Y13 [EN]: Chapter 265

265. 2011-2012 Semi-Conference Final

[2011-2012 NBA MVP, LeBron James!]

Finally, on May 13th, the 2011-2012 NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player) was announced. The MVP award went to ‘King’ LeBron James.

(Omitted)

2011-2012 NBA MVP Voting Results (121 participants, maximum 1210 points possible)

※ This is the result of the press corps vote. (1st place: 10 points, 2nd place: 7 points, 3rd place: 5 points, 4th place: 3 points, 5th place: 1 point)

1st: LeBron James (Miami Heat) – 1074 points (85 first-place votes)

2nd: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) – 889 points (24 first-place votes)

3rd: Chris Paul (LA Clippers) – 311 points (6 first-place votes)

4th: Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers) – 287 points (2 first-place votes)

5th: Youngjae Yoon (Dallas Mavericks) – 256 points (2 first-place votes)

6th: Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs) – 217 points (2 first-place votes)

…

‘King’ LeBron James has won his 3rd MVP award. He aimed for his 3rd consecutive MVP last season but was edged out by Derrick Rose’s sensational performance, which led the Chicago Bulls to the league’s top spot. However, this season, he surpassed Kevin Durant (28 points, 8 rebounds, 3.5 assists), who won the scoring title with an all-around performance of 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.

(Omitted)

Evaluation

1st: LeBron James

His individual records were outstanding, but Miami only managed to secure 2nd place in the East and 5th place overall. If Oklahoma City had achieved 50 wins, wouldn’t the MVP have been taken by Kevin Durant? It still feels like the synergy of the Big 3 isn’t even at 70%.

…

(Omitted)

2nd: Kevin Durant

He achieved the feat of winning the scoring title for the third consecutive year but failed to win the MVP award because the team’s performance wasn’t significantly different from Miami’s. Next year’s MVP is likely to be Durant’s. His records are still improving, and the team’s future is very bright.

…

(Omitted)

“Wow, these two players are really amazing… What’s it like seeing players like that on the court?”

Emily, who was lying next to Youngjae under the covers, asked while resting on his arm. Youngjae paused for a moment, then gave a sheepish smile.

“Honestly, they’re tough to handle. They feel like they dominate the league. There’s not much room to compete with their individual abilities.”

LeBron James, like a tank, with point guard-level passing and vision, yet a solid physique that makes anyone who collides with him likely to get hurt, penetrates with overwhelming speed compared to his position. Kevin Durant, with a height and arm length comparable to a center, yet playing as a small forward with a shooter-level shooting ability. Both were position breakers, players who could make a team a championship contender just by their presence.

“Still, I think Yoon is better.”

“Haha, that’s not true. Isn’t that because you have rose-tinted glasses on?”

“It’s true… Considering his age, who else is doing as well as Yoon at his age? Besides, he doesn’t really have any weaknesses.”

Youngjae was grateful that Emily thought so highly of him. Of course, he was proud of the fact that he was doing well compared to his age and that he had no weaknesses, but Youngjae still thought that his individual abilities were far behind. However, he didn’t think they were lacking at all as a team.

‘But basketball is a 5-on-5 game, not a 1-on-1. If we have more complete teamwork than them, we can win. That’s already been proven by last year’s results. Instead of envying their blessed physiques, it’s more productive to worry and work hard for a win.’

While reading the articles about 3rd place Chris Paul and 4th place Kobe Bryant, the two didn’t say anything and focused on the article about 5th place.

5th: Youngjae Yoon

He participated in the MVP race only two years after his debut. The team’s performance was 1st overall, but there wasn’t a big difference from the 2nd and 3rd place teams, so he didn’t receive much credit for the team’s performance. However, like 6th place Tony Parker, he showed great performance as the ace of a 50-win team. His 20.7 points (10th), 7.7 assists (8th), and 2.4 steals (2nd) were all among the league’s best and ranked first on the team. In addition, his shooting improved from last season, recording 52.9% field goal percentage, 43.1% 3-point percentage, and 91.9% free throw percentage, successfully achieving the 180 club [50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT] for the second consecutive year. This is a record only held by Larry Bird and Steve Nash. Despite having Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Jason Terry on the team, his ability to average 20 points and 7 assists shows his capabilities.

