Mark Jackson Just Can't Let It GO
- Thread starter Stoked
- Start date
Stockton didn't become the world's greatest ever distributor by being anything less than a great shooter.
For comparison, he scored only about 2 points less per game than Steve Nash over about ten prime seasons, while assisting 3 more per game. I consider Nash a great shooter and less than two more shots a game isn't enough to separate him from Stockton.
Bigby Wolf
New Member
Ya maybe you guys are right. When I think of Stockton I just never really think "one of the greatest shooters ever". Looking at the numbers though I guess I should start thinking that.
Random question though. Was Stockton ever criticized for not shooting enough in the same way Mavs fans criticize Calderon? Stockton only took 1.5 threes per game and I realize the game has changed but that still seems a bit low for such a great shooter.
Random question though. Was Stockton ever criticized for not shooting enough in the same way Mavs fans criticize Calderon? Stockton only took 1.5 threes per game and I realize the game has changed but that still seems a bit low for such a great shooter.
J
JAZZGASM
Guest
I always wished Stockton would shoot more, because I, like most fans, knew his shots had a great chance of going in. He could shoot very accurately from any spot on the floor. He didn't have perfect form and I wouldn't bunch him in with Ray Allen or Curry, who are pure shooters. Then again, Michael Jordan didn't have a pure jumper either, but to say he wasn't a very good shooter would be crazy.
Perspective
First, Stockton was a great shooter.
However, you really need to calibrate eFG% to the player's role on the team. You have to be careful to not compare apples to bananas.
Stock was pass-first and shot much less than, say shooters like Miller or Curry. He was less likely to take a contested shot, he would instead work for a better shot for himself or others. Stock took higher percentage shots when compared to others who are primary scorers for their team, who are relied upon to score with frequency and therefore not be as selective. If Stockton were asked to score 25 a game, his FG% would drop significantly.
Stockton is elite, but below the likes of Miller, Curry, Nash, Bird, Horny, Mullin, Dirk, Ray Allen, Rick Barry, Jerry West for this reason. Stockton is probably top 50, definitely not top 20.
And, yes, Jackson is a #$%$
First, Stockton was a great shooter.
However, you really need to calibrate eFG% to the player's role on the team. You have to be careful to not compare apples to bananas.
Stock was pass-first and shot much less than, say shooters like Miller or Curry. He was less likely to take a contested shot, he would instead work for a better shot for himself or others. Stock took higher percentage shots when compared to others who are primary scorers for their team, who are relied upon to score with frequency and therefore not be as selective. If Stockton were asked to score 25 a game, his FG% would drop significantly.
Stockton is elite, but below the likes of Miller, Curry, Nash, Bird, Horny, Mullin, Dirk, Ray Allen, Rick Barry, Jerry West for this reason. Stockton is probably top 50, definitely not top 20.
And, yes, Jackson is a #$%$
Heh. Not sure where that came from.
Did you watch him much? I'm guessing not, from your next question. But he had a beautiful shot and basically whenever he put it up, I thought "That's going in!" Especially when he was left unguarded, he was money.
Bigby Wolf said:
Yes, fans often said Stockton should shoot more.
Stockton was a great shooter. He had an unorthodox shot and shooting was not his primary responsibility, but he was a great shooter. If Stockton wanted to score 20ppg he could have easily. Mark Jackson is a hype machine and couldn't shoot the ball at all, so I don't hold too much stock in his Stockton comments.
akirac73
Well-Known Member
Not enough shots? John Stockton took 13,658 shots in his career (19 seasons), Steve Nash took 12,844 shots (18 seasons). If you take nearly 14,000 shots in your career and hit 52% of those shots, I don't care how you spin it...you are a great shooter.