For much of their exhibition schedule, where they were playing games preparing for EuroBasket, Spain has been crushing the opposition going 3-0 and winning all their games by double digits (beating France by 24, beating Lithuania by 12, and then beating Bulgaria by an amazing 37 points). Maybe it was because of their offensive dominance, or maybe it was because the games weren’t close, but but Spain’s problems with the pick and roll definitely went unnoticed (and it was definitely a problem in the first three games, even Bulgaria, who again lost by 37, were getting looks out of the pick and roll).
It went unnoticed until Lithuania, who played Spain for a second time on Thursday, were able to use the pick and roll to power a 12 point win. Lithuania, who had trouble getting into their offense the first game, found things much easier the second time around, and that was because they used the pick and roll more. So what’s the problem with Spain’s pick and roll defense? Well, when the ball handler uses a screen, the defender covering the screener (usually either Pau Gasol/Marc Gasol/Serge Ibaka) showed on the hedge, but he did so very softly, waiting for the original defender covering the ball handler to get over the screen:
Look at how far off Pau Gasol is playing in this example. He is basically showing in hopes of dissuading the ball handler from attacking the rim until his defender from going over the screen. However, what this soft hedge does is it actually gives the offensive player the advantage in this situation. This is because now he has space and options. One option is he can attack the big, who is flat footed, by using the space given to get a running start at him, which is exactly what happens in the situation shown above:
For the past two offseasons, we have been looking at players coming to the NBA after playing at least as season overseas. With the lockout, we are going to have plenty of time on our hands. With that being said, I plan on doing scouting reports for each of the 30 first round picks from this past draft.
There is no question that Jimmer Fredette was in that group of elite shooters among the players available in the 2011 draft. Right along with him was Klay Thompson, who the Golden State Warriors drafted one spot behind him.
Strengths
Shooting
There is no question that Thompson’s biggest strength is his shooting ability. Thompson has a very smooth, yet quick, repeatable shooting stroke with a release point that is higher than most. Thompson feasted on the perimeter last year with Washington State, knocking down 40.3% of all the jump shots he took (64.3% of all shots he took last year), while posting a PPP 1.094 on those shots (placing him among the top 15% of all NCAA players last year).
The area where Thompson is most impressive is in catch and shoot situations. This past season, Thompson shot 50% in catch and shoot situations where he was considered “unguarded” by Synergy sports, posting an eFG% of 71.4%:
Thompson’s shooting form is very repeatable and very easy. Anytime he is open in a catch and shoot situation, it is a pretty good bet that he is going to be able to knock down the shot. What helps him get open is his ability to work off of the basketball and use screens. Despite not being the most athletic guy, Thompson is smart enough and good enough to get a little bit of separation working off of the ball and at his height (6’7″) and with his high release, that little bit of separation is all he needs to be able to get a shot off:
One big factor in Pacer demise against a 3-man Heat team? Tyler Hansbrough. Three terrible first half shots & two huge second half travels 14 hours ago
James and Battier came over to remind Wade that Battier wide open from the corner is a better option than Anthony finish at the rim. 14 hours ago
