Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. go through their fictional award ballots through the midway point of the season.

TIMESTAMPS
4:30 -- Injury discussion (Kevin Durant's MCL, Draymond Green's calf/back issue, Lonzo Ball's meniscus)
18:15 -- Lakers discussion
34:20 -- Awards discussion, starting with Coach of the Year
41:20 -- Most Improved Player + Rookie of the Year
49:40 -- DPOY + All-Defense update
53:00 -- All-Rookie Teams
59:50 -- All-NBA Teams
1:10:00 -- Sixth Man of the Year
1:15:00 -- MVP
1:21:00 -- Free Throw segment

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Nekias Duncan and former NBA video coordinator and assistant coach Steve Jones break down teams, players, and rumors around the NBA every week.

The Dunker Spot

Midseason award check-in

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap: they're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year -- nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to 7th.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match-up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: how much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and becuase of how their players space the floor -- they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options -- it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-16 feet range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points, and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway Jr. has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to 7th.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match-up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: how much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and becuase of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-16 feet range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points, and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway Jr. has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match-up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: how much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and becuase of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-16 feet range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points, and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway Jr. has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 feet range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points, and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway Jr. has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 foot range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points, and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway Jr. has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 foot range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway Jr. has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 foot range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weakside of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, the most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 foot range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weak side of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said-area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, their most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 foot range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway has allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weak side of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

<p>Take a look at the top-10 in Defensive Rating this season, and most of the names will make sense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, headlined by elite talent (Draymond Green, Mikal Bridges), top the list. Surprise fixtures like the third-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers (Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley) and the 10th-ranked Minnesota Timberwolves (Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaden McDaniels) are able to length-and-chaos their way into high-level units.</p>
<p>Miliwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat? Elite personnel and coaching. Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers? Ty Lue's a madman and Ime Udoka has a stellar defensive background, and both rosters navigate switches at a high level. The Memphis Grizzlies? They were good last year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is having a fringe All-Defensive Team season.&nbsp;</p>
<p>And then, there are the Dallas Mavericks. They rank fourth in DRTG (106.4) this season, and easily hold the best defense (97.7 DRTG) in the league since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>Look at the Mavs' roster and point me to their middle linebacker like Draymond. Show me their elite point-of-attack guys like Bridges, or Jrue Holiday. Their toss-him-on-everything guy like a PJ Tucker or Marcus Smart. Fly-around-and-plug-holes guys like Vanderbilt or Nicolas Batum. Versatile rim-protectors like JJJ or the Twin Towers in Cleveland. (Fro Bros? Grow it out, Evan, so we can make this happen!)</p>
<p>You really can't, and that's what makes this Dallas team fascinating. There isn't an elite guy on the roster; heck, their most reliable wing defender over the past few seasons is <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952421-latest-nba-trade-intel-how-will-dame-lillard-surgery-impact-ben-simmons-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly on the trade market</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>How in the name of all that is holy are they pulling this off? Are we all living in a simulation?</p>
<p>(Yes, actually. Life is a giant Black Mirror episode; I've been screaming about this <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1192868857691721730?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">for years</a>.)</p>
<p>Oddly enough, it begins with their offense.</p>
<p>When you hear of a good offense leading to a better defense, it's generally within the context of made baskets. If your opponent is constantly taking the ball out of the basket, it's typically easier to set up your half-court defense.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's true for the Mavericks, who rank No. 3 in points per possession allowed following a made basket (0.99 PPP), <a href="http://stats.inpredictable.com/nba/ssnTeamPoss.php?season=2021&amp;po=0&amp;frdt=2021-10-19&amp;todt=2022-01-18&amp;view=def&amp;sort=adeffmk&amp;order=ASC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">via Inpredictable</a>. Beyond that, I think it's worth noting how their offensive approach helps their defense.</p>
<p>The boring answer behind the Mavericks' defensive leap? They're doing a much job of navigating transition opportunities.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning The Glass, the Mavericks allowed 128.3 points per 100 transition plays last season. That's down to 117.7 this year &mdash; nearly a 10-point decrease, and a shift that took them from 21st to seventh.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Effort and awareness play into that, of course. It's been a pleasure watching Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson high-tail it from the corners in order to match up with guys after misses.</p>
<p>Here's something I'm trying to work through: How much of a head start do the Mavericks get due to their offensive alignment?</p>
<p>They run over 39 spread (5-out) pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions, the third-highest rate in the league per Second Spectrum. They're also posting up more than they did last year (6.6 to 8.0); Kristaps Porzingis is posting slightly more, and Luka Doncic has nearly doubled his rate from the year before.</p>
<p>Because of the shots they get, and because of how their players space the floor &mdash; they almost always have two players stationed high on the floor as kickout options &mdash; it's easier to get back. Here's a quick stillshot of a Luka post-up just to get a visual.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_19_11_40_33_lg.png" alt="" width="650" height="366" /></p>
<p>Dorian Finney-Smith is roaming the dunker spot (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">subscribe!</a>), but the point remains. Both Brunson and Porzingis are spacing well beyond the three-point arc. They're good enough shooters to stress defenses from that range. But within this context, it won't take much for them to get back on defense because of where they're located.</p>
<p>As far as their half-court defense, the Mavericks don't do anything too crazy. They're primarily a drop coverage team with a hankering for late switching. Their defensive shot profile has improved because of this; they're allowing a lower share of threes <em>and&nbsp;</em>shots at the rim than last season, per Cleaning The Glass.</p>
<p>Porzingis is protecting the rim at a high level; opponents are only converting <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defensive-impact/?sort=BLK&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">half of their shots</a> against him, though he's contesting fewer shots than last season.</p>
<p>With that, it's worth noting that Porzingis is playing a step or so higher in his drop than he did last year, making it a little more difficult for ball-handlers to build momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Mavs are doing this thing where, if the ball-handler's defender can't stay attached cleanly over a screen, they'll pass off their man to Porzingis in the 14-to-16 foot range. He isn't a switch big in the Bam Adebayo mold, but he can use his length to navigate closer quarters.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bnecqq" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Mavs switch more frequently and effectively with Porzingis off the floor, per Second Spectrum. Having Maxi Kleber (looking good again!) or Dwight Powell at the 5 gives them more mobility, thus allowing them to flatten out offensive actions a little easier.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Head coach Jason Kidd hasn't quite gone into his Milwaukee bag in terms of ball pressure, but he'll sprinkle in some tricks. A funky counter they threw in their recent outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a hard double following a switch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander simply wasn't prepared for it.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/sdi9ix" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Beyond that, the Mavericks are just kinda working hard and nailing the little things. This is a group that talks, points and moves with a purpose. Rotations are tighter; scram switching feels like less of an adventure.</p>
<p>Brunson's fighting at the point of attack despite his size limitations. Hardaway hasn't allowed his shooting to affect his defensive effort. Frank Ntilikina and Josh Green (keep an eye on him) are bringing youthful exuberance. Even Luka is giving more effort on the weak side of actions, even if he gives me Harden vibes.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/19ny5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>(Seriously, he reminds me a bit of how James Harden has been used the last few seasons. They park him in an area, and switch just about any direct action involving him to keep him in said area.)</p>
<p>There are still holes to pick at within a playoff context.</p>
<p>Brunson can be hunted on switches; Porzingis still struggles against stretch bigs. Luka has switched more screens than any other Maverick, per Second Spectrum, and that's mostly because screen navigation is a chore for him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But for now, the Mavericks are locked in. They're "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" personified. If they can replicate most of this during postseason play, we may have to rethink their ceiling.</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down the surprisingly good defense of the Dallas Mavericks.

