The Cleveland Cavaliers are thriving under Kenny Atkinson’s tutelage.
The former Brooklyn Nets coach has revolutionized this team’s offense, and everybody’s thriving.
Nonetheless, it’s not like he’s running a lot of fancy or well-thought plays.
Instead, he’s making the most of principles, fundamentals, and his player’s ability to read and react.
Talking to the media, he admitted that, with the way that practice works nowadays, he focuses more on working on their cutting principles, pick-and-roll principles, and keeping the spacing simple (via Spencer Davies).
Kenny Atkinson continues to open up on his coaching philosophies.
How much of what he wants to implement has been at this juncture with the little practice time the #Cavs have had to this point? What’s being emphasized?
(Not my question, but another enlightening exchange) pic.twitter.com/xN0lvD9Jzq
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) November 26, 2024
He admitted that teams need to have some signature plays.
Still, he believes other teams usually take that away in big games or the playoffs, so teams must learn to adapt to different coverages and know what to do in all situations.
As crazy as it might sound, it actually makes perfect sense.
As much as everybody needs to have some sets for end-of-half, end-of-quarter, or out-of-bounds plays, and as much as Xs and Os still matter, today’s game is about making the right read.
Atkinson talked about creating a chaotic environment on the court, and that’s an accurate description of the Cavs’ current free-motion offense.
Teams don’t practice as often as they used to, especially on the road, so every rep counts.
Basketball has gone a long way since the early days, but as complicated as it might seem, it’s pretty simple when you stick to the fundamentals.
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