I feel like there is a significant misunderstanding over the terms "small-ball" and "big-ball" (traditional basketball). Who knows, maybe everyone else understands it just fine, and it simply doesn't make sense to me. Regardless, this post will discuss this size-confused theme, and offer up a pretty table that is somewhat related.
Many people I've talked to, especially recently, think you aren't playing small-ball if you have a tall Power-Forward (PF) and Center (C). I don't think that's necessarily true, as small-ball is more of a play-style, then it is a descriptor of size. The idea isn't to play small players, but to play players who spread the floor, as post-ups are discarded in favor of a drive-and-kick game.
As an example, when Miami plays Haslem (6-10) and Bosh (6-11), they may have "size", but they are playing "small-ball". Both players are operating 20-feet from the basket, while LeBron/Wade are driving for dunks or assisted jumpers.
The 2008-2010 Lakers are another misconception. Yes, the Gasol/Bynum tandem was "big-ball". However, the lineup that was statistically the most effective and oft used, included Odom/Gasol. This is closer to "small-ball". Gasol is a traditional PF playing at Center, while Odom is a tall Wing playing at Power Forward.
Below is a quick table I compiled. I looked at the most effective 5-man lineups for every 2013 Playoff team, and determined if they were "small/big" depending on the Power Forward (PF) and Center (C) playing.
Many people I've talked to, especially recently, think you aren't playing small-ball if you have a tall Power-Forward (PF) and Center (C). I don't think that's necessarily true, as small-ball is more of a play-style, then it is a descriptor of size. The idea isn't to play small players, but to play players who spread the floor, as post-ups are discarded in favor of a drive-and-kick game.
As an example, when Miami plays Haslem (6-10) and Bosh (6-11), they may have "size", but they are playing "small-ball". Both players are operating 20-feet from the basket, while LeBron/Wade are driving for dunks or assisted jumpers.
The 2008-2010 Lakers are another misconception. Yes, the Gasol/Bynum tandem was "big-ball". However, the lineup that was statistically the most effective and oft used, included Odom/Gasol. This is closer to "small-ball". Gasol is a traditional PF playing at Center, while Odom is a tall Wing playing at Power Forward.
Below is a quick table I compiled. I looked at the most effective 5-man lineups for every 2013 Playoff team, and determined if they were "small/big" depending on the Power Forward (PF) and Center (C) playing.
Oddly enough, the Playoff teams for 2013 were split right down the middle between "small-ball" and "big-ball".
Keep in mind these are single-season lineups, some with less then 100 minutes played, so sample size is an issue. However, just looking at the results, we can see that it aligns pretty well with common knowledge. The Bulls, Pacers, and Grizzlies are "big-ball" teams, while the Heat, Knicks, and Warriors are "small-ball" squads.
Notice how based on height alone, we could have classified the Thunder and Nets as "small-ball" teams, but as discussed above, that would be incorrect. Though these teams have undersized frontlines, they PLAY a certain way (traditional), which makes them "big-ball".
That's it. Just a quick post on what has become a prevalent theme in the NBA. Remember, neither "big-ball" or "small-ball" is necessarily better then the other. The goal is to play your 5 best players at one time, within reason (you can't play 5 Chris Paul's together).
Keep in mind these are single-season lineups, some with less then 100 minutes played, so sample size is an issue. However, just looking at the results, we can see that it aligns pretty well with common knowledge. The Bulls, Pacers, and Grizzlies are "big-ball" teams, while the Heat, Knicks, and Warriors are "small-ball" squads.
Notice how based on height alone, we could have classified the Thunder and Nets as "small-ball" teams, but as discussed above, that would be incorrect. Though these teams have undersized frontlines, they PLAY a certain way (traditional), which makes them "big-ball".
That's it. Just a quick post on what has become a prevalent theme in the NBA. Remember, neither "big-ball" or "small-ball" is necessarily better then the other. The goal is to play your 5 best players at one time, within reason (you can't play 5 Chris Paul's together).