CHICAGO BULLS (2/19/15)
34-20 Record (4th East)
2.85 SRS (10th)
108.3 ORTG (8th)
105.1 DRTG (13th)
ROSTER
86 (-1) Pau Gasol (PF/C) - Crafty Offensive Star
85 (-1) Jimmy Butler (SG/SF) - Two-Way Star
81 (-2) Joakim Noah (C) - Elite Interior Defender
81 (-4) Derrick Rose (PG) - All-Around Point Guard
80 (0) Taj Gibson (PF/C) - Two-Way Power Forward
78 (+1) Aaron Brooks (PG) - Offensive-Minded Point
77 (+2) Mike Dunleavy (SF) - Two-Way Wing
77 (0) Nikola Mirotic (PF/SF) - Offensive-Minded Four
76 (+3) Tony Snell (SF/SG) - All-Around Small Forward
74 (-1) Kirk Hinrich (SG/PG) - Two-Way Guard
UNEDITED
73 - Doug McDermott (SF) - Scoring Wing
71 - E'Twaun Moore (SG/PG) - Aggressive Scorer
71 - Nazr Mohammed (C) - Interior Defender
67 - Cameron Bairstow (PF/C) - Faceup Four
EAST RATINGS
ATLANTIC: 76ers, Celtics, Knicks, Nets, Raptors
CENTRAL: Bucks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Pacers, Pistons
SOUTHEAST: Hawks, Heat, Hornets, Magic, Wizards
WEST RATINGS
PACIFIC: Clippers, Kings, Lakers, Suns, Warriors
NORTHWEST: Jazz, Nuggets, Thunder, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers
SOUTHWEST: Grizzlies, Mavericks, Pelicans, Rockets, Spurs
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Pau Gasol (2/16/15)
86 Overall (-1)
Crafty Offensive Star (PF/C)
Rebounding ***
Outside Scoring ***
Inside Scoring **
VITALS
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 250
INSIDE SCORING
82 S.Layup (-7)
72 D.Layup
84 P.Fade (+3)
85 P.Hook (+3)
88 P.Control (-4)
OUTSIDE SCORING
83 S.Close
83 M.Close (+5)
92 S.Mid (+5)
77 M.Mid (+5)
77 S.3PT
52 M.3PT (+10)
80 FT (-2)
PLAYMAKING
50 B.Control (+7)
59 P.Vision (-23)
77 P.IQ
60 P.Acc (+7)
REBOUNDS
95 Box (+3)
73 OffReb (-10)
95 DefReb (+1)
DEFENSE
48 L.Quick
60 P.Percept (-5)
78 Block (-6)
85 S.Contest
50 Steal (-4)
70 DefCon
61 OBDef (-16)
79 PnRDef
72 HelpDef
91 PostDef (+5)
ATHLETICISM
65 S.Dunk (-15)
50 D.Dunk (-8)
62 Speed
48 Quick
41 Vert
70 Str
92 Stam
80 Dur (-2)
70 Hustle
BASKETBALL IQ
84 Shot IQ (-4)
90 Hands
90 OffCons
90 Potential (-3)
BADGES (2/4/4)
BRONZE: Flashy Passer, Lob City Passer
SILVER: Drop-Stepper, Post Stepback Pro, Screen Outlet, Tenacious Rebound
GOLD: Dream-Like Up And Under, Post Hoperator, Post Spin Technician, Break Starter
DOWNGRADE: Screen Outlet (from Gold), Lob City Passer (from Gold)
PERSONALITY (5)
Alpha Dog, Cool And Collected, Hardened, Low Ego, Mentor
CONTRACT (2 years, 14.58M)
Option: Player
2015: 7.13
2016: 7.45
2017: 7.77
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Jimmy Butler (2/16/15)
85 Overall (-1)
Two-Way Star (SG/SF)
Defense ***
Athleticism ***
Inside Scoring ***
VITALS
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 220
INSIDE SCORING
85 S.Layup (+5)
83 D.Layup
78 P.Fade
54 P.Hook (+5)
70 P.Control (+7)
OUTSIDE SCORING
80 S.Close (+3)
75 M.Close (+3)
81 S.Mid (-3)
78 M.Mid (-5)
79 S.3PT
75 M.3PT (-2)
83 FT (-1)
PLAYMAKING
84 B.Control
58 P.Vision (-8)
72 P.IQ
76 P.Acc (+1)
REBOUNDS
53 Box (-7)
50 OffReb (-22)
53 DefReb (-17)
DEFENSE
84 L.Quick
88 P.Percept
47 Block (-3)
86 S.Contest
79 Steal (+9)
85 DefCon
80 OBDef (-8)
84 PnRDef (-3)
84 HelpDef
60 PostDef (-8)
ATHLETICISM
40 S.Dunk
75 D.Dunk
94 Speed
82 Quick
90 Vert (+12)
67 Str (+2)
99 Stam
80 Dur
90 Hustle (+2)
BASKETBALL IQ
85 Shot IQ (+2)
80 Hands (+5)
85 OffCons
90 Potential (+3)
BADGES (1/5/3)
BRONZE: Unfazed
SILVER: Corner Specialist, Microwave, Scrapper, Pick Pocket, Interceptor
GOLD: Perimeter Lockdown, Pick Dodger, Transition Finisher
UPGRADE: Transition Finisher (from Bronze)
DOWNGRADE: Interceptor (from Gold)
PERSONALITY (5)
Beta Dog, Fierce Competitor, Laid Back, Low Ego, Spark Plug
CONTRACT (1 year, 2.01M)
2015: 2.01 (from 2.12)
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Joakim Noah (2/16/15)
81 Overall (-2)
Elite Interior Defender (C)
Defense ***
Rebounding **
Athleticism **
VITALS