In addition, he recorded 7.5 in Offensive Win Shares (OWS; the number of wins contributed by the player in offense) and 3.9 in Defensive Win Shares (DWS; the number of wins contributed by the player in defense), proving that he is the most important player in both offense and defense on the team. Naturally, his total Win Shares of 11.4 is 1st on the team and 4th overall in the league. (1st: LeBron James 14.6, 2nd: Chris Paul 12.7, 3rd: Kevin Durant 12.2, 5th: Kevin Love 10.0) His WS/48, which considers efficiency per minute, was also 3rd (0.247) after LeBron (0.298) and Durant (0.278).

His development is ongoing. He is only 21 years old. He is also 3 years younger than Kevin Durant, who is the youngest among those ranked higher than him. Also, one of his greatest strengths is his flexibility in play. He can score around 30 points like Kobe or Durant depending on the team’s needs, and he can also get 15 points and 15 assists like Nash. He always says, “I just adjust my play according to the abilities of the players on the court and the tactical demands of the coaching staff,” showing his excellent tactical utility. He is a player optimized to maximize the abilities of the players on the court. I would like to quote part of an interview that Rick Carlisle gave about him.

“No matter how you combine the four players on the court, the court balance is appropriate if you include Yoon. Without Yoon, it would be difficult to see our team’s roster as championship-caliber. Because he can fully demonstrate his abilities in combination with any player like a multi-player, we can be a championship contender. He is a player like a ‘master key’ as they say.”

Moreover, his stability is truly amazing. His turnover rate is only 1.9, and only Chris Paul (9.1 assists/2.1 turnovers) and Jose Calderon (8.8 assists/2.0 turnovers) are more stable than him. In addition, his rebounding is decent compared to his position. Only 5 guards, including Kobe Bryant, grab more rebounds than him.

“5th…”

Youngjae said quietly with a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. Emily looked at Youngjae and poked his cheek with her right index finger.

“Are you not happy?”

“No. I am happy. 5th in my second year… I’m really satisfied with this. It still feels like a miracle.”

“But your expression doesn’t show it?”

Youngjae wondered how to explain this feeling, but in the end, he couldn’t find a satisfactory expression and began to explain it clumsily.

“It’s true that I’m satisfied. I really can’t believe that I’ve made it onto this list. But… um. Now that I’m dedicated to basketball, I also want to aim higher, so I’m a little disappointed.”

“Everyone’s like that. I’m thinking that way now too. I want to sing and act. I want to succeed in both.”

Youngjae nodded at Emily’s words and hugged her tightly. From the playoffs onwards, she came to the American Airlines Center [Dallas Mavericks’ home arena] for every home game, and when he went on the road, she watched the games from Youngjae’s house and took care of the house, worried that it would interfere with Youngjae’s performance. Thanks to Emily, who quietly stayed by his side and supported him so that he could concentrate on the game, Youngjae was able to maintain his best performance and focus on training.

Still, Youngjae felt sorry for not being able to spend much time with Emily because of that, so he tried to lie down and talk together for an hour before going to bed, hug her tightly, and enjoy leisure time together in the same bed.

“Would you like a cup of tea?”

It was still early, not even 10 o’clock, so neither Youngjae nor Emily were sleepy, and Youngjae got out of bed first and said to Emily. Emily, covered in a blanket, said, “Shall we?” and Youngjae, laying Emily down as she tried to get up, went to the kitchen and brewed two cups of peppermint tea.

“Here.”

“Thank you.”

Emily put her lips to the steaming mug and took a sip of tea, and Youngjae sat next to Emily and drank tea.

