Gettin' Smushed
Before you get all angry about how Smush Parker ended the season, remember that the guy didn't perform like a starting point guard in the last leg of the playoffs because he really shouldn't have been a starting point guard in the last leg of the playoffs. Necessity being the mother of invention, Parker was forced to start 82 games. All in all, his play was fairly admirable. That said, the Lakers desperately need some backcourt help, and a perfect world (or even a reasonable one) Smush would be a backup. He'll have to compete hard over the summer and going into next year if he wants to hold on to the gig.
Okay. On to the exit interview...
The season didn't end in the way you wanted to. But have you had a chance to look at the whole season and see what you've accomplished?
"It was a disappointing end to the season, but for myself looking back at the season it couldn't get any better-- actually, it could be better, but looking back to where I came from, being in the NBDL two seasons ago and now I was the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Who would have thought? Not in a million years I would have woke up one morning and said I was going to be the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and I'm playing for the Florida Flame right now."
(Interesting note- Smush started to say "I am the starting point guard," and caught himself, instead stating "I was the starting point guard." It's an important distinction that shows he doesn't feel a sense of entitlement regarding the job leading into next year. It also prompted the next question.)
You say "was," in the sense that you have to go back and get it again next year?
"Oh yeah, definitely. Nothing's guaranteed for me, here. My name isn't Kobe Bryant. (Not a dig at Kobe. It's fair to say 8/24 has a roster spot locked up next year) Nothing is guaranteed. I still have to come back and fight and earn the respect of the players, the coaching staff, the fans, the media. I still just have to get better and grow as a player."
Phil has said he wants to add speed and defense, and those are your things. Things you can bring, too. Are there things you haven't shown this team yet?
"There's a lot of things I haven't shown myself yet. I know what I'm capable of doing, and I believe this year (was) just a learning expereince. And hopefully I can learn from things that I've experienced this year and grow as a player. You haven't seen the most of Smush Parker yet, and neither have I."
What will you take from Games 4, 5, and 6? 7? And the series in general?
"Well, 4, 5, and 6 were a lot different than Games 1, 2, and 3 because I put pressure on myself. Game 3, I scored 18 points, led the team in scoring. And I just put too much pressure on myself to try to play to that level again. And I just started overthinking instead of just playing like I did in Games 1,2, and 3. It wasn't the pressure of being in the playoffs, it was just myself thinking too much about what it is I need to be doing, or what I shouldn't be doing, instead of just playing basketball."
It probably has something with chasing Steve Nash around for seven games, too.
"Yeah. You know, Steve Nash is a good point guard. Great guy. MVP of the league two years in a row. There's a reason for that. Chasing him around screens and up and down the court, it just looked like he did whatever he wanted to do at any time in the game, and that definitely took a toll on me mentally as well as physically. But it was a learning experience with me. Something that I'm not going to let bother me in the future, and learn from it."
How good can this team be if you stay together?
"We have unlimited potential as far as what we can do as a team if the core of this team stays together."
What did Phil and Mitch tell you specifically that they want you to improve?
"My in-between game. Phil Jackson said I'm either shooting a three or going to the basket, but it's the in-between- being able to pump fake a three point shot, take one or two dribbles and being able to knock down a mid-range jump shot is something I need to work on. Basketball wise, as far as being a better teammate, a better point guard, being able to communicate better with my teammates on and off the court is something I also have to work on. Because I'm a quiet and to myself kind of guy. Building relationships off the court will help for a better team on the court. So that's another place I need to work on."
What do you plan on doing this summer in terms of improving your game?
"I have to physically work on some things that will help me on the court. I talked to Gary Vitti and his staff, and they informed me about certain things that I can tweak up on my body. That I have to get stronger, that I have to even out, that I need to adjust so that when I'm playing out on the court it'll make me faster on defense or it'll make me stronger in what I want to do as far as when I'm taking my jump shot. So there's going to be a lot of off the court work to me bettering myself as a player."
And other aspects specifically? Whether shooting, or on the ball defense, or whatever? Things that you really want to work on?
"Of course I want to get better on my on the ball defense, but Coach Jackson brought to my attention that it's my off the ball defense that I need to work on. They say that I play defense off the ball upright, and that's costing me a fraction of a second to react to certain situations and certain things, so that's a place on my game on defense that I want to work on. Being able to be more alert and be quicker in my decisions in my off the ball defense."
Are you planning on playing summer league ball?
"I don't plan on it. It'll be my first summer that I actually have a decision whether to play or not play. Summers before this I've had no choice but to play. But if I feel the need to or if the team wants me to, I'll play. I'll definitely play."
Nice to have the choice, though?
"Yeah. It's definitely nice to have the option not to."
BK
Jon,
Thanks for the kind words. I have mixed feelings about Phil. Tremendous admiration for his coaching. Some resentment for what he has done to people I admire. I think I summed it up. He's an odd duck. He has this wonderful public image. That's not who he is.
The close friends and associates he now puts off say that his second wife June knew how to bring out his goodness. His current girlfriend is an excellent person, from what I'm told. But she's no June, at least not in terms of helping to shape the mystery that is PJ. Just maybe Hollywood will bring his undoing, his drowning in ego, but I doubt it.
I wrote a column earlier this year calling for him to be coach of the year. That's how fine a job I think he did this season. Does that mean I'm going to let him off the hook for the low things he has done?
