Early Indications: Kobe Bryant Dominates in the Post

初步迹象：科比统治低位

So this is what Kobe Bryant in decline looks like?

这样像是衰退中的科比该有的样子吗？

For the first time in three years, this summer, Kobe had the summer off. That's not to say that he took the summer off,mind you — Kobe being Kobe, I can guarantee you that he put in just asmuch hard work as ever. But unlike the last two summers, which hedevoted to USA basketball, first preparing for and then winning a goldmedal, this summer was all Kobe's, to do with whatever he wished.

今年这个夏天是科比近三年来首次可以放暑假休息。但那并不是说科比真的放暑假“休息”，提醒你一下—科比还是科比，我敢向你保证这夏天他跟以往一样努力地工作着。但不像前两个夏天，那时科比专心于美国梦之队，第一个夏天是奥运会的准备时期而接着那个夏天他们赢得了奥运金牌，而这个夏天完全是属于科比的暑假，他可以干任何想做的事情。

For Kobe, that meant only one thing:  Working on his game. As J.E. Skeets of Yahoo! Sports' Ball Don't Lie blog pointed out, it's one of the things that makes Kobe so special. While young players like Andrew Bynumare casting off Hall of Fame mentors as though they've learned all theycan, Kobe Bryant, the best player in the game and a 14-year veteran, isstill learning, still seeking out mentors.

对于科比而言，那仅仅意味着一件事：提高自身的水平。雅虎体育博客上的 Ball Don't Lie栏目指出：这就是科比布莱恩特与众不同的其中一个因素。当像拜纳姆这样子的年轻球员撇弃名人堂导师时，即使他们已经学有所成了，而科比布莱恩特，这位篮球场上最好的球员同时也是14年的NBA老兵，却仍孜孜不倦地学习着，仍在寻找调教自己的导师。

As Phil Jackson recently pointed out (via The Press-Enterprise),"Kobe always has a goal. He doesn't go through summer playing golf orfishing. He's got something in his mind he's going to work on with hisgame during the offseason." This offseason, that something was hisalready-stellar post game. To that end, as you have all heard a dozentimes by now, he called up the most skilled post player ever to playthe game, Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.

禅师菲尔杰克逊最近在企业报透露，“科比总是有目标。他不会整个暑假都跑去打高尔夫或者钓鱼。他的脑中总记得他需要在休赛期不断地提高自身的竞技水平。”而这个休赛期，科比专注于提高他那本已很精湛的低位技术。到最后，或许你们已经听过这个消息十几次了，他打电话找出了历史上低位技术最高深的球员----大梦奥拉朱旺。

A mere six games into the season, the effects of Kobe's offseason work on his game are stunningly obvious.

新赛季仅仅打了6场比赛，科比在休赛期所取得的成效在他的比赛中已经展现得令人惊叹。

Pleaseunderstand the significance of this move by Bryant. Going into theoffseason, he was already one of the most skilled post players in theNBA, pound-for-pound. His footwork is unparalleled, and while he is nocenter, he has certainly been capable for many years now of taking evendefenders bigger than him into the post, backing them down, and scoringon them. So for Bryant to make his post game the primary focus of hisoffseason efforts says a lot.

请理解科比这个举动的重要性。在进入休赛期之前，科比已经是NBA中最有技术的地位球员之一了。他的脚下步法无人可比，而且他还不是中锋，那么这么多年来他肯定是能够在低位解决掉比他强壮高大的防守者，打垮他们，在他们身上得分。所以说，对于科比这个休赛期把训练的重心放在低位技术上的意义很重大。

The resulting whispers, in reaction to the news that Kobe Bryant was studying under Hakeem Olajuwon, were full of what-ifs.Kobe Bryant is 31, and still a dominant all around player — what if hedeveloped the kind of post dominance Michael Jordan had, at the samelate stage in his career? How good could Kobe be? How much longer couldhe remain at the top of his game? How many years could that add to hisprime? And most of all:  How many more championships can he lead the Lakers to?

