Chris Oliver shares information from Jay Larranaga. There are so many wonderful points that it deserves at least two sessions. Here are excerpts:
The best half court offense (Dallas 1.02 ppg) last year was less efficient than the worst transition offense (1.03 ppg) of the Knicks.
"The more we can run...attack before the defense is set...are the most important possessions."
Coach D'Antoni was ahead of the curve...and San Antonio didn't slow down with their great teams in the fourth quarter.
"Take advantage of mistakes the opponents make."
"Milwaukee...saw great value in transition offense...and transition defense."
"It's just the consistent effort...they treat every possession the same."
"Teach multiple efforts at both ends of the court." (PTRW)
"Live the right way, treat people the right way." (Compete as hard as you can.)
"Hold yourself to a standard at both ends."
Coach Larranaga has studied ALL the possessions of the top transition team (over a defined period).
Defensive end, emphasize quality; offensive end, emphasize quantity.
He gives Eric Bledsoe a lot of defensive credit...reads the offense and tries to take away the offensive intent...and is an excellent communicator.
Offensive disadvantaged breaks outweigh advantaged (numbers) 7:1. But the defense in transition often fails because of poor communication. We could call it BACK AND YACK.
One loose ball a game that you don't get is critical.
Praises Stevens for simplicity to help players make the right play.
Phoenix had best transition 1.19 x 18 possessions (22 ppg). Toronto was third at 1.15 but 24 possessions about 27.6 ppg.
Need to practice breaks more often without numbers advantage...teamwork, such as drag screens, creates the advantage.
"Run faster without the ball and slow down a little with the ball." Slowing down a little bit (per John Wall) opened up Bradley Beal a lot.
Transition is not a race but often ONE on ONE with MORE SPACE and LESS HELP.
"The guys without the ball sprinting gets good spacing."
One more dribble might allow the spaced shooter a little more time to get set.
Good players create advantage for teammates.
"I have the arrogance to tell you what a good shot is for each guy."
Relationships (leading to trust) are formed out of many conversations.
The individual success of players has to be important to the coach.
*Peer pressure. Coach demands a standard, but players push each other to enforce the accountability standard.
"Most players do just enough not to get in trouble but not enough to make a difference." - Jim Crutchfield
"You are capable of more than this."
It's like parenting, teaching kids to do tough things through loving them.
Summary (one sentence).
Making a difference distills to shared accountability.
Lagniappe.
