Hero shots

How is that NBA players continue to take shots that are so detrimental to their teams. Last nights Celtics-Cavaliers game was a wonderful example. For whatever reason TNT decided to emphasize Doc Rivers halftime speech in which he ripped his team for taking what he called hero shots. Basically,  these are shots from deep three point land, early in the shot clock. These shots are meant to make the player look good, in spite of the low percentage.

The problem I have is the bias against bench players and big men that permeates the comments. When a guy like Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming, or Dwight Howard, catches a ball on the perimeter during a pick and roll and shoot with the shot clock winding down they are ripped for taking the shot. Even though, taking the shot is frequently the best choice.

A player like LeBron James seems to be allowed to take as many shots as he wants with 12-15 seconds left on the SC after dribbling for eight seconds while his teammates stand around watching. I think this is mostly an Eastern Conference problem as I have noticed the problem with greater frequency in the slower  paced games. The difference in the West, with so many teams running, is that taking a hero shot actually comes in the flow of the offense. Usually a screen is set, the big man does not flash well enough and you get a player like Steve Nash shooting three with 19 seconds to play. Doing it this fast means the defense is not set and even on a miss there is a decent chance of getting a rebound.

So why do players continue to do it? For some teams (See: Warriors, Suns, etc.) it fits their style of play. A hero shot spreads the defense during transition and opens passing lanes. A couple of these in the first quarter changes the complexion of the entire game. Teams that play a slower style, (See: Spurs, Pistons, etc.) however, only suffer a detriment. When every possession means so much this is basically akin to a turnover. The benefit is from the result of hitting one. Lets look at a scenario. Your team is up six with 1:30 to go. your opponent has just gone on a 7-1 runin the last minute. They have all the momentum. You get the ball after a missed free throw and dribble up the court. As the point guard you look to the coach for the play. The first step is a pick and roll with your team’s center. He sets the pick, you step out, suddenly you have a small space in front of you. Your a little deeper than your comfortable with, but know if you try to dribble closer the gap will be closed. You jack the deep three. It hits the rim and your stomach sinks. Somehow you get a shooter’s roll and the shot falls. Your crowd goes nuts. Your whole team is psyched. You now have a nine point lead with 1:21 to go and all the momentum back in your favor. The other teams calls a timeout.

Clearly, this is the extreme case, but the draw is the same throughout the game. One big play can change things for the better. Most players think they are good enough to make up for a couple of bad plays. Until a coach, like Doc Rivers las night, chastises his team for everyone of these shots, they will continue. As previously illustrated a hero shot can be a part of a team’s style; however, for the teams that abuse it, it will only be a hindrance.

As always I’d love to hear your comments and thank you for reading.