“Hoo~”

Youngjae let out a relaxed sigh while drinking the peppermint tea that warmed his insides. Thinking about the journey he had come so far, Youngjae earnestly hoped that all of this was not just a dream. The 3 years he had lived and walked again after dying. Those 3 years were more passionate and precious to Youngjae than his entire previous life.

“Yoon… what are you thinking about?”

“Just. I was hoping this wasn’t a dream.”

Emily smiled slightly, put the mug on the table next to the bed, and wrapped her hand around Youngjae’s.

“Does it still feel like a dream?”

Warmth was rising from Emily’s hand holding the mug. Youngjae grinned and shook his head.

“It’s a perfect reality.”

Youngjae and Emily stared into each other’s eyes for a long time without saying a word. Eventually, Youngjae slowly approached, but Emily pressed the tip of Youngjae’s nose with her index finger.

“Yoon, I don’t want to interfere with your performance.”

“I know. I’ll just… look at you from close by.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Really.”

At Youngjae’s confirmation, Emily gave him a slightly suspicious look but soon took her finger away. Youngjae looked at Emily’s face from close by as he had said and lightly touched his forehead to hers.

“See, I’m a man who listens well, right?”

The next day, Youngjae, who had been seen off by Emily and headed to the stadium, found two familiar figures in suits talking to the players among his teammates.

“Oh! Y13!”

The man with short blonde hair, rimless glasses, and a height similar to Barea (6-0, about 183cm) greeted Youngjae’s appearance with delight and held out his hand.

“This is our first time in a private setting, right? I’m Mark Followill.”

“Ah! Nice to meet you. I’m Youngjae Yoon.”

Mark Followill, who was working as a Dallas Mavericks specialist caster [commentator] for FOX SPORTS, was meeting with the team before the game and talking to them. (Each team has its own local broadcast caster and commentator, and in the case of Dallas, Mark Followill and Derek Harper of Fox Sports form a duo.)

“Kidd, Nowitzki. I wondered why you two came so early today, but Mark was here? Chandler is unexpected.”

At Youngjae’s words, Chandler replied, “What?!” but Youngjae glanced at Followill and gave him a look that said, “Poke them [tease them].”

“Haha! I’m personally a fan of Dallas, and I have to commentate on the game from a neutral perspective during the broadcast, but in my heart, I came here hoping that you would achieve last year’s miracle.”

In fact, Mark Followill and Derek Harper had a special relationship with the Dallas team and players, and Dallas team officials, Donnie Nelson, Mark Cuban, etc. also respected and cherished them, providing them with many conveniences as partners.

“All the players who dedicate themselves to Dallas are attractive, but I am most happy to see Yoon. your performance. An old team, always shooting jumpers, every player they pick in the draft fails… When I think of Dallas, Yoon, you are the one who eliminated the shortcomings that many people feel at once.”

“Haha, I’m grateful that you say that, but I’m also a little embarrassed. I just worked hard to survive here.”

Followill smiled at Youngjae, saying that he was even humble.

“Thanks to Cuban’s consideration, Derek Harper and I will be able to travel with Dallas from the Oklahoma City game onwards. So, I came to say hello.”

Followill and Harper, who had always traveled with the broadcasting company on road trips, were given a seat on the charter plane by Cuban, starting with the second round of these playoffs, so that they could travel with Dallas on road trips. Kidd and Nowitzki, who had a personal relationship with them, were delighted, and Chandler and Youngjae were also happy, saying that it was a good thing because Followill had been commentating on Dallas’ games with a good image.

“Well! Then please do well in today’s home game. Last year’s excitement hasn’t faded yet. It may be a burden, but I’m looking forward to it!”

Followill finished speaking and moved to prepare for the broadcast.

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

★Thank you to those who gave me advance reservations, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

＠Yes… I’ve been itching to say it. Youngjae is 5th in MVP. I looked up the records and second stats of the players up to 10th in MVP at the time and compared them in Excel, and they were similar to Paul, Kobe, and Parker, who were 3rd to 5th at the time. So, I sent Paul and Kobe, who had high awareness, to Youngjae’s future, and pushed Parker back.

