Bright Side Of The Sun: All Posts by Yusuf SaleemDedicated to Phoenix Suns Basketball since 2006https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47819/bs-fv.png2018-07-22T17:30:02-07:00https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/authors/yusuf-saleem/rss2018-07-22T17:30:02-07:002018-07-22T17:30:02-07:00Film Room: Igor Kokoskov’s Best Trait
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<img alt="NBA: Summer League-Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gBeHkDBcJ6_0tcNR494MqqGr3js=/0x721:2338x2280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60452219/usa_today_10925783.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A film-based look at Phoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoskov’s ability to create a system that fits personnel. </p> <p id="vYs3EQ">When the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> hired <span>Igor Kokoskov</span> it was clear what stood out most with Kokoskov compared to other candidates. </p>
<p id="i3Krsp">Suns owner, Robert Sarver stated, “Some of the coaches we talked to were very set on certain systems. What Igor said is - a big part of my system is around my players”. </p>
<p id="DWwRo1">With a young versatile roster full of moving parts, it was essential to find a coach that creates a system to fit personnel rather than stick to a system regardless of fit.</p>
<p id="CMZFI1">Kokoskov showed his ability to create a system that puts his players in the best possible position to succeed leading Slovenia to the Eurobasket Championship. </p>
<p id="b9yKGx">In addition his ability to design sets with multiple options leads to better flow, movement and spacing. </p>
<p id="E11q4k">As current <a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">New Orleans Pelicans</a> head coach said about Kokoskov, “A lot of his O things are a continuity thing. If this doesn’t work, then you go to this, then you go to this”.</p>
<p id="oMfcmj">These are some of the sets and actions Kokoskov ran for Slovenia at Eurobasket. </p>
<h2 id="pJmRw5"><strong>‘One’ - ‘Weak’ action</strong></h2>
<p id="25lZMX">For Slovenia, Kokoskov ran some common NBA actions, including this ‘Motion Weak’ set where the guard initiates with a strong-side hand-off and shallows cut to weak side into a wing PnR. </p>
<div id="07D5k3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lw_WmW9iFzU?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="JaEx30">This is a common action many NBA teams run including the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> and <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>, however, Kokoskov uses the 4 (Randolph) in a dribble hand-off. </p>
<p id="V1vihd">The Warriors run very similar action. The difference is the 4 passes to the guard as oppose to the dribble hand-off. </p>
<div id="rkudmN"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAVPy1_tVBo?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Ul709U">The Warriors minor difference in their action create better spacing and allows them to flow into a secondary option after the ball denial. </p>
<p id="MjLZ8S">In this case Gordon plays it well initially but the Warriors design with the single ball-screen allows them to flow into the high post split action. </p>
<p id="9JGalQ">If you look back at the first clip - France had great ball denial - stagnating the entire action. If Kokoskov adjusted the set to more of a single ball-screen as oppose to dribble hand-off they would have been able to flow into a better secondary option. </p>
<div id="tNfvrE"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-mshWTGEV_c?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="QC5bzs">Warriors empty the strong side with just Green and Curry in the action. Curry gets denied initially but Thompson clearing out the strong-side allows Curry to get an open look. </p>
<div id="BN5Ml5"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lWAFwDkGng4?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="WZNSfH">Many teams across the NBA run the action similar to the Warriors. This is the Spurs running similar action with the empty strong-side into a wing PnR. </p>
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<p id="MhUmup">Kokoskov elects to run the action resembling how it is commonly ran in Europe. It should be interesting to see how it translates to the NBA level in the regular season. </p>
<p id="JYbW7c">This is the first look at the set in Summer League. </p>
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<h3 id="QvydRn">‘Spurs Motion Weak’</h3>
<p id="ggKy8R">The last two seasons the Suns ran more common ‘Spurs Motion Weak’ action. This is the same strong side hand-off where the lead guard shallow cuts to the weak side and the action is commonly ran with simultaneous flex action under the basket. </p>
<div id="wIU7J0"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T-J63wze3nc?rel=0&list=UUm5P07nnE7NJZxRWoTyY_kA" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="6yAUvt">The Spurs have been able to stick to a system and find specific players that fit the system. If you study how the Spurs run this action they always have the right players that fit whether it is a wide body big or a pure shooter coming off the pin-down. </p>
<div id="dY6TnC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/De7RkacAW-w?rel=0&list=UUm5P07nnE7NJZxRWoTyY_kA" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="sugfJH">The Suns coaching staff has had limited options running this set with younger players that are not ready or veteran players that are not above average shooters such as <span>Alex Len</span> and <span>Eric Bledsoe</span>. </p>
<p id="UPUcyp">Despite the roster shortcomings, I though the coaching staff did well to try and find a way to make it work. The Suns ran a good wrinkle with a double-drag screen to get the big switched onto a smaller guard. </p>
<p id="XI1ctR">The player put in the position to take advantage of the switch - <span>Marquese Chriss</span> - a 19 year old rookie who was clearly not ready. </p>
<div id="xjgNW9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zi5nGTg15ss?rel=0&list=UUm5P07nnE7NJZxRWoTyY_kA" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="KfZuKn">Later in the game the Suns come back to the same set, this time Bledsoe elects to take the three - Bledsoe is a below league average left wing three point shooter. </p>
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<p id="HfGduO">The coaching staff kept giving Chriss an opportunity in this set. Early on his second year Chriss gets another chance to score in the same set against the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> - same result. </p>
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<p id="pFrURl">You have to respect a coaching staff trying to give a young player a chance but it clearly had an adverse effect on winning more games. I thought they could have to tried to flip the action and get him a touch on the right block instead. </p>
<p id="J91ABW">Looking at Chriss’ shotchart for the 2017-2018 season he was above league average from the right side of the floor. </p>
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<cite>stats.nba.com</cite>
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<p id="Wdj6Iu">Later in the same game the Suns try <span>Alex Len</span> in the same set - giving him a chance - but again the limited roster options shows in this set. </p>
<div id="rMz6HA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E0BKvX-kGnw?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="1dHevP">Is it on the player for not taking advantage of the opportunity or on the coaching staff for putting a player who is not ready in that position? You can argue both sides. </p>
<p id="8MJUu8">I should point out inn that same game the coaching staff did try running this designed counter set where they get Booker setting the second drag screen but slip for three. </p>
<div id="7Q6KP7"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nd21Pf3KkAo?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="SU3Wnf">Ideally, one element that I’ve touched on previously is the <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/8/9/16105476/basketball-theory-a-classical-concept-to-help-the-phoenix-suns-offense-generate-better-results">synergistic passing triangle concept </a>where Player A passes to Player B with the purpose to hit Player C in a triangle pattern. Studying the offenses of successful NBA teams they are able to apply this concept to common NBA actions. </p>
<p id="e08VZl">This is the Spurs applying the concept to this set. After the strong side hand-off and guard shallow cut to the weak side they pass to the big at the elbow with the purpose to hit Aldridge. Len gets caught backdoor. </p>
<div id="x1lAs6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7g6LnTmOemE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9Pzyzg">As I pointed out with the details of this set Kokoskov can improve in some areas, however, his best trait will always be putting players in the right position to succeed. </p>
<h2 id="6A9q0J"><strong>Igor Kokoskov ‘15’</strong></h2>
<p id="H3SSrF">This is a set Kokoskov ran for Slovenia creating a post touch for Anthony Randolph, putting his best post scorer in the best possible position to succeed. </p>
<div id="fQt0HC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rumq5ox-bjs?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="8n1xW2">The action also has great secondary options after the cross-screen with the two-guard coming off a pin-down up top. </p>
<p id="ZEwsaR">In summer league Kokoskov ran very similar action wanting to get <span>Deandre Ayton</span> a post touch. </p>
<div id="UIPaMN"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8HKMAd5kzsY?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="7PKPuz">On this possession the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> elect to double Ayton and switch, which creates mismatches across the court. If you look at the first clip with Slovenia, Doncic comes off a pin-down after the post touch. </p>
<p id="fbw31j">The secondary option is key for the Suns having a great offensive big in Ayton coupled with shooters such as Booker, Bridges and Reed. The Summer Suns struggled executing this concept of the set. </p>
<p id="EC01Ih">The <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a> switch the action as well here but without the double on Ayton - they front - and force a ball reversal. After setting the cross-screen Bridges needs to come off the middle pindown, that’s three every time with a shooter of his quality.</p>
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<p id="apppKF">In the first game against the Mavs it was the same issue. Defensively, it’s interesting, if you switch the first dribble hand-off from Peters - switch everything else - and double Ayton you leave Jackson open for three. </p>
<p id="wrKyaf">I still think Peters should try and set the pindown for Bridges similar to how Slovenia ran it. Regardless, it’s a great action to run with multiple options, looking forward to seeing how they put the pieces to the puzzle together. </p>
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<p id="u7tfP7">This is better execution and timing here with Reed coming off the pindown. </p>
<div id="gIQTBB"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l3UwQ91Btw8?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="Un5IKK">‘High-Low’</h2>
<p id="qu8h7f">Continuing on the theme of how Kokoskov is able to put his bigs in the best possible position, this is a High Low action he ran for Gasper Vidmar - a wide body big with limited post game. </p>
<p id="PRxQh4">Utilizing his wide body and ability to create space, Kokoskov does well putting him in the best possible position to succeed with this set. </p>
<p id="7FPEdn">I love the initial set design action to clear the center of the floor for the high low entry pass. </p>
<div id="UaUGp6"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZWLWRl-KSOY?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="eJU9fy">Like many of the other sets, the Summer Suns have understandably struggled with execution. </p>
<p id="UhYq4E">Ayton can’t seal Bagley in the post and leads to a turn over in the first clip. The second clip is better execution. One of the best elements of this set is giving Ayton a post touch from the center of the floor allows him have more options if the double comes. </p>
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<p id="Mb9bCO">To illustrate further, <span>Jack Cooley</span> is a wide body big with limited post game, Kokoskov fits him perfectly into this set. </p>
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<p id="oe1VfR">If you look across the NBA perennial playoff teams such as the Spurs, <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Rockets</a> and <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a> have created an organizational system that they adhere to and find players that fit into the system. </p>
<p id="bnmUWf">For example, with the Jazz the last five years you see the influx of international talent under Denis Lindsey and <span>Quin Snyder</span> who both come from the Spurs organization. The Rockets bringing in shooters every year through the draft and free agency. </p>
<p id="RXMHme">The Suns are in the right direction with the hiring of Coach Kokoskov - they will be able create a system that fits the current personnel - but will they be able to create an organizational system that sustains for the long-term?</p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/7/22/17532798/film-room-igor-kokoskovs-best-traitYusuf Saleem2018-05-10T12:00:02-07:002018-05-10T12:00:02-07:00Film Room: Lessons From Igor Kokoskov
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<img alt="NBA: Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XvTeuoJwWt-7jgIzcaPL97kUwcY=/0x279:3383x2534/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59694073/usa_today_9775589.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>First part of a series looking at some of the offensive concepts of new Phoenix Suns’ head coach Igor Kokoskov</p> <p id="6dnmCl">Looking to change the course of the franchise, the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> hired long-time NBA assistant coach <span>Igor Kokoskov</span>, believing he has what it takes to bring Phoenix back to the glory days of the early 2000s. Kokoskov brings a wealth of experience, serving as a high-level assistant for 18 years, and as a head coach on the international level. Most recently, Kokoskov lead Slovenia to the Eurobasket 2017 title in impressive fashion going undefeated in tournament play.</p>
<p id="VBdVoT">Kokoskov’s creativity impressed Phoenix Suns General Manager Ryan McDounough who said in a statement, “Igor’s teams have always had a player development focus, a creative style of play and a track record of success.”</p>
<p id="Cl7KFp">Many lessons can be learned from how Kokoskov was able to use his star guards Luka Doncic and Goran Dragic. This article is the first part of a series of articles studying the offense that propelled Slovenia to its first European Championship. </p>
<h1 id="IxHYA7"><strong>Value Center of the Floor</strong></h1>
<p id="TNoRLS">With multiple guards that break down the defense, Kokoskov incorporated different actions that allowed his guards to attack in space from the center of the floor. The first set is one of their most common sets, ‘Chin’.</p>
<h2 id="4G6EmJ">‘Chin’</h2>
<div id="Bl6bMM"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C2emsZCQojE?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="C7JokW">The four clips illustrate the primary action in the ‘Chin’ series. It’s a basic action where the lead guard hands-off, cuts to the weak side corner, and it flows into 5-out PnR. </p>
<p id="4qqzmP">In this clip Doncic signals his ‘Chin’ but they run good Pistol action up top before the 5-out PnR. </p>
<div id="XWIhG8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SjDHJ2qQpco?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ZEzzvO">One characteristic that separates coaches at the NBA level is secondary options built into the offense, allowing for better ball-movement, flow, and spacing. This is a good secondary option to the ‘Chin’ set where they run Randolph on a pindown to get a touch from the center of the floor. </p>
<div id="8gVZmk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YBDVUeVubb0?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="fGGIHu">This is a different set but a similar variation of ‘Chin’ action with hand-off and guard cutting over to the weak-side, but this time he receives the ball into a double ball-screen giving him space to attack from the center of the floor. </p>
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<h1 id="W8SlZf">‘0’</h1>
<p id="XNpvFy">This is one of my favorite actions Kokoskov ran for Slovenia at Eurobasket, where they set up a guard as the first screener, big as the second, and the big sets a pindown for the first guard screener. </p>
<div id="I0vUUi"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3wNUCnIHlPk?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="xy1ukk">The beauty of this action is the multiple options it can create, the first and last clips illustrate the good HI LO action that resulted as a secondary option. </p>
<p id="nc2E3l">The Suns did run a similar action this past season with good results, this is a clip of Booker getting free for an open three after setting up as the first screener. </p>
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<p id="s75nRv">The difference I love with Kokoskov is running misdirection out of Horns before getting into the action, in general it is an element that separates the top tacticians at the NBA level. </p>
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<p id="Q88sc4">This is another example where they run misdirection action out of Horns before getting into the action. </p>
<div id="sXtRfw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DRVJBqD6Ryw?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="LTcZkF">Spain PnR</h1>
<p id="5bsy9B">Another good action Kokoskov ran from the center of the floor is screen the screener action into Spain PnR (guard sets back-screen on opposing big), a common action many NBA teams have recently adopted, including the Suns. </p>
<p id="7UqAeR">You can see in the first clip Kokoskov giving the ‘Chin’ sign along with the right shirt signal, however, the sign changed from game to game along with different variations of the action. </p>
<div id="jX3Po0"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/09B-HdEaJzw?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="b7Kwr3"> A lot of times the action would be stagnant or have poor spacing as the back-screen was set with the defense in position. Slovenia had more success with the set when they ran an action before getting into the back-screen. </p>
<p id="Izm9a0">This is better action where they run Prepelic on a Zipper cut before getting into Spain PnR as oppose to having the guard set up. </p>
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<p id="2DsBhB">Same idea again with this set where they run Prepelic off the curl before getting into the action, leads to better spacing, a better shot. </p>
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<p id="zWYCw4">This another example where Prepelic has better spacing to drive, running the curl action before. </p>
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<p id="TD9Ybv">The Suns have run Spain PnR the last two seasons. It goes back to having an action before getting into the back-screen. In this case Beverely reads the action from the beginning. </p>
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<p id="R2nNXa">Kokoskov ran Spain PnR in similar fashion at times. </p>
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<h2 id="V0sLBP">‘Floppy’</h2>
<p id="3LpjEL">Floppy is a universal action all teams run at all levels of basketball. Kokoskov used floppy action before getting into the 5-out PnR from the center of the floor. </p>
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<p id="RyuuLj">I have written in the past on running a good action before the action, along with the synergistic triangle concept, the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> have mastered the art of both. </p>
<p id="CwERRw">This is one of their Floppy sets where they run a pindown before the synergistic triangle passing that is the caused by trapping the ball-handler. </p>
<div id="kHiBZL"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_bqkmO2BT6E?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="MB2KhT">The Suns have multiple ball-handlers that can play the role Dragic played in this set. It should be interesting to see how Kokoskov puts the pieces to the puzzle together. </p>
<h2 id="NE2jcq">‘Zipper PnR’</h2>
<p id="wm3dh7">A common action most NBA teams run as their primary side-out play is running a guard on a Zipper cut into a ball-screen at the center of the floor. Kokoskov also used this as his primary SOB set during Eurobasket. </p>
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<p id="whMwwk">The Suns have effectively used TJ Warren in this set the last two season, isolating him from the center of the floor with his mid-range game, I would expect Kokoskov to do the same. </p>
<h2 id="4YDeDj">Other Actions into 5-out PnR</h2>
<p id="HdPN5Q">These are some other actions I liked that Kokoskov ran before getting into 5-out PnR. The first is a flare screen into a ball-screen, a common action in Europe, something the Suns have also ran the last two seasons. </p>
<p id="7vi7p5">Kokoskov runs Pistol action in early-offense with a flare-screen into PnR. </p>
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<p id="r4nmqO">Early in the season the Suns ran similar Pistol action with a flare screen with little success. </p>
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<p id="KLd0Qd">This is another variation without the Pistol action up top running Booker off a wide pindown. </p>
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<p id="JPP3Go">Another good element Kokoskov ran is mixing up misdirection action on the left side. </p>
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<p id="tJh4Kx">One of the best actions that Kokoskov ran before 5-out PnR is wedge split action in early-offense. </p>
