Question about Kobe and the Suns

[Biclops]

Hello everyone!!

Well this is my first post. It's great being able to talk to
fellow die-hard Suns fan like you guys

All of these rumors about Kobe got me thinking...

1. Do you think the triangle makes Kobe more or less effective?

2. IF Kobe does sign with Phoenix, what kind of offense should
D'Antoni implement to make Kobe, JJ, Shawn and Amare
productive together (pick&roll, princeton, triangle , etc.)

I know it's a little too early to think about these things but I thought it might be interesting


Go Suns!!!

 

[Freddie]

I think Kobe would like the triangle more if he were the post-up ala Jordan.

Kobe is not as effective as he can be when he is spotting up in the triangle. He's a better player with the ball in his hands making things happen.

I think Amare and Kobe would make a stellar pick and roll combo.

 

[Errntknght]

"2. IF Kobe does sign with Phoenix, what kind of offense should D'Antoni implement to make Kobe, JJ, Shawn and Amare productive together (pick&roll, princeton, triangle , etc.) "

I'd hope coach Mikey would stick to an offense he understands, though I'm not sure he understands any. Kobe would fit in the mess the team used last year, which was basically to mill around a bit then have someone go solo.

The only thing D'A has said about the offensive plan was that he wanted to have a strong running game but he doesn't seem to understand that you need great rebounding and strong defense to make that go. Kobe would boost the defense and he's a great finisher in the open court so he'd fit with that plan. That would leave the team about Ben Wallace and a coach short of being able to compete for the title.

 

[cly2tw]

Assamble a defensive team around Kobe and JJ that could emulate the Pistons, then we can talk about winning. Offense is less of a problem.

 

[George O'Brien]

I'm not sure what changes the Suns will make to their offense, but I expect at least some. Right now they run mostly a high post pick and roll, but have not really used the center as much as I think they will in the future. I'd like to see more of a King's style high post offense that emphasizes passing rather than running people into picks, but that remains to be seen.

In any case, I don't think it will make a huge amount of difference what exactly the Suns run. With Kobe, he will have the ball and sometimes pass to other players. Does that need a name?

 

[sly fly]

Welcome, Biclops! (Way to welcome the newcomer, guys!)

I like the idea of putting some D around Kobe/Amare. The more you watch the Pistons play, the more you think PHX has a chance (and, quickly if Kobe signs).

Kobe does well in a triangle because he becomes the focal point. And, his teammates are 'required' to look for him. If you notice when the Lakers offense breaks down, Kobe (and even Shaq) have trouble getting the ball or getting good looks.

 

[George O'Brien]

Kobe does well in a triangle because he becomes the focal point. And, his teammates are 'required' to look for him. If you notice when the Lakers offense breaks down, Kobe (and even Shaq) have trouble getting the ball or getting good looks.

I don't know the ins and outs of the triangle, but I've never thad the feeling that it used picks and screens as much as some other systems do.

 

[Errntknght]

George, "I don't know the ins and outs of the triangle, but I've never thad the feeling that it used picks and screens as much as some other systems do."

I'm no expert on it but it does use a good number of off-ball screens. It also employs screen-like maneuvers where cutters try to rub their defender off on the high post man while he has the ball. What it doesn't use is on-ball screens out high (pick & roll/fade), which are very visible. I haven't seen it use the type of double screen that the Pacers use for Reggie and we used to use for Rex - another very visible screen.

We have to be a bit careful about equating what we see the Lakers doing with what is possible within the triangle. For example, I don't recall seeing the Lakers run the sideline pick and roll but I recall once seeing it among a small set of plays excerpted from the triangle playbook.

In reading about the philosophy of the triangle it seems to be geared toward taking advantage of aggressive defense, especially defenses overplaying to deny passes. So there are many manuevers to create back door situations and sealing positions.