Strategic Coaching and the Sixers' Setback: Navigating Oubre Jr.'s Absence - 11/12/23

Welcome to “Hoop’d There It Is” - Your daily 5-6 min dive into all things NBA.

What Stood Out to Me Last Night (11/11/23)

I didn’t watch much but these are what stood out:

• In a shocking turn of events, Kelly Oubre Jr. was hit by a car and is expected to be out for a considerable period. It's a tough blow for both Oubre and the Sixers, who have been riding high on a terrific start this season. Oubre's dynamic defense in Nick Nurse's aggressive scheme and his highly efficient offense have been crucial. Now, the onus falls on newcomers Covington and Batum to fill the void. Wishing Kelly a speedy and full recovery.

• Draymond finally got ejected after all the barking he does - it’s nice to see when this actually does happen.

• Bam with a huge game to beat the Hawks, he’s underrated as a legitimate two way star in the league. 26 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals & 2 blocks

 Who I’m Watching for Tonight (11/12/23)

1. Tonight, I’ll be interested in observing Bradley Beal's role with the Suns, especially with Devin Booker out. Beal, just a few games into his return, showed flashes in his recent performance with 24 points. The curiosity here is in his adaptation to a playmaking role, a shift from his scoring focus. His experience with the Wizards, notably alongside John Wall, demonstrated his capability as an off-the-ball player. With the season still in its early stages, tonight provides a glimpse into how Beal might adjust to this new dynamic in the Suns' lineup.

2. Tonight's game between the Warriors and Timberwolves is my #1 game and the game I’m going to as well. The Timberwolves, we highlighted Anthony Edwards, but their defense led by Rudy Gobert, have climbed to the top of the league's defensive rankings at #1. But the Warriors, with CP3 and Steph’s history of outmaneuvering Gobert in key playoff moments, present a unique challenge. The focus isn't just on the marquee scorers; it's on the strategic defensive play, especially with Draymond Green's expected return. This game promises to be more than a showcase of offense – it's a strategic battle where defense plays a pivotal role.

Random Thought

The importance of coaching and veteran leadership in the NBA is strikingly evident when examining different team dynamics. Take the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors, for instance. Under interim coach Luke Walton, they managed an impressive 39–4 start​​. This highlights how veteran, well-established teams can sustain success even with changes in the short term, at least during the regular season because of the veterans and systems are in place.

Now, look at the Houston Rockets this season. The addition of veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks has been a game-changer. They've brought a balance of offensive skill and defensive tenacity, catalyzing the team's transformation. Under the guidance of Ime Udoka, who previously led the Celtics to an NBA Finals appearance, the Rockets have dramatically improved. Currently ranking 8th in defensive efficiency and 12th in offensive efficiency, they've made a significant leap from last season's 29th and 27th rankings in these categories, respectively. It's an illustration of how critical coaching and veteran presence are for young teams.

In San Antonio, the story continues with Gregg Popovich's mentorship of the Spurs, particularly in developing talents like Victor Wembanyama. Popovich's expertise in player development is a vital element in unlocking the potential of young stars.

The narrative of Chauncey Billups further underscores the impact of coaching and environment on a player's career. Initially considered a bust, Billups thrived under Larry Brown with the Detroit Pistons, becoming "Big Shot Billups," the Finals MVP in their 2004 championship run. His transformation is a powerful reminder of the potential shifts in a player's trajectory with the right coaching and team culture.

This all leads to pondering which current players might similarly benefit from a change in scenery or coaching. It's a compelling subject for future exploration.