lhslep134;1393645 wrote:This is the exact reason advanced stats were created and why you can't just look at PPG.
Here are the categories Lillard is better at than Waiters statistically (and actually):
PER
True shooting percentage
Effective field goal percentage
[Their rebounding percentages are close enough to be negligible]
Assist percentage
Offensive rating (defensive rating is the same for both)
Win shares (3.5 to .6)
So really, it's not that close between the two
The three bolded are kind of no brainers.
Of course Dion isn't going to have a higher assist%, he's not a PG. However, he can handle the rock and make plays by getting to the basket and either finishing, getting fouled, or dumping it off.
Dion's offensive game is inconsistent thus far, but you can see his offensive potential is through the roof. He doesn't have the talent around him that Lillard does either. Kyrie is the best player on either team, but Portland is a more complete team with better vets.
Win shares... Again, Portland is a better team.
As it is, you can definitely make the case the Waiters is one of the top 2 rookies in this class, and at WORST the 3rd. That's saying A LOT, especially since he was picked 4th, but projected in the 8-10 range. The Cavs scouting department really has done a great job with these guys.
Look at the improvement of Tristan in his first 15 months or so. Amazing progress. Dion has a good work ethic by all accounts and his game will continue to get better. He kept the Cavs afloat last night until Kyrie took the 4th quarter over.