对于科比向奥拉朱旺的消息因而发生的讨论便都是充满“假如…那么”的问题。科比31岁，而且他仍然是一个全面的具有统治力的球员，----假如他跟乔丹一样在职业生涯后期发挥了那种统治力的低位技术，那么科比会变得多优秀呢？那么他还能保持多久的巅峰时期呢？那么他的全盛时期能延长多少年呢？而最重要的是，他还能带领湖人队夺得几次的总冠军呢？

Andthe scary part in all of this? He only spent two hours with The Dream,and he did so only a week before training camp. While he wasundoubtedly working all summer, many of these new moves are ones thatBryant has barely had time to really practice.

而最让人可怕的是什么呢？要知道，他跟大梦只花了两个小时的时间，而且那时离训练营开始只有一周的时间了。毫无疑问他整个夏天都在努力训练着，但是这些新的动作很多他都没有时间去真正地实践练习。

And yet, the early results indicate nothing less than complete, smashing success.

可是，这早期出来的结果表明效果极佳，非常地圆满。

Considerthis:  ESPN's John Hollinger predicted a decline for Kobe, joining anumber of experts in pointing to Kobe Bryant's significant drop in freethrow attempts per game as a telling indicator that he was beginningthe inevitable downward slide. As the theory goes, fewer free throwattempts reflect a lessened ability to get into the paint for highpercentage looks, and a corresponding increased reliance on outsidejumpshots. But with the continued development in Kobe's post game, theopposite appears to have happened.

看看这个：ESPN的约翰霍林格预测科比衰退，有一些专家也指出科比在场均罚球次数上的急剧下降是他开始了不可避免的衰退时期的一个有效的指标。以这个理论来看，更少的罚球次数反映了为了高回报的罚球而杀入内线的能力减弱，而相对的，更加依靠外围投篮得分。但是随着科比逐渐提高的低位技术，相反的状况就会发生了。

In2006-07, Bryant averaged 10.0 free throw attempts per game. The nextyear, that number dropped to 9.0. Last year, that statistic droppedmuch more dramatically, to 6.9 attempts per game. The incrementaldecrease seemed to indicate the steady slippage which came with age,and the significant drop seen last year was even less encouraging.

在2006-07赛季，科比场均能得到10次的罚球机会。下一年，那个数目降为9次。而在上赛季，那个数据降得更加厉害，下降为场均6.9次。这个增大着的下降幅度看起来指出了随着年纪而带来的稳定下降，而上个赛季那数字下降的幅度看起来并不乐观。

Thisyear, however, that number is back up. In fact, it's higher than ever.Through six games this year, he is averaging 10.8 free throw attemptsper game — and that despite a 4-FTA outing last night (prior to whichhe had averaged 12.2 attempts per game). In case you're wondering, 10.8attempts per game is not just better than in 2006-07 — is the highestmark of Bryant's entire career.

然而，这个赛季他的罚球次数又回升了。实际上，比起以往任何时候都要高。本赛季进行6场比赛至今，他平均每场能得到10.8次的罚球，尽管昨晚他只得到了4次的罚球机会（在昨晚之前他场均得到12.2次的罚球机会）。为了不产生疑惑，10.8次的罚球机会不仅仅比起2006-07赛季要好，而且这也是科比职业生涯最高的数据了。

A look at some advanced statistics — courtesy of HoopData.com, which (among many other things) breaks players shot attempts down by distance from the hoop (thanks to Hardwood Paroxysm's Matt Moore for turning me onto this excellent resource) — helps us understand what's happening here. Consider these numbers:

让我们看看来自 HoopData.com一些高级统计数字，这些数据（还有其他类型的统计）通过球员出手离篮筐的距离而统计，这些数据帮助我们理解发生了什么，下面请看这些数据：

·
In both 2006-07, and 2007-08, Bryant averaged 5.1 shots at the rim.

在2006-07和2007-08两个赛季，科比在篮下出手场均5.1次。

·
In 2008-09, that number went down, as Bryant averaged only 4.4 shots from point blank range.

在2008-09赛季，这个数据有所下降，科比的近距离投射次数只有4.4次。

·
Thus far in 2009-10, however, Bryant is averaging 9.0 shots at the rim.

