Jodie Meeks should give the Los Angeles Lakers a scoring boost off the bench.
And the numbers prove it.
In 2012 with the Philadelphia 76ers Jodie Meeks essentially split minutes with fellow guard Evan Turner, with Meeks playing 24.9 MPG to Turner's 26.4 MPG.
While Meeks and Turner scored at a similar clip - 8.4 PPG for Meeks, 9.4 PPG for Turner - the 76ers offense as a whole performed significantly better with Jodie Meeks on the floor.
Jodie Meeks vs. Evan Turner with the 76ers' "Core Four"
Jodie Meeks and Evan Turner split time with the 76ers' "Core Four" starters of Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, and Spencer Hawes. With data from 82Games.com, last season Meeks played 196 minutes with this group and Turner played 144 minutes.
Here is how the offense performed with both Jodie Meeks and Evan Turner playing with the 76ers' "Core Four"
With Jodie Meeks - 1.01 Pts/Possession, 43% Team Effective FG%*
With Evan Turner - 0.90 Pts/Possession, 41% Team Effective FG%
*Effective FG% = Team's shooting percentage, adjusted for the value of 3-point shots.
In 2012 the 76ers averaged 89 possessions per game.
This means the 76ers would score 90 PPG with Jodie Meeks compared to 80 PPG with Evan Turner playing an entire game with the other starters.
The 76ers were far more effective offensively with Jodie Meeks on the floor.
Jodie Meeks vs. Evan Turner - Another Example
Because Spencer Hawes suffered injuries last year the 76ers also played regularly with a lineup of Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Elton Brand, and either Jodie Meeks or Evan Turner at shooting guard. Meeks played 82 minutes with this group to Turner's 133 minutes.
Here is how the offense performed with both Jodie Meeks and Evan Turner with Thaddeus Young replacing Spencer Hawes in the lineup.
With Jodie Meeks - 1.18 Pts/Possession, 53% Team Effective FG%
With Evan Turner - 1.08 Pts/Possession, 47% Team Effective FG%
With 89 possessions per game this translates to Philadelphia scoring 105 PPG with Jodie Meeks and 96 PPG with Evan Turner when playing with Holiday, Iguodala, Young, and Brand.
Again, Philadelphia's offense was far more effective featuring Jodie Meeks over Evan Turner.
Jodie Meek's Value to the Lakers
Jodie Meeks proved his offensive value with the 76ers last year, and that is exactly what the Lakers need - an offensive spark off the bench.
Remember, comparing Jodie Meeks to Evan Turner is still holding him to a high standard.
Turner was the second overall draft pick in 2010 after winning the AP College Player of the Year, Wooden Award, and Naismith Award at Ohio State. Evan Turner isn't exactly chopped liver.
Evan Turner is a solid player, and yet the 76ers were clearly better offensively with Jodie Meeks on the floor last year.
The Lakers have needed an offensive boost off the bench for a long time.
Jodie Meeks just might be what the Lakers have needed all along.
Andrew Sweat is a die-hard Lakers fan. For more from this author, visit Andrew's archive or check these out articles:
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