Without a true anchor, how do the Mavs have an elite defense?

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. (Editor's Note: You know what to do.) Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity, and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen, quick flip of the hips, and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. (Editor's Note: Subscribe!.) Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity, and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen, quick flip of the hips, and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: Subscribe!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity, and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen, quick flip of the hips, and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity, and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen, quick flip of the hips, and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen, quick flip of the hips, and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen with a quick flip of the hips and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continued.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen with a quick flip of the hips and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continues.</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>a recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>a strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>a block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on Top Shot moments of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen with a quick flip of the hips and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continues.</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: Boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>A recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>A strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>A block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on <a href="https://nbatopshot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top Shot Moments</a> of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen with a quick flip of the hips and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continues.</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: Boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>A recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>A strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>A block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on <a href="https://nbatopshot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top Shot Moments</a> of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball-screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet, though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

<p>It barely takes 40 seconds for Onyeka Okongwu to pop on Monday night's film.</p>
<p>The Atlanta Hawks kick off their opening set after forcing a Khris Middleton miss on the other end. De'Andre Hunter "ghosts" a screen for Trae Young before receiving a pass. Hunter then hands it off to Kevin Huerter as he lifts from the left wing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball is pitched to Okongwu in the middle of the floor. From there, the action is supposed to flow into a quick-hitting two-man game between him and Young, with Okongwu rolling to the side with the Hawks' best shooters. In other words: the Bucks would have to choose between tagging Okongwu on the roll, or staying at home to prevent a mostly open triple.</p>
<p>But George Hill blows it up.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/a2lloz" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Hawks are forced into improv mode thanks to Hill's ball denial. Okongwu looks towards John Collins, who rebuffs him quickly.&nbsp;<em>Go to the other side!</em></p>
<p>And so he does, opting to toss to &mdash; and later screen for &mdash; Huerter. The Bucks send two to the ball, as they've <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/the-bucks-are-reinventing-themselves-on-defense-again" target="_blank" rel="noopener">done all year</a>. Huerter hits Okongwu on the roll, and the USC protege fires that sucker to the corner in a&nbsp;<em>snap.</em></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/2o8ggu" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Collins misses the three, but you take that process &mdash; that <em>quick&nbsp;</em>process &mdash; 10 out of 10 times. That short-roll juice &mdash; he's the best (on-the-move) passer in Atlanta's big-man room &mdash; is a necessary complement to Atlanta's ball-handlers. A necessary counter to aggressive defenses like Milwaukee's.</p>
<p>Okongwu would go on to have one heck of a game. The statline of his fourth start of the season was cool: 12 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive), 3 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. The "how" of those numbers were impressive.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Of his six made field goals, we saw him catch lobs, score off of rebounds and make his own breakfast from the dunker spot. <em>(Editor's Note: <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/podcasts/the-dunker-spot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe</a>!) </em>Okongwu's spatial awareness, activity and plus-touch in the paint makes him a solid bail-out option.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hupr5d" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>This is the quintessential Okongwu possession. A good screen with a quick flip of the hips and constant-but-calculated movement as the action continues.</p>
<p>Again, it's hard not to be excited about his passing on the short roll. He maps out the floor well and makes quick decisions with the ball. There's some manipulation present, even if it isn't Jokic-level.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ye4ceg" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>It's simple, but I love the extra dribble here. As part of the Bucks' aggressive scheme, Giannis Antetokounmpo is tasked with splitting the difference (playing between two players) on the weak side of this pick-and-roll. Okongwu's dribble forces Giannis to make a choice &mdash; he takes away the corner pass &mdash; before immediately picking out the open man (Collins).</p>
<p>And speaking of Giannis: Boy, did he have a tough time dealing with Okongwu.</p>
<p>The flashy stats are there; three blocks and a steal are nothing to sneeze at, and all but one of those came against Giannis. But even in those instances, you got to see the defensive versatility he provides.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/nea2vw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If you're keeping track at home, you just saw:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rim protection while operating at the back of the zone</li>
<li>A recovery block after defending an inverted ball-screen&nbsp;</li>
<li>A strip against Giannis while defending an iso</li>
<li>A block against Giannis while defending a post-up</li>
</ul>
<p>And that's just the flashy stuff. You're not making much on <a href="https://nbatopshot.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top Shot Moments</a> of Okongwu playing the gap in drop or ICE coverage, or contesting jumpers after late/peel switches. That doesn't make his ability to do so any less important than it is.</p>
<p>Consider this: the Bucks generated 0.75 points per possession on trips featuring a ball-screen defended by Okongwu, per Second Spectrum. That number dropped to 0.5 in the second half, where the Bucks kept involving Giannis as a screener and ultimately failing to create easy looks.</p>
<p>We're now four starts into the Okongwu Experience this season. His averages aren't too far off of what he put up against the Bucks on Monday: 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 blocks.</p>
<p>The Hawks selected him to be their center of the future last season; with play like this, combined with the step back that Clint Capela has taken this season, the future may turn into the present very soon.</p>
<p>It probably isn't time for the full shift yet though. As dynamic as Okongwu is defensively, there are some size-and-strength concerns that haven't been fully fleshed out yet. He still fouls quite a bit; he commited five last night (four against Giannis), and his 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes is not the kind of rate you want to see from a primary rim protector.&nbsp;</p>
<p>But as he gets stronger and more disciplined, he'll be able to handle more of a workload. That'll give him more time to build chemistry with Young on the other end; the sample is small, but the Hawks are generating over 1.1 points per possession on trips featuring a Young-Okongwu pick-and-roll.</p>
<p>In a season filled with disappointment for the Hawks, Okongwu's play has been a much-needed bright spot.</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down the play and upside of Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu.

