Building The Perfect NBA Player Part VII: Clutch Gene
Welcome to Building The Perfect NBA Player Part VII: Clutch Gene. This is the seventh installment of a 10-part series in which we’ll be building an NBA player from scratch, using 10 different categories to create our player. If you want to keep an eye out for the other parts, check out the “Building” homepage.
What Makes Up The Clutch Gene?
Being “clutch” involves a combination of factors. Some might say being clutch means rising to the occasion, whether it’s at the end of a quarter, end of a game or in a must-win playoff game. My explanation of being clutch is different than others. A player that is clutch is the player whose skills and talents don’t degrade during those clutch moments.
Some might look at a player like Carmelo Anthony and see him as being clutch. While he did put up 38.2 points per-48 minutes of clutch time, (defined as fourth quarter or overtime with less than five minutes left and neither team ahead by more than five points) he shot just 37.7 percent. If he shot that over the span of the season, the New York Knicks would have been a lottery team.
With that said, let’s take a look at our five candidates.
Bryant has a history of making big shots at big times. He certainly has the experience playing in pressure situations and in 2012-13, he got the opportunities. In the fourth quarter or overtime with two minutes or less on the clock, Bryant shot 51-for-113 (45.1 percent). To provide some perspective, Bryant took 29 more shots than anyone else during those clutch moments.
Surprised to see Irving’s name here? You shouldn’t be. Even though the Cavaliers weren’t a good team in 2012-13, Irving was a star. He shot 38-for-84 (45.2 percent) in the same scenario explained in Bryant’s explanation. What’s more impressive is that of those 38 baskets, only TWO were assisted. That means Irving took it upon himself to create his own shot and he came through. In fact, according to the original clutch definition (five minutes or less, yada yada), Irving led all of the NBA with 53.6 points per-48 minutes.
Here’s a guy that doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to come through in the clutch. He’s third in the league in points per-48 minutes of clutch time (52.0) and even shot a tremendous 49.2 percent. He also gets to the free-throw line more than anyone else during clutch time, averaging 26.8 attempts per-48 minutes. Paul is crafty, can create his own shot and isn’t afraid of the spotlight.
Anyone who watched Game 6 and 7 of the NBA Finals knows that James has become a clutch player. Where he used to shy away, he now turns it up a notch. In fact, he’s the only player that averages a triple-double per-48 minutes of clutch time. Is 38.7 points, 15.2 rebounds and 14.9 assists per-48 minutes of clutch time good? Uh, yeah. Over the last two seasons, every time we thought James was up against a wall and would fold like a lawn chair, he’s totally proven us wrong.
One of the best parts of Durant’s game is the fact that he can get his shot off against everybody. His reputation took a hit during the 2012-13 playoffs because he wasn’t able to carry the Oklahoma City Thunder without
Russell Westbrook. Still, Durant is a killer offensively and has ice water running through his veins. He wants the big moment and isn’t about to pass up the opportunity to take the big shot. Durant averaged 50.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per-48 minutes of clutch play.
Building The Perfect NBA Player Part VII: Clutch Gene Winner Is…
LeBron James
LeBron James is enjoying the best season of his career leading the Heat to the NBA’s best record. (Photo Credit/Keith Allison/Flickr)