But i have this personal rule to try to avoid ascribing dark motivations to those who do good things. That inclination is usually a function of how we feel about someone.

When someone we like does a good deed, they are wonderful; when someone we don't like does exactly the same thing, they are just being manipulative or controlling. We'll overlook misconduct for someone we love, but enhance it for someone we dislike. Alas, i do that also, breaking my own rule at weak moments.

Not saying that is what you are doing here. No offense intended.

Regarding stats, agree that stats are not sufficient, though they tell us a lot. Championships tell us even less. It's subjective to say Kobe was more important than Shaq, for example. But stats tell us a lot and they are getting sharper and will continue to do so over time.

i've been watching Dellavedova a lot lately because he seems to be an emerging example of a guy who helps his teams win consistently in ways that don't show up in the box score or advance stats.

Regarding, KC at BYU, my view is that he took the role that the environment demanded. Pre mission, he was the leading rebounder on the team in each of the last seven games of the season, all very big games.

Post mission, he was not called upon to be a primary scorer, so he became the great distributor. Last year, he became the triple double threat. This season, he tried one game of shooting 3s and it didn't work. But he will add more scoring this year and should, to go along with rebounds, assists, steals and even more blocks.