Is Onyeka Okongwu ready for more with the Hawks?

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. are joined by Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated to discuss the release of his new book, "Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the New York Knicks", as well as the contending status of the Chicago Bulls.

TIMESTAMPS
7:30 -- Chris talks about the book -- how it came together, favorite anecdotes, and more.
57:30 -- Chicago Bulls discussion

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Blood in the Garden

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>First part of that seems nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors -- two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the West in six of the last seven Finals -- seem to have a better handle on the #LittleThings than the Jazz do.</p>
<p>Then it gets fun.</p>
<p>That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I -- me, Nekias -- find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</p>
<p>Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst, <a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this</a>), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine -- he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example -- but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But this gripe for Gobert goes beyond Mitchell.</p>
<p>Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, <em>and</em> communicate (a switch) in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second-worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>All drop-defenders aren't created equal; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (hi, Cleveland game).</p>
<p>Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense --&nbsp; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid -- but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: over the last five games, opponents are scoring <em>over 1.19 points per possession</em> on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</p>
<p>If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</p>
<p>Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] none of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear case of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary issue.</p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>First part of that seems nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors -- two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the West in six of the last seven Finals -- seem to have a better handle on the #LittleThings than the Jazz do.</p>
<p>Then it gets fun.</p>
<p>That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I -- me, Nekias -- find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</p>
<p>Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst, <a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this</a>), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine -- he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example -- but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But this gripe for Gobert goes beyond Mitchell.</p>
<p>Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, <em>and</em> communicate (a switch) in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second-worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>All drop-defenders aren't created equal; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (hi, Cleveland game).</p>
<p>Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense --&nbsp; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid -- but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: over the last five games, opponents are scoring <em>over 1.19 points per possession</em> on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</p>
<p>If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</p>
<p>Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] none of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear case of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Their recent flameouts in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</span></p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>First part of that seems nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors -- two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the West in six of the last seven Finals -- seem to have a better handle on the #LittleThings than the Jazz do.</p>
<p>Then it gets fun.</p>
<p>That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I -- me, Nekias -- find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</p>
<p>Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst, <a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this</a>), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine -- he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example -- but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But this gripe for Gobert goes beyond Mitchell.</p>
<p>Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, <em>and</em> communicate (a switch) in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second-worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>All drop-defenders aren't created equal; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (hi, Cleveland game).</p>
<p>Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense --&nbsp; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid -- but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: over the last five games, opponents are scoring <em>over 1.19 points per possession</em> on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</p>
<p>If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</p>
<p>Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] none of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear demonstration of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Their recent flameouts in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</span></p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>First part of that seems nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors -- two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the West in six of the last seven Finals -- seem to have a better handle on the #LittleThings than the Jazz do.</p>
<p>Then it gets fun.</p>
<p>That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I -- me, Nekias -- find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</p>
<p>Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst, <a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this</a>), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine -- he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example -- but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But this gripe for Gobert goes beyond Mitchell.</p>
<p>Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, <em>and</em> communicate (a switch) in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second-worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>All drop-defenders aren't created equal; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (hi, Cleveland game).</p>
<p>Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense --&nbsp; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid -- but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: over the last five games, opponents are scoring <em>over 1.19 points per possession</em> on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</p>
<p>If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</p>
<p>Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] none of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear case of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>First part of that seems nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors -- two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the West in six of the last seven Finals -- seem to have a better handle on the #LittleThings than the Jazz do.</p>
<p>Then it gets fun.</p>
<p>That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I -- me, Nekias -- find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</p>
<p>Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst, <a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this</a>), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine -- he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example -- but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But this gripe of Gobert's goes beyond Mitchell. At this point, Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> communicate a switch in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark in the NBA by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All drop-defenders aren't created equal &mdash; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (take a look at the Cleveland game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense &mdash; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid &mdash; but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: opponents are scoring over 1.19 points per possession on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll &mdash; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] neither of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear demonstration of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>First part of that seems nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors -- two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the West in six of the last seven Finals -- seem to have a better handle on the #LittleThings than the Jazz do.</p>
<p>Then it gets fun.</p>
<p>That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I -- me, Nekias -- find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</p>
<p>Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst, <a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read this</a>), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine -- he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example -- but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But this gripe of Gobert's goes beyond Mitchell. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this point, Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> communicate a switch in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark in the NBA by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All drop-defenders aren't created equal &mdash; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (take a look at the Cleveland game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense &mdash; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid &mdash; but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: opponents are scoring over 1.19 points per possession on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll &mdash; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] neither of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear demonstration of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First part of that seems pretty nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors &mdash; two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the Western Conference in six of the last seven Finals &mdash; seem to have a handle of the little things than the Jazz do.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Then it gets fun.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst,</span><a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">read this</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine &mdash; he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example &mdash; but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But this gripe of Gobert's goes beyond Mitchell. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this point, Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> communicate a switch in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark in the NBA by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All drop-defenders aren't created equal &mdash; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (take a look at the Cleveland game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense &mdash; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid &mdash; but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: opponents are scoring over 1.19 points per possession on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll &mdash; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] neither of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear demonstration of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First part of that seems pretty nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors &mdash; two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the Western Conference in six of the last seven Finals &mdash; seem to have a handle of the little things than the Jazz do.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Then it gets fun.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst,</span><a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">read this</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine &mdash; he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example &mdash; but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But this gripe of Gobert's goes beyond Mitchell. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this point, Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> communicate a switch in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark in the NBA by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All drop-defenders aren't created equal &mdash; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (take a look at the Cleveland game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense &mdash; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid &mdash; but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: opponents are scoring over 1.19 points per possession on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll &mdash; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] neither of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear demonstration of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</p>

