Shaq's effect on Kobe & Wade's shooting percentages

[Im Still Ballin]

No agenda, just thought these were some cool stats.

2001-2004:

Kobe with Shaq (7,957 minutes): 65.2% at the rim; 34.5% from three; 56.5% TS
Kobe without Shaq (3,757 minutes): 59.5% at the rim; 31.1% from three; 52.5% TS

Shaq with Kobe (7,957 minutes): 73.9% at the rim; 58.4% TS
Shaq without Kobe (2,391 minutes): 75.8% at the rim; 59.2% TS

2005-2007:

Wade with Shaq (3,641 minutes): 65.4% at the rim; 32.1% from three; 59.5% TS
Wade without Shaq (3,757 minutes): 61.5% at the rim; 20.1% from three; 55.9% TS

Shaq with Wade (3,641 minutes): 74.7% at the rim; 58.9% TS
Shaq without Wade (1,798 minutes): 74.2% at the rim; 56.7% TS

[Phoenix]

That seems about what I would have expected. Despite the constant arguing over the dichotomy between Shaq and Kobe, Shaq very clearly opened up the perimeter for his star wings because of the gravity he commanded. Pointing this out makes it seem like you're insulting Penny/Kobe/Wade, but this would have been the case for anyone.

It is interesting but not terribly surprising that Wade's at-rim numbers without Shaq suffered less of a dip than Kobe's. As far as SGs go Wade to this day is probably the best pure slasher/finisher since prime MJ.

[ArbitraryWater]

Interesting.

So Kobe in addition to his average shooting %s, even had them inflated by Shaqs presence.

[sdot_thadon]

Crazy how quiet it is in this thread.:lol

[Im Still Ballin]

2000-01 to 2003-04:

https://i.ibb.co/N2J6YJ71/0su-BT0m-d.webp

[Im Still Ballin]

2004-05 to 2006-07:

https://i.ibb.co/36S4kqd/IkrvPUw.png

[Tavr]

Even with these numbers, you see the differences in their skillset. Wade was arguably the best slasher and finisher at that time. His rim efficiency dropping less than Kobe's definitely sounds right. Without Shaq though his 3PT% fell off considerably, and while not surprising, the amount it dropped off actually is. Credit to Shaq who was clearly older but still shifted a defense and helped aid with more open threes.

Kobe was always a better shooter though and attempted more threes with or without Shaq. There's a dropoff but unlike Wade's not as big.