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<p id="gjFLnO">Initial action creates good spacing for the guards to attack from the center of the floor. </p>
<p id="ClYLon">The underlying theme is the focus Kokoskov had with running different actions to give his guards space to attack from the floor. I think the Suns have the right personnel to run many of the same actions. I also believe a quick guard with a lethal mid-range game such as <span>Tyler Ulis</span> can reap the most benefit. </p>
<p id="lBYzIl">Next part of the series will go in-depth into more of the common NBA actions Kokoskov ran including, Motion Weak, Pistol series, Pitch series, and his ‘15’ set. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/5/10/17332052/film-room-lessons-from-igor-kokoskovYusuf Saleem2018-01-02T08:00:02-07:002018-01-02T08:00:02-07:00Theoretical Analysis of Devin Booker On-Ball vs. Off-Ball
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<img alt="Philadelphia 76ers v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CqLLP134ekUqI6V-SMebvBZlqg8=/0x402:4912x3677/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58150281/900162246.jpg.1514589370.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look at how the Phoenix Suns current roster construction and offensive scheme limits their ability to play Devin Booker on-ball</p> <p id="yPJaRl">When the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> selected <span>Devin Booker</span> with the 13th overall pick in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">2015 NBA Draft</a> many believed the Kentucky shooting guard would strictly specialize as a spot-up shooter in the NBA. </p>
<p id="rXNyOJ">Jay Bilas compared Booker on draft night to one of the premier shooters in the league saying, “He really is a young <span>Klay Thompson</span>.”</p>
<p id="QuDykz">After two full seasons in the NBA, Booker has shown he has a lot more to his game than people thought, leaving the Suns management and coaching staff with more questions on how to build around their young superstar. </p>
<p id="MA2Bbm">If the Suns want to turn into a playoff contender with Booker as the primary ball handler it is critical to create a roster with more shooters, hire a coach with the right scheme and pair Booker with a bigger guard.</p>
<h1 id="se4AYe">Offensive Scheme</h1>
<h2 id="dcnDD2">‘Thumb Up’ </h2>
<p id="qE3XYV">I went into much more detail on this set<a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/10/12/16356672/part-1-deconstructing-the-phoenix-suns-offense"> in this piece earlier</a> if you are interested in learning more about it before continuing.</p>
<p id="GycCOC">‘Thumb Up’ used to be a staple in Watsons’ offense, which is a direct influence from his days under <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> head coach Terry Stotts. Triano comes from the same coaching tree working as an assistant under Stotts but he has reduced the frequency of this set. The key to this set when looking at it from the Booker on-ball vs off-ball standpoint is understanding the importance of bigger guards that can score in wing isolation. </p>
<p id="Ourg7Y">In this clip the pitch - back flare screen happens up top with Bledsoe coming off the flare screen. Throughout the pre-season and first couple games, I liked Watson’s idea of playing Booker on-ball more but I thought he forced it at times knowing the system is not built for smaller guards to play off-ball. </p>
<p id="ztG0FA">Watson recently mentioned in a Chris Broussard podcast interview how he wanted to play Booker on-ball more alongside <span>Josh Jackson</span> and TJ Warren. It’s the right idea to go with a bigger guard next to Booker compared to Bledsoe but that would have had little success as both Warren and Jackson are sub-par 3-point shooters.</p>
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<p id="28EYhi">The value of running Booker off the flare screen is not only his ability to score with ease in wing isolation but also his ability to post up smaller guards at that position. Booker’s advanced footwork in the post separates him from other All-Star level guards at the shooting guard position. </p>
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<p id="vCvqNp">The Trail Blazers run a similar system with a bigger guard in <span>CJ McCollum</span> coming off the flare screen or when they had <span>Allen Crabbe</span> coming off the bench in prior years. The Suns need to find another option besides Booker at that size. Ideally, they can address it through the draft with a prospect such as Luka Doncic, who would be the perfect fit. </p>
<p id="ZdysD7">After impressing during Summer League and pre-season in this set, Josh Jackson has had his struggles to start his rookie year. Later in the same game against the <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a>, Beverly put his thumb up signaling the pitch-back flare screen to occur, Watson elects to have Booker at the 3 spot with Jackson coming off the flare screen.</p>
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<p id="NE53Nv">In the pre-season, Watson used Jackson as a secondary option with James coming off the flare screen. This is the best spot to put Jackson in moving forward if they want Booker on-ball with either Warren, Reed, or Daniels coming off the flare screen. </p>
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<p id="khmHsa">Even though James does not get the ball, in this case, you can see how he is not a threat to score at that size and puts him in a bad position. I thought they ran into the same problem trying to play <span>Brandon Knight</span> as the backup shooting guard alongside Ulis in the second unit at times last year as well. </p>
<p id="z3jQN6">In general, the offense is at its best with simultaneous action. This is the best variation of ‘Thumb Up’ with Booker setting a back-screen simultaneous to the Warren pitch-back flare screen up top. If they play Booker at the point guard spot it would be Warren setting the back-screen and again it comes down to finding that piece who can come off the flare screen ... Josh Jackson?</p>
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<h2 id="n0XKhm">‘Spain PnR’</h2>
<p id="7nd0tW">Continuing with the theme of Booker setting a back-screen at the free-throw line newer action teams run in the NBA is called ‘Spain PnR’ named after the Spanish national team. </p>
<p id="MCi1V9">Last season the Suns had great success in this set with Booker setting the back-screen on the opposing teams big. At his size, the ability to post-up from the center of the floor gives him multiple options. </p>
<p id="6VZmZu">As Booker sees more double teams in the post it is best to give him touches from the center of the floor. This time they get an open 3 for <span>Tyler Ulis</span>. </p>
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<p id="fbHFI8">Booker gives the Suns a secondary option after setting the back-screen, something that would go away with him on-ball. In this case, Ingles reads the set early and hugs Booker but that opens the driving lane for Bledsoe with miscommunication between Gobert and Ingles. </p>
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<p id="GX8oDj">To start the season I was puzzled by Watson’s decision to run the action with Bledsoe setting the back-screen. The roster is currently not constructed to optimally play Booker on-ball but it makes little sense to force what is not there. </p>
<p id="fusTsp">Like the earlier clip with ‘Thumb Up’ Beverly knows what’s coming. With Booker on-ball, the second option with a post-up at the free throw line does not exist. Instead, Booker is forced to make the lob pass that is taken away. </p>
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<p id="f7FUhI">You can see the difference in this clip with Booker setting the back-screen on Brook Lopez. If the lob is not the available the ball-handler can go to the secondary option with Booker in the post. If teams elect to zone or double he has multiple options from the center of the floor oppose to when teams double Booker on the right or left block. </p>
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<p id="kBiuau">If the Suns were to play Booker on-ball more the rest of the year the only option that theoretically makes sense to use for the back-screen on the opposing big is <span>Troy Daniels</span>. </p>
<p id="QKgDx4">Daniels is shooting the three from this spot at 51.9% making him a solid option to use with Booker on-ball. </p>
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<p id="28BrGx">This is what the Suns need if they want to run Spain PnR with Booker on-ball, not what Watson was running with Bledsoe or James setting the back-screen. With teams hard hedging or trapping Booker in PnR action Daniels does not have even have the chance to back-screen Jonas Valanciunas. This is an action Triano could use in late game situations as well knowing teams are going to trap Booker. </p>
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<p id="pjh5Ou">Daniels also has the ability to come off a curl and put the ball and play-make which is important in certain counter situations. In this clip, watch how the entire Blazers coaching staff sniffs out Spain PnR calling out to their players. <span>Pat Connaughton</span> is not able to front Daniels in time allowing the back-screen to occur on Swanigan and Ulis is able to get to his spot. </p>
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<p id="x6fBwz">The very next play to start the second quarter <span>Connaughton</span> elects to front Daniels to not allow the back-screen to occur. Triano and the Suns are one step ahead countering with Daniels coming off the curl, which leads to the Len dunk. Daniels may not have a post game but the high IQ coupled with his shooting ability makes him a possible fit with Booker on-ball. </p>
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<h2 id="3j6Sna">‘Horns Down’</h2>
<p id="HdDw2J">This is a set that Triano has ran almost every game and has had great success with. The idea is running a cross-screen under the basket into an elevator or double-pindown screen for Booker. </p>
<p id="dDvFha">In this case, the rookie Kuzma does a poor job of initially reading the action and closing the elevator doors, in addition, he doesn’t close out on Booker but instead takes a step towards the basket. </p>
<p id="7wHtCj">If the Suns were to play Booker on-ball they would have to rely again on Troy Daniels or <span>Davon Reed</span>. At some point, the Suns have to look at adding more shooters either through the G-league, trade deadline, draft and free agency. </p>
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<p id="ISIDjR">This time Booker elects to go around rather than through the elevator doors. Harden chases inside but has no contest for an open three for Booker.</p>
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<p id="9uQTcg">Not only does Booker bring the elite shooting ability playing off-ball it is his high basketball IQ that makes him so special. If you study the games Booker has played against Boston he is one step ahead on how to counter the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a>’ defensive schemes. The 70 point game was a clinic on how to run a counter Zipper set. </p>
<p id="rhCN7h">This time they flip the direction of the cross-screen. Horford does a good job of closing the elevator doors forcing Booker to go around. But watch how Booker attacks on the catch and knows exactly how to counter left, getting the re-screen from Chriss, taking Brown out of the action, which allows him to drive on Horford. </p>
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<p id="ctP4IG">With Booker on the bench, Triano went to an interesting counteraction against the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors</a> earlier this season. <span>Kyle Lowry</span> signals Horns Down to his teammates who clearly had it scouted out, so they counter into getting Warren isolated from the center of the floor. </p>
<p id="DLqqnN">Theoretically, this is a great example to further analyze what Booker on-ball would like in Triano’s offense. If they chose to go with a lineup of Warren and Jackson alongside Booker this set would have limited options as both Warren and Jackson are not able to come through the elevator doors. </p>
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<p id="ciRYpS">Later in the same game, the question is answered as Booker signals Horns Down as the primary ball-handler. If you turn up the volume you can hear Booker yell, ‘Horns Down’. The only other option right now to come through the elevator doors is Daniels who was out of sync with Jackson on the cross-screen. </p>
<p id="cWkRc6">Jackson has been out of position frequently this season but I’m not exactly sure why Booker makes the read to attack the basket maybe thinking Jackson would seal the defender. </p>
<div id="KF5DqU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7lYpGhyCNVA?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Ku6pdz">This time in the third quarter DeRozan fronts Daniels and he is not able to come through the elevator doors clean for an open 3. If Daniels can prove to make this step-back jumper he deserves more minutes next to Booker. </p>
<p id="XNAtDT">Overall, this is another set that shows Booker needs an shooter such as Troy Daniels to play next to him at the SG position to have success on-ball. Should #TheTimeline move forward with Daniels in this role next season? </p>
<h2 id="hvAVcv">‘Pistol Action’</h2>
<p id="oMQBOy">The <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a> have provided a blueprint for how to win with an elite guard on ball. The Rockets run a lot of ‘Pistol or 21’ action in early offense. With NBA teams looking to play with more speed this action has picked up in the last couple years; the Suns are no different. </p>
<p id="Qzog7Z">The Rockets have a superstar guard on-ball in <span>James Harden</span>, but the key to their success is surrounding him with shooters and creating a system for him thrive in. This is a variation of the action with a strong side hand-off into a double drag screen. </p>
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<p id="wYHLCS">Last season with Booker on-ball in Pistol action Watson had little success in part due to the design of the sets and the roster construction. This was a common Pistol action in Watson’s offense that essentially turned into a weave up top with the idea of generating space for the Chandler - Bledsoe PnR. </p>
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<p id="LO0Pgp">Later in the game they adjusted with Brandon Knight on-ball, running the Pistol Weave action to generate space for the Booker - Chriss PnR. I just don’t think that would work considering how much Booker relies on his In-Out going laterally, it would be best to empty the strong side corner. </p>
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<p id="Z4HWEq">Could the Suns have ran the same double drag action with Booker in Harden’s position that the Rockets have had so much success with? No, it all goes back to pairing Booker with an elite shooter such as <span>Eric Gordon</span>.</p>
<p id="MXk3Hw">When playing elite defenders such as <span>Andre Roberson</span>, Watson designed the Pistol action to help Booker to get his spots or get switches against a team such as the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a>. </p>
<p id="LmcM3U">This is the same double drag Pistol action the Rockets run with Harden and Gordon. It’s a good set allowing Booker to get a step on Roberson but you have to play him off-ball. </p>
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<p id="IJwxKK">Similar to many other NBA teams the Suns look to get their best offensive option switched onto <span>Stephen Curry</span> when playing the Golden State Warriors. Pistol action with Booker off-ball allows this to happen. </p>
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<p id="XyNkfW">Earlier in the same Curry and Thompson had miscommunication on the switch allowing Booker to get free for the three. The value of getting the switch is big when playing Booker off-ball it makes the most sense to put him there in the majority of Pistol sets the Suns run. </p>
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<p id="6cDgEV">Early this season Watson installed a new Pistol set with a flare screen into a ball-screen, which is a common action in Europe that has picked up in the NBA. Triano has reduced the frequency of this action but it is yet another example of how Booker is optimally played off-ball. </p>
<p id="4vxwdb">Watson never played Booker at the spot of Jackson or Warren in this set. That would be the best spot, not as the one or the two. </p>
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<p id="GlrqTZ">The Suns made a smart move in trading for Troy Daniels in the off-season. This season they have been able to run this Pistol set to generate an open three for Daniels. Moving forward I would like to see Triano experiment with the double drag action and give Booker more minutes on-ball next to Daniels. </p>
<p id="Ud39UG">Theoretically, Troy Daniels and Davon Reed are the only players on the Suns roster that would give Booker a chance to show just how special of a play-maker he can be. </p>
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<p id="6LdVKZ">As the Suns continue the rebuilding process one of the most important keys to #TheTimeline is finding the piece to play next to <span>Devin Booker</span>. Ideally, the Suns should look to find an Eric Gordon clone to pair with Booker in a system that allows him to flourish on-ball. </p>
<p id="5LVCQI">Booker has all the tools to become an elite play-maker; The ability to keep defenders on his hip, high basketball IQ, and some of the best footwork in the NBA. If Booker were to play in a system similar to Harden in Houston he would be a legit MVP candidate in this league. It’s on the Suns front office to realize that potential and not limit his ability to show how special of a basketball player he is. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/1/2/16803994/theoretical-analysis-of-devin-booker-on-ball-vs-off-ballYusuf Saleem2017-10-12T08:00:01-07:002017-10-12T08:00:01-07:00Part 1: Deconstructing The Phoenix Suns’ Offense
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<img alt="NBA: Toronto Raptors at Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WbYEYcXcpyURFv3aGsXzf8awjCo=/0x114:2176x1565/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57092789/usa_today_9298865.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>First part of a series looking at the Suns’ offense</p> <p id="tdHkZ7">With the start of the season a week away it’s time to examine the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>’ offense. For Part 1 of the series I’ll break down one of <span>Earl Watson</span>’s most common sets, ‘Thumb Up.’</p>
<p id="a1NxCS">If you have read some of the previous articles I have written about Watson you know how this set has been passed down within the <span>Terry Stotts</span> coaching tree. The blocker - mover motion offense has been around college basketball for decades, but the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Trail Blazers</a>’ head coach has made the motion offense thrive in Portland. With the Suns having their most lethal scoring options at the guard positions, it is no coincidence Earl Watson, who is a former player under Stotts, has elected to build the Phoenix Suns’ offense around this concept. </p>
<h1 id="QuGcWu">Main Action</h1>
<p id="zaR6eJ">This set is designed to get a guard free in motion from one side of the court to the other side, going right or left. At the NBA level it usually leads to isolation attempts from the wings. The idea is running a mover (in this case Booker) for the blocker (Chriss). </p>
<p id="yZm9Fq">The name ‘Thumb Up’ comes from the hand sign and call they use most of the time, although they obviously have to change it up at times. You can see how Bledsoe has to put his thumb up twice when Booker does not see it the first time. </p>
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<p id="qi8CiN">The pitch back flare screen - where Booker gets the ball back as he flares left here - rarely works without proper strong side action. The Suns need to get Porzingis’s eyes away from Booker. This is a short shot Booker should make, but if Chriss continues a couple of steps higher faking a pick-and-roll it would give Booker a better angle to possibly drive when Porzingis doesn’t make a strong decision. </p>
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<p id="bWuk7T">When Porzingis actively tracks Booker in this next clip, a veteran player like Chandler continues with the action into a true pick-and-roll. But Chriss hesitates for a second and forces Booker to decide between midrange shots for he or Chriss. Booker is able to shoot on the catch so he takes the shot, but giving Booker a better target is a small detail Chriss will learn as he plays more minutes at the 5. Either pop back to the three-point line, or roll to the rim when both his defender and Booker’s put all their attention on Booker.</p>
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<h2 id="a6HNkC">Pros</h2>
<p id="SIH0Do">I’m not a huge fan of this set they way the Suns ran it most of the time last season. However, the set does have positive elements and makes sense considering the Suns’ primary scoring options are at the guard positions. </p>
<p id="IOuMc6">The first aspect is the attention certain teams give Booker coming off the flare screen. These teams include the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> and the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> but one team in particular is the <a href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">New Orleans Pelicans</a>. </p>
<p id="JV1NfM">Booker decides to finish with the floater this time but you can see how it creates weak side spacing for open shooters. </p>
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<p id="4ALhAI">The other idea is creating switches with defensive miscommunication. Wall gets lost for a second which allows Booker to fade off the screen. He shoots a much higher percentage when he can get his feet square. </p>
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<p id="oeW6kx">The <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> are notorious for defensive miscommunication. The Suns have always had success with this set against the Clippers for this reason. </p>
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<h2 id="IIc3rz">Cons</h2>
