Indiana Pacers Love/Hate Series: Darren Collison

What we love about Darren Collison

Darren Collison is the embodiment of consistency, stability, and reliability at the point guard position. His 2017 splits of 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 rebounds don’t appear to be too impressive. However, when you dig deeper into the statistics, you can begin to understand the impact Collison has on the game.

Among qualifying players, Collison led the NBA in three-point percentage at 46.8%. He obviously isn’t an elite level shooter like Stephen Curry but he hits his open three-pointers at a very consistent level. His low volume (three attempts per game) could also be inflating his percentage. Playing off of the ball often, he got a lot of good looks last season due to the attention that Victor Oladipo commands.

Collison also ranked 10th in the NBA in free throw percentage (88.2%), 20th in effective FG% (57.1%), fourth in offensive rating (126), 20th in offensive win shares (5.8), and 18th in offensive box plus-minus (3.1), per basketball reference. He is also an excellent passer, leading the Pacers in AST% (25.7). These advanced numbers paint Collison as one of the best offensive players in the NBA despite the fact that he is objectively not. What we can learn from the stats is that Collison is one of the most efficient offensive players in the NBA and the tape backs this up.

Collison’s favorite way to initiate his own offense is through the pick and roll. Here he uses the screen and uses arguably his most effective offensive weapon, the mid-range pull up jumper:

Using the pick and roll again, Collison displays his good vision and patience here. Jayson Tatum is too late on the switch and Collison wraps a gorgeous bounce pass around Daniel Theis before the weak side help can get to Sabonis:

Collison’s high basketball IQ won’t show up in the stat sheet. He first rejects this Turner screen, flowing into an impromptu pinch post action with Thad Young. A quick cut gets Collison open in the teeth of the defense, where he shows good body control and vision to find Oladipo open in the corner:

This is the textbook example of a play that most young point guard just cannot make. The Pelicans botch their pick and roll coverage here and Collison notices right away. Emeka Okafor looks like he wants to switch but Rajon Rondo thinks Okafor is going to hedge. Due to this miscommunication, Anthony Davis now has to cover both Myles Turner and Thad Young. Davis has to respect Turner’s mid-range and leaves just enough room for Collison to rifle in a pass to Young for a layup:

Despite his lack of great athleticism and quickness, Collison can still take advantages of mismatches on switches:

Collison is also a solid positional defender despite not being anything special or being able to guard multiple positions. He can hold his own against most opposing point guards and is a very smart off-ball defender. He should be an excellent mentor for the young Aaron Holiday. Collison isn’t a world-beater in any sense but his consistency, efficiency, and veteran leadership will be vital for the Pacers this year.