No way.
With a guy like Phil, you've got to weigh the good with the bad. He's both, a very complex gray scale that doesn't translate well into simple black and white.
Without him, the Lakers are as boring as Saltine crackers. The NBA is a minor league. He has challenged the game in ways it has never been challenged. We've all benefited and learned from that, including the people he's coached against.
Yet there's a side of him that's pure skank.
I don't try to reconcile it.
It is what it is.
Peace,
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 16, 2006 at 09:59 AM
Smush should not always shooting 3, improve your mid range game. Lakers should begin to look for a young coach, strong will, defensive mind, don't count on Phil too much, he has everything already, why he has to work harder ? The success of Lakers in the future depending on how to build a team around Kobe, who is the best outside shooter behind Kobe ?
Posted by: bluesky | May 16, 2006 at 10:23 AM
Roland,
Ah!
So, effectively, the place where your writing shows up most frequently online might actually be here, the Lakers Blog! Excellent, excellent.
I remember the first time I came here... you had a fascinating piece on Kobe, and someone said that you had a blog or something. I searched on Google, but to no avail.
Which of your books would you recommend more? Mad Game: The NBA Education of Kobe Bryant or The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers In The Words of Those Who Lived It? I'm leaning towards the first, if only because I really hate carrying around hardbacks. I read while I walk, on buses, trains and ferries, so the added weight is a pain.
Thanks in advance!
... and yes, it would be interesting to see if the K Brothers would put together a book on this blog. My humble suggestion would be: BLEEDING PURPLE AND GOLD - THE LAKERSBLOG
Posted by: Robert Chen | May 16, 2006 at 10:26 AM
Roland,
I was wondering, Do you think Phil will coach the entire 3 years of his contract? I have this sense that him and Kobe think that in the last year they will win a championship.
I know that they have to think like that in order to make it or try to make it happen, but could it happen? I feel they can make it happen.
There's a reason why Phil came back and is not just the money, he wants to be the best and he's thinking of that 10 ring.
Also who do you think will be the Lakers next coach? I think it will be Brian Shaw or maybe Byron Scott if his available
Posted by: lakofan | May 16, 2006 at 10:34 AM
It's been a few days since I posted & its great to see Mr. Lazenby on the blog!!! Being from New York, I've held a bias for LO & Smush all season!! I love having two NY cats in purple & gold!!! With that said, I think Smush should back up Kobe next season & not really concern himself with running the point. I think his offensive game is better suited to 2 guard than point.
Overall, I love Smush's atittude all season (except for his hater-like comments the night of the 81 game) & I think he has the makings of a solid pro. Not a superstar but a productive pro for years to come.
I think the answer to our point guard lays somewhere between Sasha & Mike James!! I think James has the experience that Sasha lacks but I've become a fan of some of the things Sash does on D. I gave him the nickname "The Gnat" because other pg's are always swatting at him. I believe his upside is really high especially if he can get some consistency with his outside shooting. Sasha, to me, is the Bizarro Euro player cause most of them come in with a water "J" and suspect "D" & he is the opposite.
For anybody that wants to kill me for saying this remember that Nash runs on everybody (he's currently doing it to Sam-I-Am & Young Stick Figure w/Cornrows) so we need to give both Sasha & Smush a break in that regard!!!
Posted by: Mitch | May 16, 2006 at 10:35 AM
I've got a suggestion for the title of our book:
Real Laker Don't Sit Courtside, They Blog
by
The K Brothers & The Purple & Gold Blog
Posted by: Mitch | May 16, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Roland Lazenby,
Thanks for responding to my post. It's always a treat.
When you refer to part of Phil as "pure skank", I raised my eyebrows in disbelief and chuckled. So... what are we talking about when you say "pure skank"? Can be discussed in an open forum?
As I understand it (which is a very limited understanding), Phil seems to enjoy playing games with Ego. He realizes that the somewhat unhealthy competitive energy that comes from imbalanced Ego is a major factor in competitive greatness in sports. So, he's always trying to "push" this competitive urgue within his players by creating mind games, even by sometimes turning teammates against each other so their competitive urges are inspired while at the same time the healthy Ego necessary for true compromise and teammateship (is that a word?) is challenged.
A healthy Ego cannot develop without being challenged.
That's how I see it, but I'm only seeing the public side of Phil, not the "pure skank".
So, what's the real deal, yo?
Thanks, as always, Roland.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 16, 2006 at 10:44 AM
Brian Shaw as the next Head Coach?!!? I HATE that idea!! Hate It!! It's obvious to me that Rambis is being groomed as the Heir to the Triangle! As NY transplant that moved to LA in 94' I've often marveled at the allegiance the Laker organization has had for Rambis sometimes to the detriment of some of the other Laker greats like Coop & Kareem (up until this year)!
Then I saw an episode of IN MY OWN WORDS on Casino night & saw that Kurts wife is entrenched as a planner of that event. Its obvious that Kurt is the nexy guy in that throne seat Phil sits on. Please stop the Brian Shaw stuff! I think he only got that job cause Harper was on Flip's staff in the D.
Posted by: Mitch | May 16, 2006 at 10:50 AM
One quick comment before I bounce, as a pure basketball fan this years playoffs are really, really good!!! I love the Cavs-Detroit series and the Mavs-Spurs series is about as good as it gets!! Again, I'm not talking as a Laker fan but as a fan of the sport, its great theater!!!