<p id="hPwPOM">Watson runs this set multiple times every game it is the primary motion set in the blocker-mover offense. Certain teams will have it scouted well and create good defensive schemes. Watch how <span>Patrick Beverley</span> puts his thumb up before Bledsoe signaling the action coming to his teammates.</p>
<p id="cBlUjW">Also notice the other main flaw with this set is the limited secondary options if Booker is not open off the flare screen or is not able to beat his defender. </p>
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<p id="AKw2rH">Watson comes back a minute later and they run the same set. Based on my converastions with him and how he makes in-game adjustments, I would guess it was a counter action. Booker and Bledsoe were not on the same page and once the timing is thrown off on the pitch-back the entire set breaks. </p>
<p id="LR4Fa4">The limited secondary option is the number one drawback in running the blocker-mover motion offense at the NBA level. With the way the Suns ran this particular set last year the only option is setting a weak side pin down for Tucker. </p>
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<p id="vOsAxJ">At the start of the season the Suns had the highest PicknRoll frequency in the synergy database ever at 25%. That is the worst stat you can possibly have as it shows the flaws in the overall system. The other secondary option with just a pitch back and strong side pin down is basic PnR action. This is why I think many fans believe nothing is happening and it is just isolation basketball. </p>
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<p id="Om0htS">The best teams in the NBA have a flow that allows them to stay away from basic PnR as the secondary option. It is tough to design sets in the blocker-mover offense with good secondary options. </p>
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<h2 id="1w8xWB">Booker Partner</h2>
<p id="Xa9wQG">As seen with the clip against the Pelicans, Booker will have a ton of attention from teams moving forward. Watson has experimented with different players at the position to set the flare screen based on the match-ups. One variation I liked from the 2016 pre-season was Warren setting the flare screen and taking advantage of his ability to finish in the paint. </p>
<p id="YCLzQM">Portland has a smaller lineup which allows them to do this more easily, but I think with Warren expecting to play the 4 more this season we can look for him to set some flare screens. </p>
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<p id="O4oQ5J">Teams scheme the set differently. I like how Denver keeps <span>Wilson Chandler</span> on the weak side forcing Booker to make the pass to <span>Tyson Chandler</span>, who does a good job of finishing this time. It is critical for the Suns to find the best partner to play with Booker coming off the flare screen. </p>
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<p id="8Ps36K">In this clip <span>Kevin Love</span> is set on taking away Booker from the action. Chriss can jump out of the gym, but I would prefer having a smooth finisher to pair with Booker such as TJ Warren or <span>Alan Williams</span>. </p>
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<h2 id="DtXF47">Counter and Secondary Options</h2>
<p id="La1RUF">Watson was limited last season with his counter and secondary options because of the personnel, but based on the additions to the team this season we should see better action. </p>
<p id="N3ZJux">This is a counter slip action they ran to get the switch off Klay Thompson. It is a simple action but effective in giving Booker an open look. You will see Watson run this type of counter action against teams with elite on-ball defenders such as Thompson. </p>
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<p id="DG3lm9">Watson told me he had not input in Summer League sets but the coaching staff ran the same system. Portland used to run ‘Thumb Punch’ as a secondary option with the entry into the post for LaMarcus Aldridge. Watson previously mentioned the similarities he sees between Aldridge and Chriss. </p>
<p id="INyVqh">Having a 5 that can space the floor and be a threat on both blocks is a huge boost considering they did not have that with Chandler in the lineup. This is a big reason why I think they want Chriss to develop as a 5. </p>
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<p id="JIY6fI">My favorite concept Watson has in the his blocker-mover offense is the Spain action with Booker setting a back-screen. The key to this offense is simultaneous actions that can lead to more options. Warren coming off the flare screen while Booker sets the back-screen forces McCollum to take away the lob to Chriss. </p>
<p id="f5wST8">If you are looking to compare why the Suns offense can’t replicate the success Portland has had this the main reason. Watson runs basic action with no simultaneous movement way too frequently. Watch the difference this season when Booker sets back-screens. </p>
<p id="QmuVHG">Portland has ran this action the past couple of seasons, I have been waiting to see the Suns run it more. It is really exciting they have focused on this concept running at as the first set in the pre-season game!</p>
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<p id="tEbv5R">Can this young team consistently sustain the best concepts in this offense for 48 minutes? I do not expect them too. As seen with this first pre-season game in particular they were focused for the first five minutes and the action disappeared as the game went along...the biggest problem right now when it comes to Xs and Os. You can be good in stretches like the Warriors are and turn it on and off when they want, but the Suns are not experienced enough to do that right now. </p>
<h2 id="7mGIVs">Josh Jackson Impact</h2>
<p id="gOj0Gj">Based on the first two pre-season games it is evident the impact Jackson will have on this set. Jackson’s passing and atheltic ability open up the playbook more for Watson this season. </p>
<p id="nDctdR">Last season the Suns had PJ Tucker as an option but he presented no threat. This is a designed counter set based on how the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> were defending all game. The wing PnR action allows Bledsoe to get to the rim. </p>
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<p id="cA2myV">A quick counter action Watson tried in the pre-season for Jackson was running Booker off the flare with the no pitch-back and seeing if Jackson can score coming off the strong side pin-down. </p>
<p id="IQRovo">You can see Bledsoe has to put his thumb up twice but notice how he signals Booker to continue, wanting to counter into the Jackson pin-down. In this case with the rookie Collins out of position it would have been best to hit Booker coming off the flare. </p>
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<p id="364dpw">I would prefer they run Booker off the flare screen to his right and allow Jackson to attack baseline to his left. This would help both players out especially Jackson who loves attacking left rather than a tough pull-up jumper. </p>
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<p id="MGYqDq">Same idea here. Jackson has a read to make between the entry into Chriss or attack. Studying his film from college he loves attacking from the left wing. </p>
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<p id="1GuXjC">Similar to the Booker clip above where they ran counter action action against the Warriors. Jackson elects drive right off the pitch from James. Good attack and quick read. Just gives them more options this season. </p>
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<p id="bQvJkw">Watson had Tucker in this secondary option most of the time last season. Jackson adds another element this season. Daniels is not open coming off the flare screen, so watch how they set a double pin-down up top. It’s a good patient read by Ulis. Eventually the potential of Jackson’s play-making impact from this spot will be more evident as the season progresses. </p>
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<p id="vzICBq">This clip in Summer League shows how he can make the right read. Teams will give him more attention coming off the flare which is huge to have in this offense allows for weak side spacing and open shots for Booker. </p>
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<p id="IZUrqh">What excites me the most is Jackson’s ability to make this lefty pass coming off the flare screen, giving Watson more counter options to rely on. One idea is running Thumb Up into hammer action which is what Kansas pretty much ran here- but with Jackson just coming on an Iverson cut instead of the flare screen. </p>
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<p id="fPmBhb">This season Jackson gives them not only more counter options but the ability to come of the flare screen. Defenders will have to go under the screen respecting his athleticism. </p>
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<p id="7NVg5c">As Jackson develops his post game the ability to score in isolation from the wings also helps increase the success rate of the set. ‘Thumb Up’ is designed for isolation opportunities from the wings. </p>
<div id="eViM8U"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nItGyxp5D2k?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="Mp6p4E">Consistency and Sustainability </h2>
<p id="cjZ1qU">The blocker-mover offense works with the proper personnel and the ability to generate different counter options within set. Watching the first two pre-season games the Suns have had stretches running the best concepts in the offense. The key is having simultaneous action to the flare screen, the best option in my opinion is Booker setting a back-screen. </p>
<p id="mSYdfI">It should be interesting to see how Watson continues to make adjustments to the system and especially his most common set ‘Thumb Up.’The biggest question mark is can this team sustain a high level of play for 48 minutes for 82 games and that is not just on the players but also on the coaching staff to make the right calls at the right times. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/10/12/16356672/part-1-deconstructing-the-phoenix-suns-offenseYusuf Saleem2017-08-22T08:00:02-07:002017-08-22T08:00:02-07:00From Moss Point to the Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker Has Had Superstar Written All Over Him
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<img alt="NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/heHUfP8wMYOS1TEXUO6p_F3KhVo=/0x148:3842x2709/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56297333/usa_today_9210367.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A film-based look at why Devin Booker has next</p> <p id="cXRbCQ"></p>
<p id="faz05O"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a> night 2015. Barclays Center; Brooklyn, New York. Commissioner Adam Silver announces the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> selection, “With the 13th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft the Phoenix Suns select <span>Devin Booker</span> from the University of Kentucky.” A moment that would forever shift the fortunes of the Phoenix Suns franchise. A pick that would give a hopeless fan-base their own superstar, <span>Devin Booker</span>. </p>
<p id="IGMs8R">Long before Devin Booker was scoring 70 points in an NBA game, or gaining praise from all-time greats; he was the first one up for 4am beach runs in Mississippi and the last one to leave the gym after late night shooting drills. The professional work ethic was instilled into Booker; moreover, he learned the grind of the NBA and the attention to detail needed to succeed. From the time Booker was 15 years old he had the drive to become an NBA star. </p>
<p id="WhcuzW">To truly understand why Booker is such a special talent, you have to understand how his father trained him from a young age. Entering his sophomore year in high school Melvin Booker, a former journeyman pro basketball player, moved his son from Michigan to Mississippi. Booker often speaks about the transformation he had to go through on and off the court. Playing AAU basketball for his local team, Booker said, “Coming from Mississippi I have to prove myself, all these kids from Chicago and L.A. think these are the country boys, so you have to go out there and play your best every game”. </p>
<p id="1ueas2">No matter how much success Booker will have at the NBA level, he will always play with that chip on his shoulder, looking to prove people wrong just like his days as a high school player in Mississippi. Booker plays with a competitive fire that was honed playing pick up games at the park in Moss Point, learning the art of trash talk has given him a reputation in the NBA. </p>
<p id="kR3xCZ">Devin Booker has all the tools; fundamentally sound footwork, natural shooting ability, and 3-Dimensional Scoring. Booker scores like a 10 year veteran in the NBA, a direct influence of training with his father. As a highschool-er, Booker mentioned the impact Melvin Booker has had on him, “I think I’ve gotten as good as I have is just cause having a father in my life teaching me everything, just being on the next level...he’s taught me things that not many kids get to see.” Booker has been taught how to play basketball the right way, not a coincidence he has broken scoring records as a 20 year old in the NBA. </p>
<h3 id="r8Rsi5">Natural Shooter</h3>
<p id="7d5mfj">Coming out of Kentucky, Booker was labeled as the best shooter in the draft by many scouts and executives. In his lone season at Kentucky, Booker shot 41% from 3PT territory according to <a href="http://hoop-math.com">hoop-math.com</a>. Watching his college film it was evident that Booker was a natural shooter. </p>
<p id="u8Wa7H">One of the biggest signs of a natural shooter is how the ball never comes below the waist after the catch. </p>
<div id="tTnJ7Y"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I7VL10E9eCE?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ganZ2J">This is a great clip showing how his pure shooting translates to the NBA level. </p>
<div id="8Z5h1Q"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IBgBLjZgjZ4?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="kWvurX">Early on his second year Booker was really showing his ability to shoot without the ball coming below his waist, shooting the ball effortlessly with a quick release. Booker shot the right corner 3PT at 58.6% about 20 percentage points higher than the league average 38.8% according to stats.nba.com</p>
<div id="xt998f"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1KTkaCEQlMI?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="WwRZ1p">If you ever watch Booker warm-up notice the attention to detail he has with his hips, it translates to the games. Booker creates rhythm into the shot with his hips, why he looks so effortless with the shot. </p>
<p id="YcGzry">It’s rare to come across a young shooter with such great mechanics and attention to detail. </p>
<div id="6dugLe"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eiDPfrtxdy4?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="uZrXyl">The elevation Booker gets on his shot, both off screens and out of PnR, is what makes it impossible to contest. The majority of great shooters naturally bring the ball from the left side of the body, Booker has the ability to shoot from both sides. </p>
<div id="e8NSj9"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xg9eD3mPczk?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="2oZ7Cz">He loves snaking PnR action going to his left. The amount of elevation he gets on the shot shows he’s a natural shooter. </p>
<div id="hGfIP8"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hcW1lkG3yUc?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="SAxzx9">My favorite stat on Booker is that he lead the league with six quarters scoring more than 25 points. If you want to be a superstar in the NBA you have to be a streaky scorer with the ability to take over games, he has that natural talent. </p>
<h3 id="fE4Qef">Repeatable Patterns</h3>
<p id="jydYFn">Similar to the clip above Booker has been trained to play with repeatable patterns of play. From scoring in the post to attacking off the dribble, everything about his game is trained patterns of play.</p>
<p id="X4vInw">This is a clip of Booker shooting in the Final Four. Attack on the catch, one dribble rhythm to his left, you can tell he’s done it thousands of times in empty gyms. </p>
<div id="5dDbOf"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dMJAb_W7DVU?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Ccyanp">Now with John Calipari sitting courtside, Booker goes to a very similar rhythm pull-up. This is why his shooting numbers will eventually translate to the NBA level as early as this season. Fundamentally sound habits, going straight to his rhythm off the catch. </p>
<div id="SzYbqF"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G_6VeZi54ys?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="h0eETQ">Attacking off the dribble, Booker’s best rhythm pattern is the between the legs dribble going to his left plus attack defenders outside foot. </p>
<div id="XwTP1x"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A_uSz8b7MuQ?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Lfc2SD">Most NBA players have patterns they practice, but Booker has patterns that translate to the games. He knows he can get to his spots regardless of who is guarding him. </p>
<div id="TpuXky"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KNL8GKm2O3o?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9JGAyG">I could look at all the different footwork and rhythm patterns Booker uses, however it is best to study how he operates on the right block. </p>
<p id="oiidQS">This is Booker’s best move on the right block. One quick up fake to getting the defender to freeze and shoot over the top. Every elite shooting guard in the NBA is above 6’5, what separates Booker is his natural post game to go with the size. </p>
<div id="SPlUHA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Nuf3qYaqR8?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="yKLmPT">Booker is a 3-Dimensional Scorer, he can beat you in the post, attacking off the dribble, and as a three-point shooter. In the post versus smaller guards Booker is able to shoot over them with this move. </p>
<p id="zedGvq">Notice the quick ball fake on Smart getting him to freeze. </p>
<div id="fP04Mf"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nwotnyFk0Yc?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="2PoWA1">Every player at the NBA level has different ways to create rhythm in their head. Booker is very unique with how he trains rhythm patterns, <span>Kobe Bryant</span> was the same way. No one else in the NBA today has a rhythm as advanced as this quick ball fake. </p>
<div id="HMKsnH"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wxbts-ODDjo?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="USq501">With his back to the basket Booker understands how to attack based on a defender’s body position, creating angles to score. </p>
<p id="Ylftvz">Watch how feels Nelson here with his shoulders trying to get him to bite one way. The majority of the time you’ll see Booker go baseline. As he will deal with more double teams moving forward it will be the best aspect of his post game. </p>
<div id="GgBqqh"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TlNVPsFjEUU?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="3pWw1q">Later in the same game the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> come back with <span>Gary Harris</span>, you can see how Booker gets Harris to move left allowing him to drive to the opposite side. Booker can control defender’s in the post with his shoulders. </p>
<div id="mI0Aub"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0AmMWoPUS7Y?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="7KFlnB">This time on <span>Patrick Beverley</span> notice how he controls Beverley’s body position opening the drive baseline. That is way too easy for Booker. </p>
<div id="cAs1nw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s6mK3VbVVJ8?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="eSreem"><span>Kobe Bryant</span> was the best at using the shoulder feel to create different scoring angles. Devin Booker is the best I’ve seen since. </p>
<div id="UXMAyo"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p5Wr9oP2Jus?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ndY9Zm">What makes Booker special is how he has had a bully post game to go along with the attention to detail. </p>
<div id="g7VZd1"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fsa_wjI4yDE?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="J6fppS">The physicality and body control translates to the NBA level. Booker lead the league in And One Frequency at 5.8%. </p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k2j1w1SzOGzE-ESX_qYj6YdYS4U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9079953/bookern1.png">
<cite>Twitter (@krishansonRCF)</cite>
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<p id="yRLJN4">Booker also has good rhythm concepts with how uses the ball fake on the right block. Almost always goes to the two dribble rhythm pull up to his left after the ball fakes. </p>
<div id="sguQGO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ln_h65yXSM?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="K11sHJ">Watch how he uses the ball fake to create rhythm in his head. He is not trying to pass it is about a rhythm that he has trained and generating momentum into the shot. </p>
<div id="9fBsko"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wvrhbxfk1qw?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="xp8Kl4">Another great way to illustrate how Booker plays with rhythm patterns is how scores in Watson’s Zipper sets. </p>
<p id="7JnhOz">Notice how he comes off the screen attacking the defender’s outside foot with his right foot. One Dribble rhythm attack. </p>
<div id="TQFQtl"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nBMgmT-ADmo?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="4PPC0e">Now this time vs the Nuggets, it’s all a trained rhythm pattern with how uses his feet and dribbles. Booker has the most advanced rhythm patterns in the NBA at 20-years-old, you can just tell by looking at his eyes when he plays. </p>
