Basketball - Addition and Subtraction

Boston Celtics Director of Player Development Craig Luschenat

“We’re constantly trying to find ways to help players impact winning and whether that be adding something or taking something away from their game. It comes down to, for us, ‘How can you best help move the scoreboard… pic.twitter.com/qrpHProMC3

— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) February 24, 2025

 As a coach, emphasize: 

• Be good at what we do a lot. 
• Do more of what works and less of what doesn't. This addresses the addition and subtraction issue. 

As a player:

• Understand strengths and weaknesses. 
• Consolidate strengths (maintain or increase) and lessen weaknesses.
• Know and apply the Four Factors (shooting, turnovers, rebounding, attacking the basket)

For example, if you are a "minus" defender, why? Recognize, diagnose, and correct the issues. 

• Commitment. Some players aren't 'wired' to play both ends. Rewire.
• Stance. Play lower and on balance. "Low man wins."
• Positioning. Ball pressure, help (cover 1.5).
• Add strength, quickness, toughness.
• Challenge shots without fouling.  
• Communication. Talk and energize. 
• "Correct flawed team defense." Improve transition, pick-and-roll defense, off-ball screens. 

If we're not getting better then we're falling behind. 

Lagniappe. "It’s easiest to convince people that you’re special if they don’t know you well enough to see all the ways you’re not." - "Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes" by Morgan Housel

Lagniappe 2. Habits. 

"Bad habits have a cost. Good habits have a price."

Mediocrity takes everything and gives you nothing.
Excellence demands everything—but nothing less will make you great. pic.twitter.com/RpZHUZ2Ydt

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) February 19, 2025

Lagniappe 3. Defense impacts pace. 

Love the way Kelvin Sampson looks at the game

There is no detail undiagnosed

Says Houston’s number of possessions doesn’t mean they are playing slow, it means they get the ball less bc of how few easy baskets they give up

(Via @ChrisYBaldwin 🎥)

pic.twitter.com/e5xWd3s6uL

— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) February 15, 2025