More on the Boykins-Blake trade

Given that the Bucks reportedly received cash considerations in the amount of the remainder of Julius Hodge's contract, and given that he has basically been an NBDL player for most of the two years of his career, he appears to be a Reece Gaines (a throw-in who is unlikely to play).

So the trade boils down to Boykins for Blake. Looking at the numbers in depth between the two, they are even in most respects on offense, with Boykins having a better eFG% mainly because the little man can take it to the hole while Blake is allergic to paint. Otherwise, ass/mn and turnovers/mn are almost equal. So are their Ballhandler and Passer ratings.

Where the two differ, apparently, is on defense. Ironically, the miniscule Boykins appears to be a highly effective defender. When he was on the court, the Nuggets opponents' offensive efficiency went down (104.6on vs. 106.7off). Plus, the players Boykins guarded were restricted to a pretty low eFG (45.7%). That is under the average defensive eFG allowed by point guards.

Meanwhile, Blake's defense was, in a word... offensive. At least for Bucks fans. When Blake was on the court the Bucks' opposition's offensive efficiency rose dramatically (115.8on vs. 109.7off). And the player's Blake was asked to cover went wild. His defensive eFG (55.4%) would be high for a center; for a point guard it was ridiculous. On top of that, Blake was killing the Bucks' offense. When he was on the court the normally well-oiled Bucks offensive machine basically broke down (104.5on vs. 112.7off).

Larry Harris made this deal, basically, because he looked at the numbers I just gave you and saw only disaster for the team with Steve Blake as its starting PG. Boykins should be much better. And just wait until the team gets back to full strength. The Bucks second unit, with Villanueva (if he gets back this season) and Boykins, should be high-powered. Kudos again to the Lizard.