<div id="kBnPMT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xuGTrg9wF1U?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ZblDbC">This is another great clip showing how at this point he subconsciously uses his right foot when it is completely necessary to create space. </p>
<div id="ST4qgc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F5G4hrbnu4A?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="EA8ivT">Booker’s advanced rhythm patterns are the reason he broke <span>LeBron James</span> record of 16 consecutive games with 20 points. He will never have a season below 20 PPG, which is an above average player in the NBA, what will make Booker a superstar is how he can take over games with streaky scoring. </p>
<h3 id="qbL11d">High IQ</h3>
<p id="bsGcXO">Booker makes up for elite athleticism with a high basketball IQ, learning professional tips and tricks from his father. </p>
<p id="ftssm0">The best way to illustrate Booker’s IQ is how he scores in Watson’s Zipper sets. Within each Zipper set Watson has different counter actions based on the defensive schemes and match-ups. At the same time, Booker has to make the right read based on what he sees. </p>
<p id="Lf2OnT">A Zipper cut is when the guard (Booker) cuts towards the opposite direction of his basket facing away usually from a down screen. Teams elect to front Booker not allowing him to meet Chriss into the screen, watch how he points to Warren clearing out the weak side to come off the Chandler screen. </p>
<div id="WBrz6Q"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YwvpAAJmotw?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="TmfDkF"><span>Wilson Chandler</span> elects to front Booker, so he is smart to counter into the weak side double pin-down option. It turns into a pick your poison situation for the opposing teams with Booker’s high IQ. </p>
<div id="YbS3xY"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pVY1Ur5FwVA?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="szn0KS">The other option Booker does well is fading to strong side corner rather than continuing towards the ball handler. Booker is one step ahead of Reddick knowing he is going to spin inside as that is how he played him all game. </p>
<div id="DOMegR"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NAkVLegl_uY?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="rq5bCv">Booker like many elite guards has the ability to keep defenders on his hip. This was key at the end of the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> game last season. Watch how he has the IQ to keep Roberson on his hip and call for Bledsoe to flash middle. Perfect timing on the attack, creating the angle to score. </p>
<div id="ZuYSzd"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ihVwLmr_tM?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="LEbYl8">In PnR Booker is one step ahead of the defense. As soon as he see Henson hedge left he will cross-over attack left. </p>
<div id="mhYzlu"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kS1IBg9RLU4?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="9eN51T">It was the same concept he used at Moss Point, points for the big to set the screen but rejects understanding how the defense was going to play him. </p>
<div id="879M33"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GxZg2S34Vc4?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="GfQNX3">This time he reads Horford and spins away. Booker is a very underrated play-maker at this stage, he will average at least 6 assists a game at some point in his career. His high IQ coupled with his ability to keep guards on his hip is very reminiscent of <span>James Harden</span>. </p>
<div id="3pQCnz"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4PXk7u-ois?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h3 id="4GnLma">Bread and Butter Moves</h3>
<p id="EI8Kk5">Booker has some of the best go to moves in the NBA, and with his high IQ he knows how to use his counters. All the great scorers in the last decade such as Kobe Bryant, <span>Dwyane Wade</span>, <span>Paul Pierce</span>, all have moves that everyone knows which is what makes them good. </p>
<p id="qLcEk6">His bread and butter move from Moss Point to the Suns is his patented In-Out move. </p>
<div id="H1ZOKi"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ulbVV-1W2vI?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="PKho98">As a rookie thrown into the fire this was Booker’s lifeline. Most elite guards in the NBA have a good In-Out, what separates Booker is how he can go laterally towards the baseline once he gets Bazemore on his hip. The hard sell to go along with the hesitation holds the big. </p>
<div id="IHPt8z"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HTbGblge5g0?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="7jyecE">Booker has some of the best footwork in the NBA. Watch how he pushes with the left before right to create space while going laterally towards the baseline. High level move, he is the only guard in the NBA right now that can consistently use this footwork pattern. </p>
<div id="Emnq3k"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wqy9HAslenc?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="5n9LDM">Kobe Bryant used the same footwork pattern with the In-Out dribble, pushing with his left foot before right laterally to create space. Booker is the only guard in the NBA that has it and he’s had from a young age. </p>
<div id="LBPqHz"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jueDDULqXU4?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="BxB0i2">Not only does Booker have the In-Out to create space for a jump shot, he has the best In-Out finish in the NBA. </p>
<p id="rtE7Nl">Watch the attention to detail here with the footwork for the quick off hand finish to beat Gobert. Off the charts hard to do. </p>
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<p id="dxOvSm">It’s not by accident he has it in the NBA, Booker had been working on it for years with his father at Moss Point. The biggest thing for any NBA player is translating their play from a lower level of basketball to the NBA, Booker has done that and the sky is the limit now.</p>
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<p id="ae2ZZs">Like all the elite guards in the NBA, Booker is really good at keeping defenders on his hip. It doesn’t matter who you are, once he gets you on his hip it’s over. </p>
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<p id="HXrT8x">Now what separates Booker is his footwork to keep defenders on his hip out of Post PnR. A player like James Harden does not have the footwork out of the post that Booker has, but Harden is the best at getting defenders on his hip. </p>
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<p id="GeWLcz">This is one of Booker’s bread and butter moves on the left block. Watch how he holds his defender on his hip while reading Davis. The footwork and timing is key, once Davis goes left he creates an angle to score. </p>
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<h3 id="QY56J6">Footwork</h3>
<p id="KseBqd">Footwork is what separates elite scorers in the NBA today and has historically. The players with the best footwork are always the elite scorers of that generation. Booker has some of the best footwork in the NBA at 20-years-old. </p>
<p id="xvk5eE">You can tell footwork is his number one priority on the court because of Melvin Booker’s influence. Although he did not show much of his post game at Kentucky, many NBA teams missed on studying his film from Moss Point. </p>
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<p id="69Aart">Notice how Booker works with his right foot staying on balance in the post. </p>
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<p id="fuozOU">Studying Kobe Bryant’s footwork you can see the similarities with how well they hold their pivot foot. In my opinion, Booker has the best footwork out of the post for a guard in the NBA right now. Even Bryant himself said after playing him, “I think his footwork is fantastic”. </p>
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<p id="V3fRQb">Booker is fundamentally sound in every aspect of the game. Attacking on the catch and with how he uses his right foot, number one sign of a player who has good footwork. </p>
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<p id="2aw2Mq">Out of the post Booker has almost every move in the book. I do think this is the move he will have to use more, and will use more on the right block in the future. Simple footwork into a smooth release. </p>
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<p id="wzVCL2">This was Bryant’s best move on the right block. Booker is one of the few players in the NBA today that can make this consistently. </p>
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<h3 id="WRD9Ya">Stardom</h3>
<p id="bh2LHN">The idea that Booker will always be an inefficient scorer is not true. If you look at all the other great scorers in the last decade Booker had a higher eFG% than Kobe Bryant and LeBron James at the same point in their respective careers. The most critical year for any NBA player is their third year, it illustrates your future in the NBA. Booker will show a similar jump in his third year as these other players. He has a lot more to his game than people think. </p>
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<p id="jXRxU3">Studying his film from Moss Point it is evident that Booker has a great feel for the game and is natural playmaker with a high IQ. Although the question marks still remain on the defensive end to become a true “superstar”, Booker will surprise this season with his defensive progress. Booker is a player where it has to click, once it clicks defensively in terms of understanding of angles he will become a much better defensive player. He was never a defensive liability at Kentucky and eventually that will translate to the NBA. </p>
<p id="mKW6nh">What do Kobe Bryant, <span>Stephen Curry</span>, <span>Kyrie Irving</span>, <span>Klay Thompson</span> all have in common? They all had a father that played professional basketball, fundamentally sound footwork, and are streaky scorers. Devin Booker checks all the boxes, the most critical aspect of having a former pro player as his father to teach him the fundamental of the game.</p>
<p id="lfQJJs">The majority of basketball fans will say the lineage is Michael Jordan - Kobe Bryant - ?. Many fans wonder who will be that next great scorer in the NBA. The answer is already here, Devin Booker has next. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/8/22/16137750/from-moss-point-to-the-phoenix-suns-devin-booker-has-had-superstar-written-all-over-himYusuf Saleem2017-08-09T05:00:02-07:002017-08-09T05:00:02-07:00Basketball Theory: A Classical Concept to Help the Suns Offense Generate Better Results
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A theoretical look at the Synergistic Two Pass Triangle Principle and How it Applies to the Suns’ Offense. </p> <p id="XEH6vi">Basketball can be played a thousand different ways, with hundreds of strategical perspectives, and scores of coaching philosophies. In essence, the basketball thinkers of the past have laid the foundation for modern basketball theory. The idea of basketball originated in the late 19th century, naturally the game has evolved with various rule changes, innovations, and the rise of coaching trees. Today’s game of basketball is diverging from the original philosophies of team-oriented strategies and shifting to a more star-driven approach in the Pick-and-Roll Era. </p>
<p id="yf5lLv">In the NBA historically and today, contending teams are those who can reverse engineer what works best. The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> are fortunate to have the ultimate apprentice in <span>Earl Watson</span> as their head coach, who has served under four legendary coaches: John Wooden, <span>Jerry Sloan</span>, Greg Popovich, Hubie Brown. Watson has been able to morph their philosophies to create his offensive system in Phoenix. </p>
<p id="RXovF2">After I wrote the last article about Coach Watson, many pessimistic fans began buying into the idea that Watson has created a solid system in Phoenix. However, many readers also rightfully questioned why the sets and actions did not generate satisfactory results in 2016-2017. The truth is, there is a plethora of reasons why the Suns’ sets failed. It would be impossible to explain in one article. I could analyze a hundred different sets the Suns run and look to add new ideas from other successful teams, but I came to the conclusion that I can summarize it all in one classical basketball concept. The idea is what I call the, “Synergistic Two Pass Triangle Principle;” a principle idea that can theoretically transform the Phoenix Suns’ Offense. </p>
<h2 id="jSmwlH">Designed Sets</h2>
<p id="hw06wN">First, let’s look at the concept in some designed sets. Steve Kerr, head coach of the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> has some of the best actions using this concept. One of the best sets in all of basketball right now is the Warriors “Fist Up Short” set. </p>
<p id="n2kxGI">Essentially the principle concept is: Player A making the first pass with purpose to Player B for him to find Player C, all in a synergistic triangle. This idea works best when Player A turns into Player C. </p>
<p id="akmgF9">Here Stephen Curry is player A passing to <span>Draymond Green</span> with the purpose of finding <span>JaVale McGee</span> within a triangle. </p>
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<p id="vUU8qx">Watson’s best Zipper set is a direct result of this concept. With the entry into <span>Alan Williams</span>, the synergistic triangle is created once Warren beats Curry backdoor. The key is Bledsoe passing to Williams with the purpose to find Warren. </p>
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<p id="y4rERM">Although Watson has no input in Summer League, this the same Zipper Backdoor action without the entry into the post. Jones Jr. beats his defender backdoor, if James had passed to the low post with the purpose of finding Jones Jr. it would have likely resulted in a dunk. </p>
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<p id="2XBbei">Ty Lue, head coach of the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> uses the synergistic triangle principle in his best Zipper set as well. Irving makes his first pass with purpose to Love, who is looking for the lob to James. </p>
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<p id="PPMYSn">I love the idea Watson has designing this Zipper set, creating the synergistic triangle between Ulis - Len - Barbosa. Although the action fails with poor weak-side action, look for Watson to bring this set out next season using a lob target in <span>Josh Jackson</span>. Much like James in the last clip, an elite lob target is a big boost to a team designing this type of action. </p>
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<p id="ZwfZvA">I’ll get more into how HI LO passing can naturally create the synergistic triangle, but this a great set Greg Popovich designed using the concept, similar to many of the fundamental actions in Tex Winter’s triangle offense. </p>
<p id="g02r52">Ginobili goes on a UCLA cut and seals his defender allowing Duncan to make the simple entry pass. The passing within the triangle is key, the first pass Parker makes to Duncan has to be with purpose to find Ginobili. In the Len clip above, the synergy is not there with slow passing, allowing Leonard to make a play on the ball. </p>
<p id="F5UryF">The best part about this set is how Player A (Ginobili) turns into Player C, that is when the two pass synergistic triangle will almost always work with three passes rather than two. Also note the attention to detail Parker has holding the ball an extra second rather than Ulis in the last clip who passes to Len a second early. </p>
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<p id="ZsEDJ3">Based on the film I have studied, Greg Popovich is the king of turning Player A into Player C. I want to believe he designs his sets with this concept as the major factor, but I honestly don’t know. </p>
<p id="4DG1vS">Watch how Aldridge is the initial passer in the triangle and the finisher. Hope Watson can use this simple concept more this season. </p>
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<p id="dHcosh">In my view the future of basketball will be more of this type of action that Popovich has revolutionized. If I was an NBA coach, I would try my best to reverse engineer many soccer concepts such as the idea of turning Player A into Player C with one-two passing within a synergistic triangle. </p>
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<li id="i0Kea4">10 passes to 6 and continues cutting.</li>
<li id="F5eQuz">6 passes to 8 with the purpose for him to find the cutting 10</li>
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<p id="MK5NZ4">This is the concept at its finest, straight from basic soccer action. In my opinion, Steve Kerr has mastered applying this concept to the basketball court. </p>
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<p id="2PMGTQ"><span>Dragan Bender</span> and Alan Williams are great players to fit into the HI Lo Synergistic Triangle. This is a designed ATO set where they get a triangle between Ulis - Bender - Williams. </p>
<p id="PLXqXV">Even though the passing is not as synergistic as the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>, the fundamental idea of Ulis passing to Bender so he can hit Williams is all you need to beat the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> 2-3 zone. </p>
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<p id="1XYRLH">At times last season the Suns used a 2-3 zone to defend elite point guards such as <span>Damian Lillard</span> and Russel Westbrook. This is another case where the HI LO Synergistic Triangle will work the majority of the time to beat the 2-3 zone. </p>
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<p id="FN9ote">Every NBA set designed with the synergistic triangle automatically creates ball movement and man movement. If you study many of the Warriors’ actions, ball movement is created with purposeful synergistic passing. Like many other philosophies in basketball history, teams will attempt to reverse engineer the simple idea of one-two passing to find a third player, it is just a matter of who will do it best. </p>
<h2 id="FUMQxq">Natural Flow</h2>
<p id="MKxccX">Synergistic passing within a triangle is naturally created with HI LO passing, basic basketball sets, and how teams attack different defensive schemes. However, many teams are fortunate to have players that naturally create synergistic triangles based on their playing style. In my view, the Suns are fortunate to have Alan Williams, <span>Jared Dudley</span>, and Dragan Bender, who are able to make quick reads within triangular passing. </p>
<h3 id="MhH4M1">HI LO</h3>
<p id="zb3blI">The primary example of a team and player fitting well together is <span>Marc Gasol</span> who has a natural ability to make quick reads from the elbows. The <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies’</a> Offense is filled with various HI LO actions, but Gasol’s ability creates synergy between his teammates. </p>
<p id="WLaaUh">If you really want to see the natural instinct Gasol has, notice how he takes one step in at the 10:53 mark once he sees Allen seal Booker. He then demands the ball, thinking one pass ahead of Parsons. Allen was not going to seal Booker again until he makes eye contact with Gasol. </p>
<p id="Pq8DYt">This is also a main reason why the Suns struggle at times defensively versus teams with gifted big man passers, prime example would be how they played <span>Nikola Jokic</span> of the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a>. </p>
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<p id="W2JAaa">Jared Dudley often talks about how he looks to swing the ball and make quick reads. That pass first mentality is what makes him a valuable player in the NBA. </p>
<p id="pfBXtO">Alan Williams rarely misses an opportunity to seal a guard in the post, but watch how Dudley is one pass ahead. Dudley points at Williams expecting him to seal Jason Terry. Once the ball swings back to Ulis the synergy is lost and Ulis has no angle to make the pass. </p>
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<p id="2RWiJV">The art of the HI LO entry has been lost as basketball continues to evolve. The fundamental way to make the entry into the post is swinging the ball to create an angle from the wing. </p>
<p id="bxkV8u">Both Dudley and Bender have a high basketball IQ; they understand how to create the synergy between passes. </p>
<p id="e5gj0Z">Watch how he swings the ball to Tucker, a super simple pass you would think most NBA players make every time. </p>
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<p id="o2fIGD">In Summer League action, Reed is calling for the ball looking to find Bender in the post, however James fails to make the simple pass. </p>
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<p id="VVhEaO">After the timeout Reed and Bender talked it over. With Chriss flashing middle the only way to get the entry into the post was using a synergistic triangle on the strong side. </p>
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<p id="YiDXPO">In reality, the beauty of Dragan Bender is his ability to make the tough HI LO pass without swinging it to the wing. Players with his length and natural feel for the game are hard to find, similar to Marc Gasol and Nikola Jokic. </p>
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<p id="1vQPKG">If Watson were to implement the synergistic triangle concept you would see great improvements in HI LO passing next season. In particular a young player such as <span>Marquese Chriss</span> could benefit from a passing structure. </p>
<p id="FmzUPL">In this play notice how Bender is able to see seal his defender but Chriss makes a bounce pass to Booker without purpose. Theoretically, if Chriss makes this a chest pass with the purpose for Booker to hit Bender, it would not result in a turnover. </p>
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<p id="e8jRr3">As I have mentioned earlier Dragan Bender is a player that naturally creates passing angles for his teammates with his effort sealing defenders in the post. As he plays more minutes you will see more synergy in the Suns’ Offense. </p>