2009-10赛季进行到今，科比在篮框附近场均有9次的出手。

Such an increase in close shots is mind-blowing. Rather than taking fewer shots at the rim than last year, Bryant is taking twice as many! Certainly,this goes a long way towards explaining Kobe's increased free throwattempts, as well. Meanwhile, this increased emphasis on inside workhas been accompanied by decreased outside shooting — again, thecomplete opposite of what was expected from him coming into this season.

增加这么多的近距离的出手次数让人兴奋。科比不但没有比起上赛季少在篮下出手，相反，他的近距离出手次数翻了一番。当然，这大大地解释了科比罚球次数增加的原因。同时，这种对内线进攻的加强也产生了外围投射次数的减少，所以，这又说明了这跟赛季开始前人们预测的是完全相反的。

In2006-07, Bryant attempted 5.2 three-point shots per game. The nextyear, that number was nearly identical, at 5.1. In 2008-09, it droppedslightly, though still fairly high at 4.1 three-point attempts pergame. This year, however, the drop in three-point attempts that hasaccompanied his increase in close shots has been dramatic:  through sixgames, he has attempted only 2.2 three-point shots per game.

在2006-07赛季，科比场均的三分出手次数为5.2。下一年，那数据几乎是一样，为5.1次。在2008-09赛季，数据轻微下降了，但是4.1次的三分出手还是相对较高的。但是这个赛季，随着他近距离出手次数的增加，他的三分出手次数下降是明显的：科比在新赛季6场比赛中场均只有2.2次的三分球出手。

Bryant'swork in the mid- to high-post has also seen greater emphasis. In thetwo years from 2006 to 2008, he attempted 1.5 shots per game inside of10 feet (but outside of point blank range); this year, he has averaged2.3 attempts from that range. The combined effect is an increase inclose (at rim) and short range (<10 feet) shots from 6.6 per game inthe last three years to 11.3 this year.

科比在中高位的距离也放了更大的重心。在2006到2008两年时间里，他在10尺（除去篮筐附近的区域）的距离内出手场均1.5次，而本赛季，在这个范围内他出手场均2.3次。所以在近程出手（篮下）和短距离（10尺以内）总共出手的次数就从前三年的6.6增加到本赛季的11.3。

Hehas also taken approximately three more shots from 10-15 feet this yearcompared to three years ago, while attempting nearly two fewer shotsfrom 16-23 feet.

在10到15尺的距离投射次数上，他比起三年前要多大概3次的出手，而在16到23尺的距离则接近减少了2次出手。

Finally,it's worth pointing out that so far this year, 100% of Bryant'sthree-point attempts have been assisted — as opposed to between 64% and68% in the past three years. This would seem to further indicate morecareful shot selection from long range. It also tells us that histhree-point attempts have been more a result of spot-up, open shots(i.e., the good kind), and less a result of settling for long,contested shots when closer, higher percentage ones can be had (i.e.,the bad kind). While he hasn't been hitting well from that range, it'sa clear indication of improved long distance shot selection, and if hekeeps that up, the shots will start to fall.

最后，本赛季值得提到的一点就是，科比100%的三分投射都是队友传来的，而前三年这个比例介于64%到68%之间。这看起来更好地表明他在长远距离更为小心地出手选择。那也告诉了我们在可以获得更高的命中率时，他的三分投射更多是出自于定点投射，空位投篮（good），而更少是追求超远距离，防守逼紧的出手（bad）。由于他在这个距离投得也不好，所以明显地表明了他更聪明的远距离出手选择，如果他继续保持这种心态，那么三分出手次数将会下降。

Ofcourse, this likely also explains why Kobe is back on top of the NBAscoring ladder, leading all players with an average of 34.5 points pergame, and topping 40 points in three of his last four games (each time,strangely enough, with 41 points exactly) — all while shooting thehighest raw percentage of his entire career, at 48.1% from the field(his previous high was 46.9% in 2001-02).