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 232
INSIDE SCORING
75 S.Layup (-9)
62 D.Layup
44 P.Fade
68 P.Hook
63 P.Control (-7)
OUTSIDE SCORING
62 S.Close (-8)
52 M.Close
75 S.Mid
70 M.Mid (-2)
25 S.3PT (-4)
25 M.3PT (-6)
72 FT (+11)
PLAYMAKING
55 B.Control (+20)
63 P.Vision (-21)
83 P.IQ (+15)
63 P.Acc (-2)
REBOUNDS
78 Box (-7)
81 OffReb (-4)
78 DefReb (-2)
DEFENSE
65 L.Quick (+10)
90 P.Percept (-5)
69 Block (-11)
90 S.Contest (-6)
65 Steal (-2)
99 DefCon (+4)
78 OBDef (-12)
99 PnRDef (+3)
97 HelpDef
81 PostDef (-17)
ATHLETICISM
70 S.Dunk (-15)
60 D.Dunk (-10)
65 Speed (+5)
60 Quick (+5)
78 Vert
79 Str (+1)
91 Stam (+5)
70 Dur (-2)
99 Hustle
BASKETBALL IQ
59 Shot IQ (-7)
75 Hands (+12)
45 OffCons (+10)
85 Potential
BADGES (1/5/2)
BRONZE: Flashy Passer
SILVER: Break Starter, Hustle Points, Tenacious Rebound, Post Lockdown, Charge Card
GOLD: Scrapper, Brick Wall
REMOVE: Drop-Stepper (Silver), Dream-Like Up and Under (Bronze), Dimer (Bronze), Screen Outlet (Bronze)
DOWNGRADE: Hustle Points (from Gold), Tenacious Rebound (from Gold), Post Lockdown (from Gold)
PERSONALITY (8)
Cool and Collected, Defensive Anchor, Enforcer, Expressive, Fierce Competitor, Heart and Soul, Mind Games, Swagger
CONTRACT (2 years, 27.35M)
2015: 12.70
2016: 13.90
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Derrick Rose (2/16/15)
81 Overall (-4)
All-Around Point Guard (PG/SG)
Athleticism ***
Playmaking **
Outside Scoring **
VITALS
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 190
INSIDE SCORING
76 S.Layup (-2)
84 D.Layup (-5)
50 P.Fade (-5)
45 P.Hook (-10)
45 P.Control (-10)
OUTSIDE SCORING
83 S.Close (-9)
83 M.Close (-7)
78 S.Mid (+6)
78 M.Mid
74 S.3PT (-3)
70 M.3PT
81 FT
PLAYMAKING
95 B.Control (-3)
78 P.Vision (+6)
75 P.IQ (-5)
75 P.Acc (-7)
REBOUNDS
46 Box (-3)
38 OffReb (-15)
46 DefReb (+1)
DEFENSE
95 L.Quick (-4)
72 P.Percept (-6)
42 Block (+2)
74 S.Contest (-5)
60 Steal (-9)
65 DefCon
81 OBDef
76 PnRDef (-7)
74 HelpDef (-5)
40 PostDef (-10)
ATHLETICISM
35 S.Dunk
55 D.Dunk (-25)
95 Speed (-4)
95 Quick (-4)
89 Vert
64 Str
88 Stam
50 Dur (-1)
75 Hustle (-15)
BASKETBALL IQ
97 Shot IQ (+16)
85 Hands (-14)
70 OffCons (-20)
90 Potential (+3)
BADGES (3/6/12)
BRONZE: Volume Shooter, Break Starter, Dimer
SILVER: Microwave, Shot Creator, Unfazed, Spin Kingpin, Stepback Freeze, Transition Finisher
GOLD: Acrobat, Bank Is Open, Hop-Stepper, King of Euros, Spin Lay-In, Tear Dropper, Behind the Back Pro, Hesitation Stunner, Killer Crossover, Master of In and Out, Pet Move Size-Up, One Man Fastbreak
DOWNGRADE: Transition Finisher (from Gold)
ADD: Dimer (Bronze)
REMOVE: Pick & Roll Maestro (Gold), Lob City Passer (Silver)
PERSONALITY (7)
All-Time Great, Fierce Competitor, Heart and Soul, Pat My Back, Laid Back, Legendary Work Ethic, Prime Time
ADD: Pat My Back
REMOVE: Keep It Real, Closer
CONTRACT (3 years, 60.28M)
2015: 18.62
2016: 20.90
2017: 21.32
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Taj Gibson (2/17/15)
80 Overall
Two-Way Power Forward (PF/C)
Inside Scoring **
Defense **
Athleticism **
VITALS
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 225
INSIDE SCORING
80 S.Layup (-14)
73 D.Layup
72 P.Fade
81 P.Hook (+5)
89 P.Control (+13)
OUTSIDE SCORING
80 S.Close (-2)
76 M.Close (-2)
72 S.Mid (-1)
66 M.Mid (-3)
28 S.3PT (+3)
28 M.3PT
70 FT (+1)
PLAYMAKING
42 B.Control (+7)
50 P.Vision (+19)
52 P.IQ (-10)
51 P.Acc (+18)
REBOUNDS
62 Box (-3)
80 OffReb (-2)
62 DefReb (-7)
DEFENSE
60 L.Quick
75 P.Percept
67 Block (-14)
86 S.Contest
59 Steal (+2)
80 DefCon
80 OBDef (+6)
83 PnRDef (-1)
82 HelpDef
84 PostDef
ATHLETICISM
75 S.Dunk
75 D.Dunk
67 Speed
60 Quick
58 Vert
82 Str (+2)
94 Stam (+10)
80 Dur
90 Hustle (-1)
BASKETBALL IQ
68 Shot IQ (-2)
80 Hands (+1)
60 OffCons (+10)
80 Potential
BADGES (3/3/1)
BRONZE: Drop-Stepper, Hustle Points, Scrapper
SILVER: Dream-Like Up and Under, Bruiser, Posterizer
GOLD: Brick Wall (Gold)
