Option 1: Moition offense with great shooting and top 10 defense (warriors, spurs, miami 2020) Option 2: Efficient Iso heavy offense with a top 10 defense (OKC 2016, Rockets 2018) Option 3: Elite ball dominant Scorer/creator with spot up shooter and top 10 defense (Lebron teams) 2018 Rockets could also fall in option 3
I’m not sold on motion offense. I don’t mind a quarter to half the plays being motion/screens/back picks.....but I believe SF’s position-less basketball just switches on all those sets. Key is having real SF’s (not McLemore/Will Barton SF’s) to fit a switch everything defense. Pops runs a motion offense but didn’t make the playoffs this year and struggled last season to make it. Amazing how much players matter. Luke Walton hasn’t been above .500 since leaving the Warriors and Pop’s has struggled since Duncan/Ginobli/Parker retired or were at retirements doorstep. Whether it’s motion or 5-Men out, the need to multiple 3-point shooters along the perimeter remains the same.
so the options are any type of offense with a top 10 defense. nothing really new here. historically the rule of thumb is contenders are top 5 on one end of the court and top 10 on the other. doesn't matter how they get there. for us, harden and moreyball are basically a top 10 offense no matter what. the trick will be getting into the top 10 on defense. then, winning in the playoffs will require a coach who can win a chess game against the opposing coach.
Rockets had a top 10 defense in playoffs, it was the offense that struggled. Rockets could not hit their 3's, Lakers could. Heck, Lakers are killing Heat right now because role players are finally hitting their shots again. Personnel matters.
of course, but we've seen Vogel and spo play chess all series. I don't think either team makes the finals with MDA. we'll need a healthy rus, to spend the tax (spend TMLE, package ego/house/pick for a better player - not to cut costs), and a chess master coach, in that order.
Lebron was never going to sign with Rockets. Ever. Not even to team up with his best friend Chris Paul. Lebron could have had his 4th ring if he signed with Rockets in 2019, that is 1 season earlier. And he would have his 5th this season.
Yes, every system nowadays. Or the opposition just packs the paint. Motion offense gets bogged down as well.