We haven’t heard any Jason Kidd murmurs since game 1, so he must be doing ok. That being said, I’d still like to see a smoother offense.
/thread Actually let me add something real quick... But, I personally don’t care, cause our defense is lit. Per Trudell: “They’re enjoying that end of the floor, and what it feels like to be a unit that’s very difficult to score on. It feels good. They’re buying into that, and I’m happy with it so far. The effort, execution and example of 17-year-veteran LeBron James on defense has very much led the way. He’s been closing out to shooters, sprinting back in transition, standing up his man on drives, rotating off the ball and even taking charges. “(LeBron is) working really hard ... I couldn’t be more impressed with his commitment on that end and his intent to set a tone with our group, which it’s done,” said Vogel. “Everybody is buying into that end. In every film session, every player is coached hard and held to a high level of accountability. And he’s just been unbelievable with his commitment on that end.” LeBron’s certainly gotten help and buy-in from his teammates. The rim, which Frank Vogel said in the offseason remains the most important part of a defensive scheme even with the evolution of 3-point shooting, has been very well protected. Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard are combining for 5.1 blocks per game, towards LAL’s team total of 8.4, well above No. 2 Miami’s 6.7. That’s allowed strong defensive guards like Avery Bradley, Danny Green, Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to push up on the perimeter, and L.A. are conceding only 32.1 percent from three, good for 7th in the NBA, while also allowing only the 7th fewest points in the paint per game (42.6). It’s not easy to do both. “We’re hoping to invert our defense as little as possible, and keep our bigs in the paint as much as possible, and when you have that type of rim protection or length at the basket, you ask your guards to be more aggressive on the perimeter,” explained Vogel. “That’s what we’ve been able to do so far, is swarm to the paint, but be a multiple effort type of team. Still spray back out and get to shooters.” It’s been working. “I think I can speak for all the guards, it just gives us the opportunity to gamble a little bit more and push up a little bit more, be more aggressive on the defensive end,” said Bradley. “Try to force everyone, funnel them into the basket because we have some great shot blockers and guys who can change a lot of shots.” #EmbraceThatLengf
No comment on his offense as I think J.Kidd and Handy are more in charge of that department but Vogel's rotations and defensive focus for this team have been legit. It's such a joy to know that we have something to rely on if our offense is poopy. He might be our biggest move outside of grabbing AD.
It's great to feel like your coach isn't losing you games. Yet. Our offense has left a LOT to be desired, but we just held an NBA team 35 points under their season average, to 35% from the field, and 17% on 3's. Yes we were well rested, and they were on 2nd of back to backs, but it's major progress and a joy to watch. Mostly.
Guaranteed addition by subtraction going forward but won't happen. When we get to the playoffs though and the rotations shrink if KCPoop is still on the roster he better start picking up DNPs coach's decision. Better yet did not dress.
I don’t love the offense, but the defense has been outstanding. Held a Heat team to 80 points that put up 124, *cough*89*cough*, and 124 in their last 3 games. I also like how he actually makes some adjustments instead of sticking with the same thing and hoping it works like our last coach. Not perfect, but I can’t complain about a lot so far.
Offense will come , A.D and Bron aren't rightfully going all out on this end yet and I guess (hope) we are saving some stuff for late March/playoffs It's great to build great habits on D though , it's how you win games , especially on the road . Defense travels , offense not so much (especially for role players)
This is the first time Frank Vogel has had a legit title team. He had his Indiana team that was one player away, had they not traded Kawhi, very big possibly could have won a title in Indiana during the Heat run.
they would have had paul george and kawhi. i'm told that's completely unbeatable. anyway, yes, when people were moaning about the hire, i was wondering why we'd forgotten what a good job he did in indy. orlando's roster is a mess and was even worse for vogel. poor steve clifford is a good coach but you'd have to work miracles to get that to a solid offensive unit. anyway, i think he's doing just fine so far. curious to see how he'll handle rondo when he's available, and what the long term plan with kcp is. you can only get legacy/FO-justification minutes for so long...
It's hard to say. Would Kawhi have blossomed in Indy the way he did in San Antonio? He was able to slowly develop and mature behind Timmy, Tony and Manu. Obviously if Kawhi would have blossomed the same way, I don't think there's any doubt Indy wins a title in that window. But it's tough to say what happens without the Spurs mentoring him.