REMOVE: Post Stepback Pro (Bronze), Screen Outlet (Bronze), Lob City Finisher (Silver), Tenacious Rebound (Gold)
PERSONALITY (4)
Cool and Collected, Fierce Competitor, Road Dog, Spark Plug
CONTRACT (3 years, 25.45M)
2015: 8.00
2016: 8.50
2017: 8.95
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Aaron Brooks (2/18/15)
78 Overall (+1)
Offensive-Minded Point (PG)
Outside Scoring ***
Athleticism ***
Playmaking **
VITALS
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 161
INSIDE SCORING
71 S.Layup (-2)
80 D.Layup
40 P.Fade
25 P.Hook
25 P.Control
OUTSIDE SCORING
84 S.Close (+4)
84 M.Close
76 S.Mid (+1)
76 M.Mid
89 S.3PT (+1)
87 M.3PT
87 FT
PLAYMAKING
82 B.Control (+2)
72 P.Vision (-8)
73 P.IQ
67 P.Acc (-3)
REBOUNDS
46 Box (+17)
35 OffReb (+7)
46 DefReb (+19)
DEFENSE
96 L.Quick
50 P.Percept (+3)
42 Block (-1)
60 S.Contest
65 Steal
40 DefCon
78 OBDef (+20)
65 PnRDef
63 HelpDef
32 PostDef (+5)
ATHLETICISM
25 S.Dunk
25 D.Dunk
91 Speed
96 Quick
90 Vert (+12)
52 Str (+1)
89 Stam (+5)
85 Dur
70 Hustle (-1)
BASKETBALL IQ
90 Shot IQ (+14)
75 Hands (+5)
65 OffCons
80 Potential (+3)
BADGES (1/2/1)
BRONZE: Corner Specialist
SILVER: Charge Card
GOLD: Fade Ace, Microwave, Volume Shooter
PERSONALITY (1)
Laid Back
CONTRACT (1 year, 915K)
2015: 915K
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Mike Dunleavy (2/19/15)
77 Overall (+2)
Two-Way Wing
Defense **
Outside Scoring **
Playmaking **
VITALS
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 230
INSIDE SCORING
83 S.Layup
64 D.Layup
61 P.Fade
42 P.Hook
55 P.Control (+5)
OUTSIDE SCORING
77 S.Close
76 M.Close
84 S.Mid (+2)
80 M.Mid
87 S.3PT
86 M.3PT
80 FT (+3)
PLAYMAKING
65 B.Control
52 P.Vision (-18)
77 P.IQ (+15)
67 P.Acc (+5)
REBOUNDS
56 Box (-1)
31 OffReb (-10)
56 DefReb (-2)
DEFENSE
70 L.Quick (+10)
56 P.Percept (+6)
45 Block (-5)
68 S.Contest (+15)
54 Steal (+2)
60 DefCon (+20)
75 OBDef (+15)
73 PnRDef (+12)
78 HelpDef (+15)
62 PostDef (+10)
ATHLETICISM
40 S.Dunk (+15)
45 D.Dunk (-10)
74 Speed
67 Quick (+5)
53 Vert
49 Str (+13)
86 Stam
65 Dur (-3)
65 Hustle (+22)
BASKETBALL IQ
63 Shot IQ (-17)
75 Hands (+12)
50 OffCons
80 Potential (+3)
BADGES (0/1/1)
BRONZE:
SILVER: Corner Specialist
GOLD: Charge Card
ADD: Corner Specialist (Silver)
REMOVE: Acrobat (Bronze)
PERSONALITY (2)
Laid Back, Low Ego
ADD: Laid Back, Low Ego
CONTRACT (1 year, 3.33M)
2015: 3.33 (from 3.00)
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Nikola Mirotic (2/19/15)
77 Overall (0)
Offensive-Minded Four (PF/SF)
Inside Scoring **
Rebounding **
Athleticism **
VITALS
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 220 (from 210)
INSIDE SCORING
80 S.Layup (-7)
78 D.Layup
63 P.Fade (-5)
65 P.Hook (+5)
77 P.Control (+13)
OUTSIDE SCORING
63 S.Close (-5)
63 M.Close (-10)
84 S.Mid
78 M.Mid (+3)
81 S.3PT (+1)
77 M.3PT (+2)
78 FT
PLAYMAKING
57 B.Control (+5)
52 P.Vision (+20)
61 P.IQ (+30)
62 P.Acc (+27)
REBOUNDS
85 Box (+2)
44 OffReb (-11)
85 DefReb (-3)
DEFENSE
68 L.Quick
60 P.Percept (+10)
58 Block (-17)
60 S.Contest
67 Steal (+18)
50 DefCon
67 OBDef (+8)
74 PnRDef (+16)
60 HelpDef
73 PostDef (+2)
ATHLETICISM
60 S.Dunk (-10)
55 D.Dunk (-10)
70 Speed
68 Quick
68 Vert
61 Str (+6)
81 Stam
80 Dur
70 Hustle
BASKETBALL IQ
72 Shot IQ (-13)
80 Hands (+5)
60 OffCons (+5)
85 Potential (+6)
BADGES (3/0/0)
BRONZE: Microwave, Limitless Range, Screen Outlet
ADD: Microwave (Bronze), Limitless Range (Bronze), Screen Outlet (Bronze)
PERSONALITY (0)
Laid Back
ADD: Laid Back
CONTRACT (3 years, 16.63M)
2015: 5.30
2016: 5.54
2017: 5.78
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tony Snell (2/18/15)
76 Overall (+3)
All-Around Small Forward (SF/SG)
Defense **
Outside Scoring **
Athleticism **
VITALS
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 200
INSIDE SCORING
85 S.Layup (+15)
79 D.Layup (+7)
48 P.Fade
33 P.Hook
43 P.Control
OUTSIDE SCORING
72 S.Close (-2)
70 M.Close (-4)
76 S.Mid
75 M.Mid