Duncan should be on the All-Sulk First Team!! I love to watch him hang his head heading back to the bench! I remember back when Kobe & Shaq used to do him like that!! Props to Avery Johnson for an incredible gameplan cause I never thought Dallas would play THIS GOOD!!
Posted by: Mitch | May 16, 2006 at 10:57 AM
Roland,
How about
"That was Zen, this is now"
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 16, 2006 at 10:58 AM
Mitch,
You can bet Kobe has a say on the next Laker coach, that's the only reason I would see B.Shaw in that role. However, I do believe the next coach will have to be someone who can take a team to the elite level. After the next two seasons the Lakers should have the talent and players (and EXPECTATIONS) of being a title contender. It's going to take a hell of a coach to deal with a Kobe on the tail end of his career, desperate for another ring in the face of a rapidly closing window.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 16, 2006 at 11:06 AM
Robert Chen,
The Kobe book is in paperback, published in 2001. It's also published in Tiawan and Italy, if you read either of those, in paperback. Plus, it's cheap on the internet.
Lakofan,
My guess, and it's purely a guess, is that Phil will fulfill his contract, unless the Lakers have more days like Game 7. If they win, he'll stick around. He is interested in the promoting of the triangle, and now that they have a dev league team, the Lakers are in the business to grow their own triangle culture.
And, yes, Tex says Phil definitely wants no. 10.
My guess, and again it's a guess, is either Kurt Rambis or Brian Shaw.
Tex used to be the only one to stand up to Phil. But Tex pointed out that Rambis stands up to Phil these days, challenges him on things. So that's a good sign. Tex insists that Phil's ego always needs to be checked by someone close to him.
Jon,
As far as the skank comment, well, I probably shouldn't have described him that way. But he has done some very low things. Like one of his old friends and co-workers said, it would be okay if Phil would just be Phil, but he's got to put on that holier than thou act, like he is some religious figure. He's sanctimonious at its worst.
June, his second wife, used to keep all of that in check.
Like I said, he is what he is, which includes being a fine coach.
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 16, 2006 at 11:11 AM
What I liked hearing from Smush, in agreement with some of the other posters, is his desire to improve over the off-season. He's a talented player that needs to improve his defense, decision-making, and on-court attitude (not moping so much when things aren't going his way).
If the young players can improve this summer, we don't need major moves before next season. Really, smarter decision-making would have won quite a few games for us this year, and maybe the Phoenix series. So we have a lot of potential to improve, and this is where coaching can make a difference (as it has already).
On another topic, I believe Phil will stay long enough to win a championship with this team, solidifying his legacy.
Posted by: John K | May 16, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Mitch,
I mentioned Brian Shaw, because somewhere I read and heared that Brian is the one that is being groom to be the next coach. Phil is grooming him to be the next coach, don't remember where I read it or heard it but I did. And obviously if Kobe has something to say about it, of course Brian will be up there, because Kobe and Brian are really close.
As for as Kobe worrying that his time to get another ring is runing out well his only 27, I mean if Shaq at 34 is still looking to win, what makes us doubt Kobe will not win another ring. Many years are still ahead for Kobe and the Lakers. The future is not yet determined.
Posted by: lakofan | May 16, 2006 at 11:20 AM
Vman, i agree. Smush was nice to have. but he's basically a worse version of a starting pg. what we really need from a backup is a smart player that can play d...and a decent shot would be nice.
i also agree that there just isnt any lockdown defenders at pg anymore...but chris paul is very good and is quick and strong enough to play the pick and rolls.
ive hated phil for a long time now...but i have to interject that the bulls did play teh pick and rolls well. pip, mj, and horace/rodman were long and athletic enough to trap and force TOs on pick and rolls. of course, i dont give phil much credit on it when you have 3 of the best perimeter defenders of all time on the same team.
i have to fully agree with Letthetruthbeheard. we could talk about smush,kwame,etc all we want. when the core problem is the front office. and that includes phil. not only is he not a great coach...but he's actually very bad in terms of talent evaluation (and we all know he has influence on the draft).
my last hurrah: (oh, and you forgot laron profit =) )
Mitch - Retire. or get better players. or retire. either one is fine.
Phil - Learn to coach...period. Terrible game-time strategician.
Kobe - Just keep doin what your doin.
Odom - "Show up to every game and work on your right handed game." i agree. and work on your finishing, mid range game, and cutting while your at it.
Kwame - do hand exercises and get hand massages every day this summer!!!
Mihm - take some classes on How not to foul out in 8 mins.
Walton - work on your jumper! you dont want to be the worst white shooter in the nba!
Smush - get a new name...i think its making you soft. but i have to disagree with the Hot Sauce comment. please. hot sauce is what , 5'10? and not even quick. there isnt a single nba guard that wouldnt lock down on hotsauce.
Cook - Work on your damn post game. even tho you can shoot, its not good for the team for you to hang out 28 ft from the rim....youre a freakin PF and your name isnt Dirk!
Turiaf - Stay positive and keep up the energy.
Vujacic - Weight room!
Bynum - Weight room! bynum already looks a lot bigger than in summer league last year. he still has those chicken legs tho. once he gets stronger, oh man, he'll be good.