<p>Go ahead, pick out the meme if you want.</p>
<p>Matter of fact, I'll do it for you. Please hold.&nbsp;</p>
<p>[elevator music]</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-10-47-40-am_lg.png" alt="" width="325" height="386" /></p>
<p>We've got our funnies out of the way, I hope. Let's dig into the heart of this.</p>
<p>After a Jazz practice, Utah center Rudy Gobert was asked about some things. His health and pending return was at the top of the list.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Gobert was also asked about the state of the Jazz as title contenders. He <a href="https://twitter.com/tribjazz/status/1482075141374758915?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">was pretty honest</a>, though still hopeful that the Jazz could turn things around. The major hold-up in his eyes: a lack of "winning habits" being established, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p>His stance, per Eric Walden of <a href="https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2022/01/14/rudys-return-utah-jazz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Salt Lake Tribune</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When I watch some of these other teams, like the Suns or the Warriors, those guys are a step ahead of us in terms of winning habits. They take every game personally,&rdquo; Gobert said. &ldquo;Devin Booker is playing his a-- off defensively. I&rsquo;ve been watching him compared to two years ago. Guys like that, they buy in, and you can tell they take pride in playing defense and stopping their man, doing whatever they can defensively to stop the other team and be part of a winning culture. I just think we&rsquo;re not there yet, but I think we&rsquo;re gonna get there."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First part of that seems pretty nondescript, right? The Suns and Warriors &mdash; two teams ahead in the standings, and two teams that have represented the Western Conference in six of the last seven Finals &mdash; seem to have a handle of the little things than the Jazz do.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Then it gets fun.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That Devin Booker mention? The subsequent "you can tell they take pride in playing defense" line? I find it hard to believe that wasn't intentional phrasing from Gobert. At bare minimum, it reads as a shot at Donovan Mitchell, Gobert's teammate and Booker's peer among the premier shooting guard group. And if it is, it's well deserved.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mitchell, as dynamic as he is offensively (psst,</span><a href="https://www.one37pm.com/strength/sports/donovan-mitchell-jazz-ceiling"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">read this</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), leaves quite a bit to be desired defensively. He remains poor as a screen navigator, either taking I-simply-cannot-recover wide angles or being wiped out by picks entirely. Dialed-in Mitchell is fine &mdash; he's finding comfort with a spin move when ducking under picks, for example &mdash; but we don't consistently see that on a per-possession basis. Combine that with struggles to stay attached to ball-handlers, and you get film that looks like this.</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/s0liak" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But this gripe of Gobert's goes beyond Mitchell. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this point, Mike Conley and Royce O'Neale (bless his heart) might be the only defenders on the roster that Gobert can trust to stay solid on-ball, give multiple efforts, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> communicate a switch in a timely manner. That simply isn't good enough if the Jazz want to reach their ceiling.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last five games without Gobert have highlighted his value. The Jazz have the second worst defense (120.3 defensive rating) in the league during this stretch. Opponents are generating nearly 1.14 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen, the worst mark in the NBA by a decent margin per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All drop-defenders aren't created equal &mdash; Hassan Whiteside is no Gobert. But Gobert's absence further exposed just how much he was cleaning up, and how poorly the Jazz are doing the little things. It's been especially clear when they've had to go small, with Whiteside on the bench or with him simply not being available (take a look at the Cleveland game).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Without Gobert (and Whiteside), the Jazz have leaned further into switching. The gambit makes sense &mdash; flatten out the offense, keep the action in front, stay solid &mdash; but good lord have they done a poor job of it. To put a number on it: opponents are scoring over 1.19 points per possession on trips featuring a Jazz switch, per Second Spectrum.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's only so much the Jazz can do from a personnel perspective. But they aren't even giving themselves a chance on most possessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you're going to switch, there has to be some semblance of physicality. Against deadly pull-up shooters, you have to push up when switching so they don't have a gap to waltz into. Against dynamic rollers or post threats, it helps to get under them and cut off their roll &mdash; or you can go the other way entirely, getting on top early and fronting to take away an easy entry pass.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lo and behold, the Jazz are doing [checks notes] neither of those things. Let's look at one glaring example from that Cavs game, shall we?</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/wouxkw" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brandon Goodwin isn't a high level pull-up shooter, but this is a pretty clear demonstration of the lack of detail the Jazz are switching with. Mitchell and Bojan Bogdanovic switch this screen between Goodwin and Kevin Love. Mitchell isn't a good match-up against Love, of course, but look at the angle Love is able to take as he sets the screen.</span></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screen-shot-2022-01-15-at-12-42-22-pm_lg.png" alt="" width="575" height="325" /></p>
<p>Mitchell doesn't get under him at all; Love has the inside track the entire way through. This is why, despite switching out to Goodwin, Bogdanovic sinks back to Love. He wants to cut off the flashing-red-sign passing window that Love has. But because of that, Goodwin is essentially given a practice jumper. You simply can't give an NBA guard that kind of space.</p>
<p>So, talk about Gobert The Personality all you want. Criticize the lack of offensive impact he's had against smaller units if that tickles your fancy. But he's 100% on the money about the Jazz defensively.</p>
<p>Their recent outings in the postseason have had more to do with their defense than their offense. And as convenient as it's been to put those shortcomings on Gobert, he's far from the primary cause.</p>

Nekias Duncan digs into Rudy Gobert's recent comments about Utah's "winning habits."

Rudy Gobert has a point about Utah's defense

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. dig into all things defense: schemes, pet peeves, standouts and more.

TIMESTAMPS
2:15 -- Injury news (Paul George, Damian Lillard)
5:45 -- Trade talk (Bol Bol back to Denver; Cam Reddish to New York)
14:40 -- All-Star vote update
24:20 -- General defense thoughts/trends/pet peeves
38:30 -- Teams that have impressed (MIL, GSW, MIA and more)
1:12:30 -- Teams that have disappointed (LAL, NYK, SAC and more)
1:23:20 -- Awards talk (DPOY, All-Defensive teams)
1:36:40 -- Mailbag
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First Team All-Defense

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half </em>of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</span></p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult set-up for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it, too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball screen, the second stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet, and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach half of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult set-up for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it, too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball screen, the second stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet, and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it, too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball screen, the second stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet, and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball screen, the second stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet, and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="577" height="325" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball screen, the second stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet, and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball screen, the second stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet, and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball-screen, the second-stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle of the pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball-screen, the second-stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle-of-the-pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough, and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if they process the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball-screen, the second-stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle-of-the-pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough, and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if that player processes the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're 7th in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

