Gar Forman Uses Statistical Analysis! At Least, The Basics...

by IrishGush on Jun 23, 2009 3:41 AM CDT

Certain teams, such as the Mavericks and Rockets, are well-known for utilizing intensive statistical analysis. I often wonder to what degree the Bulls do so.

KC Johnson's roundup in the Tribune reveals that they at least know the basics. (Link here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-23-bulls-bits-chicago-jun23,0,6265337.story)

Board it: Some mock drafts list the Bulls taking Pittsburgh forward DeJuan Blair at No. 16. Though he measured only 6 feet 6 1/2 inches at the pre-draft camp, Forman doesn't sound concerned about a player who averaged 10.7 rebounds in two seasons.

"If you study drafts over the last 15 or 20 years, rebounders rebound," Forman said. "That's a stat that does translate. So I think he's going to be a good player in the NBA." [Emphasis added]

Not quite PER, but the fact that he's aware of this phenomena (which Hollinger and others have pounded home relentlessly over the past few years) comforts me. Jerry Krause was known to be a heavy tools-based scout at heart, and Forman worked his way up the industry as a scout. Physical tools certainly have their place, but it's clear that statistical tools can bring a new dimension to scouting. Paxson obviously has long considered college production a key component, but this confirms that they not only look at individual production, but more broadly analyze what translates. While this may seem obvious to some, frankly I'm just happy the Bulls aren't falling too far behind.

Is anyone else aware of the Bulls' approach and operations? They are pretty closeted about their organization, but I wonder how many, if any, stat geeks they employ, and what particular stats and skills Paxson and Forman consider critical.

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It seems to me that a year or two ago

I read that the Bulls subscribe to some scouting service that breaks down players’ performance into a miriade of different game situations. I don’t remember if it was just NBA players or college players also.

by hlac on Jun 23, 2009 6:01 AM CDT reply actions

Synergy Sports Technology?

http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/oct/07/sports/chi-08-bulls-derrick-rose-chicagoct08

12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.

by NBA Observer on Jun 23, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes. Thanks.

by hlac on Jun 23, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Does that break down statistics, or game tape?

It seems from the description that the Synergy Sports Technology you’re talking about is a better and more comprehensive collection of game tape, as opposed to a way of analyzing statistics. Anybody know of who the Bulls employ to do that (or if they do it at all)?

by IrishGush on Jun 23, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions

right

it’s see what’s happening and then logging it. You can do a lot of statistical analysis, though, with more precise logs of situations. For example, finding out that the mid-range jumper is the least-efficient shot in all of basketball. Or seeing how many times Shane Battier defended Kobe Bryant into a miss, even if he never got a steal or a blocked shot.

People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett

by tyger1147 on Jun 24, 2009 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Welcome back to courtside Pete!

Forman confirmed a Tribune report that Pete Myers will have an increased role after Del Harris’ retirement from the assistant coaching staff. Myers and assistant Bob Ociepka are expected to spearhead a renewed commitment to defense.

"The Zen philosopher Basho once wrote: 'A flute with no holes is not a flute, And a doughnut with no hole is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

by Ugh It Live! on Jun 23, 2009 9:35 AM CDT reply actions