Profit - get healthy. not a bad backup for us before he got hurt.
George - HOLLA!!!! Thanks for the memories.
Wafer - I wanna see what wafer can do still. he was awesome in summer league. wafer, i know you pissed off phil and so he refused to play you. dont piss off phil!
McKie - RETIRE! YOURE OLD! ....so useless. another awesome phil signing.
Jackson - RETIRE! (actually, jackson is the type of player that will revitalize his career as a veteran shooter AFTER he leaves the lakers. thanks a lot bro.)
Green - ah, not even worth saying anything about.
Mitch - Get off the logo's legacy and get some better players.
Phil - Learn to coach against the pick and roll since you have never been able to stop it since you became a coach.
Kobe - Be yourself and stop listening to the media.
Odom - Show up to every game and work on your right handed game.
Kwame - Quit messing with those chickenheads and stay in the gym all summer learning how to hold on to the ball.
Mihm - Get healthy and work on your power game.
Walton - Work out with the Santa Monica Track Club and get faster.
Smush - Spend a few days on the And1 Mix Tape Tour guarding Hot Sauce to fix your on the ball defense (if you can stay in front of him, you can stay in front of Parker and Nash).
Cook - Work out with Kobe (in other words, get to work or get traded).
Turiaf - Stay hungry and listen to Kobe this summer when he takes you under his wing (on the court that is).
Vujacic - Weight room, have you heard of it?
Bynum - Spend some time on the Super Cat so you can improve your jumping ability to get better shots and be more of a factor next year (oh yeah, and handle your business in Long Beach this summer)
George - HOLLA!!!! Thanks for the memories.
Wafer - See George
McKie - See Wafer
Jackson - See McKie
Green - Keep improving and handle your business in Long Beach (gotta rep for the HBCU's)
Posted by: wiZo | May 16, 2006 at 11:24 AM
Roland,
I've studied martial arts for years and after I received my black belts my primary Sifu (martial and religious master), changed the way he treated me.
I had become quite a good martial artist skilled in some esoteric practices that not a lot of people were skilled at. I wanted to focus on these skills and make myself "great" in them.
Instead, at this time my Sifu forced all my training into the practices I did not enjoy AND I could do no right. Everything I did required improvement. I never received a "job well done" even though I was training seven hours a day six days a week.
All this from my Sifu who was no saint. He had plenty of personal issues. Though he required that we treated him with complete deference, he made quite a few decisions in his personal life that would raise the eyebrows of his students.
So... in short, after about two years of this kind of treatment, I got sick of it, rebelled and our relationship was ruined. Now I lack the guidance of one of the best martial artists in North America.
I've had some time to think about it and what my teacher was doing was testing my Ego. He was the teacher. I was the student. Period. Instead of accepting that, I wanted to be in charge of my training. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. Well, that wasn't the deal.
My Sifu was purposefully pushing my buttons to test me. To get me to let go of my false Ego and he did so in a way that on the outside seemed narcissistic and sanctimonious. It drove me nuts, but now that I've had some time away from it, I understand what he was trying to do.
I don't know how honestly deep Phil is into Zen, but this is a tried, true, and traditional technique in Zen and (certain sects) of Taoism.
I've often wondered if this is what Phil tries to do with his players. Do you think there could be any truth in this analysis?
Thanks.
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 16, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Roland,
Thanks for the interesting inside to Phil in your posts. In my judgement the jury is still out on whether Phil Jackson is a "great" coach which is probably why Red Auerbach has such a problem with this guy.
I think Phil has been a coach who has been in the right place at the right time.....if timing is a talent then he is one of the best but if coaching such as making adjustments to maximize your strengths is a skill them Phil fails miserably.
When you get an opportunity ask Tex if imitation is the greatest form of flattery.....then why does no other coach in BASKETBALL run this "triangle" offense?
Do you see how Cleveland run the pick and roll for LeBron down the stretch of games and continue to run it until they get the desired matchup that they want......Do you see how Phoenix does this for Nash to create mismatches?
Ask Tex why do these teams do this? The Lakers have the greatest talent in the game but the triangle offense does not allow for this feature in the modern game.....ask Tex these questions?
Every coach that has tried to run this offense have been disciples of Phil and Tex and it resulted in their immediate dismissal.
Jimmy Cleamons in Dallas and Bill Cartwright in Chicago.....the players hated it....the first thing Scott Skiles did when he got to Chicago was scrap that offense......have you ever thought about these things?
Tex criticized Kwame Brown in your piece and deservedly so but why try to fit a square in a circle?
Ask Tex this question......Does a great coach force players into a "system" or does a great coach survey his or her talent and "create" a system for that unit to maximize "that" units talent? Which would you do?
I respect Tex but is he perfect? Does he have flaws?
P.S. Here is a quote from June Jackson from the L.A. weekly that sums up Phil beautifully......"My answer to why he's so frequently misunderstood is that he's unclear … it's even unclear to him," she said. "He learned early on to dodge, because people don't want to be pinned down publicly in their statements. So you just become kind of a master of obscurity, which people misinterpret as aloofness. What appears to be his standoffishness is just obscurity and opaqueness. And then people say, 'Oh my God, it's brilliance.' "
Posted by: Pfunk36 | May 16, 2006 at 12:42 PM
WELL I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT SEASON.....