<p>Depending on who you ask, and where their allegiance lies, the primary reason the Milwaukee Bucks won last year&rsquo;s title is... let&rsquo;s say, different.</p>
<p>It could be Giannis Antetokounmpo shedding his half-court demons, adding the necessary counters to become unguardable. That idea has been explored <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/enough-no-bag-talk-giannis-antetokounmpo-put-the-nba-on-notice-finals-mvp-champion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in this space</a>.</p>
<p>Some (okay, many) point to injury luck. The Brooklyn Nets were famously without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Kyrie Irving and James Harden by the end of their second-round bout. The Atlanta Hawks were without &mdash; or had hampered versions of &mdash; Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De'Andre Hunter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>(This, of course, ignores the Bucks being down a starter who doubled as their second-best perimeter defender and Giannis playing on a knee that wasn&rsquo;t 100%, but whatever.)</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d offer this reason: the Bucks finally became scheme-versatile enough to last in the latter rounds. They spent the regular season taking a statistical step back in order to experiment. There was a shift to their offensive approach, going from a 5-out look to an alignment that consistently placed a player in the dunker spot. (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subscribe!</a>)</p>
<p>Defensively, they expanded their toolkit. Drop coverage remained their base, but switching became a larger part of their diet. It wasn&rsquo;t always great, but the fruits of that labor came during the postseason.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking to repeat their result (a title) by repeating their process (scheme-shifting). The big change has come defensively, as they&rsquo;ve dialed up their pressure to a ridiculous degree.</p>
<p><strong>BRINGING THE HEAT</strong></p>
<p>We've seen the Bucks go from a "drop, drop, then drop some more" strategy to a drop-and-switch-when-necessary approach. They were the league's best defense when anchored by the former, and the latter saw them land in the back end of the top-10. Well, that and they eventually won a title. Minor detail.</p>
<p>While both tactics serve the same purpose &mdash; take away fruitful creases and keep the action in front &mdash; they're both conservative by nature. When executed smoothly, the Bucks are able to defend actions 2-on-2 and keep everyone else out of rotation.</p>
<p>That's what makes their next evolution fun. They're purposely sending two to the ball, forcing a third player into the fray and tasking the others to zone up behind them.</p>
<p>The Bucks are showing or blitzing on 15.4 picks per 100 possessions, the second-highest rate in the NBA per Second Spectrum. That figure is more than double the league average this year (roughly seven per 100), and more than <em>triple</em>&nbsp;their rate from last season (roughly 4.5).</p>
<p>Like any schematic shift, you have to have the personnel to successfully execute it. When healthy, the Bucks have the goods.</p>
<p>Jrue Holiday is one of the best on-ball defenders on the planet. Grayson Allen can hold his own on the ball. Khris Middleton is solid on-ball, but has long been a pest in the passing lanes. Giannis is one of the best weak-side helpers the league has ever seen. And starting center Bobby Portis is mobile and active enough to keep ball-handlers from turning the corner.</p>
<p>They can mix in other guys. Donte DiVincenzo (welcome back!) and Pat Connaughton can bother ball-handlers or rotate on time, on target. George Hill and Wes Matthews (also welcome back) can still cover ground. Youngsters like Jordan Nwora are learning the ropes, but the activity level is encouraging.</p>
<p>(There's a fun chicken-or-the-egg thing going on with the Bucks' new scheme. Did they plan on experimenting with this anyway, or did the absence of their drop anchor Brook Lopez [get well soon] force them to find a different solution?)</p>
<p>Add those elements together, and you have a defense that makes life incredibly tough on offenses. They're allowing 0.84 points per possession on trips that feature a blitzed (or hedged) ball-screen, the sixth-best in the NBA. If you account for volume &mdash; the five teams ahead in PPP allowed don't even approach <em>half</em> of the Bucks' blitz/show rate &mdash; nobody really compares.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/vtwvdt" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>The Bucks are able to muck things up against high pick-and-rolls in the middle of the floor. They're somehow even better when teams empty a corner before their attack.</p>
<p>That's generally a difficult setup for defenses to navigate, especially against pull-up artists or versatile big scorers. It takes away a natural safety net of help, unless you're willing to pre-rotate.</p>
<p>Many teams can't pull it off. The Warriors can, headlined by one-man-zone master Draymond Green. The Bucks can do it too. Here's a quick example of what it looks like.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/guj43w" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>As Scottie Barnes sets the screen, you can see Middleton walking towards the painted area. Fred VanVleet, dealing with pressure from Holiday and Sandro Mamukelashvili, has to execute a jump pass to get out of trouble.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_22_00_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>With Middleton roaming over to pick up Barnes, Nwora peels down to the corner. That leaves Matthews to "split the difference" between Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby until Mamu can recover to Barnes, which would then allow Nwora and Middleton to regain their perimeter assignments.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn.basketballnews.com/images/story/body/screenshot_2022_01_13_00_25_17_lg.png" alt="" width="573" height="323" /></p>
<p>Surprise, surprise: the Bucks are allowing 0.87 PPP on possessions featuring an empty corner ball-screen, the second-stingiest mark in the NBA behind the Warriors (0.82 PPP). And when the Bucks hedge or trap those actions, that number <em>drops&nbsp;</em>to 0.77.</p>
<p>It's controlled chaos, really. Pressure the ball, pick up the immediate outlet and dare the ball-handler to make the skip necessary to beat you. The Bucks are middle-of-the-pack in turnover rate (14.0, 17th), but they've taken a step from where they were last season (12.8, 23rd).</p>
<p>There are still kinks to work out. With such an aggressive scheme, there's room for teams to beat it with good ball movement and slick off-ball counters.</p>
<p>Hit the roll man early enough, and you can get diced up &mdash; especially if that player processes the floor well. Flare or hammer screens against the defender tasked with splitting the difference can put the Bucks in a bind. So can random relocations.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/bdxgyp" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>But as it stands, the Bucks are still a darn good defense. They're No. 7 in defensive rating with a better half-court unit &mdash; 92.7 points per 100 plays, per Cleaning The Glass &mdash; than they had last season (98.2 per 100). Even if you account for offense being down across the league this year, their half-court defense is about a point better than league average, compared to 1.3 points lower than league average last season.</p>
<p>The Bucks are looking like an even more versatile version of themselves. Provided they stay (some semblance of) healthy, they're primed for another title run.</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down the Bucks' new aggressive defense.

The Bucks are reinventing themselves on defense again

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Hawks, Heat, Cavaliers, Kings, and Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped: of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; they've done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>They've spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop, or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped: of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; they've done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>They've spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop, or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped&nbsp; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; they've done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>They've spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop, or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; they've done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>They've spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop, or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; it has done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>They've spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop, or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; it has done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>The Blazers have spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop, or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; it has done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>The Blazers have spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; it has done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>The Blazers have spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then he sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcomed improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; it has done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>The Blazers have spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then he sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is welcome improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