<p id="2OeW0A">This is a similar action where his effort in the post leads to a Jones Jr. - Booker - Bender triangle. The key to any natural flow triangle is Player B (Booker) having a pass first mentality. </p>
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<h3 id="cPqE17">PicknRoll</h3>
<p id="t9wutp">Last season the Suns were breaking records with their PicknRoll frequency according to Synergy Sports, about 25 % of possessions ended in PnR action; the highest recorded in their database. </p>
<p id="VwvS5X">In order to transform that poor stat, the Suns can employ a couple of strategies to create a more well-rounded offense. Out of PnR action a team can have more synergistic triangles. </p>
<p id="SHdisz">The key to this specific PnR action is starting from the wing to create a passing angle. Once again, it comes down to the effort Bender puts in sealing a smaller defender. In the future more teams will switch all PnR action with Booker allowing Bender/Williams to seal. Len could have easily made the entry pass for a Bender finish. </p>
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<p id="j0Epuf">The Double High PnR is a staple in the Watson offense, he brings out the set at least a couple of times per game. I love how Watson has different variations for Dudley - Williams. </p>
<p id="pmcI4n">Another wrinkle they could add knowing Dudley has a pass first mentality is the two pass synergistic triangle. Anytime a team has Player B (Dudley) looking to pass with one of the best post sealers in the NBA in Williams, it will not fail. </p>
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<p id="XBVYq5">I love how Watson is getting the fundamentals down during the summer at UCLA, the results will come with more game reps. </p>
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<h3 id="pqCJZS">Blind Pig</h3>
<p id="J5JeJy">Bling Pig action is my favorite basketball action and is an action that is used across almost all passing sports, you will mainly see it on the soccer pitch. </p>
<p id="eXRdHY">I do believe that international players have a better feel for running Blind Pig as they play other sports such as soccer and water polo growing up. You often hear Jokic talk about the influence water polo has had on his feel for the game. </p>
<p id="MPTid4">The <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> run Blind Pig to perfection at times with <span>Rudy Gobert</span>, <span>Boris Diaw</span>, or Trey Lyles. This is a good example of how the two pass synergistic triangle principle is applied best in Blind Pig. </p>
<p id="Mq77ve">Gobert makes the first pass to Lyles knowing he will find a back door cutting Joe Johnson. The term Blind Pig comes from Lyles facing away from the basket trying to make a blind pass. </p>
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<p id="8sdyvm">Suns are fortunate to have a 7-foot play maker in Dragan Bender. He has a natural instinct for the back door pass, watch how he anticipates the cut faking the pass even though the player does not cut. </p>
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<p id="U3VNXT">Bender is built to become a great passer in Blind Pig, but notice the slight difference in the timing of Johnson’s back door cut and Barbosa. I would expect a quicker Josh Jackson to beat his defender. </p>
<p id="KLqVWc">Dudley takes one dribble, you can tell it was not as purposeful as Gobert who made the pass knowing Lyles was looking for the cutting Johnson. </p>
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<p id="olVrwu">This has become a natural flow because of Bender’s pass first mentality as Player B. Theoretically, if Dudley makes the pass with purpose it should become a back door layup. </p>
<p id="60Iv2o">Again, a lot comes down to having players that are one pass ahead. Marc Gasol is another example of a player who creates beautiful Blind Pig action, which leads to more team ball movement. </p>
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<p id="eTUyVu">Although this is not technically Blind Pig action, Watson does a great job designing this High Horns set knowing Young is going to over play on Booker; moving forward Booker is going to get many easy baskets backdoor. </p>
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<p id="0Ce8NI">It is awesome to see the Suns practicing the backdoor concept, understanding how it will generate more easy baskets. </p>
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<h3 id="BcaF9y"> In Game Value</h3>
<p id="USZXY8">There is a direct correlation between winning more games and having players that can create synergistic triangles. All across the NBA, teams with these players are perennial playoff contenders. </p>
<p id="OkBJQM">For the Suns, they can take advantage of other teams with their second unit possessing Alan Williams and Jared Dudley. Williams has made an NBA career using his wide body to seal defenders in the post, however an underrated element of his game is his pass-first mentality. </p>
<p id="NjiWrX">Let’s go through this example vs the Grizzlies. </p>
<p id="xTukjh">Suns are down by one point at the 7:26 mark in the second quarter. Dudley and Williams are inserted into the game, and watch the difference their pass-first mentality makes. </p>
<p id="uI8F5R">Dudley, as Player B, makes a super quick read to Jones Jr. who is able to finish. The key is understanding how to swing the ball to the corner. </p>
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<p id="M5ZofI">At the 5:42 mark the Suns are back in the lead shifting momentum in the game. In this clip Williams is Player B looking to make a quick read. If you go back and watch the film both Williams and Dudley naturally create the two pass synergistic triangles. </p>
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<p id="Ir9N55">This is a minor example, but it shows the importance of creating chemistry within lineups. </p>
<h2 id="nNNpfT">Theoretical Applications</h2>
<p id="dYGZGs">Applying this concept to modern basketball sets is not easy, because if it was easy everybody would do it. I do think that the Suns have a couple sets that they can improve using this principle. </p>
<h3 id="8IwL9b">Double Fire</h3>
<p id="8xFLIh">This is a Double Fire set from 2016 where they get both guards coming off down screens on both sides. I love how Watson has designed this set, after the entry into Booker they could theoretically create the triangle with Teletovic and Leuer. </p>
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<h3 id="Kt5mz1">Spain PnR</h3>
<p id="MRSnFG">The back screen PnR is a common set Watson runs; a new trend in the NBA. Similar to Draymond Green in the Warriors Fist Up Short set, Jones Jr is moving up to set a back screen on Zeller. The two pass synergistic triangle works best when Player B is moving in the opposite direction. </p>
<p id="I6v9Pa">You can see how this set naturally creates a triangle, Watson can add another wrinkle looking create the lob to Player C after a pass to Jones Jr. </p>
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<p id="KcBkbR">So, I saved the best set for last, when you were probably thinking Watson will not make the necessary adjustments. Watson is a great basketball mind, willing to learn rather than stick to the status quo. </p>
<p id="Z3kTuJ">Watch how they run Dudley in similar Fist Up action to Draymond Green, this is a designed set to get the lob to Jones Jr, you can tell by how quick he cuts to the basket. Even though they do not get the lob, every NBA set designed with the two pass synergistic triangle principle almost always works. </p>
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<p id="csTDuo">Earl Watson has the foundation in place for future success. Although it may not look like the Suns have the ball movement compared to teams such as the Warriors or the Spurs, Watson is a creative mind thinking two steps ahead. </p>
<p id="fTT06H">There is a direct relationship between teams with more two pass synergistic triangles and wins. With more minutes to Alan Williams and Dragan Bender this season, look for the Suns to make major progress on the offensive end. </p>
<p id="fvwo64">To quote Earl Watson himself, “The old becomes the new”. It is time for the Phoenix Suns to start shifting away from the modern Pick-and-Roll Era and begin to think what the next decade of basketball will look like. It is time to start building for the future, sticking to the fundamental principles of basketball that have worked for the last century, and create their own version of Phoenix Suns basketball. </p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/8/9/16105476/basketball-theory-a-classical-concept-to-help-the-phoenix-suns-offense-generate-better-resultsYusuf Saleem2017-07-30T11:23:46-07:002017-07-30T11:23:46-07:00The Ultimate Apprentice: Earl Watson
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<img alt="NBA: Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sy1Hk5iDjF2ovthWN489-bAfwYM=/0x91:4611x3165/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55966071/usa_today_9770504.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A look at the philosophy, strategy, and tendencies of Phoenix Suns Head Coach Earl Watson</p> <p id="hbMGhK">I love <span>Earl Watson</span>. It’s that simple. In his short tenure as the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> head coach, Watson has been able to transform the culture, while creating a strong player development program. He is a natural born leader with the ability to connect with all people, not just NBA players, a gift that will separate him in the NBA head coaching ranks. </p>
<p id="5BnEle">As an undersized point guard Watson was a fiery competitor, always competing with a chip on his shoulder. That same fire has translated to his coaching style, fitting well with a young core that includes <span>Devin Booker</span>, <span>Josh Jackson</span>, <span>Marquese Chriss</span>. </p>
<p id="CaaZ1I">The underdog mentality is seen in his defensive schemes, with on ball pressure and various zone schemes. His creativity as a former point guard is expressed in some of the most unique offensive sets in the NBA. Quite frankly, Earl Watson thinks outside the box, willing to bring new ideas to the Phoenix Suns, while sticking with fundamental basketball principles that work. </p>
<p id="lNoTWi">Watson has been under the tutelage of four legendary head coaches: John Wooden, Hubie Brown, <span>Jerry Sloan</span>, Greg Popovich. Watson’s coaching philosophy is a direct result of his time with these basketball minds. The lessons of competitive greatness from John Wooden, or the idea of keeping it simple from Jerry Sloan. Watson has been able to combine these ideas into his philosophy with the Phoenix Suns. </p>
<p id="o3dpin">I’ll look at some of the strategic influences on Watson along with some of his tendencies as an NBA head coach. </p>
<h1 id="kqdz6X"><strong>Defensive Mindset</strong></h1>
<p id="7i1OSL">If you follow Earl Watson you know he’s a believer in the power of momentum. I am a huge fan of this concept as well. I also believe not just in basketball but in every sport, momentum is a key to success. Watson believes high energy + defensive aggression generate momentum within a game. Steve Kerr, head coach of the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> often talks about getting three stops in a row, the defense generates momentum. </p>
<p id="ueQ7qw">Watson is willing to challenge the status quo of NBA defense. Not many NBA teams play a zone defense as often as the Suns. </p>
<p id="eu4G1A">Suns start out the game vs. <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> in a 2-3 zone. Listening to Suns players, they often discuss being the aggressors and setting the tone. That punch first mentality is why you see gambles to start games in a 2-3 zone. </p>
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<p id="tekGLN">Another zone concept Watson uses at times is a 1-2-2. This is his idea of generating momentum while attempting to get Lillard out of rhythm. In theory, once Lillard is in the high post <span>Booker</span> needs to be one step higher looking to trap him. </p>
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<p id="KFbUeT">Watson made a living with his defensive tenacity. Moving forward you’ll continue to see the on ball pressure from the guard spot. <span>Tyler Ulis</span> is an Earl Watson type of player. </p>
<p id="QYzl1r">This is a clip that’s not really full court pressure but shows you the kind of defense Watson desires from his point guard. </p>
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<p id="yDpRrs">Another aspect to watch for defensively moving forward is Watson’s tendency to press after the under six timeout in the third quarter. He loves punching first, that is a good moment in the game to shift momentum. </p>
<h1 id="ab7s3v">Offensive Influences</h1>
<h2 id="1Nnz57"><span>Jay Triano</span></h2>
<p id="loTWWs">For those not familiar with the Suns coaching staff, Triano is the lead assistant coach for Watson with a wealth of experience. One of the influences he has had on the Suns offensive system is the Twist action for Booker coupled with a quick hitter stagger or pin down. </p>
<p id="gygNvc">Watson always has good sets to start games, this is Zipper Twist Stagger. You’ll notice a major philosophy within the coaching staff is to get Booker in motion to his right. </p>
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<p id="q506Rw">If you watch <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Toronto Raptors</a> games, Dwayne Casey still runs <span>DeMar DeRozan</span> in similar twist action, the same idea has been brought to Phoenix for Booker. </p>
<p id="a4Gmc2">Again, I’ll get more into Watson tendencies later, but notice how it’s the first play of the game. This is the variation with Booker coming off a Double Rip Pindown. Great job attacking on the catch. </p>
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<p id="uhRflU">Another Triano influence not really on Watson, but on Booker is how he turns Post-Ups into drives, and in general his post up game for a guard. </p>
<h2 id="4LkuJh">Jerry Sloan</h2>
<p id="VY9aAA">Jerry Sloan had great sets, but kept things simple with fewer sets compared to many NBA head coaches today. Ty Corbin a Sloan assistant and former head coach of the <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Utah Jazz</a> is also an assistant on the Suns coaching staff. </p>
<p id="SMJhPv">One of the influences you will see is the entry into the low post with the lead guard setting up the second stagger screen, also similar to many of the actions in Pete Carril’s Princeton Chin Series. </p>
<p id="8jsLW7">This is the set vs. <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>. Watson loves getting Booker in motion to his right. Sloan used to have Karl Malone. Watson has Marquese Chriss. </p>
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<p id="oQ2pYG">Now in Toronto, Watson brings out the same set this time Chriss replacing Dudley as the screener. Booker makes a good read. </p>
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<p id="1vwfot">In the pre-season, Watson experimented with Booker as the lead guard setting the stagger screen and Warren meeting the 5, but Len decides to go away from the set. </p>
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<p id="btZ5Xd"> The DHO was a secondary action in the Sloan offense, likewise Watson has similar action. </p>
<p id="RXuTfB">Ulis rubs his chin signaling the Watson Chin Series. Booker comes off a screen meeting Chriss into a DHO. Poor spacing to start the action. </p>
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<p id="svXK8a"> The PG Side Iso concept is a patented idea by Jerry Sloan. With recent changes in NBA offensive systems, not many teams run the concepts the same way as Jerry Sloan. Watson still uses those ideas. </p>
<p id="t11rfT">This is a PG Side Iso Spread Wing Ball Screen set with Ulis and Booker, Watson copied this right out of the Sloan playbook. Without a great low post scorer, Watson thinks outside the box and uses a shooting guard to set the screen. </p>
<p id="uzRIA3">Moving forward you will see Ulis in a ton of these sets with his size and quickness, same idea Sloan had with John Stockton. </p>
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<p id="ktVPbP">Jerry Sloan used to run <span>Jeff Hornacek</span> in this same PG Side Iso Pin Down set looking to get an open 3. Watson loves running the same set with different variations, but Sloan would usually have the strong side cleared out. </p>
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<p id="BAfNms">My favorite variation Watson has is the quick split cut with Barbosa from the wing. Good back screen from Dudley. I would expect to see Josh Jackson in this type of action next season. </p>
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<p id="lg9l82">This is Watson at his best, thinking outside the box, willing to try new ideas. Same fundamental concept of PG Side Iso but has Bledsoe in the low post as a secondary option if the initial split cut is not there. In this case that saves the set from becoming broken. </p>
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<p id="LYbPAb">Later in the same game you see Watson run the PG Side Iso Wing Ball Screen. His variation of using the SG in Booker works because of his attention to detail, sets a hard screen forcing Holiday once step slower to recover, leads to the Chriss dunk. </p>
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<p id="Z66kGf">In the previous clip New Orleans elected to switch the action, which is the proper defensive scheme as it forces Bledsoe baseline with Hill hedging.</p>
<p id="WeGy3n">This time from the right wing, the Jazz elect chase Bledsoe, which exactly what Watson wants in theory. </p>
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<p id="Ex4Tgr"> Watson loves experimenting new variations in the pre-season, but goes away from it in the regular season, I would like to see him stick with the sets that work. </p>
<p id="5skBg6">This is a pre-season game where Watson runs Booker in a cross down screen to get Bledsoe isolated from the wing. Instead of the wing ball screen with Len, they run a double stagger with Dudley setting the second screen, creates the switch onto <span>Boris Diaw</span>. </p>
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<p id="AoCKjb">Almost every Elevator Set or weak side Double Pin Down in the Watson offense starts with the Sloan PG Side Iso Concept. </p>
<p id="MakY7o">This is the wedge variation where Dudley comes of the Double Pin Down and Booker slips the wing ball screen. </p>
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<h2 id="xvaoDD">John Wooden</h2>
<p id="6YCtkL">Jerry Sloan ran many of the same concepts John Wooden used as the head coach of UCLA. In a way Watson combines both of their variations. </p>
<p id="q8Ht6m">One of the fundamental concepts in the Wooden offense was the single high entry into the post with a guard going on a UCLA cut between the two players. </p>
<p id="68oagL">This is the set vs. <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>. Beverely and Gordon have miscommunication with the switch after Ulis inside foot hesitation on the UCLA cut, the hesitation is a fundamental idea Wooden used to stress to his players. Love how Watson is able to get a young player to pay attention to the details of the UCLA cut, a sign many fans don’t see when criticizing Watson’s player development ability. </p>
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<p id="jQCDdV">The fundamental idea of the John Wooden offense was an entry into the 5 at the High Post and different elements of guards setting screens or getting open. </p>
<p id="hXmVH4">The High Post Split action is the result of this idea. In reality, Wooden would always want the guard to cut towards the side of the entry to create Blind Pig action. However, Watson really likes this action where Ulis sets a ram screen with Knight coming around the weak side. This is also the Golden State Warriors bread and butter action. </p>
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<p id="rKNZIH">This is a High Horns set vs <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> where Knight goes on a wide UCLA cut between Warren. Booker’s ability to post up for a guard allows Watson to add another wrinkle. </p>
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<p id="W2MZ6L">Watson has a great understanding of coupling fundamental concepts to fit his personnel. Instead of the High Post entry to Chriss, who is limited at this stage in his career, they run a Pistol Strong set with the lead guard releasing to the strong side corner. Allows Chriss to go back door for the alley-oop. </p>
<p id="rKqvBy">Also note the attention to detail Watson has in his sets with proper weak side action they get <span>Kosta Koufos</span> away from the paint. John Wooden used to design his sets the same way attempting to get multiple actions at once. </p>
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<p id="gL9pb5">I also love the idea of using Booker to set back screens or flex screens as a simultaneous action to the entry into the High Post. Good old-school Give N Go action here with Ulis and Chriss. </p>
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<p id="lFPATz">The Suns offense is filled with UCLA screen the screener action. Watch how Booker sets a screen for Len before the Bledsoe - Len PnR. Allows Bledsoe to attack with Plumlee out of position. </p>
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<p id="xU8Iet">Overall, the Suns like many other teams run the same concepts John Wooden had. Wooden had a bigger influence on Watson off the court teaching him about leadership and the principles of success. </p>
<h2 id="MOXdGx">Greg Popovich</h2>
<p id="xvcv76">Watson spent one year as an intern/assistant to Greg Popovich, studying the ideas of Popovich’s motion offense. When Watson first became head coach, many media members asked him about his offensive philosophy, he always said you’ll see the Suns run many of same actions as the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a>. </p>
<p id="yGWSDC">Zipper Backdoor is one of Watson’s favorite ATO sets, a direct influence of Greg Popovich. No coach in the history of basketball has created better misdirection sets than Popovich. </p>
<p id="r2UyBz">This is a basic set you will see all the Popovich tutees around the NBA run. </p>