82 S.3PT
78 M.3PT
77 FT (-4)
PLAYMAKING
70 B.Control (-4)
50 P.Vision (+7)
54 P.IQ
66 P.Acc (+8)
REBOUNDS
49 Box (+8)
36 OffReb (+1)
49 DefReb (+15)
DEFENSE
85 L.Quick (+5)
77 P.Percept
44 Block (-3)
77 S.Contest
63 Steal (+12)
65 DefCon
82 OBDef (+19)
81 PnRDef (+3)
69 HelpDef
53 PostDef (+13)
ATHLETICISM
35 S.Dunk
65 D.Dunk (-10)
78 Speed
78 Quick
72 Vert
46 Str (+5)
81 Stam
85 Dur (+1)
75 Hustle (+14)
BASKETBALL IQ
60 Shot IQ (-9)
80 Hands
45 OffCons (+5)
75 Potential
BADGES (2/0/0)
BRONZE: Corner Specialist, Transition Finisher
ADD: Corner Specialist (Bronze), Transition Finisher (Bronze)
PERSONALITY (1)
Laid Back
CONTRACT (3 years, 5.38M)
Option: Team
2015: 1.47
2016: 1.54
2017: 2.37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kirk Hinrich (2/18/15)
74 Overall (-1)
Two-Way Guard (SG/PG)
Outside Scoring **
Defense **
Playmaking **
VITALS
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190
INSIDE SCORING
75 S.Layup
72 D.Layup
46 P.Fade
30 P.Hook
28 P.Control
OUTSIDE SCORING
71 S.Close (-2)
69 M.Close (-4)
70 S.Mid (-6)
69 M.Mid (-13)
79 S.3PT (-2)
75 M.3PT (-4)
75 FT (+2)
PLAYMAKING
83 B.Control
58 P.Vision (-4)
81 P.IQ
66 P.Acc (-14)
REBOUNDS
40 Box (+2)
31 OffReb
40 DefReb (+2)
DEFENSE
77 L.Quick
68 P.Percept
40 Block (-10)
79 S.Contest
68 Steal (-1)
65 DefCon
80 OBDef
81 PnRDef
76 HelpDef
57 PostDef (+9)
ATHLETICISM
25 S.Dunk
25 D.Dunk
85 Speed
79 Quick
60 Vert
40 Str (+1)
92 Stam
70 Dur (+1)
85 Hustle
BASKETBALL IQ
57 Shot IQ (-14)
75 Hands
40 OffCons
80 Potential (+5)
BADGES (0/2/0)
SILVER: Corner Specialist, Charge Card
PERSONALITY (2)
Low Ego, Prime Time
ADD: Low Ego
CONTRACT (1 year, 2.73M)
Option: Player
2015: 2.73
2016: 2.85
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doug McDermott (1/29/15)
73 Overall (0)
Scoring Wing (SF)
Outside Scoring **
Inside Scoring **
Rebounding **
VITALS
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 225 (from 218)
BADGES (0/1/0)
SILVER: Shot Creator
PERSONALITY (2)
Friendly, Legendary Work Ethic
CONTRACT (4 years, 10.44M)
Option: 2-Year Team
2015: 2.28
2016: 2.38
2017: 2.48
2018: 3.30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
E'Twaun Moore (1/29/15)
71 Overall (0)
Aggressive Scorer (SG/PG)
Outside Scoring **
Athleticism **
Inside Scoring **
VITALS
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 191
BADGES (0/0/0)
PERSONALITY (1)
Laid Back
CONTRACT (1 year, 948K)
Option: Team
2015: 948K
2016: 1.02
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nazr Mohammed (1/29/15)
71 Overall (0)
Interior Defender
Rebounding **
Defense **
Outside Scoring **
VITALS
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 250
BADGES (1/0/1)
BRONZE: Brick Wall
SILVER:
GOLD: Scrapper
PERSONALITY (1)
Enforcer
CONTRACT (1 year, 915K)
No Trade: Yes (from No)
2015: 915K (from 1.45)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cameron Bairstow (1/29/15)
67 Overall (0)
Faceup Four (PF/C)
Athleticism **
Outside Scoring **
Inside Scoring *
VITALS
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 250
BADGES (0/0/0)
PERSONALITY (0)
CONTRACT (2 years, 1.35M)
Option: 2-Year Team (from Team)
2015: 507K
2016: 845K (425K guaranteed)
2017: 980K
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
NBA 2K15 Badge Analysis: Lob City Finisher
Two weeks ago I speculated that some badges in NBA 2K15 were given out too freely. Unfortunately, I lacked the necessary data to back my theory. Enter NBASavant, which offers specific shot type data.
I decided to start with "Lob City Finisher", a badge that enhances alley-oop ability. There are 66 NBA players with this badge, which seems to me like a very high number. Alley-oops are a spectacular and otherwise RARE basketball play that only a handful of players are able to replicate on a regular basis. Running a search on alley-oops, the results were at times surprising, but ultimately, in a word, disappointing.