当然，这也很可能解释了为什么科比又回到了联盟得分版的头位，他以场均34.5的得分领衔全联盟，并且在近4场比赛中3次拿到40+（诡异的是，三次都是刚好41分），而且他的命中率也是职业生涯最高的，为48.1%（他之前的最高纪录是2001-02赛季的46.9%）。

Ofcourse, it's still early. It's entirely possible that the numbers fromthis very small, six-game sample size are a fluke, and will even outover the course of the season. This raises two obvious questions:First, is it really possible that Kobe's post game has improved thisdramatically from a mere two hours with Hakeem, only a week beforetraining camp? And second, are these numbers an indication of real,valid, significant improvement, which can be expected to continue,rather than just a fluke or a series of coincidences?

当然，时候还早着。这小小的6场比赛的样板数据完全可能也是侥幸，但也可能整个赛季都这样保持下去。这就产生了两个明显的问题：第一，在训练营前一周跟大梦待了两个小时科比的低位技术就真的可能变得如此强大吗？第二，这些数据是真实的，有效的，巨大的进步的体现并且可以继续保持的，还是就仅仅是侥幸或者是一系列的巧合呢？

The answer to both questions, is would seem, is a resounding, "Yes."

两个问题的答案看起来都会是回响的“是。”

Kobe'smost recent mentor was in the stands when the Lakers visited Houston onWednesday, and he watched as Bryant schooled renowned defender ShaneBattier in the post. Jeff Eisenberg of the Press-Enterprise had this to say about the game:

当湖人周三客场挑战火箭的比赛时，科比这位最近的导师也坐在场边座位上，他也看着科比在低位蹂虐着有名的防守者巴蒂尔。关于那场比赛企业报的Jeff Eisenberg是这样说的：

Whatimpressed Olajuwon most about Bryant was the fluidity with which theLakers star duplicated his moves. Whereas some young big men twistedthemselves into human pretzels trying to imitate Olajuwon, Bryant'sagility and athleticism allowed him to have success within hours.

对于科比让奥拉朱旺留下最深印象的是，科比灵活运用了大梦的动作。但是很多年轻的大个子硬生生地模仿着大梦，而科比的聪明和运动能力使得他可以再几个小时内便取得成功。

Bryantshowcased some of what he learned in front of Olajuwon on Wednesdaynight, shaking off the effects of a lingering cold to score 41 pointson 15-for-30 shooting in an overtime victory against the Rockets.Olajuwon was especially pleased to see Bryant take a perimeterdefensive ace such as Battier into the post and comfortably turn andscore around him with either shoulder, one of the skills they worked ontogether.

科比周三在奥拉朱旺面前展示了一些他学到的东西，他摆脱了感冒的困扰，30投15中总共得到41分带领湖人加时战胜火箭队。让奥拉朱旺最为高兴的是，科比将巴蒂尔这么出色的外围防守者带到了低位，并且舒服地做转身动作，无论是左肩还是右肩都可以得分，而这正是科比和大梦训练的其中一个内容。

So,has Kobe already incorporated Hakeem's moves into his arsenal?Apparently so. Bryant is well-known for being able to try a move oneday in practice, and use it flawlessly and to devastating effect thenext day in a game. In the Houston game, Eisenberg described Kobe asrepeatedly staring at the same person as he ran down the court afterscoring in the post — Hakeem Olajuwon, sitting courtside. For his part,The Dream knew exactly what the stare meant:

那么，科比是否已经将大梦的动作加入到自己的兵器库了呢？显然是这样。科比因其学习能力而出名，他可以在训练中尝试一新招式，然后下一天在比赛中便可以运用得完美无瑕并产生很好的效果。在与火箭的比赛中，埃森贝格说科比在每次低位得分后，在跑回半场的过程中不断地凝视着相同的一个人----那人就是场边的大梦奥拉朱旺。大梦自己完全知道那凝视的意思是什么：

"He looked at me to confirm, 'I'm using what you taught me,' " Hakeem Olajuwon said.

大梦说：“他看着我是要我认可，他的意思是‘我在用你教我的招式’”。

"That was the greatest gift for me. It was wonderful."

