4. Cut Back On Fouls
Normally an objective like this would be higher on Alex Len’s checklist, but since he’ll most likely be coming off the bench, it’s not as important for him to stay out of foul trouble. That being said, this should still be a priority for a player whose weaknesses show up pretty clearly on the stat sheet.
As a rookie, Len averaged a meager 1.6 fouls in 8.6 minutes per game, but per 36 minutes, that was an impermissible 6.8 fouls. Between the frequent injuries and the quick, cheap fouls, it’s no wonder Len had trouble staying on the floor in his first NBA season.
In his second year, Len improved quite a bit on that front, averaging 3.1 fouls in 22 minutes per game. But again, that translated to 5.1 fouls per 36 minutes, which would be an unacceptable mark by the time Len is in position to play that many minutes. There’s a long time between now and that moment, but Len’s foul trouble is part of the reason he only logged 22 minutes a game.
In fact, he finished 19th in the NBA with 213 total fouls on the season. Other than the physical enforcer Steven Adams, every single one of the 18 players in front of him played at least 400 more minutes than Len did, and even Adams played 253 more minutes than Len. Suffice it to say that Len fouls too much in limited action.
This season, Len should make it a goal to continue to decrease his fouls per 36 minutes, not only because it’s an area that needs improvement, but also to preserve Chandler’s legs. That’s a 32-year-old signed to a four-year contract we’re talking about, and even though it’s only a matter of time before Len overtakes his mentor, it’d be a shame for Len to get into quick foul trouble and force Chandler to re-enter games before he’s had his full rest.
Next: No. 3