Data is accurate as of 2/17/15, courtesy of NBASavant and Basketball-Reference
GOLD Lob City Finisher (26 Players)
DeAndre Jordan (LAC): 81-98 FG (73 Dunks)
Tyson Chandler (DAL): 69-85 FG (63 Dunks)
Andre Drummond (DET): 56-80 FG (48 Dunks)
Dwight Howard (HOU): 46-50 FG (40 Dunks)
Anthony Davis (NOP): 41-49 FG (34 Dunks)
Tristan Thompson (CLE): 32-39 FG (26 Dunks)
Mason Plumlee (BRK): 29-33 FG (21 Dunks)
Hassan Whiteside (MIA): 19-21 FG (17 Dunks) - 489 minutes
Kenneth Faried (DEN): 14-17 FG (10 Dunks)
**Paul George (IND): 10-10 FG (10 Dunks)** (2014 Season)
Terrence Ross (TOR): 9-12 FG (8 Dunks)
Gerald Green (PHX): 8-10 FG (5 Dunks)
K.J. McDaniels (PHI): 8-8 FG (8 Dunks)
JaVale McGee (DEN): 8-8 FG (7 Dunks) - 195 minutes
Blake Griffin (LAC): 7-9 FG (3 Dunks) - 1800 minutes
J.J. Hickson (DEN): 6-9 FG (5 Dunks)
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR): 6-9 FG (3 Dunks)
Carmelo Anthony (NYK): 6-7 FG (3 Dunks)
Andrew Wiggins (MIN): 5-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Zach LaVine (MIN): 4-4 FG (3 Dunks)
Aaron Gordon (ORL): 4-4 FG (3 Dunks)
Derrick Williams (SAC): 3-3 FG (3 Dunks)
Jeremy Evans (UTA): 1-1 FG (1 Dunk)
Eric Bledsoe (PHX): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Trevor Ariza (HOU): 0-0 FG
Ronald Roberts (FA): 0-0 FG
It's easy to make a case that only a handful of these players are actually elite Alley-Oop finishers. Nobody in their right mind is ever going to confuse Tyson Chandler with Carmelo Anthony as alley-oop finishers (yet 2K begs to differ). Trevor Ariza hasn't even attempted an Alley this year (you can even watch him laugh off his dunking badges in a recent 2KTV episode that discussed his badges). What is most disturbing about these badges is that they were recently "re-evaluated" and it's abundantly clear that data was not factored into those evaluations.
Blake Griffin is an interesting case, as he is one half of duo that inspired the "Lob City" moniker, and certainly not a player anyone would expect to show poorly here. However, Blake's dunk rate has declined hard each of the past two seasons, as the development of his offensive game takes him further away from the basket.
It is abundantly clear that even though Blake is still dunking at a reasonably high rate, he has all but abandoned alley-oops. Is this an effort to keep him healthier? Has his athletic ability declined some? Or has he merely ceded all of his half-court attempts to DeAndre Jordan, who still leads the league by a large margin? I think it's some combination of the three, but what is clear is that so long as Blake has abandoned the alley-oop, so should we too abandon his Gold badge until he returns to his previously bonkers production in this field.
SILVER Lob City Finisher (22 Players)
Brandan Wright (PHX): 32-32 FG (28 Dunks)
Timofey Mozgov (CLE): 22-25 FG (18 Dunks)
Ben McLemore (SAC): 13-14 FG (9 Dunks)
Kevin Durant (OKC): 9-9 FG (6 Dunks)
Thomas Robinson (POR): 8-8 FG (7 Dunks)
LeBron James (CLE): 7-8 FG (5 Dunks)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (CHA) 5-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Victor Oladipo (ORL): 5-6 FG (4 Dunks)
Gerald Henderson (CHA): 4-5 FG (3 Dunks)
Rudy Gay (SAC): 4-4 FG (3 Dunks)
Andre Iguodala (GSW): 3-3 FG (3 Dunks)
Taj Gibson (CHI): 2-3 FG (2 Dunks)
DeMar DeRozan (TOR): 2-2 FG (2 Dunks)
Harrison Barnes (GSW): 2-2 FG (2 Dunks)
Ryan Hollins (SAC): 2-2 FG (2 Dunks)
John Wall (WAS): 2-2 FG (1 Dunk)
Josh Smith (HOU): 1-1 FG (1 Dunk)
Jerami Grant (PHI): 1-1 FG (1 Dunk)
Corey Brewer (HOU): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Russell Westbrook (OKC): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Nate Robinson (FA): 0-0 FG
James Michael McAdoo (GSW): 0-0 FG
Even fewer players here are prolific alley-oop finishers. LeBron James is 30-years old now and his alley-oop rate has declined quite a bit (30 alley dunks last year). Most of these players won't even get to 5 Alley Dunks by the end of the season.
Looking at how Westbrook gets his dunks they are all blowing by his man and rising up over the defense - an impressive feat for an NBA point guard. We don't need to sugar coat his ability anymore than that. Westbrook has 12 alley-dunks in the last 5 years - that's 2.4 per season, and certainly not worthy of a badge that allows him to get two per game.
And no, I don't give a damn what he did in a no-defense All-Star game.
BRONZE Lob City Finisher (18 Players)
Nerlens Noel (PHI): 15-21 FG (9 Dunks)
Jonas Valanciunas (TOR): 13-14 FG (6 Dunks)
Miles Plumlee (PHX): 11-13 FG (10 Dunks)
Jeff Green (MEM): 9-12 FG (9 Dunks)
Alex Len (PHX): 8-9 FG (7 Dunks)
Bismack Biyombo (CHA): 7-7 FG (7 Dunks)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL): 6-7 FG (6 Dunks)
Ed Davis (LAL): 6-7 FG (5 Dunks)
Wesley Matthews (POR): 3-4 FG (0 Dunks)
Robin Lopez (POR): 3-3 FG (1 Dunk)
Mike Scott (ATL): 2-4 FG (1 Dunk)
Maurice Harkless (ORL): 2-3 FG (2 Dunks)
Cleanthony Early (NYK): 1-2 FG (1 Dunk)
Nene (WAS): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Evan Turner (BOS): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Cody Zeller (CHA): 0-1 FG
Anthony Bennett (MIN): 0-0 FG
Julius Randle (LAL): 0-0 FG
The top eight have 59 dunks between them. The bottom ten have 5 dunks. I don't know what kind of research went into these evaluations but it doesn't cut the mustard.
