🧭 Post-Trade Rundowns, Jrue's New Role, Beyond P&R's, Global Hoops and More

Welcome to the NBA Librarian Weekly, where we curate and summarize the best NBA content of the week.

In today's edition:

1. Celtics 2-3 Zone Defense with Jrue at Center

2. The NBA’s Strategic Shift Away from P&R

3. Most efficient offensive players in December

4. Pick-Up Basketball Around the World

5. RJ Barrett has been toxic for opposing defenses

6. Knicks' Julius Randle has returned to All-Star sta …

7. The NBA's top assist duo for 2023-24 isn't who you …

Celtics 2-3 Zone Defense with Jrue at Center

Caitlin is an excellent follow on Twitter for in-depth insights into the game. This clip showcases how teams are employing diverse strategies to counter the high offensive output in the NBA.

The Pacers, currently the league's top offense, faced off against the Celtics, who are second in defense and first in net rating. In this scenario above, the Celtics implemented a 2-3 zone defense, with Jrue, the point guard, positioned up high, acting as the de facto center in this defensive lineup.

2-3 zone explanation here.

I've always believed basketball to be mostly position-less. However, if there's one aspect where positions become more critical, it's more noticeable on the defensive end. This clip is a prime example of how positions are becoming negligible on the defensive side as well.

The NBA’s Strategic Shift Away from P&R

The article dives into how the NBA's strategic evolution mirrors ancient military shifts, notably from horse archers to diverse tactics. The league's reliance on the pick-and-roll, akin to the horse archers' dominance, is waning. Teams have notably reduced pick-and-roll usage, signifying a broader trend.

Offenses are evolving, with the league's efficiency at a peak despite fewer pick-and-rolls. The rise of defensive switching, popularized by teams like the Rockets and Warriors in 2018, has made high pick-and-rolls less effective, leading to more isolation plays. In response, teams are adopting elbow actions, which offer various offensive options and align with the faster-paced, three-point-focused era. This shift is evident in teams like the Kings, who are setting offensive records through increased handoffs.

Continuous offensive innovation in the NBA, potentially influenced by future rule changes, highlights the game's dynamic nature. The league's strategic diversity moves away from repetitive plays, ensuring an ever-evolving and engaging basketball experience.

Lot more great detail in the article and something I’ll definitely be more mindful of when I’m watching games moving forward.

Most efficient offensive players in December

What stands out to me most here is that, of the 10 players we're looking at, 3 have superstar-level volume (Kawhi, Shai, and Embiid). The fact that their efficiencies are this high per possession speaks volumes. Kawhi is technically boasting the highest TS% of his career, following a December where he averaged 29.3 points per game with 61/50/96 (73 TS%) splits!

Since the Clippers moved Westbrook to the bench, Harden has also achieved the second-highest net rating in the NBA (+13.7), second only to Embiid. It's no wonder the Clippers have been the hottest team in the NBA. Credit to @hooparj on Twitter for this stat.

Pick-Up Basketball Around the World

Cool podcast. Little different from the other podcasts where it’s with former NBA players or analysts covering the game. It covers Leigh Ellis, who has embarked on a global journey to play pickup basketball, inspired by a post-pandemic trip to Europe. He aims to connect with local players across different cultures and languages, emphasizing basketball's power to unite.

His experiences, shared online, garnered numerous invitations from around the world, encouraging him to visit their cities. Ellis aspires to turn this into a documentary series for platforms like Netflix, documenting his travels and games.

Currently self-funded, Ellis seeks strategic partners to expand his project, leveraging his growing online presence. His journey underscores basketball's unifying power, celebrating its role in community building and bringing joy to diverse groups.

Lot more stuff they cover in there including RJ Barrett’s fit with the Raptors which is a great segue into…

RJ Barrett has been toxic for opposing defenses

RJ Barrett has significantly impacted the Toronto Raptors since his arrival, transcending previous perceptions of him as a "toxic asset" due to his underperforming contract.

Sampson brings up some interesting points:

1. RJ was one of the three primary scorers that were “lefties” on the Knicks, so defenses were geared to guard that side of the floor. With the Raptors, his game has opened up, especially in transition where the Raptors are among the best in the league and Barrett thrives.

2. Barrett, since being acquired is shooting an unsustainable 67% TS, but even more than his improvement in perimeter shooting, it’s important to note his improvement finishing in the restricted area as an area we can see hopeful improvement in his game long term.

His ability to exploit defenses, particularly with Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, has been crucial. Barrett's skill in navigating defenses and executing skip passes has been a significant addition to the Raptors' offense.RJ Barrett has significantly impacted the Toronto Raptors since his arrival, transcending previous perceptions of him as a "toxic asset" due to his underperforming contract.

Knicks' Julius Randle has returned to All-Star status in a way no one expected

The article from The Athletic highlights Julius Randle's commendable resurgence to All-Star status in the NBA, focusing on his strategic gameplay transformation post-ankle surgery. While recovering, Randle engaged in intensive video analysis of his previous games, realizing his over-reliance on inefficient long 2-pointers and distant post-ups. This introspection led him to a strategic shift, aiming for 'easier' shots closer to the hoop, aligning with New York Knicks' coach Tom Thibodeau's advice for more active off-ball play.

Randle's gameplay metamorphosis is evident in his increased focus on layups, dunks, and enhanced involvement in pick-and-rolls, leading to more drives and efficient scoring in the paint. Since mid-November, he has seen a significant uptick in his performance, averaging 26.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. He has also refined his technique, reducing 3-point attempts, eliminating stepbacks, and emphasizing quick decision-making, especially in transition plays.

This change has positively impacted the Knicks, especially with the integration of OG Anunoby, who has brought additional off-ball movement and shooting prowess. Looking ahead, Randle's adaptability, quick reactions to double-teams, and strategic decision-making continue to evolve, playing a pivotal role in the Knicks' strategy and success.

The NBA's top assist duo for 2023-24 isn't who you'd expect

The NBA's top assist duo for the 2023-24 season features some unexpected but effective pairings, as explored by Mike Shearer.

1. The most prolific duo is Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets, averaging 3.3 assists per game. Sengun's unique style, including a delayed roll in pick-and-rolls, complements VanVleet's distribution skills, making them a formidable pair.

2. Other notable duos include Tyrese Haliburton/Myles Turner for the Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Maxey/Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets.

3. Additionally, Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks form a unique guard-to-guard duo, excelling in long-range shooting and quick transition plays.

These duos represent a mix of traditional guard-to-big and guard-to-guard combinations, showcasing the diverse and evolving nature of NBA offenses and how these duos are finding success. Their success reflects not just individual talent but also the chemistry and strategic fit within their respective teams. There’s so much more in the article with video clips and stats highlighting this. Definitely check it out!

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