To be honest, Paul was superior to Youngjae in both first and second stats in terms of personal performance, but the team’s performance was low, and Kobe’s first stats were okay, but the second stats were not good. Parker is exactly Parker if you cut Youngjae’s performance by about 5-10%. The MVP is strongly influenced by first stats, awareness, and team performance, so Youngjae would be perfect for 5th place. Youngjae has become a player who is unconditionally in the TOP10, at least based on the 2011-2012 season.

Yabesu-nim///Thank you for your continued feedback. This may vary depending on who is watching. The following is my subjective opinion, so you can just read it and move on. I watch San Antonio games a bit, but since it’s only about 10 games a year, I’ll use some stats.

As you said, the ability to isolate is the qualification of the first option, that is, the go-to guy. However, the isolation rate is significantly lower overall in the league this season. The 10th place in the isolation league is only 3.5 times per game, and the pick-and-roll rate is 7.7 times. Since pick-and-roll is only possible for guards or swingmen, if you limit it to them, the 10th place in the isolation league drops to 2.8 times. Basically, most teams start their attack with a pick-and-roll. Harden and LeBron are exceptions.

Since you often watch San Antonio games, if you take San Antonio as an example, Kawhi is 1.5 times per game (8.4% of attack attempts are isolation), Tony Parker is 0.6 times (5.3%), and Ginobili is 0.7 times (6.0%). Aldridge is only 0.3 times (1.5%). San Antonio is a team that doesn’t even allow Aldridge, who was last year’s second team and Portland’s ace, to isolate. Kawhi is San Antonio’s first option this season, and Parker was the first option from 09 to 14. Kawhi’s isolation has increased, but it’s still only 1.5 times per game. The rest means catch-and-shoot or play after a screen.

In particular, San Antonio, Atlanta, Golden State, Dallas, etc., which extremely avoid isolation, seem to have no guard isolation rate exceeding 20%. Even Curry receives a pick from Green or Bogut to develop an attack, or passes to Green when double-teamed. He hardly isolates except for indiscriminate long-range 3-pointers. Youngjae also isolates more than once or twice per game. However, there are also few reasons to increase it because there are isolation experts such as Terry and Nowitzki. Of course, as you said, there is a need to increase Youngjae’s isolation after Nowitzki.

And although the number is small, isolation appears in the novel from time to time. In the most recent Chicago game, he shot a turnaround jumper against Hamilton, and in the Atlanta game, he isolated against Joe Johnson. In Youngjae’s setting, he isolates 1-3 times in each game, but since only a few scenes are described in the work, there may be cases where one isolation does not appear in one game, so I would appreciate your understanding.

Youngjae can isolate like Curry, but there are good pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop partners on the team, and the coach also avoids isolation, so please consider that he doesn’t do it. In San Antonio, I know that the case of isolation is mostly when there is a mismatch after a screen and they post up or face-up breakthrough. For example, it is easy for Parker to break through against a center with slow left and right movements, but 1:1 breakthroughs against Paul or Westbrook are almost blocked. Most teams based on motion offense start their attack by screening and 2:2.

Goddess Yuri Praise-nim, anguqwhdk-nim/// Ah, it’s really tiring to play against young teams. Young teams really score points in an instant through fast breaks after pressing defense. You can definitely see the difference in energy level in the second half. LOL.

Financia-nim, Disappearing Soul-nim, Omarion-nim/// Thank you for your comments as always^^.

Encanacion-nim///Kawhi this season is Paul George with upgraded defense and downgraded offense. I don’t think Kawhi’s personal attack power is still ace-level. It’s much less of a burden because there are Parker, Aldridge, and Ginobili. Youngjae’s playing style is closer to a mix of LeBron and Durant. He has passing and vision comparable to a point guard, and he is also a good player with off-the-ball movement and catch-and-shoot. Of course, you have to combine those two and downgrade them a lot. Those two are really cheating players…

Cowardly Loser-nim/// Hehe, a secret comment LOL.

H0H-nim/// Thank you^^ LOL.