NONE (Min 5 FGM)
Andrew Bogut (GSW): 21-30 FG (17 Dunks)
Rudy Gobert (UTA): 19-22 FG (17 Dunks)
Chris Andersen (MIA): 18-21 FG (13 Dunks)
Al Horford (ATL): 18-20 FG (9 Dunks)
Jimmy Butler (CHI): 13-18 FG (5 Dunks)
Marcin Gortat (WAS): 12-14 FG (6 Dunks)
Amir Johnson (TOR): 10-12 FG (5 Dunks)
John Henson (MIL): 8-10 FG (8 Dunks)
Samuel Dalembert (FA): 8-9 FG (5 Dunks)
Nikola Vucevic (ORL): 8-9 FG (3 Dunks)
Kevin Love (CLE): 8-9 FG (3 Dunks)
Andre Roberson (OKC): 8-8 FG (7 Dunks)
Brook Lopez (BRK): 6-8 FG (2 Dunks)
Tim Duncan (SAS): 6-6 FG (0 Dunks)
Jerryd Bayless (MIL): 6-6 FG (5 Dunks)
DeWayne Dedmon (ORL): 6-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Thaddeus Young (MIN): 5-8 FG (1 Dunk)
Meyers Leonard (POR): 5-7 FG (3 Dunks)
Otto Porter (WAS): 5-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Pau Gasol (CHI): 5-5 FG (3 Dunks)
DeMarcus Cousins (SAS): 5-5 FG (0 Dunks)
Most of these players are without a doubt better than the Silver/Bronze players (though there is a also a greater abundance of non-dunkers like Love, Duncan, or Cousins).
Birdman seems like a no-brainer for this badge, especially given his performance last season. His alley-oop rate is actually trending upward as he gets older.
Jerryd Bayless' five alley-oop dunks is actually an impressive feat...
Contrary to what NBA 2K would have us believe, alley-oop dunks from guards are uncommon, with only a total of 19 recorded by Point Guards this year.
A grand total of 19 were recorded last season, so this season's PG production is actually slightly up (which we can probably credit to Zach LaVine).
-----------------------------------------------
Now, I know what you're thinking. I'm a kill joy. It's just a video game, and dunks are entertaining and fun. All of this a true. You know what else is fun? BASKETBALL. Post moves, passing, and jump shots are not balanced in NBA 2K15 because dunkers continue to have an advantage when it comes to triggering dunk animations, and badges are a cause of this.
The best solution that can be provided is making adjustments to ratings and badges. Otherwise you'll have games like this.
There were 32 dunks in this Online game I played two weeks ago. 17 for my opponent, including 13 for Blake Griffin (refer to Blake's season total for a chuckle). That's on 5 minute quarters with one OT period, on Superstar Simulation setting. In many instances my opponent was able to trigger a ridiculous alley-oop that had no prayer of being stopped, simply due to overpowered ratings and badges.
Based on the data I've provided and my understanding of the game mechanics, these are my personal changes to the Lob City Finisher badges.
GOLD (12): DeAndre Jordan, Tyson Chandler, Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis, Brandan Wright, Tristan Thompson, Timofey Mozgov, Mason Plumlee, Hassan Whiteside, Chris Andersen, JaVale McGee
SILVER (11): Rudy Gobert, Nerlens Noel, Kenneth Faried, Ben McLemore, Kevin Durant, John Henson, Thomas Robinson, Bismack Biyombo, Aaron Gordon, Derrick Williams, Jeremy Evans
BRONZE (23): Al Horford, Andrew Bogut, Jonas Valanciunas, Jimmy Butler, Marcin Gortat, Miles Plumlee, Paul George, Jeff Green, Terrence Ross, Gerald Green, K.J. McDaniels, Andre Roberson, Alex Len, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Blake Griffin, J.J. Hickson, Andrew Wiggins, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jerryd Bayless, Victor Oladipo, Zach LaVine, Ryan Hollins
REMOVED (29): Ed Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, Gerald Henderson, Andre Iguodala, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Harrison Barnes, DeMar DeRozan, Maurice Harkless, Taj Gibson, John Wall, Josh Smith, Mike Scott, Cleanthony Early, Russell Westbrook, Nene, Evan Turner, Eric Bledsoe, Corey Brewer, Jerami Grant, Trevor Ariza, Nate Robinson, Cody Zeller, Anthony Bennett, Julius Randle, James Michael McAdoo, Ronald Roberts
I've slashed in half the number of Gold and Silver players, which places a premium highlight on the players who are notable in this regard. I removed the badge from 29 players, yet I still have 45 Total players with the badge, due to a few additions. I don't expect 2K will ever adopt my methods and take steps towards fixing the Online/MyTeam metagame, but the hope of balanced NBA 2K15 gameplay in an Online League using a custom roster is certainly within reach.
I decided to start with "Lob City Finisher", a badge that enhances alley-oop ability. There are 66 NBA players with this badge, which seems to me like a very high number. Alley-oops are a spectacular and otherwise RARE basketball play that only a handful of players are able to replicate on a regular basis. Running a search on alley-oops, the results were at times surprising, but ultimately, in a word, disappointing.
Data is accurate as of 2/17/15, courtesy of NBASavant and Basketball-Reference
GOLD Lob City Finisher (26 Players)
DeAndre Jordan (LAC): 81-98 FG (73 Dunks)
Tyson Chandler (DAL): 69-85 FG (63 Dunks)
Andre Drummond (DET): 56-80 FG (48 Dunks)
Dwight Howard (HOU): 46-50 FG (40 Dunks)
Anthony Davis (NOP): 41-49 FG (34 Dunks)
Tristan Thompson (CLE): 32-39 FG (26 Dunks)
Mason Plumlee (BRK): 29-33 FG (21 Dunks)
Hassan Whiteside (MIA): 19-21 FG (17 Dunks) - 489 minutes
Kenneth Faried (DEN): 14-17 FG (10 Dunks)
**Paul George (IND): 10-10 FG (10 Dunks)** (2014 Season)
Terrence Ross (TOR): 9-12 FG (8 Dunks)
Gerald Green (PHX): 8-10 FG (5 Dunks)
K.J. McDaniels (PHI): 8-8 FG (8 Dunks)
JaVale McGee (DEN): 8-8 FG (7 Dunks) - 195 minutes
Blake Griffin (LAC): 7-9 FG (3 Dunks) - 1800 minutes
J.J. Hickson (DEN): 6-9 FG (5 Dunks)
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR): 6-9 FG (3 Dunks)
Carmelo Anthony (NYK): 6-7 FG (3 Dunks)
Andrew Wiggins (MIN): 5-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Zach LaVine (MIN): 4-4 FG (3 Dunks)
Aaron Gordon (ORL): 4-4 FG (3 Dunks)
Derrick Williams (SAC): 3-3 FG (3 Dunks)
Jeremy Evans (UTA): 1-1 FG (1 Dunk)
Eric Bledsoe (PHX): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Trevor Ariza (HOU): 0-0 FG
Ronald Roberts (FA): 0-0 FG
It's easy to make a case that only a handful of these players are actually elite Alley-Oop finishers. Nobody in their right mind is ever going to confuse Tyson Chandler with Carmelo Anthony as alley-oop finishers (yet 2K begs to differ). Trevor Ariza hasn't even attempted an Alley this year (you can even watch him laugh off his dunking badges in a recent 2KTV episode that discussed his badges). What is most disturbing about these badges is that they were recently "re-evaluated" and it's abundantly clear that data was not factored into those evaluations.