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<p id="sJUiGD">When Watson needs a basket he loves Zipper Backdoor. This is an EOG set designed for Warren to go backdoor in SLOB without the low post entry. </p>
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<p id="9J6knK">Watson is able to create new ideas to fit his young players. This is a wrinkle the coaching staff adds out of Zipper Backdoor that allows Bender to get an open 3. </p>
<p id="1truKT">The 5 for the Jazz has no chance to recover once he takes one step towards <span>Derrick Jones Jr.</span> </p>
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<p id="uX1vK6">Motion Weak is one of the most popular sets Popovich runs which has influenced modern NBA basketball. </p>
<p id="HFRmwZ">After the strong side wing entry pass you see the guard Ulis release to the weak side waiting for Booker to come off the down screen. </p>
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<p id="0wgfGm">Advanced scouting the Suns you could see Watson has a tendency to run motion weak with Booker as the first play of the second half. </p>
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<p id="G2zso4">With limited options it is tough for Watson to create different variations. He does a good job getting <span>Alex Len</span> in motion weak. Popovich used to run the same action with <span>Tim Duncan</span> coming off the down screen. </p>
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<p id="gvdAFr">The Suns also use Popovich’s motion strong principle to get Booker in motion to his right. </p>
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<h2 id="VZbE6P"><span>Terry Stotts</span></h2>
<p id="yufRAj">Stotts is the current head coach of the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>. Watson played his final season under Stotts from 2013-2014. Watson has modeled his offense in Phoenix around many of the actions Stotts runs as both teams have guards as primary offensive options. </p>
<p id="QgLDTh">Watson has taken Stotts Thumb Series with him to Phoenix. The most common set you will see the Suns run with Booker and Bledsoe is Thumb Up. </p>
<p id="0JS3IJ">Bledsoe puts his him thumb up which triggers the pitch back flare screen. </p>
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<p id="sj2ZZn">The One Chest variation is pretty much the same action but Booker comes on a Zipper cut, POR usually does not have the flare screen the guard just keeps going, similar with Booker in this clip, but it all depends on the flow of the set. Allows more secondary options if Booker is not open on the initial flare screen. </p>
<p id="hPBisK">You’ll notice the slight variation has an impact on creating defensive miscommunication between Bogdanovich and Wall allowing Booker to fade into an open 3. </p>
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<p id="CCw7tl">In general the idea of running Booker off flare screens requires proper strong side action to get the center’s eyes away from Booker. Watson does well designing these sets usually with Warren on a strong side pin down. </p>
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<p id="TxLsrw">You will also see the Zip BS PnR for Booker after Bledsoe releases on the Chriss back screen.</p>
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<p id="vWOQIz">Pin Stagger with the idea of having Lowry to chase Bledsoe. Lillard and McCollum run this to perfection, really good set for Booker and Bledsoe. </p>
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<p id="FETCjp">Both Watson and Stotts use the concept of Spain PicknRoll where a guard sets a back screen on the opposing teams big. The action is named after the Spanish National Team who first made it popular. </p>
<p id="5i1xNQ">Bledsoe puts up one index finger triggering PnR with Chandler, Knight misses Valanciunas on the back screen or else Bledsoe would have finished.</p>
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<p id="k4UwHc">This is the same set with Ulis, again you see the one index finger go up signaling Booker to set a screen from the the free throw line. In this case, Zeller hedges right on Ulis not allowing Booker to set the back screen on him. </p>
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<p id="uMh2cD">The purpose of Spani PnR is to get a clear driving lane for the PG to the basket by blocking the rim protecting defender. One of the problems the Suns have is the predictability of the set due to various reasons. </p>
<p id="q6jyi1">For example you can tell Ingles reads it extremely early as he starts hugging Booker before he can set the back screen on Gobert. Suns get away with it as Gobert does not hedge left leading to the argument between Ingles and Gobert.</p>
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<p id="W6PSsN">Stotts does a better jobs disguising the Spain action usually running the guard off a flare screen before setting the back screen, something I would expect Watson to start as well next season. </p>
<p id="B4X2Mr">The Suns run Double High PnR at least a couple times per game, Stotts is the same way. However, Watson gets a bit more creative looking to have Chriss - Bender lock arms, this was a trend I saw in the early portion of the season, but Watson gradually went away from it as the season went on. </p>
<p id="CW7Nav">Bledsoe puts his fists together signaling the lock of arms, which sets a stronger screen. </p>
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<h1 id="ezLD1I">Tendencies</h1>
<h2 id="5xzpke">Philosophy: Consecutive Actions</h2>
<p id="zR9GFw">Earl Watson has a strong belief in finding a match-up or set that works and sticking with it. He looks to run the same action with different variations consecutively. I’ll try to explain. </p>
<p id="GQl4IJ">Continuing on the theme of Spain PnR. Let’s go through a sequence of Watson in game coaching. </p>
<p id="U3hFYi">If you saw the Spain PnR earlier vs <a href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Hornets</a> this is the same game. Watson runs Spain PnR again at the 6:47 mark in the fourth quarter, this time with Derrick Jones Jr. (DJJ) setting the back screen on Kaminsky. </p>
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<p id="ZwV4k6">Very next set at the 5:44 mark Watson comes back with the same Spain PnR set this time with DJJ looking to set the back screen on Zeller. </p>
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<p id="ReCEQa">Watson stays with DJJ in Spain PnR - Fist Down for the third time in a row at the 5:20 mark, gives you an inside look at his philosophy as an NBA head coach. If the Suns were a playoff team playing slower games with more half court sets this philosophy would be more apparent. </p>
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<p id="20qfP3">Watson always has good sets to get Booker open corner 3’s. This is Fist Baseline Down Exit. </p>
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<p id="ovhwXb">Watson comes back the next possession showing the same set but Bledsoe makes a read for the jumper out of PnR. </p>
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<p id="dUvJ5J">One of the main ideas within the coaching staff is to get TJ Warren isolated from the center of the floor, it is their main SLOB set. </p>
<p id="jSqSzV">You will also see Watson run Horns PnR to get Warren isolated from the top of the key. </p>
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<p id="CLkvr3">Once Watson likes a match-up he will expose it, never going away from what is working. This the next possession, Horns PnR, OKC elects not to switch the action this time. </p>
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<h2 id="4h1pjb">Philosophy: Create the Consecutive Action</h2>
<p id="l88GPn">This is a great principle idea Watson has. Once he sees a player get confidence, he’ll look to run a set to get that player another open look. </p>
<p id="UikjIh">A good example is how he uses <span>Dragan Bender</span>, who is a bit of a streaky shooter. Bender makes a 3 in transition here forcing <span>Quin Snyder</span> to take a time-out. </p>
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<p id="EoYfOo">Advance Scouting Watson you know after the time-out he is looking to draw up a set to get Bender another open wing 3. This is his go to Elevator Set, like I discussed earlier the majority of them start with the Sloan PG Side Iso Concept. (Watson usually hand signals with his index finger - middle finger coming together, making the elevator, unfortunately I do not have a clip, but if you re-watch the last game for the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a> you can see it. It was the same Bender Elevator Set)</p>
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<h2 id="cyWePz">Game Time Tendency</h2>
<p id="vYedc8">I outlined some other game time tendencies Watson such as running motion weak for the first play of the second half or Zipper Twist for Booker as the first play. Another Watson tendency is to run this Curl Set for Booker from the top of the key to get him going. </p>
<p id="bCVKXb">Booker was struggling in stretches this past season with getting a early rhythm in the game. Watson creates this set for that reason. Also not the proper strong side action, a key to many of his sets. </p>
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<p id="E93V82">This time at home they bring it out again to start the game vs Cavs. </p>
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<p id="9kPSVw">The one aspect of Watson you have to respect is his willingness to adapt his offensive philosophy to fit his personnel, a sign of a great young coach. He wants Booker to get going early in games, this is the perfect set to get him a good look. </p>
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<p id="Qf4Fx9">Earl Watson is truly the ultimate apprentice, learning under some of the most legendary coaches, he has developed an offensive system that will flourish in the Valley of the Sun. Earl Watson is going to win many games as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns. </p>
<p id="3qseLX">Pablo Picasso once said, “Good artists copy. Great artists steal”, In my view, “Good coaches copy. Great coaches steal”. Basketball is a game of who can reverse engineer what works best, Earl Watson has done a fine job so far. </p>
<p id="FNwpQj"></p>
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/7/30/16053102/the-ultimate-apprentice-earl-watson-phoenix-sunsYusuf Saleem2017-07-18T07:00:02-07:002017-07-18T07:00:02-07:00Wonderkid: The Dragan Bender Story
<figure>
<img alt="Sacramento Kings v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wG_dlv7vWl4fGMhxycZypPKorQI=/0x112:2254x1615/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55740501/620615984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>From empty gyms in Croatia to the Phoenix Suns the question still exists - who is Dragan Bender?</p> <p id="cGXFWM"><span>Dragan Bender</span> was pegged on draft night as, “The International Man of Mystery”, a risky prospect to take at the top of the draft. Ryan McDonough, the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> general manager pulled the trigger on Bender with the 4th overall selection. Through his rookie year in the NBA, Bender’s play and production did little to solve the mystery surrounding him. </p>
<p id="Md6z1K">The Dragan Bender story to many NBA scouts and executives starts in Kiev,Ukraine at the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. Bender left scouts raving about his potential, playing like his life long idol, Toni Kukoc. His feel for the game, point forward potential, and defensive versatility had executives buzzing. </p>
<p id="lFljdP">Why was the Dragan Bender hype at an all-time high?</p>
<p id="SS0Iz4">Not many times you walk into a gym and see this kind of feel for the game. </p>
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<p id="z5euIa">The ability to lead a break and find the open man in transition. </p>
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<p id="WnEEp6">The defensive versatility to switch on guards. </p>
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<p id="bpCkn0">In essence these are the three main reasons Bender was a top 5 pick in the 2016 draft. Everything else is a byproduct of his natural feel for the game. </p>
<p id="Mb9GTQ">Coming into 2014 at the U18 FIBA European Championships Bender continued on that theme along with showing more of a back to the basket post game. </p>
<p id="CYinbZ">He has a natural touch for the right hand hook shot. </p>
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<p id="hVu9WP">With the Croatian national team Bender felt free and was able to show his natural play-making ability. At the pro level in 2015 Bender showed flashes but was limited to spacing the floor as a 3 Point Shooter. </p>
<p id="VEluVB">Bender is at his best with the ball in his hands. The ability to space the floor is great but ends up limiting him. </p>
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<p id="5OFxUL">The Dragan Bender from Croatia has not fully translated to the pro level, neither at Maccabi nor the Phoenix Suns. However, the flashes have been there, which should give Suns fans hope of a more advanced Bender in the future. </p>
<p id="qpo0ZH">I’ll breakdown how the Suns have used him in limited playing time, while using clips from Europe to show why Bender is a special talent. </p>
<p id="vS6lzV">The key for any player is translating their play from a lower level of basketball to the NBA. It was the same idea for the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a> with <span>Giannis Antetokounmpo</span>, it can happen for Bender sooner rather than later. The Suns need to give him a chance to write his own story. </p>
<h1 id="Dh34Ve">Passing</h1>
<h2 id="SUXcG2">High Post</h2>
<p id="AlMktc">Throughout his career Bender has excelled as a passer in the high post. The Suns have ran a couple different sets for Bender to utilize his passing ability from the elbows. </p>
<p id="MNN1a3">This is a clip from the Israel National League in 2014 that shows his quick reading ability. Looks like a simple play but watch the initial desire to pass back door before the quick pass to the open shooter, a natural instinct. </p>
<p id="GT1rdE">You can tell how gifted he is at seeing the floor. The guard on the weak side does not make the cut but he is one pass ahead of everyone. Pretty impressive at that age. </p>
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<p id="gSfVMo">That same instinct out of the high post has translated with the Suns. With Bender facing away from the basket it turns into a Blind Pig type of action out of pinch post where the guard cuts back door. Barbosa can’t beat Simmons but I would expect a quicker <span>Josh Jackson</span> to get to the basket. </p>
<p id="YbeAU9">With his natural passing ability the open jumper will always be there. He will make it as he develops. </p>
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<p id="XPrW01">The potential for future Give N Go action is there as well. Bender has a great feel for the facing away back door pass. </p>
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<p id="zZYPeX">The cross court pass out of the high post is easy for Bender. He was able to make it routinely at Maccabi and should in the NBA. </p>
<p id="hTQo8S">Although it is a routine pass, having a big that can find open shooters out of the high post is valuable. </p>
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<p id="3tV7R2">Now in Summer League 2016 you can see how his passing will translate to the NBA level. </p>
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<p id="pZhFLp">Bender has an uncanny ability to make the quick read into a post entry. The timing makes it 10x easier for the finisher. </p>
<p id="3Vugyb">This is a good clip from 2013 showing his passing from the wing. </p>
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<p id="9OxJ7s">It was clear their was synergy with <span>Alan Williams</span> towards the end of the season. This is a designed set to make the high low entry into Williams from the elbow. </p>
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<p id="rYPpSi">As his career plays out I think his high low passing will show more. </p>
<p id="Y941ZN">The High Post Split is an action the Suns can use Bender in more. Watson gets creative in these sets as he elects to have <span>Booker</span> as the ball handler. Having a shooting guard making the pass is not common in the NBA. </p>
<p id="674Daa">This is a High Post set from 2016 where they get Teletovic free off the curl screen. </p>
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<p id="IzR2YO">This is the set in 2017 with Barbosa coming on a split cut. Bender needs to be the ball handler in these sets moving forward. </p>
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<p id="8sVPWG">Studying Bender’s film from Croatia I think he is at his best passing from the free throw line area. The center of the floor gives him the option to find shooters at both wings. </p>
<p id="OjDnKs">This no look pass is a good example. Right now the Suns do not have many “Center” series sets. Quite frankly you won’t see many teams in the NBA with them, but as he runs more PnR action with <span>Devin Booker</span> he will flow into making decisions from the center of court similar to <span>Draymond Green</span> of the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a>. </p>
<p id="VDh4m2">Croatia did well getting him to his spots from the center of the floor. With shooters at both wings he is most comfortable. </p>
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<p id="qpk0Wp">Bender is also a tremendous passer in a “Rip Series” from the wing. This when the guard sets a screen to free up a big. </p>
<p id="253W6N">This is a good example of his ability to make the quick read in Rip action. </p>
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<p id="YjUafz">Croatia ran the same set later in the game utilizing his passing ability. </p>
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<p id="AcgUZ8">It translated well at Maccabi. With Bender at the wing the guard goes on a 45 cut to the basket. His pass first mentality allows the action to happen. </p>
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<p id="SNkTg7">This is probably going to be the most common type action the Suns run for Bender, either from the wing or the top of key utilizing his passing ability. </p>
<p id="aSmVSw">Bledsoe sets a Ram screen on Lauvergne getting Len on the right block with Bender as the ball handler on the right wing. </p>
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<p id="vwD2dw">Nifty pass Bender makes from the wing out of PnR action. You can see his pass first mentality translating towards the end of the season as the game slowed down for him.</p>
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<h2 id="ZSo5Fz">Low Post</h2>
<p id="MTSvJh">Having a big to pass out of the low post is critical in the Watson system. Zipper Backdoor is a Grep Popovich influence on <span>Earl Watson</span>, a set also ran by the <a href="https://www.peachtreehoops.com/">Atlanta Hawks</a> Mike Budenholzer. </p>
<p id="EwUw7Q">Watson brought it out in the legendary 70 point game with Dudley making the pass. </p>
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<p id="UqHJz7">With Bender’s low post passing ability, I fully expect Watson to replace Dudley for Bender. </p>
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<h2 id="JR5Cgm">Top of the Key</h2>
<p id="3F8vBD">Similar to the past clips Bender is most comfortable as a passer from the top of the key with multiple actions. However, there are times where he can get better. </p>
<p id="InTRvd">End of the season versus the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> the Suns run Booker on a cross screen getting him free for the baseline jumper. Good timing with the pass from Bender. </p>
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<p id="o6manu">Same game versus the Mavericks and you see a poor read from Bender from the top of the key. The tanking Mavs are running a 2-3 zone with Nowitzki on the wing and Booker exchanging corners, Matthews calls for help on the weak side. </p>
<p id="g7STaR">Bender fails to read the scheme and make the pass to Booker for an open 3 pointer. </p>
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<h2 id="urzCnv">PicknRoll</h2>
<p id="mwD79a">What made Dragan Bender a unique talent in Europe was his ability to run PnR action at his size. The length coupled with his gifted passing ability allowed him to find the roll man in PnR. </p>
<p id="grrc1I">This clip shows Bender’s natural patience in PnR. The 2014 U18 European Championships made Bender look like the wonderkid scouts saw towards the end of 2013. </p>
<p id="WOyfOa">Running PnR at that size with a natural feel is special.</p>
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<p id="4rm3Mb">Now in the second half of his rookie season that same patience has translated. As he plays more minutes, I think his passing out of PnR will show more.</p>
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<p id="5Lvkel">What is most interesting his how he takes the between-the legs rhythm dribble before passing. This is a great sign to see on a prospect.</p>
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<p id="KSe4cI">It does not matter if you are playing in an empty gym in Croatia or at a Division 1 powerhouse program, if the rhythm translates it is a sign that Bender is starting to figure it out.</p>
<p id="rNq56H">This is how he takes the Two-Dribble Between the legs before passing in HI LO PnR. Almost the same exact as the earlier clip.</p>
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<h2 id="2LzNrk">Transition</h2>
<p id="GHTCNw">At the 2014 U18 European Championships Bender continued to show his natural play making ability. The vision to see the length of the floor and make the pass on target. </p>
<p id="jSct4J">This is Dragan Bender at his best. This is the Dragan Bender than needs to translate at the NBA level for the Suns. </p>
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<p id="2KFxwP">Already you can tell Bender always has his eyes down the floor. This is the outlet pass that he made as a kid in Europe all the time. Just needs to develop the confidence as he plays more minutes.</p>
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<h1 id="u3MutP">Scoring</h1>
