6. JaVale McGee
2018-19 per game stats: 11.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.76 SPG, .605 FG%, .200 3P%
VORP: 1.0, 2nd on the Lakers
WS: 2.6, 2nd on the Lakers
DEFRTG (last 10 games, minimum 15 minutes per game): 106.5, 7th on the Lakers
OFFRTG (last 10 games, minimum 15 minutes per game): 92.7, last on this list
MOET: 4
I was tempted to put Zubac at No. 6 over McGee because JaVale’s been pretty bad recently. McGee’s overall season production far outweighs Ivaca’s still, so, for now, JaVale wins the title of the Lakers 2nd best center in these rankings. Yaaaaa!
McGee’s field goal percentage is at 50% over the last 10 games, which isn’t great for a player whose average shot distance on the season is 4-feet. To be honest, I don’t care about McGee’s offensive struggles, though, it’s his defense that’s bothering me.
He’s looked a little slow at times rotating over to protect the rim and he’s even looked lost during some of the Lakers recent defensive possessions.
I’m sure he lost some of his conditioning when he was laid up with a lung infection. In time he should look like the same defensive beast who started the season as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Side Story: According to JaVale McGee’s basketball bio page, he has four nicknames: Pierre, The Big Secret, Big Daddy Wookie, and The Great Adventure. Pierre is obviously the best nickname out of the bunch. I just want to know how he got it and what it means.