Blake Griffin is an interesting case, as he is one half of duo that inspired the "Lob City" moniker, and certainly not a player anyone would expect to show poorly here. However, Blake's dunk rate has declined hard each of the past two seasons, as the development of his offensive game takes him further away from the basket.
Blake Griffin
|
Dunks
|
%FGA
|
AlleyDunk
|
%Alley
|
2011
|
214
|
17.6
|
61
|
28.5
|
2012
|
192
|
20.9
|
43
|
22.3
|
2013
|
202
|
19.9
|
52
|
25.7
|
2014
|
176
|
14.2
|
36
|
20.4
|
2015 (2/17)
|
70
|
8.5
|
3
|
4.2
|
Career
|
854
|
16.4
|
195
|
22.8
|
It is abundantly clear that even though Blake is still dunking at a reasonably high rate, he has all but abandoned alley-oops. Is this an effort to keep him healthier? Has his athletic ability declined some? Or has he merely ceded all of his half-court attempts to DeAndre Jordan, who still leads the league by a large margin? I think it's some combination of the three, but what is clear is that so long as Blake has abandoned the alley-oop, so should we too abandon his Gold badge until he returns to his previously bonkers production in this field.
SILVER Lob City Finisher (22 Players)
Brandan Wright (PHX): 32-32 FG (28 Dunks)
Timofey Mozgov (CLE): 22-25 FG (18 Dunks)
Ben McLemore (SAC): 13-14 FG (9 Dunks)
Kevin Durant (OKC): 9-9 FG (6 Dunks)
Thomas Robinson (POR): 8-8 FG (7 Dunks)
LeBron James (CLE): 7-8 FG (5 Dunks)
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (CHA) 5-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Victor Oladipo (ORL): 5-6 FG (4 Dunks)
Gerald Henderson (CHA): 4-5 FG (3 Dunks)
Rudy Gay (SAC): 4-4 FG (3 Dunks)
Andre Iguodala (GSW): 3-3 FG (3 Dunks)
Taj Gibson (CHI): 2-3 FG (2 Dunks)
DeMar DeRozan (TOR): 2-2 FG (2 Dunks)
Harrison Barnes (GSW): 2-2 FG (2 Dunks)
Ryan Hollins (SAC): 2-2 FG (2 Dunks)
John Wall (WAS): 2-2 FG (1 Dunk)
Josh Smith (HOU): 1-1 FG (1 Dunk)
Jerami Grant (PHI): 1-1 FG (1 Dunk)
Corey Brewer (HOU): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Russell Westbrook (OKC): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Nate Robinson (FA): 0-0 FG
James Michael McAdoo (GSW): 0-0 FG
Even fewer players here are prolific alley-oop finishers. LeBron James is 30-years old now and his alley-oop rate has declined quite a bit (30 alley dunks last year). Most of these players won't even get to 5 Alley Dunks by the end of the season.
Looking at how Westbrook gets his dunks they are all blowing by his man and rising up over the defense - an impressive feat for an NBA point guard. We don't need to sugar coat his ability anymore than that. Westbrook has 12 alley-dunks in the last 5 years - that's 2.4 per season, and certainly not worthy of a badge that allows him to get two per game.
And no, I don't give a damn what he did in a no-defense All-Star game.
BRONZE Lob City Finisher (18 Players)
Nerlens Noel (PHI): 15-21 FG (9 Dunks)
Jonas Valanciunas (TOR): 13-14 FG (6 Dunks)
Miles Plumlee (PHX): 11-13 FG (10 Dunks)
Jeff Green (MEM): 9-12 FG (9 Dunks)
Alex Len (PHX): 8-9 FG (7 Dunks)
Bismack Biyombo (CHA): 7-7 FG (7 Dunks)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL): 6-7 FG (6 Dunks)
Ed Davis (LAL): 6-7 FG (5 Dunks)
Wesley Matthews (POR): 3-4 FG (0 Dunks)
Robin Lopez (POR): 3-3 FG (1 Dunk)
Mike Scott (ATL): 2-4 FG (1 Dunk)
Maurice Harkless (ORL): 2-3 FG (2 Dunks)
Cleanthony Early (NYK): 1-2 FG (1 Dunk)
Nene (WAS): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Evan Turner (BOS): 1-1 FG (0 Dunks)
Cody Zeller (CHA): 0-1 FG
Anthony Bennett (MIN): 0-0 FG
Julius Randle (LAL): 0-0 FG
The top eight have 59 dunks between them. The bottom ten have 5 dunks. I don't know what kind of research went into these evaluations but it doesn't cut the mustard.
