Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 386 Howard is the key

Many players transition into head coaching roles after retiring from professional football.

There's no particular reason; it's just that I've played basketball for many years and have a deep enough understanding of the sport.

Even if you've never eaten pork, you've still seen a pig run.

Point guards, in particular, are the brains of the game, and they have a natural advantage when they retire and become head coaches.

Even players who aren't point guards, but who are responsible for playmaking, still have a deep understanding of the team's tactics and playing style.

For example, Kobe.

At first, Kobe didn't take this practice game seriously.

Tang Sen repeatedly emphasized practical combat and arranged sparring training every day, so it's not surprising that he would arrange a real combat match.

But as the game went on, he noticed something.

For example, Team A will shoot a lot of three-pointers, especially high-post three-pointers, which will be from a great distance.

Sometimes during a transition offense, they'll throw the ball before the defenders even get into position.

The shot seemed random, and it didn't go in.

But if we look at it from another angle, what if the shot had gone in?

So, wouldn't you say this is an opportunity?

If the defender can't keep up, that's an opportunity.

"Tang, are you researching some new playing style?" Kobe asked Tang Sen directly after the game.

He could see it clearly: both Ray Allen and Nash were intentionally increasing their shooting distance.

They didn't used to play like this.

Tang Sen patted him on the shoulder and laughed, "It has nothing to do with you."

As for Kobe, he should just focus on practicing his mid-range shot; this kind of playing style doesn't really help him.

After watching the game, Tang Sen had some thoughts and decided to go back and think about them again.

With that, he announced the end of the training and sent everyone home.

Kobe didn't get an answer, so he couldn't help but ask Kidd what he thought.

Kidd shrugged and said, "Why worry about so much? Just let Tang train however he wants."

Anyway, I trust Tang Sen completely, and I know that Tang Sen can make me stronger.

Kobe rolled his eyes, instinctively wanting to retort, but when he realized that Kidd's words made sense, he gave up.

But he had a feeling that Tangsen might be trying something new.

Kobe focused on offense and only occasionally handled the ball, yet he still managed to spot the clues.

Not to mention Nash, a true point guard.

After the game, he grabbed Ray Allen as he was leaving.

Now the two are teammates and get along well.

“Ray, do you have any ideas?” Nash asked in a low voice.

Ray Allen shook his head slightly but didn't say anything.

Knowing he wasn't a man of many words, Nash didn't mind and shared his thoughts as he walked towards the locker room.

"Don't you think that the tactics Rick arranged are actually the same as the style of play Mike was talking about?"

Nash mentioned D'Antoni.

After confirming his joining the Suns, D'Antoni specifically met with me to discuss the tactics he planned to use next season.

They also shoot a lot of three-pointers, quickly transitioning to the next round, taking advantage of the opponent's unstable positioning to launch quick shots.

Ray Allen nodded.

D'Antoni also contacted him.

Nash continued, "In the game just now, Rick intentionally encouraged us to extend our shooting range and release our shots further away."

“I think there are some advantages to making this move. Jason couldn’t keep up with me several times, which gave me room to make a move.”

Kidd's defense is undoubtedly top-notch in the league.

Nash never really had much confidence when facing him in the past.

But now that I've pulled away to shoot, even if I don't make the shot, at least the opportunity has been created.

Nash continued, "The only problem is Chris."

“We created a lot of opportunities, but Chris was too slow; he couldn’t keep up with our pace.” During transition offense, they often rushed ahead, while Webber and Peja couldn’t keep up.

Webber, in particular, is visibly slow now.

“But Dwight is different. Dwight is very athletic. Ray, if we want to play according to Mike’s ideas, then the center position will be crucial.”

Nash spoke seriously.

According to D'Antoni's ideas, a center with top-notch athleticism is indispensable.

"So we have to give Dwight more encouragement. He's crucial if we want to get good results next season."

After this game, Nash noticed the benefits of extending his shooting range.

The outside players got opportunities, and the opponent's defense was also exposed.

But Nash's biggest takeaway was that the center position is the most crucial.

He believes that Howard's growth may directly determine the Suns' record next season.

Ray Allen perked up at the mention of Howard, patting Nash on the shoulder and saying, "Don't worry, I'll take care of this kid."

On the other hand, both Townsend and Carlisle mentioned Howard.

Carlisle is a tactical genius and a head coach; after a game, he thinks about even more.

They even discovered flaws in D'Antoni's plan.

"Mike's idea is very interesting; it's not just a simple fast-paced action game."

Don Nelson's fast-paced style sometimes involved simply going fast for the sake of speed, resulting in a chaotic and disorganized run.

But in D'Antoni's vision, it's not just about speed, but also about method.

For example, how to position oneself on the offensive end, and how to coordinate inside and outside play.

Carlisle said, "I think his fighting style might have some effect."

Shoot a lot of three-pointers, and if you find the right players, you're sure to achieve results.

Just like the Celtics with Walker, they were once a strong team in the East.

And now the Suns have Ray Allen.

"But I think he has a fatal flaw, which is on the defensive end. Look at the defensive strategies he proposed, which require the backcourt players to push forward as much as possible."

"That way, when the offense transitions, they can rush out immediately."

"However, if you want to quickly launch a transition offense, you need to protect the defensive rebounds. Only when someone grabs the rebound can you launch a fast break."

"Tang, if Dwight can't develop, Mike's playing style will be in big trouble."

Carlisle said something quite insightful.

He thought D'Antoni's idea was good, but it required a good center.

Howard is still in the lottery stage, and nobody knows how far he can go.

Tang Sen laughed and said, "Rick, are you doubting my abilities?"

After arranging this game, Tang Sen finally understood all the things D'Antoni had been nagging him about.

For example, when mentioning Howard, he specifically emphasized that Howard must practice rebounding more.

We also need to improve his defensive range.

This is clearly a strategy to prevent the backcourt players from pressing high up the court and causing a gap in mid-range defense, so they want Howard, with his wide range of movement, to compensate.

He barely mentioned the offensive end, indicating that in his mind, Howard's defensive ability was more important.

Tang Sen believes that these very needs are precisely where Howard's talent lies.

His athletic ability is amazing.

It can also hold its own, so its defense won't be bad.

Most importantly, his jumping ability and speed are amazing, making him a master at rebounding.

It can be said that it perfectly matches D'Antoni's needs.

After this game, Tang Sen felt even more strongly that the Suns might become a spoiler in the Western Conference next season.

But there is one more person who is crucial to achieving this.

Ray Allen.

After today's game, Tang Sen had some ideas about Ray Allen's training direction.

(End of this chapter)