milkyway21
07-02-2005, 01:29 AM
will become all the rage acc. to Rosen :D
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3715520
Spoofing the Spurs will become all the rage
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Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 6 days ago
Whenever an NBA team establishes a legitimate (or interrupted) dynasty, or even wins consecutive championships, the rest of the league usually tries to duplicate its successful game plan.
:angel
Analysis...
That's why, even as far back as the pre-shot-clock domination of the Minneapolis Lakers, teams were desperately trying to draft George Mikan-esque players
The next dynasty was the NBA's most durable — the Russellian Celtics. Here again, the also-rans tried to draft quick-footed, shot-blocking, rebounding big men — but to no avail.
Next up were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and the Showtime Lakers — a rare once-in-a-lifetime combination that was clearly beyond replication. But when the Detroit Pistons were the toughest Bad Boys in the neighborhood, antagonistic defense became the ideal. The subsequent thuggeries of Pat Riley's Knicks ultimately led to the creation and enforcement of the flagrant foul.
The success of M.J. and the Jordanaires likewise inspired imitators: From the Quinn Buckner-coached Mavericks, to Jim Cleamons' stint in Dallas and Mike Fratello with the Cavaliers.
The most recent Lakers' triple crown featured the often reluctant but mostly successful triangulation of Shaq, Kobe, and Phil Jackson. This was another parley that couldn't be duplicated.
Now, with three titles in seven seasons, we have the sporadic reign of the Spurs. What might we expect San Antonio's immediate legacy to be?
Tim Duncan is another one-of-a-kind player. As is Robert Horry. Bruce Bowen was rescued from the trash heap — and there surely are other defensive specialists with afflicted jump shots to be found. (Actually, Bowen is proof that stand-still shooting is an easily learned skill.) Nazr Mohammed is a barely competent journeyman. Brent Barry's game is also easily twinned (if not brothered). Jet-footed, but reckless point guards like Tony Parker already abound throughout the league — Jason Williams, Maurice Williams, Antonio Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels, Marcus Banks, Andre Barrett and Royal Ivey — but the trick is to domesticate them. And you can bet that drafting Argentinean wingmen will soon be a high priority.
So, if the core players — T.D., Horry, and Manu Ginobili — are virtually irreplaceable, other championship hopefuls will try to copy the Spurs' game plan that was based on quickness, versatility and defense.
Phoenix, of course, has a leg up on the first category. But the Suns sorely lack a concerted half-court offense and can only play at full speed — plus their defense is a disaster.
As for other teams, Shaq puts the brakes on Miami's overall quickness. Denver, Dallas, and Sacramento are defensively challenged. Houston's overly predictable offense revolves exclusively around T-Mac and Yao. Indiana is slow. New Jersey can't play station-to-station basketball.
Indeed, the closest approximation to the Spurs' modus operandi is the Detroit Pistons. Though not as fleet, the Pistons are stronger, just as versatile, and play even better defense.
The X-factor, then, is the coach. A knowledgeable one who can demand and receive the respect of his players is absolutely essential to hold the whole thing together.
Don't believe the back-slapping "We love Larry" quotes coming out of Detroit. With another outing of his habitual wanderlust, Larry Brown forfeited his players' trust and inevitably their respect.
A high degree of expertise and a background of coaching winners is essential for a coach to inspire his players to play the right way.
Which of the NBA's coaches have, or can develop, the same kind of tough-love attitude that has worked so well for Gregg Popovich?
Phil Jackson, provided he can bring Kobe to his senses. Jerry Sloan. Rick Carlisle. Nate McMillan. George Karl, if he can learn to check his ego at the door. Paul Silas, if he can bring in assistants who specialize in Xs and Os. Bernie Bickerstaff, if he can survive long enough for the Bobcats to become legitimate contenders. Scott Skiles, if he can take his foot off the accelerator. Eddie Jordan. Lawrence Frank. Mike D'Antoni, if he can keep an open mind.
Speed. Flexibility. Defense. Star-quality players in the pivot and on the wing. And a mature, yet passionate coach who values role players.
