sono
Starter
http://nbaplaybook.com/2010/07/14/demarcus-cousins-passing-ability/
One thing that a rookie big struggles to pick up when they come from college to the pros is passing. This is because the ways that teams send doubles are different and more complicated, there is more ball pressure, and the defenders are bigger/quicker. However, DeMarcus Cousins looks very comfortable identifying defenses and making the correct pass in the half court. Cousins was only credited with one assist during his debut, but he showed the type of instincts you don’t usually see as a rookie, let alone a 19 year old rookie:
Pass1:
Cousins makes his first catch as a professional just a few steps away from the block. Instead of rushing the move, he lets the play develop and allows for the passer to cut through, clearing out an easy double team. Cousins then takes what I like to call a “bait dribble.” If you watch the video again, you can see the man who eventually doubles kind of floating, and then as soon as Cousins puts the ball on the floor, the double team comes. This is because most NBA teams like to double team on the first dribble the big man takes, and DeMarcus Cousins knows this. The dribble that Cousins takes isn’t to make a move or better his position, it’s to draw the double team so he can kick the ball to an open teammate. It works, as the defense is forced to rotate, but the Kings can’t knock down the open shot. This is really impressive to me because there are bigs that have been in the league for years that struggle with this concept, and here is Cousins getting it right on his first touch in the pros.
Pass2:
Another thing that impressed me about Cousins was his ability (and willingness) to keep his head up while making his post move, allowing him to spot open cutters. Here, Cousins also shows an ability to make a pass into the lane with his back to the basket. The fact that he doesn’t have to turn around and face up to make the pass means he can make the pass quicker (because a window on an open cutter only stays open for too long).
Pass3:
Again, this pass from Cousins is a direct result of his ability/willingness to keep his head up when making his move. This was a set play to free up an open three point shooter on the weakside, but what impressed me about the pass was that Cousins was able to send it cross court with enough zip (instead of lobbing it over) that the man can make the catch and shoot it before a defender can close out.
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DeMarcus Cousins is so big and strong in the post that he will be doubled a fair amount of the time. The way he handles these double teams will determine how effective he (and his team) can be. If Summer League has been any indication, he will handle the double teams just fine.
One thing that a rookie big struggles to pick up when they come from college to the pros is passing. This is because the ways that teams send doubles are different and more complicated, there is more ball pressure, and the defenders are bigger/quicker. However, DeMarcus Cousins looks very comfortable identifying defenses and making the correct pass in the half court. Cousins was only credited with one assist during his debut, but he showed the type of instincts you don’t usually see as a rookie, let alone a 19 year old rookie:
Pass1:
Cousins makes his first catch as a professional just a few steps away from the block. Instead of rushing the move, he lets the play develop and allows for the passer to cut through, clearing out an easy double team. Cousins then takes what I like to call a “bait dribble.” If you watch the video again, you can see the man who eventually doubles kind of floating, and then as soon as Cousins puts the ball on the floor, the double team comes. This is because most NBA teams like to double team on the first dribble the big man takes, and DeMarcus Cousins knows this. The dribble that Cousins takes isn’t to make a move or better his position, it’s to draw the double team so he can kick the ball to an open teammate. It works, as the defense is forced to rotate, but the Kings can’t knock down the open shot. This is really impressive to me because there are bigs that have been in the league for years that struggle with this concept, and here is Cousins getting it right on his first touch in the pros.
Pass2:
Another thing that impressed me about Cousins was his ability (and willingness) to keep his head up while making his post move, allowing him to spot open cutters. Here, Cousins also shows an ability to make a pass into the lane with his back to the basket. The fact that he doesn’t have to turn around and face up to make the pass means he can make the pass quicker (because a window on an open cutter only stays open for too long).
Pass3:
Again, this pass from Cousins is a direct result of his ability/willingness to keep his head up when making his move. This was a set play to free up an open three point shooter on the weakside, but what impressed me about the pass was that Cousins was able to send it cross court with enough zip (instead of lobbing it over) that the man can make the catch and shoot it before a defender can close out.
–
DeMarcus Cousins is so big and strong in the post that he will be doubled a fair amount of the time. The way he handles these double teams will determine how effective he (and his team) can be. If Summer League has been any indication, he will handle the double teams just fine.
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