Plus-minus measures the difference in points between two teams while a player remains on the court. It does not depend solely on his individual performance, but it does show the collective context in which he takes part. In the first four rounds of the ACB, Vives clearly leads this internal ranking ahead of Miguel González (+4.8), Laurynas Birutis and Justin Jaworski (+3.2). That gap helps explain why the Catalan point guard's work, often away from the spotlight enjoyed by other members of the Aragonese club, has been so important to Casademont.
In addition to leading the plus-minus ranking, Vives is also Casademont's player with the most assists per game (5.2), another example of the clarity and composure he brings to the team's offense. At the start of the season, the Catalan point guard is also averaging 8.5 points and a 10.5 performance rating in nearly 22 minutes per game. He is showing a notable threat from outside, having made seven of 14 three-point attempts for a 50% success rate, forcing opposing defenses to respect his shot as well.
Vives is Casademont's leading player in assists per game. Photo: ACB Photo/Emilio Cobos
Even so, Vives's value lies not only in what he scores or records, but in how he makes the rest of the team play. While others take on greater responsibility in finishing plays, the Catalan point guard ensures that the team makes sense. The Red-and-Black No. 16 knows when to speed things up, when to slow them down and how to find his teammates in advantageous situations so they can hurt the opposition. His reading of the game allows him to connect the pieces of a roster that is beginning to take shape in search of reaching important heights.
FIRST CAPTAIN
Beyond the court, his importance also extends to the locker room. The Catalan was Casademont's first signing during a summer marked by the rebuilding of the roster and has taken on the role of first captain since his arrival. His extensive experience and knowledge of the game have made him a reference point for a group that is beginning to build a shared identity. His arrival in Zaragoza, which could have raised questions after a season in which he had little prominence at Joventut (4.1 points, 1.1 assists and a 3.3 rating in 13 minutes), is producing a convincing response.
Alongside Vives, Trae Bell-Haynes forms a point-guard partnership featuring different but complementary profiles. The Canadian offers power, the ability to break down defenses and a greater scoring presence, while Vives brings composure, judgment and the ability to connect the team. Two ways of directing play that expand Gonzalo García de Vitoria's options and could become an important resource during what may be an exciting season for the Aragonese team.
