The article discusses the complexities of team fit in basketball, emphasizing that it cannot be compared to simple mathematics. It reflects on the Toronto Raptors' experience with players Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, noting their effective synergy but also the struggles Barnes faced without Siakam. As the Raptors acquire Brandon Ingram, a talented wing, the article suggests that while the decision may not be perfect from a team-building perspective, Ingram's unique scoring ability, particularly in isolation, will significantly enhance the team’s offensive output.
Fit on the basketball court isn't like math, not like adding two skill sets and ending up with a sum. Or if fit is governed by math, it's the hard kind, the kind that jumps around, doesn't yield the same answer twice in a row.
In 4557 career minutes together, Barnes and Siakam enjoyed a net rating of plus-1.67. In 4141 career minutes without Siakam, Barnes has had a net rating of negative-1.72.
Brandon Ingram is certainly a high-level wing. The 2019-20 All Star has consistently averaged 20-5-5 ever since breaking out. He is a talent upgrade on any running mate Barnes has had since Siakam.
Most importantly, Ingram is a very high-level isolation scorer. He was one of 33 players last year to finish more than 2.0 possessions via isolation and to average at least 0.9 points per possession on such sets.
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