<h2 id="Y7ktlC">High Post</h2>
<p id="ULoG3B">This is where the Dragan Bender story gets interesting. Everyone has their own opinion on how much of a go to scorer Bender can become in the NBA. From U16 to U18, and his professional stop at Macabbi, Bender has not shown the ability to be a top scorer. </p>
<p id="SyIwFE">However at the 2014 Adidas Next Generation Tournament, Bender looked like a man among boys. The footwork out of the high post was tremendous. If he can begin to show this at the NBA level, the sky is the limit. </p>
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<p id="D5RhLX">At the NBA level it has been a struggle so far. Not having the same patience, looking sped up. </p>
<p id="NkPE3c">This is a prime example on a smaller guard in <span>Eric Gordon</span>. I think he has the ability just needs more reps at the NBA level. Is he going to get a chance?</p>
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<p id="Z7SVnJ">Two patterns you will see with elite scorers in the high post is keeping the ball above their waist, and attacking the defender’s outside foot. This is what gives me hope with Bender moving forward.</p>
<p id="yzPH9K">He does not have the strength to keep balance right now but the footwork and feel is there. Watch how he attempts to attack the Papagiannis right foot after palming the ball, a hopeful sign if you are a Suns fan. </p>
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<p id="ovWZkk">Once he is able to get more comfortable as a scorer it will have a direct impact on his passing, and in reality make him look like the wonderkid from Croatia. You saw the same progression with <span>Nikola Jokic</span> in Denver his second season. </p>
<p id="BYHiHy">The scoring out of the high post forces traps and opens up the razzle dazzle pass we have seen from Jokic, and will see from Bender moving forward. </p>
<p id="RVmKBw">The pass is great but more important is the footwork with the right foot. Just haven’t seen this from Bender so far. </p>
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<p id="eWyXyt">This time the double comes again and you see the crisp passing ability out of the high post. </p>
<p id="avrUtm">The most important aspect is the swipe through move before the pass. After evaluating prospects, I think that is more of a natural feel some players either have or don’t. But it goes back to the theme of the Dragan Bender story: Why has his play versus players his age not translated to the professional level?</p>
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<p id="bJYtsU">At Maccabi it was the same idea, the inability to score on a smaller guard out of the high post. Good drop step move here, just can’t get the finish to go. </p>
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<h2 id="nz2ICo">Low Post</h2>
<p id="rEzlxz">Bender will be a better low post scorer than many people believe. He has shown a natural touch for the right hook since a young age. </p>
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<p id="Z8hKjF">The ability to post up smaller guards on the left block in early offense after he brings the ball up is going to be a match up nightmare. </p>
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<p id="bcGaKL">You can tell throughout his career it has been drilled in him to be aggressive generating low post position, this is why I think he will be a good scorer in the post. </p>
<p id="yTSAUe">The next progression is developing a better left hand. Has to finish on Barea this possession.</p>
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<p id="ZWtH4X">Footwork out of the low post is there, going to come down to how fast it translates to the NBA level. </p>
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<h2 id="o2fk9F">Top of the Key</h2>
<p id="yfutRI">One of the biggest knocks on Bender coming out of the draft was his slow first step. Watching his film from Croatia to Maccabi you can see how it impacts his ability to attack from the top of the key. </p>
<p id="H78ybC">This is a clip where the slow first step creates a poor angle for the drive. Biggest red flag in my opinion on Bender, coupled with his 28 inch max vertical jump.</p>
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<p id="BddppM">Bender got much better as the season progressed. Attacking on the catch is going to be key for him to make up for the slow first step. This is a good drive attacking on the catch. You see pros such as <span>Jared Dudley</span> who always attack on the catch to make up for the slow first step. </p>
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<p id="osLfgG">Another way Bender can get around it is with a scoop layup. Something he has always had to make up for the slow first step. </p>
<p id="G3svxP">Bender attacks on the catch and uses the scoop layup. </p>
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<p id="7DzIiz">The scoop layup has already translated to the NBA. Although the slow first step is going to limit him in certain areas he has found different ways to make up for it. Also important to note how the ball naturally stays above his waist, similar to the Papagiannis clip. </p>
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<h2 id="Dv6ei3">PicknRoll Scoring</h2>
<p id="tLIDoz">Bender’s slow first step will effect his PnR scoring at the NBA level. The dominance he had in Europe will not fully translate, but he has showed signs that should excite Suns fans. </p>
<p id="NSZyO7">Even playing for the Croatian national team Bender has always had basic straight line drives. He needs to develop a spin or counter move. </p>
<p id="7u6NUr">The slow first step and straight line drive does not create an angle to score.</p>
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<p id="JVOjM1">Another aspect Bender did well on drives was using the gather hop step dribble. A la Dwayne Wade he can use his length so he will not have to get around defenders. </p>
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<p id="eSJXjd">Now in Summer League 2017 where many fans expect Bender to dominate he should the same gather hop dribble in transition after playing a Point Forward role.</p>
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<p id="WiOquq">However, a positive sign for Suns fans is how rhythm translates. You could tell the game started slowing down as he started reading defensive schemes in PnR. </p>
<p id="6NSudo">I understand he misses the shot but he goes to the Two Dribble between-the legs rhythm, something he also did in the Alan Williams clip earlier. </p>
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<p id="0mwTVK">If you study his clips from Europe you see the same between-the legs rhythm dribble. Once the rhythm translates you can tell he his going to be comfortable out of PnR. </p>
<p id="lJXETo">Two Dribble Between Legs rhythm coupled with the scoop layup in this clip.</p>
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<p id="E3gZFL">In order to make up for the slow first step, I think Bender is going to have to make large strides getting better at keeping his defender on his hip with a Two-Dribble Rhythm Pull-Up. </p>
<p id="PYpKc2">It goes back to how good he looked at the 2014 Adidas Next Generation Tournament. This is what he needs to develop as an NBA player if he wants to score out of PnR consistently. </p>
<p id="KjOsdr">Good swipe through move gets his defender on his hip.</p>
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<h1 id="boERBF">Who is Dragan Bender?</h1>
<p id="4SUEe2">Dragan Bender was born to be a natural play maker at every level of basketball. A prodigious talent with the rare gift to make his teammates better. The special ability to see a play before it develops, or find an open teammate with an perfect outlet pass in transition. </p>
<p id="0xT1mr">Bender grew up as wonderkid in the eyes of his teammates and NBA executives. It is time to unleash the Dragan. Give him a chance to play like he showed he can throughout his career. A chance to play as a Point Forward in the new wave of position- less NBA basketball. </p>
<p id="DZvMZk">To all pessimistic Suns fans, I promise you Dragan Bender will be a good player in a Suns uniform, it is now on him and the coaching staff to see how they can translate the Dragan Bender from empty gyms in Croatia to the highest level of basketball. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/7/18/15963206/wonderkid-the-dragan-bender-story-phoenix-suns-croatiaYusuf Saleem2017-07-03T14:12:29-07:002017-07-03T14:12:29-07:00The Hidden Value of Alan Williams
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<img alt="NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-EhRAUtUC58EKe4f-HzbAkrb4b4=/0x256:3240x2416/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55561713/usa_today_9999119.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A Film-Based look at why Big Sauce fits with the Suns Young Core</p> <p id="3Eb2PM"><span>Alan Williams</span> is no longer the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a> best kept secret. As the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-free-agency">NBA free agency</a> period began on July 1st many teams are looking to bid with the Suns on the restricted free agent. Williams who began his Suns career as the end of the bench center and local fan favorite has been reported to have garnered an offer in the $20 Million range from the Phoenix Suns. </p>
<p id="o9xlpv">I’ll break down why Williams or to many Suns fans, “Big Sauce”, deserves every penny of his contract. </p>
<p id="qx9ZVQ">Williams is more than just a high energy big, he adds hidden value in a wide variety of areas, mainly creating passing angles for his teammates. </p>
<p id="RPFE9l">His running mate in the second unit this past season was the rookie point guard Tyler Ulis. The synergy between the two was apparent the second half of the season. </p>
<p id="R8JQDU"><strong>PicknRoll - Roll Man</strong></p>
<p id="MVx4xH">The Corner PnR with Ulis had great success as teams were forced to hedge on Ulis creating the switch in the paint. Williams wide body and natural ability allows him to create the passing angle. </p>
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<p id="OQlNI0">I am a big fan of the set as it allows both undersized players to play to their strengths. Watson realized this and added a new wrinkle with Ulis coming on an “Iverson” cut before running the PnR. Running the initial PnR with Bledsoe and Ulis creates another switch up top as well. </p>
<p id="gNLTpL">To bring out the set at the end of a close game shows you the faith the coaching staff has in Williams and Ulis. </p>
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<p id="ZVUfCA">The only defensive scheme teams have is to trap Ulis early and force a ball reversal to the weak side. Williams ability to finish on smaller guards after they switch the action makes it a pick your poison situation. </p>
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<p id="B6fyfe">Similar action here but this time it is a Double Wing Spread PnR with Booker spacing the floor in the corner.</p>
<p id="Oa4eiM">Oubre initially plays it well but again Williams wide body and ability to create the passing angle makes it difficult to contain the ball handler. </p>
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<p id="tlalw8">Double High PnR is a staple in the Watson offense. Majority of the time the ball handler drives left with a read to either attack or pass to the big at the three point line. Williams ability to finish in the paint gives the Suns another option. </p>
<p id="JMAH0N">The key is his activity to generate good low post position before the entry pass. </p>
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<p id="aJ3lG4">Great play design by Coach Watson in this set with screen the screener action, using Dudley to set a strong side pin down gets Mirotic away from the paint allowing Williams to get to his spot. </p>
<p id="el7Bxl">But this is Williams value in his ability to finish in the paint. </p>
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<p id="j6RzID">This is the 4-5 Motion PnR variation. Westbrook elects to go over the PnR and Kanter gets caught reaching on Ulis. Ulis ball handling ability to split and Williams finishing in the paint again creates a synergy between the pair. </p>
<p id="DV20Sy">Great attention to detail by reversing the layup while attacking Grant’s body. This is a good example of why Williams gets away with poor physical measurements. </p>
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<p id="7Ka5xg">Continuing with the theme of Williams and Ulis in PicknRoll sets Watson runs a 5-Out PnR in early offense. </p>
<p id="4uYwxp">Ulis’s ability to get Jennings on his hip forces Mahinmi to help. Williams does a good job of attacking the rim after Jennings is out of the action, a natural instinct. </p>
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<p id="q1TMIV">Williams will also be an extremely valuable PnR partner for <span>Devin Booker</span> moving forward. As Booker is going to see more traps, Williams will have a chance to get to his spot in the paint. </p>
<p id="sE88gZ">Williams also has the ability to create second chances after misses. </p>
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<p id="FIKJGd">The same idea is also true in motion sets with Booker and Williams. </p>
<p id="QqAufI">Zeller elects to hedge left on Booker forcing him to hit Williams. Big Sauce might not have the most conventional way of scoring but I can’t stress how valuable that finish is going to be in the future playing with an offensive juggernaut like <span>Devin Booker</span>. </p>
<p id="6ZrcUI">One Dribble Rhythm Hop Step finish. </p>
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<p id="dOU4KD"><strong>Value in DHO Sets</strong></p>
<p id="cBX0OL">Williams physical profile allows him to be an excellent commodity in various Dribble Hand Off Sets. </p>
<p id="WMcvmN">This is a basic Grenade DHO where the 5 takes two dribbles with a hand off to the PG. The key is having a capable 4 that can stretch the floor at the 3 point line. Dudley does well in getting Mirotic away from the paint. </p>
<p id="OCSxwN">The synergy between Ulis and Williams is unique. They make the action look a lot simpler than it is. </p>
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<p id="21Ml4A">Princeton action this time where their is no dribble just a hand off to the guard from the high post. </p>
<p id="9T4mMb">This clip is from the same game as shown earlier where Zeller helps on Booker. The Booker - Williams pairing has a chance to be special with Williams quick finishing ability. </p>
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<p id="LS8Yi7">Grenade DHO with Booker will also work the majority of the time. Booker has not had the chance to play large minutes with a finisher such as Williams, Len and Chandler do not have the same ability. </p>
<p id="rtYbA0">I would love to see the Suns run these actions more with Booker - Williams next season. </p>
<p id="xBpgT5">The One-Dribble Hop Finish is a natural instinct.</p>
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<p id="8uldHq">Now the sneaky value Williams has that will not show up in the stat sheet is his ability to create an open jumper for the guard with his wide body. </p>
<p id="FREP8S">He is one of the best in the entire NBA at this, many players do it but he does it with more aggression. Watch how he hands off the ball and immediately creates space on Bogdanovich. Little detail that makes a difference on a winning team. </p>
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<p id="UoHkXX"><strong>Value in Transition</strong></p>
<p id="z58WoO">Williams is an undersized center but makes up for it with his effort and speed. His effort in transition fits right in with the position-less up tempo style the Suns want to play. </p>
<p id="Y1hkP7">Barbosa finds a streaking Williams in transition. <span>Josh Jackson</span> is a great passer in transition, they should develop good chemistry next season. </p>
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<p id="oLKt9r">Watson has hinted at <span>Dragan Bender</span> playing more of a Point Forward role moving forward. I think that is best for Bender and the Suns. </p>
<p id="ZorcnW">Bender is a gifted passer and Williams always runs the floor hard, their chemistry would be very unique, something I will touch on later. </p>
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<p id="oN8Mle">This time he beats Kanter down the length of the floor. Suns have capable passers to find bigs that run hard, they just need an Alan Williams on the floor. </p>
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<p id="YZSxZH">Same idea here with Booker. He has helped every member of the Suns young core and will in the future. </p>
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<p id="QkC7On">This is a good clip showing his sneaky feel for the game in transition. This is a tough touch pass to make in transition. </p>
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<p id="Q0JHsw"><strong>SLOB Series: Zipper BS</strong></p>
<p id="9gt3Fz">This is one of the most common action the Suns run in side line out of bounds situations. The action is designed to get <span>T.J. Warren</span> isolated from the top of the key. </p>
<p id="UPj7eW">Williams finishing ability around the dotted line pairs well with Warren. Sabonis has to hedge on Warren forcing OKC to help one pass away. </p>
<p id="wtf15s">An improvement I would like to see is Williams making the extra pass to Bender in the corner once Abrines helps one pass away. </p>
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<p id="iYcLnP">Same action here but this time Williams sets the screen. His wide body brings great value to the Suns in these sets. </p>
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<p id="bxiohr"><strong>Early Offense: Pistol Curl</strong></p>
<p id="I3knEr">This is a Pistol set from 2016 in early offense where the lead guard Goodwin pitches the ball to the 3 in Budinger, then releases to the strong side corner. Williams sets a curl screen on the weak side. His wide body naturally forces the defender onto Teletovic’s hip something tremendously valuable in Watson’s offense</p>
<p id="L6RL99">The attention to detail on the finish by attacking the defender’s body is key. </p>
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<p id="ibQiKG"><strong>Hidden Value: The Offensive Rebound Putback</strong></p>
<p id="S48JCR">Going back to the earlier theme of Williams getting his defender on his hip as the roll man, this allows sneaky value in offensive rebounding. An energy play that can generate momentum in a game is something that will not show up on the stat sheet. </p>
<p id="Y04qmZ">As the Suns do not call many plays for him, Williams is known for his energy on the offensive boards, valuable skill on a winning team. </p>
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<p id="u8bDaS"><strong>Synergy with Dragan Bender</strong></p>
<p id="5KAklK">As shown earlier Dragan Bender and Alan Williams would have a unique chemistry on the court. Bender’s size and passing ability coupled with Williams ability to create angles is going to help both of them moving forward. </p>
<p id="YeKuCC">This is a ATO set designed to get the HI LO Entry into Williams. The ability to move Tolliver makes the pass 10x easier for Bender. </p>
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<p id="O1jBdd">This another designed action where the Suns get Bender the ball in the High Post. Both are unique, gives the Suns something special moving forward. </p>
<p id="8BQqzl">The Dragan Bender angle is definitely one of the most important hidden value aspects of Alan Williams. </p>
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<p id="Jj5ZjZ"><strong>Defensive Instincts</strong></p>
<p id="eQpqNQ">Williams does not have the greatest physical abilities to defend as a center in the NBA, but he makes up for it with his instincts. </p>
<p id="665565">This is a prime example of how he is able to provide some help side shot blocking keeping his eyes on Gibson. Perfect timing. </p>
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<p id="TqjPeR">The length and vertical jump is not there but the timing allows him to block Gibson again. </p>
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<p id="x8203h"><strong>End of Game Value</strong></p>
<p id="8cjRym">Williams does the little things that will not show up on the stat sheet. This is my favorite play he has had in his career. </p>
<p id="szyYtM">The hard screen on Smart forces him to the floor, this minor detail allows Williams to get the offensive rebound as Smart is not able to come back into the action.</p>
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<p id="fVUZBo">Obviously he has not had a chance to play many end of game situations, but that extra effort can make the difference between a win and a loss.</p>
<p id="bxWmex">In my view Alan Williams is the perfect fit for what the Suns are trying to build. He fits with the young core and has a unique ability to create passing angles for his teammates. Big Sauce has proved he belongs on the court and it is on the Suns management to prove they can match any offer sheet for the fan favorite. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/7/3/15911906/the-hidden-value-of-alan-williams-phoenix-suns-nba-free-agencyYusuf Saleem2017-06-15T07:00:02-07:002017-06-15T07:00:02-07:00Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum can Transform the Phoenix Suns Offense
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament-Second Round-South Carolina vs Duke" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_PSchYX_jOiVI2sAfyc83wMgpgE=/0x0:3568x2379/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55270839/usa_today_9959381.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Booker and Tatum’s parallel scoring ability can help the Suns take the next step offensively. </p> <p id="JRbuW4">With recent reports suggesting <span>Josh Jackson</span> has been promised by a team in the Top 3, the possibility of the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a> having the option to draft the Duke product is high heading into the draft. </p>
<p id="SFcymd">According to Tatum’s instagram account, he <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/6/14/15805902/jayson-tatum-in-town-right-after-the-phoenix-suns-worked-out-josh-jackson">landed in Phoenix yesterday</a> for a second workout with the team, after working out in LA for the Suns last week. Tatum joins <span>Jonathan Isaac</span> as the only players so far with multiple workouts.</p>