Just heard of a GIANT 5-team trade rumor!
Wade to LA for Smush 'n' Sasha V. (sounds crazy, but Riley really likes Smush)
Lebron to LA for Odom. Flat-out. (I know, I know, but the GM in Cleveland is obsessed with Odom merchandise)
Kwame, Ronny T., B. Cook to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett (makes sense)
Chris Mihm, Baby Bynum to PHX for Amare S. (Mitch convinced the Suns that Amare "wont be the same with his injuries")
Yeah, I know it's amazing. I actually fell off my chair and rolled on the floor for a whole day when I heard of this "confirmed rumor"
That would give us a starting team of Wade, Kobe, LeBron, KG, Amare. Bench: Walton 'n' Wafer. Thats all we need, really.
Yeah, so I can't wait for next season. Way to go Mitch, you have now surpassed the Logo.
-Ajax
Posted by: Ajax bleeds purple and gold | May 16, 2006 at 01:22 PM
A coach who wears a sandal & sports coat on his 1st press conference on the day he came back to the Lakers is really weird. A coach who sneered the powerful 2Jerrys in Chicago after winning the last championship is really weird.
The Laker fans were alive again as soon as they heard that the weird Zen coach was coming back. When Jeannie Buss hinted on ESPN Radio that Phil wanted to come back but he was still vacationing in West Australia, the wires became hot again announcing: Zen is coming back.
Therefore, we cannot speculate on who will be the next coach of the Lakers. No matter how bad the situation is, as analyzed by insiders or bloggers, Phil is still the redemption of the Lakers. As Roland said, "Remove Phil and the Lakers will be a boring team." In fact, without Phil in 1999-'03, there would not have been championship in the purple and gold. Without Phil, maybe, Shaq vs. Kobe sparred for a kick/boxing/ultimate fighting in Las Vegas main event. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 16, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Robert Chen,
I recommend both books, with "The Show" providing the most up-to-date insight. I just don't know how available it is where you live. The reading is loaded with interviews and facts which helped influence my thought process from "Kobe the Villain" to "Kobe the Misunderstood." Remember, “The Show” came after the “uncoachable” comment by PJ and gives a different prospective. "Mad Game" was around 2001 which was before the Kobe/Shaq divorce.
Jon K,
Remember the 'id'. Roland's subtle dislike for PJ may come from his subconscious favoritism of Tex. LOL! Maybe your buddy Mike can provide us a dissertation in a 20 page post. Short and sweet. I’ve never appreciated the mouse wheel so much.
Posted by: Maleke | May 16, 2006 at 01:49 PM
Great questions, Pfunk,
First, the triangle is a system. It's system basketball. As such, it allows for all types of play. The Lakers have quite often run the screen and roll out of the triangle. In fact, tney won their championships gloriously with Shaq and Kobe running some late screen and roll as a surprise.
But it is system basketball.
Some people like system basketball, others don't.
The triangle's success speaks for itself. Nine nba titles and many more titles in the women's game and even some in the early years of the men's college game.
Why don't more people run it? It's a b**tch to get everyone together in it. I actually ran it with an 11-year-old girl's basketball team a few years back and we went 46-5 in our age group and finished third in the shootout at AAU Division I nationals. I simply broke out all the fundamentals and taught them to a group of girls willing to learn.
I simplified it, but I had two 6=foot post players and we fed them the ball.
One of the reasons I agreed to coach was that I wanted to learn to use the triangle, so that I could write more intelligently about it. Unfortunately, I'm still struggling to do that.
Should a coach fit a system for his players? Or should he force his players into a system?
Well, that depends. Tex's life is the triangle. It has worked for him, worked for Phil, worked for the Bulls and the Lakers. Worked for MJ Shaq and kobe.
There's no question you look for a certain type of player to fit in the triangle. There's no question that a lot of players struggle in adjusting to the regimen.
But the key is, they learn to read the floor and take what the defense gives them. I got a real kick out of watching 11 year-old girls do that.
And I have to agree with Tex, the triangle in its basic precepts is not all that complicated.
Sometimes it is a little rough trying to execute it with a 24 second clock. That's why it's great to have a Kobe or MJ to bail you out when the clock gets down.
Anyway, sorry to run off at the mouth. Hope I answered the question.
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 16, 2006 at 02:01 PM
Two reasons why Phil Jackson teams suck at the PnR.
1. EVERY other team runs the pick and roll as the integral part of their offense. They practice the pick and roll in practice. Therefore, their defense practices DEFENDING the pick and roll. The Lakers defend against the triangle because they work extensively on learning and running the triangle in practice. Practice makes perfect. It is hard to do in games if you don't do it in practice.
2. Phil Jackson fundamentally doesn't like to double team. This stems from the days when he had Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman and others who could take their men straight up. If you have a team with weak on-man defenders you have to switch. IF you switch you are constantly practicing weak-side rotations. In defending the pick and roll you are constantly in switch situations which cause mis-matches. These mismatches must be met by weak-side rotation. If your defensive philosophy is based on not double teaming, then you don't practice weak-side rotations.
Maybe next year, if the team stays together, they won't have to spend the entire practice on triangle 101 and actually practice pick and roll defense. But don't bet on it. The Shaq teams never could get it.
