1) One thing that I'm really missing about Mo Taylor is his ability to set hard picks for Steve. When Kenny Thomas sets a pick, Steve's defender usually manages to get around him, forcing a double on Steve, who usually passes it back to Kenny above the three point line...I don't know about everybody else, but I get a little nervous when I see Kenny with the ball above the three point line with his defender standing back. I'm not sure how to adjust this play to get Kenny the ball while his cutting to the basket, but hopefully Rudy is looking at it...Maybe Kenny needs to start setting illegal picks like Karl Malone and Vin Baker? 2) Where's that play that we used to run for Bullard, where he comes off a double pick and shoots that 18 ft jumper from the key? Even though Rice is a bit shorter than Bullard, he does have that quick release and would light it up on that play.
Good Points. 1. KT does two things that make him a lot less effective setting picks. He telegraphs when he's getting set to point it (and astute defenders are on top of him early) and he is sooooo slloooowwww to set it, that by that time he is where he should be, the opportunity is lost (or Francis or whoever is the ball carrier has optioned off him, or tried to slip past already). KT must be a methodical person,because it appears he has to consciously think the entire move through before he reacts. Hope RT works on that with him, because we need him setting picks. 2. I have seen that Bullard play only work consistently with Langhi ... the key to it is arriving at the set spot and quick releasing. Langhi can do it, but frankly he has other liabilities that prevent him being played. I thought TMo might get that assignment, and in preseason they used him for that "Bullard Top Spot Up" play, but haven't seen it since by him.
I think it is a mental thing rather than physical. That pick and roll you refer to seem to end up with the ball in KT hands, partly because of an ineffective pick by him. He would have to improve that. However, the part where the ball is in his hand is also a concern because he is indecisive. He should put the ball up as this is well within his capabilities. In addition to shooting the ball, he can drive and draw some attention for a dish off, if he cannot get to the basket. The key is not to hesistate. I am happy and comfortable with the ball in his hand as he is a good passer. He just needs to get rid of the hesistation which is a mental thing.
damn, chasing down the same post...hehe So, A-Train, should I re-post here, since you posted in Dr of Dunks as well. Oh well, to summarize, I do not see these picking mistakes. Defenses trapping Francis is not a failed pick, nor is it "forcing a double"...it is a defensive decision to leave the picker, and double team Francis. Our entire offense is designed around "forcing doubles." If Kenny's man meets Francis coming around the pick, that is a trap, often leading to Francis dribbling back away from it....the trap is completed by Francis's man coming around top to get him from both sides, since the PF slowed Stevie. Now Kenny rolls. Why is this a mistake? Also, how often do we see Francis choose to not go around the picker tightly. imo, a lot of these are reads by Francis #1, and reads by the picker #2. We are trying to beat traps. Another thing, the idea that Kenny is late coming over for a pick is surprising. We've always delayed this. Three things are often happening. One: we are trying to run a weakside play where the pick for the dribbler is a secondary option. Two, we are trying to give Thomas a pick first, so that it is less likely the defense can manage to pull off a trap, as mentioned above. Three, we often merely wanting to give Francis and Mobley 5-10 seconds to ISO, before bringing the pick. By and large though, I would say our picks are coming faster overal versus last year...meaning are plays are starting faster in the shot clock. As for the double pick to Bullard: I am seeing that for Walt for sure.
How is a pick ineffective against a trap. The PF stops Francis's progress, and the PG comes over the pick. Plus, Francis and Mobley often will back up versus a trap. This leaves the picker to roll. The happens all the time...this year, last year...Francis's first year. This is a response to the defense. Call them bad picks if you want, but at least call it trapping defense. There is no way a pick is so bad that Francis and Mobley can't lose their man...giving even the softest of picks. Watch Kenny's man...he is the one stopping Francis as he comes around the pick.
Didn't Walt run this play alot last year?? I don't think Rice gets complicated plays called for him yet. Give it time. I would expect GR to run it soon...
Ahhh, It's all coming clear now...You're saying that Phoenix is choosing to defend the pick and roll by trapping... Now, that brings up a whole different side to the discussion...scouting! Rudy has one of the best coaching staffs in the NBA, so I'm sure he has them looking at a lot of game film, and they knew that Phoenix would do that... If that's the case, then Rudy needs to tell Kenny to do something IMMEDIATELY with the ball after getting it back from Steve, rather than hang around the top of the key. Two dribbles and a jumper from the free throw line would be a good decision
yesh....now this is an altogether different proposition. The scouts know we get trapped a lot. I enjoy seeing Thomas in this position. I'd like to see him erase the 3s from his repetoire and drive sooner. We'll see. This is what I really enjoy...trying to track all the different ways the traps come and how to beat them. Zones as well. I agree, Kenny sometimes has an immediate driving lane and hesitates to take stock of the court. It is almost as if he can't believe he is that open for a drive...having totally been disrespected by the defense who left him to double the dribbler.
If only KT could jump from the freethrow line and get the dunk and the foul. His new found speed should at least help him on the drive. He needs to go to slashing school and become the complete player.
People talk about Taylor like he was the second coming of Karl Malone last yr. Mo Taylor did just about what Thomas is doing this yr, 13pts 6 rebs. He did not set hard picks, he didn't make defenses account for him either. I think the fault is in the plays. Its the same play over and over everytime down the court. Why can't we pick and roll from the free throw? Why can't we have our 4 and 5 set up on the elbows and make cuts off of them while occupying the backside? Its more to do with the soft zones the teams are running and Rudy T's failure to come up with something better. Its like he just don't want to come out of the iso's. Sooner or later you would think Rice could come off staggered screens on one side while a pick and roll was being ran on the other. One of these days they'll figure it out
