Too much is being said about the Utah pick-n-roll as the definition of the play. Let me say something about the difference between Stockton and Francis. Stockton is most dangerous in the middle of the court. Francis is the most dangerous on the wing. Utah uses the pick-n-roll to either get Stockton in the middle or Malone on the wing or sliding to the hole. We don't have a PF to exploit that way and Utah doesn't have a PG that can go baseline. see the difference. We pick for Francis primarily to get him on the wing, as part of a Clear-out Flex motion. We use it to free up Rogers and Bullard for 15 footers and 3ptrs, respectively, should the opponents attempt to smother Francis. Other peripheral plays are weak-side double picks for Walt, Hakeem, and Bullard into the top-of-the-lane should Francis make it to the wing but see a sagging defense cutting off baseline. As well he can swing it around to the weak side then pick for Anderson baseline and turning the weak-side into a strong-side for Hakeem. Plus, this last peripheral offers the opportunity for the defense to lose sight of Anderson, in which event I've seen the Rockets not complete the swing and go to the now open Anderson, instead. Stop looking for us to pick Francis into the lane, for the Utah 101 Stockton options in the lane. That allows fake traps to slow down the play for weak-side help. We want Francis on the wing where no weak-side help can come. That is still a pick-n-roll, as true as Utah's. It exploits the fact that Francis is death on the wing, and considers the fact we don't have an explosive PF like Malone who is death on the wing. At some point, Thomas may prove to be a wing death threat...but not yet. I'd say Hakeem could be that wing threat with his sweet 18ftr and ability to go to the hole. But Dream hasn't shown the ability to play pick-n-roll that well to date. Boy, do I miss Barkley. Get Francis one-on-one on the wing!!! That is are primary objective. Riley knew it and paid the price for smothering Francis. Look for this to continue. And look for us to bring out the Zipper play soon starting Francis in the low post and picking twice to bring him into the lane, and also a Rudy invention that I've dubbed the Warp-n-Woof play (weaving wing picks for a warping Francis). I've seen Rudy call that 5 times so far. Is there anyone else out there that is seeing Rudy using an NBA Flex? ------------------------------------------ Don't be a Mobley Apologist, be speechless in awe [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited January 24, 2000).]
I don't know about NBA flexes or anything like that, but I see picks being set left and right... And they are very effective.
Thanks for the analysis, partner, especially for those of us who aren't able to see the Rox regularly. It makes those few times we can see them more interesting when we have better insight to hteir new offense. Also, could you explain the Flex better? (sorry 'bout the ignorance)
Born, I haven't forgotten you. I went to the game last night and am out again tonight, then Golden State Thurs. Let me give you a brief description, plus there is plenty of stuff in books and some on the web. Like most all motion offenses (triangle, 4out1, 3out2) the Flex is a foundation of movement (taking turn setting/getting picks and passing catching). It is not a "play". You tack plays onto it. It is difficult to spot motion offenses in the NBA, because the 24-sec clock makes them look like called plays. They are plays, but they are determined by what the defense does while you do your basic motion. All motion offenses have another thing in common; if the first options are denied, you can always restart the motion on the other side of the court. This weekend, if you want, I'll describe some plays we use that are off of motion. I'm not 100% sure if the underlying motion is a Flex, but I'll tell you why I think it is. cheers [This message has been edited by heypartner (edited January 26, 2000).]