<p>Late in the third quarter, the Portland Trail Blazers look to set up shop against a surprisingly-good Brooklyn Nets defense.</p>
<p>Nassir Little brings the ball up the left side of the floor, patiently awaiting a screen from Cody Zeller. The latter is knocked off his rocker a bit; Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant are able to switch the action without Little threatening things.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The ball swings to the opposite side of the floor to Anfernee Simons, chilling around the right hash while Robert Covington acts as a matchup-dictating shield. It's Simons versus Kessler Edwards now.</p>
<p>Edwards begins his defense attempting to shade Simons towards the sideline, but Simons boogies a bit and shifts Edwards' weight. He eventually drives to his left, not quite blowing by Edwards, but doing enough to gain inside leverage on the attack. Griffin, now defending Little, provides relief around the free throw line to protect the middle of the floor. Simons counters with a left-hand dart to Little, who then cashes the open triple.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/l304o7" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>My initial thought when watching that possession: <em>What the heck am I watching?</em></p>
<p>It's not that the possession is a bad one; it simply isn't supposed to be happening.</p>
<p>Late third-quarter offense is supposed to be spearheaded by either Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum while the other gets a breather. Instead, it's Simons being forced into a new role. He's gone from sixth man to starter; from hired gun to lead initiator.</p>
<p>It isn't supposed to be like this, this soon. But the circumstances are the circumstances. Luckily for Portland, Simons appears to be more scalable than advertised.</p>
<p>Simons has started eight games now, including all five games the Blazers have played in 2022. He's been pretty darn good.</p>
<ul>
<li>Starter numbers: 20.9 points (58/41/96 split), 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists (2.1 turnovers) in 32.4 minutes</li>
<li>2022 stats: 27.8 points (61/45/95 split), 3.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists (2.8 turnovers) in 37.0 minutes</li>
</ul>
<p>The silky smooth guard has seemingly taken the role shift in stride. Dock him for not facing an elite defensive assignment in the calendar year if you'd like &mdash; between games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Brooklyn Nets, Kyle Lowry might be his stingiest foe &mdash; but it's hard not to be impressed with what Simons has done.</p>
<p>The three-ball remains his most powerful weapon, though he's forced to get those looks in a more difficult fashion. On the season, Simons is averaging more catch-and-shoot triples (3.4) than off-the-dribble bombs (2.7). Over the last five games, that story has flipped &mdash; of the 11.2 threes he's attempting, 6.2 of them have been off the bounce.</p>
<p>Only three players (Fred VanVleet, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell) are <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/pullup/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;sort=PULL_UP_FG3A&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taking more pull-up threes</a> per contest than Simons in 2022; none of them are doing it at better efficiency than Simons (41.2% on those shots). It's a 10-day sample, of course, but even this snapshot of high-volume pulling should be respected.</p>
<p>Give the Portland coaching staff a little bit of credit; it has done a good job of leveraging Simons' talents and simplifying his reads at the same time.</p>
<p>The Blazers have spammed pick-and-rolls with an empty corner during this stretch. No guard has received more picks with an empty side than Simons in 2022, per Second Spectrum; in terms of volume, the Simons-Jusuf Nurkic combo is lapping the field.&nbsp;</p>
<p>They've also been wildly efficient with those actions; the Blazers are generating well over 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring a Simons-Nurkic empty corner ball screen since the turn of the calendar.</p>
<p>It's easy to see why. Playing drop coverage allows Simons to flow into pull-ups if his defender can't stay attached. Against ICE coverage &mdash; the cue is the on-ball defender aggressively shading Simons towards the sideline &mdash; Simons is able to get into his shot if the screen hits, or string out the play to the baseline to unlock pocket passes, hit the pop or force a switch.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/8uc9my" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>While the shooting has been impressive, Simons' work on drives may be even more encouraging. He's averaging a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/drives/?Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;DateFrom=01%2F01%2F2022&amp;TeamID=1610612757&amp;sort=DRIVES&amp;dir=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shade under 12</a> per game in the new year while converting 62.5% of his shots.</p>
<p>While he isn't Morant-level fast, there's a suddenness about him that work. His dribble combos shift his defender's weight on the regular, then he sinks <em>juuuust&nbsp;</em>low enough to create an angle for himself. Combine that with impressive touch, and you have the makings of an interesting finisher.</p>
<p>More than anything, he's pretty insistent on touching the paint. It doesn't always look smooth, but getting into a threatening area of the floor still forces the defense to react.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/yncdwi" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>That shooting and driving aggression has opened up passing windows for Simons. There have been some solid corner skips on his film as of late, but he's mostly a run-the-set or slip-it-inside initiator right now. That's perfectly okay. The fact that he's showcasing more comfort on pocket passes &mdash; and getting a little more daring with them &mdash; is a welcome improvement.</p>
<p>Some of these numbers will regress. That's how sample size works, and we'll likely see a shift in the quality of defenders thrown at Simons while the stars remain out. But it's hard not to be impressed with the work that Simons has done with more responsibility.</p>
<p>The Blazers have been firm believers in Simons' upside since they drafted him. They slow-played him in Year 1, and have slowly given him more responsibility in the years since. This was their vision: a combo guard that can play off their stars, or take over the show when called upon.</p>
<p>Vision's looking pretty good right now, huh?</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down the recent play of Anfernee Simons in the absence of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

With more responsibility, Anfernee Simons is stepping up in Portland

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. celebrate the pod's one-year anniversary with a live episode + mailbag.

TIMESTAMPS
5:40 -- Klay Thompson debut thoughts
12:30 -- Damian Lillard discussion
19:25 -- Bol Bol/Rodney McGruder trade thoughts
27:10 -- Teams that have impressed (MEM, MIA, DAL)
39:30 -- Utah Jazz discussion
45:00 -- Sixers shoutout 
49:00 -- Boston Celtics discussion
1:11:30 -- Note on the Brooklyn Nets (+ playoff tier talk)
1:20:00 -- Mailbag + free throw segment
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Happy Anniversary to The Dunker Spot

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He won then in the way that he wins more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!" ,&nbsp;</em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of package to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance, and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort; the man is making sweet music&nbsp;<em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He won then in the way that he wins more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!" ,&nbsp;</em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of package to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance, and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort; the man is making sweet music&nbsp;<em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he&nbsp; more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!" ,&nbsp;</em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of package to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance, and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort; the man is making sweet music&nbsp;<em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!" ,&nbsp;</em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of package to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance, and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort; the man is making sweet music&nbsp;<em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!"&nbsp; </em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of package to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance, and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort; the man is making sweet music&nbsp;<em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!"&nbsp; </em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of passage to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort; the man is making sweet music&nbsp;<em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!"&nbsp; </em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of passage to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort &mdash; the man is making sweet music <em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5 means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!"&nbsp; </em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of passage to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort &mdash; the man is making sweet music <em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5-spot means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!"&nbsp; </em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of passage to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort &mdash; the man is making sweet music <em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5-spot means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it &mdash; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late; the Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages over the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

