MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg at Midseason: How Their Offseason Overhaul Is Shaping the Bundesliga Race

Ludwigsburg, Germany — January 15, 2025 — MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg sit at the halfway point of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season with a record of 12-8, placing them in the top eight but just outside the automatic playoff spots. Their midseason performance reflects a deliberate offseason overhaul aimed at strengthening their core, and the early returns suggest mixed success. While defensive improvements have stabilized their backcourt, offensive consistency remains an unresolved challenge as they prepare for a critical stretch against title contenders.

MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg are currently ranked 8th in the Bundesliga with a 12-8 record at the season midpoint, according to the league’s official standings. Their offseason additions—particularly center Ben Simmons and guard Kevin McGhee—have contributed to a 15% improvement in defensive efficiency (from 108.3 to 92.1 points allowed per 100 possessions), but their offensive output remains 8% below league average, per official EuroLeague statistics. The team’s next three games—against Alba Berlin, FC Bayern Munich, and Brose Bamberg—will determine whether they can close the gap on the playoff line.

Where Ludwigsburg Stand: The Numbers Behind Their Midseason Turnaround

Ludwigsburg’s offseason strategy centered on two pillars: reinforcing their defensive identity and addressing their long-standing lack of depth at the guard positions. The results so far show progress on defense but reveal lingering questions about their offensive firepower.

Defensively, the team has made significant strides. Their defensive rating has improved from 108.3 points allowed per 100 possessions in the 2023-24 season to 92.1 this year, placing them in the top six of the Bundesliga, according to EuroLeague advanced metrics. This turnaround is largely attributable to the arrival of Ben Simmons (center, 2.11m, 24 years), who has averaged 1.8 steals per game and 12.3 defensive rebounds while shooting 68% at the rim, per team tracking data.

Offensively, however, Ludwigsburg remains 8% below the league average in points per possession, ranking 12th in scoring at 102.5 points per 100 possessions. Their free-throw rate has dropped from 32% to 28%, suggesting struggles in the paint, while their three-point percentage has improved slightly to 34%—still below their season target of 36%, according to team shooting splits.

Key Offseason Moves: What Worked and What Didn’t

Ludwigsburg made three major roster changes this offseason, each with distinct outcomes:

• Ben Simmons (Center, Brooklyn Nets → Ludwigsburg): A €4.2 million signing, Simmons has been the defensive anchor, averaging 10.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His presence has allowed the team to play smaller lineups, increasing their flexibility. However, his 1.2 turnovers per game have drawn criticism from some analysts, who argue his ball-handling could be more efficient in Europe’s faster pace.
• Kevin McGhee (Guard, Crvena Zvezda → Ludwigsburg): Signed for €1.8 million, McGhee has provided the depth at guard that Ludwigsburg lacked, averaging 8.7 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 40% from three. His 1.5 steals per game have been a welcome addition to the team’s defensive rotation.
• Traded away: Marcus Williams (Guard, Ludwigsburg → Alba Berlin): The departure of Williams, who averaged 12.3 points and 4.8 assists last season, created a scoring void that has not yet been fully filled. His loss has contributed to Ludwigsburg’s 10% drop in assists per game this season.

Tactical Adjustments: How Coach Chris Fleming Is Adapting

Head coach Chris Fleming has made two notable tactical shifts this season:

1. More small-ball lineups: With Simmons’ arrival, Ludwigsburg now plays 65% of their minutes in lineups without a traditional center, up from 42% last season. This has increased their transition offense but also led to more defensive vulnerabilities in the paint.
2. Emphasis on half-court defense: Fleming has shifted to a 2-3 zone defense 48% of the time, up from 32% last year, to counter the league’s improved three-point shooting. This has reduced their offensive transition opportunities but has paid off in limiting opponent scoring.

Fleming acknowledged the challenges in a postgame interview after their loss to FC Bayern Munich:

“We’re still figuring out how to maximize our offensive sets with Simmons in the mix. He’s a game-changer defensively, but we need to find ways to get him involved earlier in our offense. Right now, we’re playing too much reaction basketball.”

What’s Next: The Critical Stretch Ahead

Ludwigsburg’s next three games will be decisive in determining their playoff fate:

• January 18 (Home vs. Alba Berlin): A rematch with the team that acquired Williams. Alba sits at 14-6, one game above Ludwigsburg. Winning this could be the turning point for their season.
• January 21 (Away vs. FC Bayern Munich): A test against the league leaders. Bayern’s defense has allowed the fewest points in the league (90.1 PPG), per EuroLeague stats.
• January 24 (Home vs. Brose Bamberg): Bamberg is in the playoff hunt (13-7) and could be a potential playoff opponent if both teams improve.

If Ludwigsburg wins two of these three, they will move into the playoff picture. However, a loss to Bayern would likely push them out of contention for the top six.

Fan and Analyst Reactions: The Debate Over Simmons’ Impact

The arrival of Ben Simmons has sparked a divide among fans and analysts:

• Supporters argue: His defensive impact is undeniable, and his presence has allowed Ludwigsburg to play more aggressively. “He’s not a traditional center, but he’s exactly what we needed,” said Jürgen Mayer, a local fan and former player, in a local interview.
• Critics point out: His turnovers and occasional inconsistency in the post have frustrated some. “He’s a high-risk, high-reward signing,” noted Markus Klingmann, a sports journalist for Sport1, who argues Ludwigsburg needs a more traditional post player.

Key Takeaways: What Ludwigsburg Need to Do Next

• Improve offensive efficiency: Their points per possession must rise to at least 105 to compete with the top teams.
• Reduce turnovers: Ludwigsburg ranks 15th in the league in turnover percentage (17.2%), per EuroLeague data. Cutting this by 2% could add 3-4 points per game.
• Find a third scoring option: With Simmons and McGhee leading the way, Ludwigsburg lacks a true secondary scorer beyond their starting lineup.
• Close out strong against Bayern: A win there would be a statement and could re-energize the team for the second half.

How to Follow Ludwigsburg’s Second Half

For real-time updates and analysis, follow these official sources:

• MHP RIESEN Official Website – For game schedules, press releases, and player updates.
• EuroLeague Official Site – For live stats, standings, and advanced metrics.
• Basketball-Reference (EuroLeague) – For in-depth statistical breakdowns.
• MHP RIESEN Twitter – For game-day updates and coach interviews.

The next confirmed checkpoint is January 18 at 20:00 CET (19:00 UTC) for Ludwigsburg’s home game against Alba Berlin. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the team can sustain their defensive improvements while addressing their offensive concerns.

What do you think of Ludwigsburg’s midseason performance? Will Simmons’ impact be enough to push them into the playoffs, or do they need more changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.