NONE (Min 5 FGM)
Andrew Bogut (GSW): 21-30 FG (17 Dunks)
Rudy Gobert (UTA): 19-22 FG (17 Dunks)
Chris Andersen (MIA): 18-21 FG (13 Dunks)
Al Horford (ATL): 18-20 FG (9 Dunks)
Jimmy Butler (CHI): 13-18 FG (5 Dunks)
Marcin Gortat (WAS): 12-14 FG (6 Dunks)
Amir Johnson (TOR): 10-12 FG (5 Dunks)
John Henson (MIL): 8-10 FG (8 Dunks)
Samuel Dalembert (FA): 8-9 FG (5 Dunks)
Nikola Vucevic (ORL): 8-9 FG (3 Dunks)
Kevin Love (CLE): 8-9 FG (3 Dunks)
Andre Roberson (OKC): 8-8 FG (7 Dunks)
Brook Lopez (BRK): 6-8 FG (2 Dunks)
Tim Duncan (SAS): 6-6 FG (0 Dunks)
Jerryd Bayless (MIL): 6-6 FG (5 Dunks)
DeWayne Dedmon (ORL): 6-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Thaddeus Young (MIN): 5-8 FG (1 Dunk)
Meyers Leonard (POR): 5-7 FG (3 Dunks)
Otto Porter (WAS): 5-6 FG (5 Dunks)
Pau Gasol (CHI): 5-5 FG (3 Dunks)
DeMarcus Cousins (SAS): 5-5 FG (0 Dunks)
Most of these players are without a doubt better than the Silver/Bronze players (though there is a also a greater abundance of non-dunkers like Love, Duncan, or Cousins).
Chris Andersen
|
Dunks
|
%FGA
|
AlleyDunk
|
%Alley
|
2011
|
33
|
27.0
|
6
|
18.1
|
2012
|
23
|
23.1
|
4
|
17.3
|
2013
|
37
|
35.0
|
8
|
21.6
|
2014
|
78
|
29.1
|
25
|
32.0
|
2015
|
29
|
25.7
|
13
|
44.8
|
5-Yr Total
|
173
|
29.0
|
56
|
32.3
|
Birdman seems like a no-brainer for this badge, especially given his performance last season. His alley-oop rate is actually trending upward as he gets older.
Jerryd Bayless' five alley-oop dunks is actually an impressive feat...
Point Guards (2015)
|
Alley-Oop Dunks
|
Jerryd Bayless
|
5
|
Damian Lillard
|
3
|
Zach LaVine
|
3
|
Shaun Livingston
|
3
|
John Wall
|
1
|
Reggie Jackson
|
1
|
Michael Carter-Williams
|
1
|
Austin Rivers
|
1
|
Jordan Clarkson
|
1
|
Total
|
19
|
Contrary to what NBA 2K would have us believe, alley-oop dunks from guards are uncommon, with only a total of 19 recorded by Point Guards this year.
Point Guards (2014)
|
Alley-Oop Dunks
|
Shaun Livingston
|
6
|
Damian Lillard
|
3
|
Russell Westbrook
|
3
|
John Wall
|
2
|
Nate Robinson
|
1
|
Jerryd Bayless
|
1
|
Tony Wroten
|
1
|
Ray McCallum
|
1
|
Ronnie Price
|
1
|
Total
|
19
|
A grand total of 19 were recorded last season, so this season's PG production is actually slightly up (which we can probably credit to Zach LaVine).
-----------------------------------------------
Now, I know what you're thinking. I'm a kill joy. It's just a video game, and dunks are entertaining and fun. All of this a true. You know what else is fun? BASKETBALL. Post moves, passing, and jump shots are not balanced in NBA 2K15 because dunkers continue to have an advantage when it comes to triggering dunk animations, and badges are a cause of this.
The best solution that can be provided is making adjustments to ratings and badges. Otherwise you'll have games like this.
There were 32 dunks in this Online game I played two weeks ago. 17 for my opponent, including 13 for Blake Griffin (refer to Blake's season total for a chuckle). That's on 5 minute quarters with one OT period, on Superstar Simulation setting. In many instances my opponent was able to trigger a ridiculous alley-oop that had no prayer of being stopped, simply due to overpowered ratings and badges.
Based on the data I've provided and my understanding of the game mechanics, these are my personal changes to the Lob City Finisher badges.
GOLD (12): DeAndre Jordan, Tyson Chandler, Andre Drummond, Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis, Brandan Wright, Tristan Thompson, Timofey Mozgov, Mason Plumlee, Hassan Whiteside, Chris Andersen, JaVale McGee
SILVER (11): Rudy Gobert, Nerlens Noel, Kenneth Faried, Ben McLemore, Kevin Durant, John Henson, Thomas Robinson, Bismack Biyombo, Aaron Gordon, Derrick Williams, Jeremy Evans
BRONZE (23): Al Horford, Andrew Bogut, Jonas Valanciunas, Jimmy Butler, Marcin Gortat, Miles Plumlee, Paul George, Jeff Green, Terrence Ross, Gerald Green, K.J. McDaniels, Andre Roberson, Alex Len, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Blake Griffin, J.J. Hickson, Andrew Wiggins, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jerryd Bayless, Victor Oladipo, Zach LaVine, Ryan Hollins
REMOVED (29): Ed Davis, LaMarcus Aldridge, Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, Gerald Henderson, Andre Iguodala, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Harrison Barnes, DeMar DeRozan, Maurice Harkless, Taj Gibson, John Wall, Josh Smith, Mike Scott, Cleanthony Early, Russell Westbrook, Nene, Evan Turner, Eric Bledsoe, Corey Brewer, Jerami Grant, Trevor Ariza, Nate Robinson, Cody Zeller, Anthony Bennett, Julius Randle, James Michael McAdoo, Ronald Roberts
I've slashed in half the number of Gold and Silver players, which places a premium highlight on the players who are notable in this regard. I removed the badge from 29 players, yet I still have 45 Total players with the badge, due to a few additions. I don't expect 2K will ever adopt my methods and take steps towards fixing the Online/MyTeam metagame, but the hope of balanced NBA 2K15 gameplay in an Online League using a custom roster is certainly within reach.
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