Richard Hamilton shoots more as reserve
By Dan Feldman
Last night, I wrote about how much Richard Hamilton shot against the Bucks. And shot. And shot.
And missed. And missed. And missed.
In 26 minutes, Hamilton made just 4-of-17 shots. That’s extreme, but it’s not as atypical as you’d think.
This year and two years ago, Hamilton has dealt with a challenge he hadn’t faced previously in Detroit – coming off the bench. He hasn’t exactly hidden his displeasure with losing his permanent starting position.
- In 28 games off the bench during this season and the 2008-09 season, Hamilton has taken 17.8 shots per 36 minutes.
- In the 75 games he’s started those two years, Hamilton has taken 16.5 shots per 36 minutes.
Sheet 1
And his ability to make those shots doesn’t explain the increase.
- True shooting percentage as a starter: 52.28
- True shooting percentage as a reserve: 51.52
Sheet 2
My armchair psychoanalysis says when Hamilton loses the starting spot he desires, he tries to control what he can, namely his shot attempts. So, he chucks a bit more when coming off the bench.
Is that accurate? I don’t know. I think there’s truth behind the theory. I know there are numbers behind the theory.
Please don’t take it as any more than that.