This is San Antonio's recipe for continued success. Let's see how many title-hungry teams will try to mix together similar ingredients.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3715520
Spoofing the Spurs will become all the rage
Story Tools: Print Email XML
Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 6 days ago
Whenever an NBA team establishes a legitimate (or interrupted) dynasty, or even wins consecutive championships, the rest of the league usually tries to duplicate its successful game plan.
:angel
Analysis...
That's why, even as far back as the pre-shot-clock domination of the Minneapolis Lakers, teams were desperately trying to draft George Mikan-esque players
The next dynasty was the NBA's most durable — the Russellian Celtics. Here again, the also-rans tried to draft quick-footed, shot-blocking, rebounding big men — but to no avail.
Next up were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and the Showtime Lakers — a rare once-in-a-lifetime combination that was clearly beyond replication. But when the Detroit Pistons were the toughest Bad Boys in the neighborhood, antagonistic defense became the ideal. The subsequent thuggeries of Pat Riley's Knicks ultimately led to the creation and enforcement of the flagrant foul.
The success of M.J. and the Jordanaires likewise inspired imitators: From the Quinn Buckner-coached Mavericks, to Jim Cleamons' stint in Dallas and Mike Fratello with the Cavaliers.
The most recent Lakers' triple crown featured the often reluctant but mostly successful triangulation of Shaq, Kobe, and Phil Jackson. This was another parley that couldn't be duplicated.
Now, with three titles in seven seasons, we have the sporadic reign of the Spurs. What might we expect San Antonio's immediate legacy to be?
Tim Duncan is another one-of-a-kind player. As is Robert Horry. Bruce Bowen was rescued from the trash heap — and there surely are other defensive specialists with afflicted jump shots to be found. (Actually, Bowen is proof that stand-still shooting is an easily learned skill.) Nazr Mohammed is a barely competent journeyman. Brent Barry's game is also easily twinned (if not brothered). Jet-footed, but reckless point guards like Tony Parker already abound throughout the league — Jason Williams, Maurice Williams, Antonio Daniels, Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels, Marcus Banks, Andre Barrett and Royal Ivey — but the trick is to domesticate them. And you can bet that drafting Argentinean wingmen will soon be a high priority.
So, if the core players — T.D., Horry, and Manu Ginobili — are virtually irreplaceable, other championship hopefuls will try to copy the Spurs' game plan that was based on quickness, versatility and defense.
Phoenix, of course, has a leg up on the first category. But the Suns sorely lack a concerted half-court offense and can only play at full speed — plus their defense is a disaster.
As for other teams, Shaq puts the brakes on Miami's overall quickness. Denver, Dallas, and Sacramento are defensively challenged. Houston's overly predictable offense revolves exclusively around T-Mac and Yao. Indiana is slow. New Jersey can't play station-to-station basketball.
Indeed, the closest approximation to the Spurs' modus operandi is the Detroit Pistons. Though not as fleet, the Pistons are stronger, just as versatile, and play even better defense.
The X-factor, then, is the coach. A knowledgeable one who can demand and receive the respect of his players is absolutely essential to hold the whole thing together.
Don't believe the back-slapping "We love Larry" quotes coming out of Detroit. With another outing of his habitual wanderlust, Larry Brown forfeited his players' trust and inevitably their respect.
A high degree of expertise and a background of coaching winners is essential for a coach to inspire his players to play the right way.
Which of the NBA's coaches have, or can develop, the same kind of tough-love attitude that has worked so well for Gregg Popovich?
Phil Jackson, provided he can bring Kobe to his senses. Jerry Sloan. Rick Carlisle. Nate McMillan. George Karl, if he can learn to check his ego at the door. Paul Silas, if he can bring in assistants who specialize in Xs and Os. Bernie Bickerstaff, if he can survive long enough for the Bobcats to become legitimate contenders. Scott Skiles, if he can take his foot off the accelerator. Eddie Jordan. Lawrence Frank. Mike D'Antoni, if he can keep an open mind.
Speed. Flexibility. Defense. Star-quality players in the pivot and on the wing. And a mature, yet passionate coach who values role players.
This is San Antonio's recipe for continued success. Let's see how many title-hungry teams will try to mix together similar ingredients.