Posted by: Inca Jones | May 16, 2006 at 02:55 PM
Roland,
I loved the show! What an eye opener. I had no idea we could have had Jason Kidd for Nick Van Exel. And the inside stuff between PJ, Kobe, and Shaq made a lot of sense, looking back on it now.
I've always admired Jackson's love of how the game should be played. Although he has referred to it in his books, I'm surprised there are not more coaches speaking out about the lack of fundamentals in today’s game. I guess they don’t want to criticize their players. PJ’s ego explains a lot as well. I tended to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I think the way he handled Kobe during the Shaq years was very foolish.
Pfunk36’s question is great. Why don’t more coaches run the triangle? Is it that difficult to master? I do know when it is run properly it is very tough to defend. Is it a coincidence that PJ has 9 titles running it?
Thanks for your input on this blog!
Smush is MUCH farther along than Sasha. Otherwise, why didn’t he start? I think Sasha might become a good player someday but he has got to lose the addiction to the 3 point line. And learn to drive the lane. Both of them have good attitudes (now anyway…)
And Phil’s contract: 3 years = 30 million. I think he’ll last 2 more years.
If the Lakers don’t commit to being at least a good defensive team next year, it won’t matter what players they change. Effort and hard work won’t always make the ball go in the basket, but they will help to play good D until it does.
Have a cool summer bloggers. It’s 102 degrees in AZ!
Posted by: Andy B | May 16, 2006 at 03:33 PM
Roland,
Thank You for answering me.
Reading your comments about Phil, I was wondering are Phil and Kobe similar in character?
The reason that I'm asking is that both of them seem to clash and I think is because they are very similar. Maybe Phil and Kobe are more similar than Phil and Michael ever were.
But I still think that Kobe is kinder and more in touch with people(even if he's not very personable, but with friends and family)than Phil is. I know Kobe is more into his religion and so on, I don't know if Phil believes in anything other than himself.
Posted by: lakofan | May 16, 2006 at 03:57 PM
Roland,
Thanks for the response and I accept your apology for "running off at the mouth".....you started to sound a little mysterious ala Phil Jackson (LOL).
Although you are struggling to speak intelligently about the "triangle".....don't feel bad. The triangle is like the 2006 IRS Tax code book......can ANYONE speak about it intelligently!! You think President Bush KNOWS what is in that book?
I don't think Phil or Tex can speak about it intelligently......The "triangle" that is......The triangle has become this giant that lives in the hillsides that occasionally allows Tex and Phil to visit it so it can depart knowledge only to them so they in turn reveal bits and pieces of it......it never reveals its entire self because it wants to take the credit for everything but doesn't get the blame for anything.
So now when Shaq and Kobe run screen and rolls "as a surprise" Tex and Phil say....Oh, that's part of the triangle........or when Kobe goes off for I don't know......81 POINTS! Phil and Tex say Oh, that's "pinch post triangle".
Silly me I always thought the screen and roll was.....well.....screen and roll. How did the triangle get credit for that?
I guess if we use that logic Steve Nash's pick and rolls were really........the triangle......go figure?
Inca:
I agree with that analysis.....thanks
Posted by: Pfunk36 | May 16, 2006 at 04:35 PM
AK
i guess your right about sasha, theres not much to hold on to there, i guess in the end i would just hate to see him leave cuz he has heart, and always plays with so much feelings towards the game and thats something this ballclub needs, but in the end i would pick smush over sasha, and thanks to your comments it would make seeing sasha leave that much easier...
Go Lakers...
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | May 16, 2006 at 04:46 PM
TrueLakerfan,
Yeah, I just think that between the two of them, Smush has shown more promise. Both have a ways to go and neither may end up an incredible player. And I agree, I like Sasha's moxie. I just don't think he often has much to back it up with. But that's just me. I'd love to be wrong, since he's likely gonna be with the team at least another year (kid ain't fetching much in trade).
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 16, 2006 at 05:03 PM
I don't feel as if I'm a fair judge of who has the most promise...but that ain't going to stop me lol
I think Sasha has more promise. Being a pure shooter (assuming of course if he starts to do it consistently in GAMES) is not something you can teach. Heart is not something you can teach. Sasha also seems to me to be more emotional in a positive sense, and he seems to me like he's more willing to work harder with Kobe (based on the clips they show in the news of Sasha and Kobe during practice, or after practice --which isn't much i admit). He also tends to be a better effort player, a better pressure player (which incidentally is why he gets into stupid foul troubles).
Smush on the other hand (maybe it's my biased but he) tends to play as if it's still streetball. Which is okay in some sense, but there's also a reason why not many streeballers have made it. There's a sense of arrogance that I've made it, this is what has gotten me here, and I ain't going to change or strive to improve(though admittedly maybe I misconstrued that during the season, if his exit interview is any indication). I don't like his jumpshots, I have a heart attack whenever he takes a 3 (especially early 3s) and at best, as an offensive player he is best in an open court (which doesn't and shouldn't happen much in the nba). I do think he is more athletic, which is good, but does he have the heart. Does he have the attitude? He also gets beat worst in a no-effort sense. Fighting through picks, putting your hand up...those are things he can do but doesn't, instead he sulks, he complains about chemistry.
I know the topic is upside, which is mostly talent wise. Who has the more talent, it's debatable. Hops is talent, Pure shooting is talent. But upside for me also means what goes with it, what's going to propel you to greatness (well actually in their case it's goodness haha). Attitude is a big part of it.
