Will Hardy’s Strategic Moves
Coach Will Hardy has been implementing strategies focused on growth and effort. It’s not just about playing; it’s about competing. This was evident in a recent game where the Jazz faced the LA Clippers. Despite trailing by 10 points for most of the game, the team showed signs of returning to their core playing style, which they had lost somewhere along the way. Hardy’s decision to bench Keyonte George in the second half was a significant moment, emphasizing that effort and competitiveness are non-negotiable. The only leverage a coach has in this league is playing time, and Hardy demonstrated this by making it clear that casual play would not be tolerated.
The Jazz’s recent games have shown a mix of challenges and positive developments. In a game against the Clippers, the team struggled with turnovers early on, which set them back. However, they managed to regain some momentum by returning to their fundamental playing style. This flurry of effort, although not enough to turn the game around, was valuable in reinforcing the importance of playing the right way.
Utah Jazz’s Transition Defense: A Turnaround Story
As the Utah Jazz navigate a challenging season, the focus has shifted from merely winning games to setting a standard of play under head coach Will Hardy. The Jazz have been notorious for their poor transition defense, allowing the most transition opportunities in the league. However, recent efforts have shown significant improvement, highlighting the importance of coaching and player responsiveness.
Earlier in the season, the Jazz struggled with ball movement, a critical aspect of their gameplay. Hardy addressed this issue, and since then, the team has increased their passing, which is crucial given the absence of a James Harden or Luka Dončić-type player who can create opportunities without ball movement. The Jazz’s improvement in transition defense is particularly noteworthy. Previously, they allowed 26% of all possessions in transition, a significant increase from last year’s 20%. This was not solely due to turnovers; a substantial portion of transition opportunities arose from missed shots.
The coaching staff, led by Hardy, conducted a film session focusing on the first three steps in both offensive and defensive transitions. This analysis compared the Jazz’s performance to other NBA teams, emphasizing the need for better initial defensive positioning. The results have been promising. In recent games, the Jazz have reduced transition opportunities significantly, with numbers dropping to as low as 10 in a game against Phoenix. This improvement aligns with the league average, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted coaching and player adaptation.
JJ Redick’s Impact on the Lakers and LeBron James
JJ Redick’s influence on the Los Angeles Lakers has been transformative, particularly for LeBron James. Under Redick’s guidance, the Lakers have shifted from a transition-heavy offense to a more balanced approach, improving their half-court efficiency. This change has propelled the Lakers from the 12th to the 5th ranked offense in the NBA.
Redick’s strategy involves reducing the number of pick-and-roll plays and increasing off-ball screens and handoffs, similar to the Jazz’s offensive style. This shift has not only diversified the Lakers’ offensive tactics but also enhanced LeBron’s efficiency. By decreasing his reliance on pick-and-rolls and increasing his involvement in off-ball movements, LeBron has become more effective, with his points per play improving significantly.
The Lakers’ offensive rebounding has also seen a marked improvement, moving from 29th to 14th in the league. This change, coupled with a reduction in turnovers, has contributed to their offensive success. Redick’s approach has clearly revitalized the Lakers’ gameplay, making them a formidable force in the NBA.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Utah Jazz’s transition defense and JJ Redick’s impact on the Lakers, tune into the Locked On Jazz podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Jazz Podcast:
- Lauri Markkanen’s shot distribution and efficiency
- The Jazz’s evolving point guard situation
- Analysis of the NBA’s “tank bus” and its implications
