Chapter 77 Wang Feng, who developed a new scoring method
The Warriors have a total of six preseason games, which last until October 23.
In this kind of exhibition game that is not included in the regular season, the main starting players such as Curry Thompson will naturally not play too much time. Basically, they will start and play for a few minutes to find a feeling before being replaced and handed over to some marginal roles in the team.
Players are free to play.
Wang Feng also didn't play a lot of time in the preseason, averaging just over 20 minutes per game, which was lower than his average playing time in the playoffs last season.
But because Curry Thompson and others played less time, Wang Feng got more opportunities on the court.
Wang Feng's performance in the Asian Championships has attracted the attention of the Warriors management and coaching staff. Although the Asian Championships are somewhat boring to these NBA coaches, Wang Feng showed outstanding performance during the game.
The rich offensive methods also surprised the Warriors management, including Kerr.
"I can't believe that you actually have such a scoring ability. Why didn't you use it earlier last season?"
On the first day Wang Feng returned to the team to report, Cole said to him: "I will give you some opportunities in the preseason and show me how to use all the moves you know, especially mid-range shooting!"
Although the Warriors are a team that focuses on fast offensive and defensive rhythm and three-point shooting tactics, traditional mid-to-long-range shooting is also needed at certain specific times.
In the future, when Kevin Durant comes to the Warriors and turns this team into a rare super team in history, he will use his stable mid-range shooting to completely make up for the Warriors' last shortcoming.
The reason why Wang Feng chose to use the marksman badge and a lot of shooting exercises as his offseason training program after last season was because he also took this into consideration!
Wang Feng, who received the approval of his head coach, reduced his shots from outside the three-point line in the preseason and instead increased his mid-to-long-range shots within the two-point line.
The NBA preseason is not the Asian Championship. Most of the participating players will enter the rotation of each team in the regular season! Wang Feng's offensive pressure is much greater than in the championship.
But Wang Feng's current average shooting value within the two-point line is close to 80, and it is backed by high stability and anti-interference. Coupled with the most important magic badge-the golden marksman, it is enough to cope with it!
In the first playoff game against the Toronto Men, Wang Feng played 24 minutes, made 7 of 13 shots, and scored 17 points! All of his shots came from mid-to-long range shots within the three-point line.
In the second game, against the Portland Trail Blazers, he played 27 minutes and made 8 of 15 shots, including three three-pointers, and scored 21 points!
In the third game, against the Nuggets, Wang Feng once again took a lot of shots from mid- to long-range, and always maintained a relatively efficient level, scoring 20+ points again.
After several preseason games, all major media and teams discovered that Wang Feng's main scoring method in the preseason games was actually mid-range shooting, not the three-pointers he relied on last season!
For other teams, this is not good news!
Wang Feng's increased offensive proportion of two-pointers does not mean that he cannot shoot three-pointers. On the contrary, this indicates that Wang Feng's arsenal has been loaded with new weapons! It will be more difficult to deal with in future competitions!
In the past, defending Wang Feng was actually very simple. Just keep an eye on Wang Feng from outside the three-point line and deny him any chance to catch the ball! Although his open three-pointers are extremely accurate, he basically has no ability to attack with the ball.
The key reason for being able to get away with the Warriors is the excellent perimeter defense. With Curry and Thompson, the two top shooters, stretching the space, no matter who is on the perimeter, they can get good shooting opportunities.
Now that Wang Feng has more and richer offensive abilities, it will be more difficult to defend. While defending Wang Feng's three-point shooting, players must also be concerned about the possibility of Wang Feng entering the three-point line and causing damage. Defense is inevitable.
It’s impossible to take care of both, and it’s a lot more difficult to deal with!
Of course, Wang Feng's level of improvement is only limited to causing other teams a slight headache.
There are so many players in the NBA with rich offensive methods and superb scoring abilities, but Wang Feng is not even on the list.
Not to mention comparing with other teams, even within the Warriors, they may not be able to rank in the top three.
In addition to Curry and Thompson, the Warriors also have several outstanding scorers who are quite capable!
For example, Harrison Barnes, who was snatched away from the starting small forward position by Wang Feng.
Being taken away from the starting position by Wang Feng is undoubtedly an extremely heavy blow to Barnes.
In several preseason games, Barnes was the player with the longest playing time on the Warriors, averaging nearly 30 minutes per game. His average number of shots was maintained at around 18, and he averaged nearly 25 points per game.
The Warriors' preseason scoring leader!
There is no doubt that in the summer, Barnes worked hard to regain his starting position.
In the 2015-16 season, Barnes' overall ability rating was around 80, which is higher than Wang Feng's now. However, since abilities are evenly distributed across various ability values, certain specific abilities, such as outside defense and three-pointers, are discussed.
His ball distribution is a bit worse than Wang Feng, but in terms of overall ability, Barnes is still stronger at this stage!
An ability value of 80 is enough for an average team to serve as the main player. It is natural to give Barnes enough ball rights to perform well in the lower-intensity preseason games.
…
"Excuse me, coach."
The calm expression on Barnes' face, who slowly walked out of the head coach's office, finally lost control and became angry and distorted!
Just now, he talked to head coach Cole, hoping to take on more important responsibilities in the team. In fact, he hoped to return to the starting lineup.
His outstanding performance in the preseason gave him a certain amount of confidence.
However, head coach Cole's answer instantly cooled his heart.
"Harrison, the team's tactical structure for the new season has basically been planned. You have a very important responsibility in the team. You can rest assured that you will get sufficient playing time and a lot of shooting opportunities."
"Myers also told me that at the end of this season, the team will definitely consider the issue of your contract renewal, so..."
Cole didn't say it completely, but the meaning was clear enough.
Your ability is very good, and the team attaches great importance to it, but you should not think about the team's starting position in the new season for the time being, there is no chance.
"Damn..." Barnes looked gloomy, recalling his agent's warning in his mind.
"Harrison, if you have been unable to return to your starting position, I suggest you apply for a trade as soon as possible at the beginning of the season to leave the team! If this continues, your value will become lower and lower, and your renewal next summer will be seriously affected!"