I'm hesitant to state that there's a reason that Sasha was drafted while Smush was not and has been all over...(I'd infer that GMs thought he'd have more upside)----hesitant cause I'm not sure I completely trust Mitch's talent evaluation lol
Posted by: Faith | May 16, 2006 at 06:30 PM
Faith,
First of all, don't sell yourself short. You're absolutelty qualified to judge. You've watched more than enough games to have an opinion.
That said, I don't agree with it (haha)
Smush shot better from 2 and 3 point range than Sasha, so at this point, he's the better, more relable shooter. And while Sasha has a great looking stroke (as BK often says, "Sasha could get cast in a movie as a basketball player), it's not terribly accurate. For a guy often labeled as a "shooter," he connects at a very low percentage. And it hasn't improved much since he was a rook.
You also have to remember, the major reason Sasha spends so much time with ball pressure and being that "gnat" is because he's too slow to stay with anyone. For all of his ability to "annoy other PG's," as some like to say, he mostly gets blown past. And also keep in mind, most of the success you see him have is against 2nd and 3rd string PG's. If you put Sasha up against the guys Smush guards (and the better screens Smush has to fight through), he'd be even worse, because Smush is stronger and faster.
Look, Smush has a ways to go, too. I'm not denying that. And I do like Sasha's moxie. I'm not certain it's quite deserved (haha), but I would never ask a player to run with less confidence. And he does work, I'll give him that (although I think you're sometimes confusing Smush's lack of relative talent to first stringers as lack of effort against them). But as it stands, if I HAD to bet on who'll have the longer NBA career, it's Smush.
But here's to hoping both succeed. Nothing wrong with that.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 16, 2006 at 06:57 PM
I'm actually using my arguments with the undertanding, and the hope that after such a showing offensively in the playoffs he'll get out of his previous shooting funk. He's also a better free-throw shooter (though admittedly less taken).I'm not sure exactly who is more fundamentally sound, but as a european player, I'd venture to say Sasha does. As a ball-handler, apart from the last couple of drives, I think he's got a better move, compared to Smush's drive to 3 people, panic and turn the ball over at crucial times (though again, admittedly less instances). Granted he doesn't dunk on people, but that also means he doesn't miss crucial dunk points (haha). In the end, it's like comparing a Peja with a less less talented Jason Richardson (neither really plays great D, but are good in their own right).
However you made good points. It's also important to remember that even with Sasha's increased offensive output during the playoffs, PJ stuck with Smush. So maybe Smush has a better upside. I too hope the best for both of them, especially if they're going to stay and be in this team ;-)
P.S. it took me awhile to come up with a Smush comparison, lol
Posted by: Faith | May 16, 2006 at 07:45 PM
Sorry AK, I would agree with Faith with regards to Sasha. He's still young and learned his basketball in Europe, so he's not the type of player who dunks or play the inside game. Europeans plays ball on jump shots and perimeter shots or straight away layups like Vlade or the late Petrovich.
In the case of Smush, he learned a lot of bad habits because it's more of a play ground half court game. It's a "show-me-what-you-got" so he never look at defense as an important ingredient of the game. He thought it's a good D in stealing ball instead of blocking shots or impede the play. Such failed attempt in stealing balls draw fouls and also you let your opponent a vantage point of an easy layup. It goes without that you don't steal balls, you have to mix it up and surprise your opponent. I'm sure he was corrected by Shaw and Rambis but he's plain stubborn because it takes time to forget bad habits. You can only learn through constant practice and playing with great PG's like: Magic or Kobe.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 16, 2006 at 11:51 PM
Pfunk,
As a system, the triangle is more of a platform for doing lots of things. The triangle has always presented a lot of opportunity for screen and rolls, back picks, all kinds of interesting things. That's why it's so fun to use as a coach. Usually the triangle features lots of side screen and rolls. But the high screen and roll, long a staple of those boring NBA isolation offenses, is featured less out of the triangle. It caught people off guard when Shaq and Kobe went to high screen and roll looks to close out the 2000 championship.
By the way, I am totally sold on the basic triangle as a basketball system. It provides floor balance and discipline and all the smart stuff that a good system should.
Basically it requires the defense to shift to cover an imbalance. When the defense shifts, opportunity opens up for the offense. That's especially true when you get a talented player like Kobe or Michael on the weak side "behind the defense."
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 17, 2006 at 01:24 AM
MY PROPOSED LAKERS STARTERS FOR NEXT SEASON
KOBE BRYANT SG
JASON TERRY PG
LAMAR ODOM PF
BONZIE WELLS SF
KWAME BROWM C
COULD BE DONE!!
Posted by: Larry Fulcher | May 17, 2006 at 01:46 AM
The pick n roll is one of the best plays in basketball....but you still need the right players to run it. So while we do actually do some pick and rolls (and they are within the offense), this team simply doesnt have the personel to consistently run it. While phoenix has nash along with 3-4 other guys on the court who can shoot, drive, or pass...most of our pick and rolls are pretty easy to predict. Kobe will get doubled, the defense will rotate, Cook will shoot a 20+ ft jumper. Its more Pick n Pop than Pick and Roll. Outside of lamar, the other guys simply lack the ability to create, finish, or pass after the pick and roll.
