FanPost

Maximize the number of options in a progression

At the end of yesterday's game against the Heat, Nate was apparently yelling at his team to push the ball down the court. But when your first option all game long has been to methodically walk the ball down the court, dribble around, and rush a shot in the last five seconds of the shot clock, it can be a little disorienting for the coach to suddenly want you to play a different style.

As a basketball play develops or progresses, it creates a series of potential shot opportunities.

The ball goes to the wing, LaMarcus screens across for Greg, who flashes ball side. That's your first option--if he's open, get him the ball.

LaMarcus, having just set a screen for Greg, flashes to the high post. Here's another option.

LaMarcus gets the ball at the high post, but is well covered by his man. Greg has sealed his man, however, and is open for a dunk or lay in. This is another option.

You get the idea.

The reason why it's important to ALWAYS LOOK TO RUN is not because it's more exciting or sexy, but rather it allows you to maximize your available options as the possession progresses. These early options are especially effective because the defense hasn't been allowed to bury their heals in and get set.

But you can't just "look to run." Run and gun systems are carefully created and implemented. Players know where to go, when to cut, etc. Portland needs McMillian to do more than just yell, "Push the ball!" He's got to teach them and implement an effective system that encourages looking for a shot at ANY POINT IN THE SHOT CLOCK, even the first 5 seconds.

I'm not looking for a team that scores 130 a night, I'm just looking for a team that maximizes it's number of options during a possession by taking advantage of the first 10-14 seconds of the shot clock. If you push the ball down and don't get the shot you want, guess what? You've still got the last 5-10 seconds of the shot clock that we've been using all year anyway.

And by including the fast break as the first option, it puts your team in a position where it knows what to do when you're down 10 with 2:30 to go in the game. Look to run, like you always do.