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Tuesday, July 28, 2015

SQ3 The Two Step Indicator

One of my favorite pastimes when viewing Celtics games is to watch the first two steps of each player (yes I do watch some/many games multiple times, in fact I'll probably build one Quandary posting about the fallacy of ball watching, even though I get caught up in it like everyone else). Members of a good running team (and defensive team) sprint down court and start by pushing off hard (out of the “blocks”) the moment the ball changes hands (even after a made basket or free throw). Watch the first two steps of the Celtics players in the grainy, fuzzy throwback games of the 60's and 70's. Auerbach's and Heinsohn's teams often “won” the possession in the first two seconds as the outlet pass hit a guard already in motion and the wings were already a step ahead of their defenders. I would like to see this become a staple of this Celtics team who I think have the personnel, and coach, to make it deadly effective.

If you record the games, go back and check out the two-step performance during preseason; if you don't see the habit ingrained there, it probably won't be in evidence this season. On an individual basis, I put a lot of stock on the two step in judging players. If they start fast and sprint down the court, there is a pretty good chance they are giving both the effort and mental focus to maximize their talent (and contribution to the team.) On the other hand if they lag in the transition and/or jog down to join their teammates trying to set the defense or execute the offense, then I give them low marks. If dogging it, they are either our of shape or “saving” their energy so getting winded doesn't cut into their minutes (and stats). For my money, not going all-out should “cut” into their roster spot!

While last year Pressey was the only point guard that consistently pushed the ball up the court (and I loved him for it, think Danny did too), all three of our probable PG's on this year's team are well suited to leading the cavalry charge. Rozier will have to improve his decision making and tighten his handle but both Smart and Thomas need only to establish the mindset. Even on their most agile days none of Sullinger, Olynyk, Johnson, or Lee will be swooping down court, but each is a threat on the secondary break. On the other hand Tyler Zeller, Perry Jones, Jonas Jerebko, and Jordan Mickey are all greyhounds straining at the leash. While not a whippet, Jae Crowder is an effective attacker and even Avery Bradley has his moments. Not yet effective drivers, Young and Hunter could spot up for three's that would further strain a defense already on its heels.

It's hard to run without the ball, and it is slower when you have to do it by taking it out of bounds after a made free throw or basket. Rebounding was an issue last year but there are hopeful signs for improvement. As the team defense improves, the new additions add to the boarding crew, and Kelly's strength and Sullinger's mobility improve, the rebounding should swing from a weakness to at least average—and if our carom crew ingrain the immediate outlet, we're off to the races. If you want a real treat, try to catch a game with Bill Russell who often made the outlet pass while still in the air (or even tip for an outlet). This is what I hoped we would see from Sullinger but so far he outlets with a lethargy similar to his plodding passage down the floor (if you think I'm gritting my teeth as I write this, you're right!)

It will be very interesting to see how much emphasis Stevens puts on this aspect of the game in training camp. Although with the influx of new bodies and the overseas travel playing such a prominent part, practice time may be even more sparse than usual. Still, I would love to see a curse two-step-and-outlet jar with a $100 hit for every slow start or retarded pass in practice and pre-season games. This year we have the tools, the question is whether or not we have the will!

63 days to camp
[Discuss on CG Forums!]

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:42 PM

    I loved the way Red's teams got out on the break. But they needed a rebounder (Russ) in order to trigger the break. I'm hoping that even though we don't have that dominant center that Mickey, Johnson and Sullinger can be that rebounder to start the break with said greyhounds out and running on each possession. It will depend on the coaching as well, but I think Stevens wants them to run so hopefully we will see it.

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  2. Another good article, Lee. Good point Anonymous on the rebounder. You have to have the ball to run and hopefully having added Lee, Amir, and Mickey will boost the rebounding numbers. When I read this article, I could hear Tommy yelling "Run! Run! Run!!"

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  3. I remember Bill Russell having a unnaturally quick leap to block a shot - he'd wait until the shot was made before jumping up to block it. I saw Jordan Mickey do that during summer league, and thought that might be why the Celtics chose him. Russell also would sometimes block the ball straight up, then retrieve it himself with a second jump, and pass the ball while in the air for an easy and demoralizing basket. I actually thought the whole sequence was really unfair, but it was OK because it was the Celtics. I hope we see these unfair tactics recur in the next few years.

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  4. Anonymous10:32 PM

    You know I saw some moves from Mickey that reminded me of Russell. Russell prided himself on blocking shots and keeping them in play. A lot of shot blockers swat the ball out of bounds and then the opponents get the ball. Russell always tried to block it to a teammate for the possession. I would love to see Mickey develop even half the instincts that Russell had.

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  5. Anonymous5:19 PM

    Good read...I agree with the fundamentals-over-superstar talent approach I think I hear you opining. A good team, played as a team, with strong fundamentals, will beat the team with large salary caps and superstar price tags every time. I know we 'Mericans love the underdog, but there is something to be said for a team working as a team vs. a group of talented (albeit selfish) superstars. Wars are fought and won with similar team-oriented approaches. Good read.

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