I agree with Roland. In general, I think the triangle is great. Like he said, it presents a lot of different opportunities during the course of running it. The problem is, it is due to all the various opportunies that presents itself that make it complex for players. It takes smart players that can read defenses and make good decisions and you have to have a good sense of where to be at all times. Thats something no Laker has got down well outside of Kobe. (and I fear someone like Kwame may never get it.) However, I think a fundamental question someone asked is, "Do you adjust your offense to your players, or force players to run a particular system?" In general, I think system basketball is the way to go....but there are also different systems. Going away from the triangle doesnt mean you have to start doing And1 freestyle moves. There are so many systemized offenses and combinations of offenses you can run. (ie. should the Nets (as they are now) run the triangle EVEN assuming the triangle is the most superior system? no!) I have great respect for Duke's Coach K particularly for his ability to adjust his offense to the type of players he has. Granted thats college...but its type of flexibilty that Phil lacks. He simply refuses to ever go away from the triangle....ever. While Phil is decent at game to game adjustments (and im only saying decent cuz he's made some good ones in the past, yet it baffles me that he didnt make any adjustments whatsoever from game 5-7 this year)...and he is TERRIBLE at making adjustments on the fly. I really believe the reason we lost the Suns series is #1 our defense but #2 is that we simply got outcoached. I still believe in the triangle, especially with Kobe as the focal point. (Although if lamar gets very comfortable with it, he should be the focal point with kobe playing off of him). It also has the benefit of conserving energy throughout the season...but come on Phil, you have to ACTUALLY COACH this team. This isnt an MJ/Pip/Rodman team or a Shaq/Kobe team you can just let them play "better" than the other team. Especially in the playoffs when making adjustments to confuse your opponents are especially critical.
PS. Roland, I really enjoyed your story of running the triangle with 11-yr old girls. =) I have several friends that coach young girls. I think they mostly run very simple flex offenses. I should tell them your story so that they can start dominating. ;)
Posted by: wiZo | May 17, 2006 at 10:20 AM
Roland,
That is all you could say on Phil? That he has a huge ego? Well, we all knew that! Why wouldn't he have an ego? He is the best coach in the NBA. I think what is REALLY troubling you is that he clashed with Jerry West a few years back. They both had egos. Phil earned the right to have more control over player decisions. He has 9 championships! West just couldn't put his own ego in check.
Posted by: Zen | May 17, 2006 at 03:04 PM
I may be wrong, but I see a lot of Smush's problems guarding the pick and roll stemming from the fact that he shies away from the contact of the pick. It seems he is a little afraid of getting hit, which is understandable because most of the guys setting the picks are pretty big. Not being able to deal with this play is a team thing and the blame has to be spread out, but Smush is at the point of attack with on the ball defense and as such takes most of the blame. I think that getting stronger in the weight room and being able to stand up to the physical side of the game will result in a big improvement in Smush's defense and overall game.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 17, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Ok ppl lets be realistic if we keep the roster we have at the moment we wont be winning for atleast another2-3 seasons because of the youth and lack of experience. I really like all the lakers we have and i would hate to see them be traded but all of them except Kobe and Odom(even him if we get good deal) can be traded. All the starters we have would be bench players if traded(again excpet Kobe and Odom). I say get starters and stop getting young players and having the Lakers as the 2nd youngest team in nba. If u do keep this roster than we wont be going past the first 2 rounds for another 2-3 years. Smush and Sasha are good guards but they arent great. Either one would be a decent backup but none are starters. Smush wasnt even suppose to be a starters and we saw that in a lot of games including the postseason. Its good to plan for the future by having young players develop like Bynum and Sasha but dont throw them in there with no one to teach them. I say get some real starters and let those other players develop as bench players that can later compete for starting positions but dont let the backups compete for a starting position because u dont have anybody. If the lakers are smart we could be saying goodbye to some players we have even though it would be sad to lose them. We can trade and move up in competition for a title or sit back and wait atleast 2 more years to even be contenders so we can "educate" our players on all aspects of playing the game the right way.
Posted by: Shady | May 17, 2006 at 10:25 PM
Roland,
Thanks for the response.......again I must reiterate,if the triangle presents all of these things.....WHY DOES NO OTHER COACH IN THE NBA OR COLLEGE RUN THIS OFFENSE?
Throughout my playing days there has always been on every level some running of the classic "UCLA" or even the "Princeton" offense....but no triangle...Why?
I think there is too much thinking in this offense instead of instinctual playing.....which is always better.
This offense calls for all five players to be on the same page.....with a young team that is probably never going to happen.....which is why that responsibility to make decisions should be left totally in the hands of Kobe......like Phoenix depends on Steve Nash to make those decisions.
If you surround Kobe with the "right" complimentary talent the offense should be run through Kobe......Kobe becomes "the system" which cannot be duplicated by other teams unless they produce another Kobe.
This way you wouldn't have to "surprise" other teams with running the screen and roll....as a matter of fact you could tell them exactly what you are going to do and then dare them to stop it.
The screen and roll should be continually set for Kobe until we get the matchup we want or mis-match we want........If you get other "players" around Kobe who can make plays the game becomes a lot more simple to play.
The best teachers are the ones who can simplify a process not make it more complicated.
Posted by: Pfunk36 | May 18, 2006 at 03:03 PM