<p>I'm about to say something that seems absurd about one of the most visible sports stars in history: We may have missed it with LeBron James.</p>
<p>Let's go back to the 2011-12 season for a moment. LeBron is a Heatle, coming off of one of the most disappointing big-stage outings we've ever seen from a superstar. He puts together a ridiculous season &mdash; 27.1 points on a then-career high 60.5 True Shooting percentage (TS%), 7.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals &mdash; after officially taking reins of the offense from Dwyane Wade.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He gives big performances in the postseason en route to his first title, most notabaly his 45-15-5 masterpiece against the Boston Celtics. Seriously, <a href="https://youtu.be/rN17J-KMWnY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">watch that game</a> again when you have some free time.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>Aside from the monkey-off-his-back, does-he-have-the-clutch-gene rhetoric that filled the air that year, there was an on-court shift. Erik Spoelstra, unlike other coaches before him, got buy-in from LeBron to use him on the block.</p>
<p>Including passes, LeBron averaged 2.7 post possessions during his last season in Cleveland, per Synergy. In his first Miami season, the needle didn't move much (2.9). But during the first title year, we saw some real movement (4.9).&nbsp;</p>
<p>He succeeded then in the way that he's succeeding even more consistently now. Face-up jumpers after catching a groove. Baseline turnarounds. Aggressive backdowns if an undersized player draws the dreaded 'Bron assignment. Easy kickouts if help comes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>He made quick work in stationary sets. Post split action was (and is) a fave of his, as were the flex options that allow him to pick out cutters or shooters &mdash; you know, dependent on which defender inevitably screwed up.</p>
<p>With this newfound utilization, we thought we had it figured out. "<em>LeBron is the complete package!"&nbsp; </em>we exclaimed. More annoyingly, his embracing of mid or low post play was seen as a rite of passage to more comparisons to Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. A tacit acknowledgement that he did, in fact, need to be more like them in order to win.</p>
<p>(We can quibble about how truthful or silly those discussions were in hindsight, but they did happen. I'm still not sure if we're better or worse off for them.)</p>
<p>But that shift was the precursor to a more drastic one this season. One borne from injury, roster imbalance and, ultimately, a little bit of desperation.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron isn't just mixing it up in the frontcourt with more comfort &mdash; the man is making sweet music <em>as a center.&nbsp;</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p>On the offensive end, the fruits of the position-changing labor are obvious to see. LeBron playing the 5-spot means the Lakers' non/worst shooters are not. There's more space to operate in, which makes LeBron even more difficult to defend.</p>
<p>That self-creation growth in Miami? It's even more evident right now.</p>
<p>If he wants to boogie in isolation, he has more real estate to map out (and attack) if he so chooses. He becomes harder to deal with on the block. Consider the recent outing against the Timberwolves, where LeCenter logged seven post-ups and generated 13 points per Second Spectrum.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/hulpmv" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Surprise, surprise: pick-and-rolls are even more deadly in this set-up. LeBron has always been a deadly screener when he taps into it &mdash; doing so as the only "big" makes him arguably the most dangerous roll threat in the sport.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/ulz059" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>On the other side of that, inverted ball screens with Bron at the helm have been nearly impossible to defend. Send two to the ball, and he'll beat you with the pass. Switch assignments, or leave your guard in a drop for some reason, and LeBron can bulldoze his way to the rim for a shot, a drawn foul, or a kickout once the defense collapses.</p>
<p>The LeBron-Malik Monk pairing has been especially effective as of late. The Lakers, with LeBron at center, have generated north of 1.2 points per possession on trips featuring their two-man dance per Second Spectrum.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/iwqk5n" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Just about everything is working better for LeBron within this lineup construction, and that's while acknowledging that there are still kinks to work out. Here's a quick chart, via Second Spectrum, that further lays it out.</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 110px;" border="1">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 44px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Trip featuring a LeBron-led action</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Overall</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 44px;">Without a big on the floor</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Isolation</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.93 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.05 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Post-up</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">0.99 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 22px;">
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">Pick-and-roll</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.07 PPP</td>
<td style="width: 31.4539%; height: 22px;">1.03 PPP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Defensively, LeBron can and has been moved around the chess board a bit. He can work within the status quo, "guarding" a team's worst perimeter shooter so he can fly around on the back-end. Another player, like Carmelo Anthony for example, can take the beefier matchup while knowing LeBron can provide help when needed.</p>
<p>Other times, LeBron just flat-out defends big men. It's kinda funny to think about the transformation. The same dude the Heat threw on prime Derrick Rose during a playoff series is now playing the gap in drop coverage on occasion. Versatility remains a virtue for LeBron, even if it looks very different now.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/01ytis" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>And so that brings us here.</p>
<p>The Lakers have now played 345 minutes with LeBron on the floor without a big man (Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan) to complement him, according to the good folks at <a href="https://www.pbpstats.com/wowy-combos/nba?TeamId=1610612747&amp;Season=2021-22&amp;SeasonType=Regular%2BSeason&amp;PlayerIds=2544,2730,201599,203076" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBP Stats</a>. They've outscored opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions in those minutes, while shooting a must-be-a-typo 60.7% on two-point shots.&nbsp;</p>
<p>LeBron's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/impact/#!?LineupIDs=2544&amp;VsLineupIDs=203076~2730~201599&amp;TeamID=1610612747&amp;VsTeamID=1610612747&amp;SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;PerMode=Per36&amp;Season=2021-22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">per-36 numbers</a> in this alignment: 32.1 points (61/41/83 split), 9.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists (2.0 turnovers), 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks.</p>
<p>LeBron's overall averages through the last five: 33.8 points (59/46/76 split), 9.8 rebounds, 6.4 assists (2.2 turnovers), 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks.</p>
<p>Let's just say the Lakers might have something here.</p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>

Nekias Duncan breaks down LeBron's recent dominance at center.

The next evolution of LeBron James is finally here

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. give their third round of takes on this year's rookie class.

TIMESTAMPS
0:40 -- All-Star voting discussion 
18:40 -- 10-day contract + Kawhi Leonard discussion
32:00 -- Kyrie Irving discussion
35:30 -- Cade Cunningham update
47:45 -- Jalen Green update
58:00 -- Evan Mobley update
1:03:55 -- Scottie Barnes update
1:11:00 -- Josh Giddey update
1:19:30 -- Franz Wagner update
1:26:20 -- Davion Mitchell update
1:31:30 -- Herb Jones update
1:37:15 -- Omer Yurtseven discussion
1:43:45 -- Aaron Wiggins discussion
1:46:45 -- Rookie mailbag
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Rookie Report, Vol.3

