Worry some about Kyle Korver. In one game, anything can happen. In two games, anything can happen as well, but you can start to try to pick out some trends. And here’s a trend to look at for the 76ers – it’s all AI and C-Webb. Over the first two games of the season, the Sixers have attempted 171 shots. A whopping 97 of those have come out of the hands of Iverson and Webber. That’s just about 57%, which isn’t leaving much for anyone else. We all know that AI is one of the great chuckers in the league, but people might not realize that Webber is as well. His high assist totals sometimes fool people, but this is a guy who has averaged 19 FGA per game over his career. For the record, only 10 players attempted that many shots per game last season. Put those two on the same team together, and it’s going to be tough for anyone else to get involved.
This isn’t really a problem for guys like Andre Igoudala, Stephen Hunter and – when he gets back – Samuel Dalembert. Those aren’t guys that need to have plays run for them in the offense. They pick up their points out of other situations and are specialists in other categories. But Korver is a different story. If he’s not getting his looks from 3-point land, he’s worthless. Yeah, he averaged 1.3 steals last year and shot 85% from the line, but it was obviously his 2.8 3pg that made people think he was worthy of a 5th round choice in drafts this season.
Still, we stress that it’s early. Korver did manage to hit 2 of 5 from long distance on opening night, and though he got shut out in last night’s game, it was a blowout, one in which he played just 17 minutes. There were just six instances last year where Korver totaled two or fewer 3s in back to back games, which is what he’s done in the first two games this season. But those are the ups and downs you have to live with when you draft a one-category specialist. He also hit four or more 3s in 27 games last year. These things come in bunches. It’s not like the first two games have been good for the Sixers – a devastating choke at home against the Bucks and then a solid ass-kicking by the Pistons. They are going to try to find some new things to work for them, and freeing up Korver for some open looks should be a top priority. But with AI and Webber around, even if he is open, who knows if he’ll actually see the ball?
One other quick note…
–I’m not going to tell you not to pick up guys like Delonte West or Smush Parker. You know that I am all about grabbing those point guards when the opportunity presents itself. And if you have a roster spot to play with, by all means go for it. But you know better than to expect those kinds of numbers on a regular basis. I’m a fan of West, but the Celtics aren’t going to score 114 points often and West won’t be a top assist man, although he could be a very nice source of steals and blocks (for a guard). And the Lakers won’t play OT games all the time. So just temper your expectations.