“那对于我就是最好的礼物了，太精彩了。”

Clearly,this is no coincidence. Clearly, Bryant's increased post work has beendeliberate — and extremely successful. His interaction with Olajuwonfrom the court makes that obvious, and Olajuwon's comments after thegame confirm that he sees Bryant as having successfully incorporatedwhat The Dream taught him into his game. The complete helplessness ofShane Battier, the defender thought to be the best at defending KobeBryant, are the proof in the pudding.

明显地，这不是巧合。无疑地，科比增强的内线表现是经过深思熟虑的，并且是非常成功的。他与大梦在场上的互动使得这显而易见，而大梦赛后的评论也确认了他认为科比已经成功地将他所教的技术应用到他的比赛中去。而那个完全无助的巴蒂尔，那个被认为是防守科比最好的球员是这个事实的论据。

Andthat's just in the last couple of months. As good as Kobe already is inthe post, and as quickly as he has already incorporated the movesHakeem taught him into his arsenal, expect him still to continue toimprove, as he continues to practice and use his new moves.

而这仅仅是两个月内的事情，科比在低位已经如此出色，加上他那么快地将大梦的招式加入到自己的兵器库中，让我们期待科比继续提高着，继续练习并运用他的新招式。

It'sonly six games in, and the sample size is small, but every indicationis that this major improvement in Kobe Bryant's game is deliberate,real, and here to stay. That steady decline that was predicted for Kobegoing into the season? Go ahead and put that on hold, for the timebeing, as Kobe appears to be heading in the opposite direction.

仅仅是6场比赛，这样本大小是小了点，但是每一个迹象都证明科比水平的巨大进步是真实的，并且会持续下去。那么关于科比会在本赛季开始衰退的预测呢？向前看，暂时撇掉那种观点吧，因为科比是向着相反方向走着。

I leave you with some thoughts from Kelly Dwyer, expressing the potential greatness that could result from these new developments — indeed, this new leap — in Kobe's game:

最后我给你们看看来自于Kelly Dwyer的一些想法，他表达了基于科比的水平的飞跃，这些新的发展而产生的潜在的伟大之处，确实是呀：

KobeBryant was so picturesque perfect in this game, and I don't mindtelling you that this is just about as good as I've ever seen him.

科比之前已经是那么地完美，而我也大方地告诉你们现在他是我所见到最美好的。

He's,literally, scored nearly twice as much as he did tonight (41 points).He's done brighter, flashier things on bigger stages, with more tolose, with more going on. Doesn't matter.

从字面上讲，他今晚所得到的比起他所取得的分数（41分）要多两倍之多。他在更大的舞台上做更闪光，更伟大的事情，将会面临失败，也会取得成功。但这无所谓。

Against Shane Battier, who knows exactly what to do, Kobe did something he's never done against Shane - take it to the post.

对抗巴蒂尔，科比知道要怎么做，他做了他从未对巴蒂尔做的事情，将战场带到低位区。

Takeit to the post, to that triple-threat, and drive the Rockets mad. Makethem his absolute creature. Just run things. If this is latter-day KobeBryant, then latter-day Kobe Bryant will be dominant. Completely andutterly dominant. Jordan-esque, dominant, in a way that Kobe justwasn't even when he was dropping 40 by hitting contested jumpers from21-feet away.

到低位去，造成了对手三倍的威胁，让火箭抓狂。把对手当成他的猎物。为所欲为。如果这是一个后期的科比，那么科比还是会统治球场。这种完全地统治力，乔丹式的统治力，跟以往科比通过对手紧逼而靠21尺投篮取得40分的情况下是不同的。

Justthe perfect game. As I mentioned before - he's faced scariercircumstances. But the game's most dogged competitor put dogged thoseinstincts aside tonight, in favor of a brain that ranks amongst thegame's elite. The game's all-time elite.

真是完美的技术水平。我之前也提到过，他身处于更为可怕的环境。但是篮球场上这位最顽强的强人把那些天性撇到了一边，他的智慧是排在最顶尖的行列中，他的技术也是历史上顶尖的。

Iknow it's the first week of the season, I know you think I'm fawning,and I don't care. This wasn't just another 41-point game for KobeBryant. This was basketball, at its best.