(12-28-2021, 09:45 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: There was a post yesterday showing him as a near-all star based on LEBRON or EPM (can't recall which)
I wonder if any doubt is starting to emerge among the trade-KP contingent. I wonder how many were also among the vocal trade-Dirk crowd after Nellie's "We Believe" Warriors embarrassed him in the playoffs? I know it all comes down to health for KP but I think it's time to acknowledge how well he's playing right now.
KP is number 21 among regulars according to EPM (estimated Plus Minus) at +3.5. He's no 6 among centers (only Jokic, Allen, Embiid, Townes and Gobert are higher) and no 4 among power forwards (only Giannis, KD and Draymond are higher). He's right there with Draymond who's at +3.6. If you're counting, that puts him at no 9 -- a top 10 big in the NBA.
KP is number 9 in the entire league, regardless of position, according to LEBRON at +3.41.
All-in-one stats have their flaws but these are two of the "most trusted" according to one survey of league executives.
Putting stats aside, he's clearly been great - and dominant at times - according to the eye test. I've been critical of using him as a PF but the defense has looked better recently and the spacing on offense is much improved. If KP's three starts to fall, watch out. Let's not forget a bunch of smart basketball people used to say KP has the talent to win an MVP someday. And he just turned 26.