JR Smith – The TRUE 6th Man

I don’t hate Jason Terry.

Let’s get that out of the way right now. At 31 years old, he still manages to play a good game and is valuable to the Mavs. In fact, he’s so valuable that he has played an average of 33.7 minutes per game this season. This is as much (if not more) than some Starters on other NBA teams. The first “stat” that seems to be quoted by most of those that voted for him is his 19.6 points per game average. Unfortunately it took him 33.7 minutes per game to get those points. Average, .582 points per minute played.

In the second half, Jr Smith had 15.7 points in only 21.8 minutes per game. Average, .720 points per minute played. Who is more valuable coming off the bench? Seems clear to me.

The criteria for the NBA’s 6th Man award is the real problem here folks. Yes, Jason does qualify for the award based on the amazingly simple (and stupid) rule that to be considered for the award a player must come off the bench in more games than he starts. What? That’s it? That’s the only consideration for who can be selected?

In the world of the NBA, clearly defined “stats” are what everything is based on. There are more stats compiled than you can imagine. However, when it comes to selection rules for “awards” it comes down to someone’s subjective opinion. Terrible. Allowing the media of all people to cast votes is the first problem… and the biggest. Their job is to get stories and quotes and have interviews. If they like a certain player because he gives them what they need… who do you think is going to get their vote?

It would not be hard to simply average the minutes of the Starters for a team and then exclude anyone with minutes equal to (or greater) than that number. This would be an accurate example of who comes off the bench. Add to that a true productivity based percentage based on minutes played and points scored. Oh, and forget the stupid “voting” by the media. Get rid of that completely.

I know clearly that the NBA will never modify their rules. Frankly they don’t care much about these awards other than the fact that they get huge amounts of ad income from Kia. As long as they get that income, why should they care WHO is selected?

Jr Smith is clearly the TRUE 6th Man!

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