I think after five games of Boozer getting open looks and Matt Harpring getting layups, it might be time for JVG to mix up the Defense a little against the Jazz, especially against the Flex. So Jazz basically run two plays: P&R with DW and CB or the Flex getting CB the open look at the elbow or someone cutting across the lane. 1) P&R has too many variation and thus not much one can do about it other than someone like Shane having to constantly help and cheat to the P&R side. 2) Flex(basically picking for each other without the ball), on the other hand, can be slowed with a little training and communication on the floor. First, the most utilized defense against the Flex is a zone, which basically nullify any advantage of them setting picks after picks b/c people are guarding space. Thus, I think we should mix in the 2-3 zone once in a while to throw the Jazz off. However, this will only throw them off once or twice b/c a smart team like the Jazz will eat a zone alive with crisp passing and outside shooting or just a high/low post. The most effective way against the Flex is recognizing it and check the man coming off the pick while crowding the man making the pass. First whoever's man is setting the pick needs to be active in 1) push the person setting the pick off of his position so that the pick is too wide or too narrow or 2) check the guy coming off the pick, give him a body check and slow him down, basically get him off his rythm. Meanwhile the man guarding the passer must realize the Flex and guard to the side of the pass, usually the passer is about 3 feet above the elbow and passes to the opposite elbow or the man cutting across the lane. 3) As for Matt Harpring, I think we he's in the game we should put Chuck Hayes on him and let Tmac guard Okur. MH is just too aggressive and strong off the pick and the post for Tmac. No point for Tmac to get injured guarding MH.
