Cleveland Cavaliers: The advanced numbers that improve the team
By Ryan Piers
George Hill
Entering the trade deadline, Cleveland didn’t desperately need a 3-point shooter. It was one of the top outside shooting squads in the Eastern Conference. But its guards — Rose, Dwyane Wade and even Thomas — were unreliable from deep. When driving to the paint, the only player hanging around the wing James could trust was J.R. Smith.
The best available gunner was the Los Angeles Clippers’ Lou Williams, but he came with a price tag that was much too high. So the Cavaliers bargain shopped, seeking someone without the flash of Williams, but still the shooting.
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So Altman looked at statistic called efficient field goal percentage. He also noted the league leaders in 3-point percentage.
The player they settled on was Hill, who had the third –highest 3-point shooting percentage in the league at the trade deadline. Even though Willliams is having a career year, averaging 23.2 points per game, he still wasn’t shooting at the clip of Hill.
For his career, Hill’s efficient field goal percentage is 52.3 percent. Williams is 48.4 percent. Hill’s 3-point percentage is 38.4 for his career while Williams is 35.0. Yes, Williams is the better scorer, better passer and draws more attention on offense.
But Hill gives the Cavs what they need at a better price. It’s like when you only buy eggs, bread and fruit at the store. Yeah, you wanted the cookies and chocolate milk, but you saved cash by sticking to the basics.
The Cavs stuck to the basics and it will likely pay off.