Re: The Boston Celtics Mailing List Digest V4 #237

[tom bisson <tbisson@doe.state.vt.us>]

I love the style of basketball that employs fastbreaking offense fueled
by a running, pressing, trapping defense. It is a joy to watch and coach
as it brings out the athleticism of the players and rewards athleticism
more than pure basketball skills and set plays. It is particularly
effective in high school.

The effectiveness of this strategy decreases (and backfires) when it is
used against teams that are also athletic and skilled. It is very hard
to press a team with one or two skilled and quick ballhandlers. (see
last year's NCAA finals as an example).

Pitino did an excellent job of recruiting outstanding athletes and
basketball players at UK and did an outstanding job of coaching them to
effectively play a running trapping game.

So here's my question: Can this strategy be effective in the NBA? What
NBA team doesn't have outstanding, highly-skilled athletes? From what
I've seen, very few teams ever try to full court trap outside
desperation time. Some team employ half court traps that can be
effective in spurts if they get the right matchups. But, relying on
pressing and trapping against NBA players? I'm skeptical it can work in
the long run. I would agree that it should be part of a game plan,
particularly if you have a fast team.

NBA defenses are coached to stop teams from running. Fast breaks are
accidental because outlet passing lanes are so well guarded these days.
Can Walker start a fast break on his own by dribbling off a defensive
rebound? (I think so) Can Knight do that? (I don't think so). Can
Williams? (Maybe). Can Pitino redesign the classic fastbreak? (I'm
betting he can.) Do the Celtics have enough quality depth to wear a team
out? (Not yet, but maybe later).

Of course every coach wants to win, but beyond that, every coach wants
to leave an impression on the game - wants to reinvent it, to have a
legacy. I think the notion of leaving a legacy by influencing the way
the game is played is a tremendous motivating factor for the egos in NBA
suits. (Pat Riley is the number one example).

Can Pitino change the way the game is played? I don't know, but I'm
going to have fun watching him try.

- - tom