<p id="6rv7XN">NBA scouts and executives rave about Tatum’s pure scoring ability from all over the court. Many Sans fans wonder how Tatum will fit in with an already proven young scorer in <span>Devin Booker</span>. If the Suns are able to land Tatum on draft night they would have a chance to engineer one of the top young offenses in the NBA. </p>
<p id="jRIICo">I’ll breakdown the similarities between Tatum and Booker, look at how Tatum was used at Duke, and then project the offensive sets in which <span>Earl Watson</span> can use his skill set. </p>
<h2 id="8Zb8Li"><strong>Booker - Tatum Scoring Ability</strong></h2>
<p id="eRhP3t"><span>Devin Booker</span> and <span>Jayson Tatum</span> are both “3 Dimensional Scorers”, they can score in PicknRoll, Catch and Shoot 3, and the Low-Post. A 3D Scorer is the hardest piece to the puzzle to find on a championship contending team. Teams with one 3D Scorer are playoff contenders, teams that possess two are championship contenders. </p>
<p id="frY1id"><strong>1. PicknRoll</strong></p>
<p id="joeRQK">Tatum’s length and ball handling enable him to be a prolific scorer in the PicknRoll this is a good example of his ability to attack the switch by <span>Kennedy Meeks</span>. </p>
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<p id="FIKaP6"><strong>2. Catch and Shoot</strong></p>
<p id="tzPqNP">In Catch and Shoot Tatum is a capable shooter both on the hop and with the Two-Step rhythm. His potential future teammate Booker strictly loves shooting with the Two-Step rhythm. You might think that doesn’t matter but when you study Booker’s numbers you find something interesting. Booker shoots the left corner three at 23.3%. Watson runs a double pin down off a flare screen at times for Booker at that spot, it’s difficult for him get his feet set before he shoots, or shoots on the hop which is not as comfortable. This is also why there is a 10% difference right wing vs left wing 3-PT. </p>
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</figure>
<p id="5itFZv">Booker shooting in practice is a great way to see his Two-Step rhythm. Right foot is out every time. </p>
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<p id="YLkFut">Studying Tatum’s college stats he has a similar problem. Although it’s not as statistically significant as Booker, there is a 6% difference. </p>
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<cite>nbadraft.theringer.com</cite>
<figcaption>Jayson Tatum Shot Chart</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="cMhksv">This is a good clip that shows how Tatum shoots when his feet are set. Watch how he uses his right foot to generate momentum into the shot. </p>
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<p id="hIOLjp">For the left corner three he can use the hop as his rhythm. Watch how he doesn’t generate momentum with the right foot this time. This is a key shot he would need to make at the NBA level consistently. The Suns motion offense requires strong side action with capable corner 3 point shooters, which I will breakdown in more detail later. </p>
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<p id="2tfPY3">Tatum also has the ability to shoot with the up fake side step one dribble pull up. </p>
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<p id="LU03T4"><strong>3. Post Up Scoring</strong></p>
<p id="4v9tQV">Obviously the best part of Tatum’s game is his isolation scoring in the post. His go to move is the one dribble step back. </p>
<p id="n1KSLp">With all 3 Dimensions Tatum is truly a complete offensive scorer. </p>
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<p id="NBTFdV">You might wonder why it matters to have 3D scorers. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals">NBA Finals</a> was a game of chess between <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> and Warriors. Coach Lue continued to attack Steph Curry in ball screens on the defensive end. Cleveland does not have a 3D scorer to the caliber of Jayson Tatum or Devin Booker, and it cost them. </p>
<p id="wQaFv1">This is a great clip showing you Earl Watson’s game plan versus the Warriors. Get the switch on Curry and let Booker use his footwork - size to score. </p>
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<p id="1DD6DT">A 3D scorer is a match-up nightmare. The Suns can potentially have two of the best young 3D scorers in the NBA. A valuable asset to a rebuilding team. </p>
<p id="OwHoqx"><strong>Similar Rhythm</strong></p>
<p id="HpwGKj">Evaluating draft prospects is an inexact science, but there are certain patterns you will see in players that translate to the next level. A player that understands how to get to his spots on the court with proper rhythm always stands out. </p>
<p id="vKYa8v">Studying Devin Booker at Kentucky vs Phoenix Suns you can see he still uses the same rhythm moves he had in college. Although the similarities in these clips are not exact you can see in Booker’s mind he is thinking, if I get to my rhythm I won’t miss. </p>
<p id="mXUOkr">This is the clip of Booker using the one dribble three vs Notre Dame in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>. </p>
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<p id="Lq6lQ8">Now in his second year in the NBA with his former coach John Calipari in the first row, Booker uses a similar rhythm crossover three. I understand it is different, but Tatum is very similar with how uses crossovers to create rhythm. </p>
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<p id="nyEyGG">You will notice that both of them jab with their opposite foot (left foot) before pulling up. This is a pattern seen with elite shooting prospects off the dribble. </p>
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<p id="RrPQ6E">Crossover 3 this time. Similar to how <span>James Harden</span> creates space. </p>
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<p id="vIYW9R">Two-Dribble Rhythm Pull-Up is a sign of a confident scorer. </p>
<p id="eqsSrO">Good screen for screener action here, watch how Booker knows how to get to his spot. </p>
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<p id="X22c99">Tatum has similar rhythm as well. He can get better attacking on the catch. </p>
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<p id="U7x4tx"><strong>Footwork</strong></p>
<p id="6YgcqC">In my opinion footwork is the most important aspect of a prospect to evaluate. Booker had excellent footwork coming out of the draft, Tatum is right there with him. The prospects with elite footwork always have the best NBA careers. Booker’s success at an early age is due in large part to his fundamentally sound footwork. </p>
<p id="6jkLkW">Tatum loves setting up his defender with the right foot jab step. Watch how he is able to attack the right foot of his defender while driving left. Footwork is aggressive. </p>
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<p id="Jyu0jY">Booker’s footwork off the dribble is more advanced than Tatum. Footwork from Booker here is textbook perfect. Great attack of Embiid’s outside foot to create space before pulling up. </p>
<p id="Ev51p3">Tatum’s next step is to be more aggressive with ball fakes like Booker displayed. That is a progression that Booker has made this past season, I fully expect Tatum to be more aggressive with the ball in the NBA. Too many drives Tatum can’t beat his defender because can’t generate enough momentum with the ball at his waist. </p>
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<p id="k04nD6">Footwork out of the post is great for both players. Again Booker is just a little bit more advanced. The biggest sign is that you will never see Booker shooting off one foot, Tatum often shoots the one foot fall away shot. </p>
<p id="E21LKf">This is a prime example. Good drop step move on Barry, but shoots falling away. You can tell he is comfortable doing this. <span>Dirk Nowitzki</span> is a Hall of Famer with the same move. It shouldn’t cause him too many problems. </p>
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<p id="Dsrhws">Booker is a smooth scorer out of the low post. This is a similar drop step move on a smaller guard from the right block. Again watch the attention to detail by Booker with the ball placement away from his waist. A minor detail Tatum will improve as an NBA player, a fix that could take his scoring to the next level. </p>
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<p id="XuRMCk">As good as Tatum’s face up game is in isolation his back to the basket game is a work in progress. This is a footwork pattern not in his repertoire on the left block, Booker consistently shows how effective the reverse drop step is. </p>
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<p id="yNQjEW">Watson wants Booker to turn post ups into drives. I keep going back to it but watch how Booker uses the ball fake even when there is no chance he is passing. This detail can help Tatum get 5x better back to the basket post game. </p>
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<p id="SjpVz0">Tatum will also need to turn Post Ups into PnR. Love how Booker is able to keep his defender on his hip, reads the big <span>Anthony Davis</span> while holding the defender in jail. Once <span>Davis</span> backs off Booker attacks. This move is as high level as it gets. Shows you why Booker scored 70 points in an NBA game.</p>
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<p id="1jzpYH">If Tatum is able to add these moves his first three years in the NBA he will be an All-Star in a Phoenix Suns uniform. </p>
<p id="lVOc8G"><strong>Duke High Horns Motion Offense</strong></p>
<p id="2aiD9S">These are a couple sets Coach K used to get Tatum to his spots out of their Horns offense. </p>
<p id="3Wwra6">This is the 5 set where you see <span>Frank Jackson</span> feed Tatum at the elbow and release to the wing, similar to many of the original actions in Peter Carill’s Princeton Offense. A weak side curl is set for the guard, but Tatum is able to reverse pivot attack and beat his defender to the rim. </p>
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<p id="ATQLHF">Same action here but this time on the other elbow. Tatum does struggle going left, mainly due to his reliance of the right jab like I outlined earlier. He does a good job of getting the ball above his ahead for the finish this time. </p>
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<p id="6dgDp2">Coach K also used Tatum as the screener in the UCLA High Motion PnR. After the initial pass to the wing the lead guard in this case Frank Jackson goes on a UCLA cut between Tatum and Kennard. Notre Dame elects to switch the PnR action allowing Tatum to finish over the top of the smaller defender. </p>
<p id="B3rpul">This gets you thinking about the possibility of Booker - Tatum PnR. Pick your poison with how well Tatum can score in isolation on the right block. </p>
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<p id="X8nmaC">Basic Single High PnR out of Horns here, this action shows you how much Tatum loves getting isolated on the right block. </p>
<p id="C61cHq">Same game, Coach K elects to go with the Single High PnR, Notre Dame doesn’t switch the action this time. Watch closely how Tatum has the chance to attack from the top of the key but is able to take the defender to his spot. Advanced understanding of how to get to his spot is something that reminds you a lot of Devin Booker. </p>
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<p id="aoZX2H">Tatum’s versatility allowed Duke to run the motion High PnR set with Tatum spacing the floor on the weak side. This is a shot he will make in a Suns uniform if the Suns use him to space the floor. </p>
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<p id="57WWcd">To end the section on Tatum have to add that he is a gifted passer and a better defensive player than many scouts and executives believe. A lot like Booker he won’t wow you with the flashy pass but will always make the heady play and has a great feel for the game. </p>
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<p id="N0m8dP"><strong>Phoenix Suns Offense</strong></p>
<p id="VoPpaG">It’s critical to understand how the Suns will use Tatum with their young nucleus. Tatum opens the playbook a lot more as he can score in 3 Dimensions, unlike <span>T.J. Warren</span> who does not have the post-up game Tatum possess. </p>
<p id="YAVYwc">The main issue the Suns would have with incorporating Tatum is the idea that he would excel playing as the 4 in the Suns system. <span>Marquese Chriss</span> currently looks like the starting power forward for the Suns. Let’s break it down. </p>
<p id="dsNggV"><strong>Zipper Series</strong></p>
<p id="KHzAUo">A staple in the Watson offense is the 3-4 Zipper cut, which is a cut made with the 3 facing away from the basket. This clip shows how Chriss sets the screen. The main goal of this set in early offense is to get T.J. isolated from the top of the key where he is better compared to Tatum. </p>
<p id="BqiPDI">This action is one of the reasons it’s critical for the 4 man to shoot the corner 3 on the hop, something Chriss does very well for a young player. </p>
<p id="2pGAt3">Suns have to ask themselves would they rather have Tatum attacking or Warren, and is a combination of Tatum - Warren better than Chriss - Warren. If not, I think Chriss can play the 5. </p>
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<p id="tlnloJ">Coach K elected to use Tatum as the 4 in similar action. Kennard comes on a Zipper cut and isolate Tatum on the left block. This is where Tatum has the advantage on Warren and Chriss he is a better isolation scorer on the left block. </p>
<p id="PJ3QyM">With Booker spacing the floor in the corner a Tatum - Warren - Booker combination is the best option for the Suns. A lineup that can help them see more success in their half court sets. </p>
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<p id="3qHSJd"><strong>BLOB Series - Zipper Sets</strong></p>
<p id="blu1Fx">Watson has two main ideas in his BLOB sets. One is to get Booker free for a baseline jumper, the other is to get Warren isolated from the top of the key. </p>
<p id="Z6V7JR">Same idea here with Warren coming of a curl to score in isolation. If the Suns go with Tatum at the 3 they would have to sacrifice Warren’s mid-range scoring ability in BLOB sets. </p>
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<p id="XDJTZw">This is the same BLOB action Watson will run for Warren but not coming off a curl this time. </p>
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<p id="fAgs6e"><strong>BLOB Series - “One Up”</strong></p>
<p id="vSwrIY">This is Watson’s favorite BLOB set, getting Booker open for the baseline jumper. I think Tatum is more than capable to make this shot. </p>
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<p id="c3UxWF">One of the biggest question marks for Tatum is his elite first step going left and finishing. This is a good clip showing how he has to improve. Tatum is a prolific scorer in isolation from the elbows because of his understanding of angles. </p>
<p id="P33GkT">He will need to improve his scoring ability going left from the top of the key if the Suns want to use him as a 3 in their BLOB sets. </p>
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<p id="BDksHz"><strong>Horns Sets</strong></p>
<p id="bKnGAt">One of the basic Horns sets you will see the Suns run is the simple, “Horns Back” action for an alley-oop. Can Tatum finish with the same ability like Chriss if he plays the 4?</p>
<p id="UgIScu">I think the best option is to play Chriss as the 5. Run Horns with Tatum and Chriss. </p>
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<p id="gLJ4EG">Watson experimented the Bender and Chriss “Horns Back” here in the pre-season. With Chriss’s athletic ability, Bender’s passing ability, and Tatum’s scoring ability Watson would have decide on the best Horns combo. </p>
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<p id="tOaGK5">This is a set Watson runs out of Horns that is similar to actions Tatum ran at Duke. Horns sets would be lethal with Chriss at the 5 and Tatum at the 4. Len does not have the ability to drive and beat his man in this action. </p>
<p id="vyLmBe">Poor job by Ross helping on Len for no reason, but the through cut by Warren leads to the easy finish. </p>
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<p id="spdZkb">This is my favorite Horns sets the Suns run. The 1-4 entry pass with a back screen set for the guard in this case Bledsoe. The <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> switch the PnR action, Pachulia has no chance on Warren. </p>
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<p id="iAtYPa">Duke ran a similar set for Tatum getting him the switch from the big in PnR action out of Horns. Tatum gets the tough finish to go but again it goes back to theme of how he is not as comfortable attacking from the top of the key. </p>
<p id="JCTiac">Tatum relies on angles. Collins doesn’t give him the angle to drive right, so he goes for the up fake. Collins doesn’t bite but Tatum gets away with it due to his length. </p>
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<p id="sUrM9I">This is one of the sets where Warren would have the edge over Tatum, but either way with Booker spacing the floor the Suns would be tough to stop. </p>
<p id="FnAd0S"><strong>Fist Series</strong></p>
<p id="EYfcKm">Watson has a tendency to run Booker in his Fist series as the first play to start the second half. After rejecting the 2-4 cross screen Booker shoots the lane to come off a curl set by Chandler. </p>
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<p id="UMswQ7">This is the same action here with the same game time. First play of the second half. </p>
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<p id="ZdDTuI">The Suns can open up the playbook more with Tatum’s ability. This is how Duke ran Horns to get him isolated on the right block after a 4-5 cross screen. Combine this variation with the Suns fist series and it can transform the entire action. </p>
<p id="BDd1UO">If a team overplays on Booker, it gives the chance for Tatum to score in isolation on the left block. </p>
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<p id="fimFbl"><strong>Fist Motion Flare</strong></p>
<p id="sbRsp9">If you read the article I wrote on Josh Jackson, this is the most important set for draft prospects in an <span>Earl Watson</span> offense. I think Tatum has a chance to excel in these sets based on his footwork, rhythm, and understanding of angles in wing isolation. </p>
<p id="p9XvyN">Regardless of who the Suns draft I fully expect Booker to be the guard coming off the flare screen at least 80% of the time. I do think Tatum is more than capable as well. </p>
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<p id="mOcPdn">For this action to work you need good strong side action with a capable corner three point shooter. This is why it would be critical for Tatum to make that shot consistently. Teams are going to help on Booker in all actions. </p>
<p id="GvKUQD">An interesting variation the Suns experimented in the pre-season was Warren at the 4 setting the flare screen. Great spacing forces Harkless to help on Booker. Warren is a better finisher at this stage than Tatum. </p>
<p id="malRgX">Watson went away from Warren setting the flare as the 4 during the regular season. It would be interesting to see how Tatum would finish in the paint. </p>
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<p id="lAOCOm"><strong>High Elbow Splits</strong></p>
<p id="MwapPf">Booker’s passing ability coupled with Tatum’s scoring can help transform other sets the Suns were experimenting the second half of the season. I am a big fan of using Bender in these actions instead of Booker. Fully expect Watson to make those adjustments next season.</p>
<p id="Z7xaZ4">If the initial split action off the elbow does not work, Watson uses the strong side pin down to get Bledsoe for the open 3. With Tatum’s scoring ability Booker would now have another option to reverse the ball to the weak side and allow Tatum to score in isolation. </p>
<p id="JcsCWi">Chriss just does not have the same ability at this stage. Bender - Booker - Tatum High Elbow Splits would be some of the best in the NBA. </p>
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<p id="X2BnV0"><strong>Importance of Strong Side Action</strong></p>
<p id="uKr2sP">The key to the Watson offense is man movement and ball movement. Many of the actions result in a lot of what we saw last season, PnR or isolation basketball without the proper motion. </p>
<p id="DX7lCs">This is a prime example. Strong side action takes Vucevic’s eyes away from the guard and the perfect timing on the back screen opens the alley-oop. </p>
<p id="HeWBqw">Tatum at the 3 would need to hit the corner 3. Tatum at the 4, the action is not possible. Again, Chriss would need to be moved to the 5, this action would have the 4-5 switch. </p>
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<p id="OL6MQy">This is another example of strong side action leading to success. Watson used this action to start games versus both the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> and Cavs. </p>
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<p id="6HLYTD">Same action here to start the game. The play is designed to get Booker a three off the screen but another wrinkle the Suns could add is a 4-5 cross screen to get Tatum isolated on the left block. </p>
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<p id="acJtd5">Booker and Tatum have similar footwork, rhythm, and understanding of angles to score. Their parallel scoring ability can help transform the Earl Watson offense in Phoenix. </p>
<p id="OfZVMj">In my opinion if the Suns front office decides to pick Tatum they should use him as point forward, allowing Chriss to be the center of the future. Tatum is at his best either with the ball in transition or facing up slower forwards on the right block. Either way Tatum would give the Suns another 3 Dimensional scorer to pair with one of the best young scorers in the NBA. </p>
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https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2017/6/15/15794910/devin-booker-jayson-tatum-nba-draft-can-transform-the-phoenix-suns-offenseYusuf Saleem