution ability, Kevin is the best general manager level, at least for now.

It can be said that the current team of the Blazers was formed by him alone, and it will soon produce results.

Therefore, I want him to rebuild the entire team, including the coaching staff, for Durant, who has not fully demonstrated his ability, unless the sun rises from the south, or take him to the NBA ten years later to have a look.

"Very good, I understand what you think."

Kevin smiled lightly, and didn't take what Su Yang said to heart, as if he didn't think it was Jordan and Bowie again.

"Talk about your point of view of evaluating a player through data? I am also interested in the data evaluation system, but not as obsessed as the guy in Houston. We often say in our circle that many things cannot be reflected through data.

What do you think of it?For example, inside players take the initiative to remind outside teammates that there will be a screen. "

The trend of the NBA's emphasis on data can be said to have been brought about by Morey, especially after the magic ball has achieved certain results, but many people do not know that Kevin Pritchard is also a pioneer in exploration, but he does not have strong results to help spread the word.

"I agree that many things cannot reflect this point of view through data..." Su Yang picked up the signature pen and started to write.

"For example, Bruce Bowen, his steal data is not impressive, and he doesn't have too many wonderful blocks, but we can see that Ray Allen and others under his defense, the shooting rate is significantly lower than the average level, and the number of turnovers is higher than the average. level…"

Kevin nodded in satisfaction, and Su Yang continued: "We can further deepen and refine the data, such as counting Bowen's presence and absence time, the Spurs' points loss, and even his running distance in each game..."

Kevin became more and more interested, and Su Yang said: "Back to what you said just now, it's like an inside player yelling to remind outside teammates that there will be a screen. It is indeed difficult to reflect the current statistical thinking and technological level. effect.

But I believe there will be a solution one day, just like in the 60s of the last century, there is no block statistics, and it is difficult for fans to understand through description why Bill Russell's ability to protect the frame is better than other centers.

The point is that we collect motion data only to improve efficiency, not to rely entirely on it. "

"Very well, to be honest, I think the same as you..." Kevin said excitedly: "I have started to build a player database, do you want to be in charge of this part of the work? I don't want to fix you in the scout position now."

Kevin was very happy to meet an interviewer who had a very close idea, and he couldn't help but think back to his youth.

But Su Yang thought for a while, and said seriously: "That's a path I never imagined..."

It's a bit panic to suddenly want to work on the program, and the database is easy to become a bottomless pit.

"Understood, then let's talk about overseas players. You mentioned Rudy Fernandez. To be honest, we are also optimistic about this Spaniard internally. If we get him, how do you think it will be the best way to use it?"

Fernandez has a relatively high IQ and belongs to the superstar player style of play, but his defense is relatively poor. In a team like the Blazers with few international players, his positioning is awkward.

But the job of scouting is to solve this kind of problem, especially the scout who is responsible for the direction of player development.

In the original historical trajectory, the Blazers did not properly solve this problem, and finally chose to trade Fernandez.

"I'm just optimistic that he can achieve certain results. If it is difficult to locate, you can choose someone else..." Su Yang shrugged, "After all, he is not the kind of level that must be selected. This may be a new way of thinking."

"This line of thinking deserves expanded discussion..."

Kevin nodded, and suddenly put away his smile: "Do you think the team's emphasis on slow-paced play is reasonable?"

Su Yang was a little surprised, and then said: "The current slow-paced style of play can effectively help young players build a sense of the game, but it will also suppress their talents, resulting in slower growth, or even failure to cash in. In the long run, it is unreasonable..."

"Wait a little longer, don't worry for now."

Kevin skipped the detailed discussion, and then talked about a few tactics-related questions, and Su Yang answered them fluently.

Chatting and chatting, Kevin recalled his past as a coach in the minor leagues and as a scout for the Spurs.

He also talked about becoming the Blazers' interim head coach as a substitute in 05, and Randolph made complaints about it.

Amidst the laughter, the interview was successful.

(End of this chapter)


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