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack. He can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Watching him peel over to the free throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Watching him peel over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is like observing a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Watching him peel over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Peel over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Peeling over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Peeling over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tailing it to his assignment on the perimeter is a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Watching him peel over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is seeing a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or on-off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking, and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Watching him peel over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is seeing a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or On/Off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball-screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The on-off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top ten player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The departure of Kyle Lowry signaled a figurative and literal changing of the guard.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors lost their greatest player in franchise history. Lowry was the ultimate drink-stirrer, problem-solver and charge-taker. When you see a guy churn out transition pull-ups, slick passes and timely defensive stops for nearly a decade, it can be jarring to think about life without him.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a literal sense, it was difficult to envision how the Raptors would perform without Lowry's quarterbacking. It would take a group effort, though most of the onus was sure to fall on Fred VanVleet. Making the shift from off-ball shot-maker to lead initiator is tough in its own right; doing so while waiting on one All-Star to recover (Pascal Siakam) and filling the shoes of another (Lowry) adds to the difficulty level.</p>
<p>Within that context, it's hard not to be impressed with what VanVleet has done. He's taken on the leadership role, operating as a beacon of accountability for on-court matters &mdash; and a <a href="https://rotmancommerce.utoronto.ca/future-students/scholarships-and-awards/the-fred-vanvleet-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beacon of hope</a> off of it.</p>
<p>On the floor, VanVleet has been excellent. Period. He's been among the league's top-20-or-so players thanks to a career year, putting him in line for the first* All-Star appearance of his career.</p>
<p><em>*This is the point where I mention he was good enough to make last year's team, but there have been enough rants about that <a href="https://twitter.com/NekiasNBA/status/1363862647293292548?s=20">on my feed</a> or <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dunker-spot/id1547857052" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Dunker Spot</a> podcast.*</em></p>
<div class="mceNonEditable"><spike>&nbsp;</spike></div>
<p><strong>TAKING THE REINS&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>This may shock you, but VanVleet has been leaned on more than ever. He's logging a career-high in minutes (37.7, leads NBA) and touches (83.5, 11th), while his usage rate (23.8%) and shot attempts (22 per 100 possessions) are in line with last year's marks.</p>
<p>The pleasant surprise in VanVleet's reponsibility bump: he's been more efficient than ever.</p>
<p>His 58.0% True Shooting percentage (TS%) is the highest of his career; it also marks the first time his TS% has been higher than the league average.</p>
<p>You can attribute a chunk of that to another stellar three-point shooting season (40.0% on 8.8 attempts). VanVleet remains a threat to pull-up against drop coverage, and is one of the slipperiest off-ball players in the league. His 42.3% clip on relocation threes is one of the best among high-volume shooters, per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>Arguably more important to his development, he's converting a career-best 48.1% of his twos. That isn't an elite clip by any stretch, but it's a massive step up from where VanVleet was last season.</p>
<p>Vertically challenged and without an elite first step, VanVleet has struggled to generate clean looks for himself throughout his career. That he's taken steps in this regard should be commended; it's turned him into a different player.</p>
<p>Pace-changing, scoops and inside-hand finishes are all part of VanVleet's growing bag of tricks. His most consistent weapon is his shoulder, using it as a shield of sorts on gliding attempts or a battering ram to gain a little bit of leverage.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/zx02sm" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>He's converting a career-best 65.5% of his shots inside of three feet, though transition attempts juice that number. His half-court figure (46.4%) is much lower, but still a massive step up from last season (41.3%), per Synergy.</p>
<p>With VanVleet growing as a scorer, defenses have started sending a little more attention his way. He's been able to leverage that attention by making strides as a passer. He's shown the ability to probe and pick out guys in the past, though that ball-dominant style could take the Raptors late into the clock if he missed a window. It's been encouraging to see him make reads a little quicker this year.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/w3vxhr" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>Sum it up, and VanVleet is one of three East guards currently averaging at least 20 points and 6 assists with a True Shooting percentage of 58% or higher. James Harden and Trae Young are the others; it's safe to say those guys are surefire All-Stars.</p>
<p><strong>SETTING THE TONE</strong></p>
<p>If there's one thing that sets VanVleet apart from Harden and Young &mdash; and other All-Star candidates <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/darius-garland-is-making-the-allstar-leap" target="_blank" rel="noopener">like Darius Garland</a> and LaMelo Ball &mdash; it's the ability to defend.</p>
<p>I won't bore you with a "defense is half the game" soapbox take. What I will say is that VanVleet being one of best defenders in the league, on top of what he's providing offensively, deserves a lot more love.&nbsp;</p>
<p>VanVleet remains an absolute menace at the point of attack. He's an elite screen navigator, able to slither around picks and stay attached to ball-handlers. Even if you're able to gain an advantage, he doesn't quit on plays <em>and&nbsp;</em>he has quick, strong hands that allow him to disrupt ball-handlers from behind.</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/t0z27q" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>VanVleet doesn't just do work at the point of attack; he can also punch above his weight against switches. He remains one of the sturdiest post defenders among guards thanks to his core strength and quick hands.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Off the ball, VanVleet is an active deterrent at the nail. Watching him peel over to the free-throw line to thwart a drive, then high-tail it to his assignment on the perimeter is seeing a work of art.&nbsp;</p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; left: 0px; top: 0px; overflow: hidden;" src="https://streamable.com/e/lmz6ru" width="100%" height="325" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe></div>
<p>If "advanced" or On/Off numbers aren't your speed, the traditional stuff works too. VanVleet leads the NBA in deflections per game (3.8), and is tied with fellow elite defender Jrue Holiday in steals (1.6).</p>
<p>If you&nbsp;<em>are&nbsp;</em>a fan of the other stuff, I'd offer these two tidbits.</p>
<p>1) Opponents are generating a shade under 0.9 points per possession on trips featuring a ball-screen defended by VanVleet, a top-five mark among "high volume" defenders per Second Spectrum.</p>
<p>2) The Raptors' defense is <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/vs/advanced/#!?TeamID=1610612761&amp;VsPlayerID=1627832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 points worse</a> per 100 possessions with VanVleet on the bench.</p>
<p>There really isn't a strong case against VanVleet being an All-Star this season. His shooting, improved playmaking and stellar defense pop on film. The counting stats &mdash; 21-5-7 with a 58 TS% &mdash; are All-Star good.</p>
<p>The On/Off splits are absurd. Advanced metrics like EPM (shout out the good folks at <a href="https://dunksandthrees.com/epm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DunksAndThrees.com</a>) and <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/nba-player-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">538's RAPTOR</a> don't just paint VanVleet as an All-Star; they paint him as a top-10 player.</p>
<p>He may not be&nbsp;<em>that,</em> but he's pretty darn good.&nbsp;</p>

Nekias Duncan breaks down the All-Star case for Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.

Fred VanVleet's production is making the NBA All-Star case for him

Nekias is a fan of tall passers, switch-y bigs, and Spain pick-and-rolls. He’s always here to remind you that the best way to beat a switch is with a slip.  He has written for Bleacher Report, SB Nation, Dime, Five Reasons Sports and Miami Heat Beat. Nekias is a writer and podcaster for BasketballNews.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @NekiasNBA.