Napear interviews Karl on defense?

[IfAt1st]

I was looking forward to the interview since Grant had talked himself into a corner, saying the past 2 days "When I have Karl on on Wed, I'll ask him about the switching on pick and rolls, and the use of Demarcus on the perimeter vs down at the block/elbow where he's more effective.

So to his credit, Napear FINALLY asked this blatantly obvious questions of the coach - methinks he got the OK from his masters to have the coach address these issues.

IIRC Karl was reasonable but somewhat deluded-sounding about the best use of Demarcus.
It seemed Karl really doesn;t know what the hell to do with him since he's a talent he's never encountered before.

As for the constant PnR switching, it seemed like Karl is over it and wouldn't mind it stopping or becoming MUCH more rare.
He briefly alluded to the 4 or 5 different reactions his system has for PnR defense, and that these guards aren't playing the switching properly or aggressively enough. He really put the blame on the guards and went out of his way to say the big guys are defending well on PnR's. No mention of WCS's unique skill in this area, of course - I doubt if Karl even remembers Willie's on the team.

Overall, I didn;t get the impression Karl is as clueless overall as is being made out in this thread, and I'm a HUGE critic of Karl and think he may well be deliberately trying to get fired (and collect his contract). That said, it didn;t sound like he was pulling that kinda stunt, but I'm sure he's smart enough to mask it and play the game enough in interviews to make it look like he's going through the coaching motions.

 

[hrdboild]

I was half asleep during most of the last game so I may have imagined it but I do feel like the team was playing a little more man to man defense against Utah, at least in the first half. Then we went back to the zone switching system in the third quarter and Utah went on a bit of a run. The thing I hate about this defensive scheme -- and I don't know if this is because of poor coaching or poor execution -- is that it seems to put the defender two steps away from their man. If you're going to switch then switch and get into somebody. Switching and then playing back is just conceding open shots. That's probably a factor in why teams are taking more 3pt jumpers against us. It also takes the pressure off individual defenders. Right now if you give up an open look it's a team defense problem whereas if you're playing man to man and you give up an open look its on you. Just psychologically speaking I feel like man to man defense tends to be more active and aggressive than zone switching for that reason. Our guards in particular have looked a whole lot more effective to me when we go to a man to man defense.

 

[ESP47]

I was half asleep during most of the last game so I may have imagined it but I do feel like the team was playing a little more man to man defense against Utah, at least in the first half. Then we went back to the zone switching system in the third quarter and Utah went on a bit of a run. The thing I hate about this defensive scheme -- and I don't know if this is because of poor coaching or poor execution -- is that it seems to put the defender two steps away from their man. If you're going to switch then switch and get into somebody. Switching and then playing back is just conceding open shots. That's probably a factor in why teams are taking more 3pt jumpers against us. It also takes the pressure off individual defenders. Right now if you give up an open look it's a team defense problem whereas if you're playing man to man and you give up an open look its on you. Just psychologically speaking I feel like man to man defense tends to be more active and aggressive than zone switching for that reason. Our guards in particular have looked a whole lot more effective to me when we go to a man to man defense.

This.

This style of defense worked years ago before players really started practicing 3 point shots. Each team used to have just a few guys who could shoot the long ball. These days, nearly every guy on the team can shoot threes. Hell, even Rondo is shooting 37% beyond the arc right now.

In the end, half the time our perimeter players are guarding the empty space between the paint and the 3 point line. Leads to wide open 3 point shots. They're basically guarding long 2 point jumpers which is one of the least frequent shots taken in the NBA these days.

 

[Telemachus]

If you download the podcast, there's a good interview with Nancy Lieberman in the 6 o'clock hour. She guaranteed that the Kings would make the playoffs.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

If you download the podcast, there's a good interview with Nancy Lieberman in the 6 o'clock hour. She guaranteed that the Kings would make the playoffs.

That looks like a tough road right about now, huh?

 

[Telemachus]

That looks like a tough road right about now, huh?

Agreed. She gave her reasons.

 

[Bricklayer]

That looks like a tough road right about now, huh?

Its an odd thing -- it does. We've had the normal array of Kings season disasters. But my eye has continued to wander on over to the standings because for the first time I KNOW this team has the talent to play .500 ball, and I SUSPECT they can do better than that. And almost as important, between the lines, behind the interviews, the players seem to continue to believe.

We've been 8-15 many a time before and the season was done. it still doesn't feel so here, although obviously all it takes is one more stupid stretch of underacheiving and the numbers get out of control.

 

[macadocious]

I finally was able to listen to the interview today while driving. I can say for the first time since shortly after Karl was hired do I feel happy and somewhat confident in him and his ability. I didn't agree with everything he said, but he finally gave some insight to what is going on. I'll try and bullet point out the highlights, although a few poster have already stated some.


1. Cousins has ability to play anywhere on the floor. The range from down low, to elbow to up top will change depending on matchups. Trying to create space for guards and cutters. Cousins can facilitate and pass from all areas. He did say it may take Cousins 2 years to be really good on the perimeter, he did not say he was hoping it would work in 2 years.

2. They have 5 ways they attack PNR. Switching, Wall, Blitz, under and straight up. He gives guards freedom to switch unless they have a specific PNR defense called. Guards have done often and not aggressive. He has already cut it back, but may eliminate it altogether. Really through the guards under the BUS here. Basically said they do it to much and not aggressive enough.

3. Our defensive statistics are skewed by the Pace we play at. Play faster give up more points and opportunities. Said he blames a lot on transition defense, PNR D and giving up offensive rebound and not recovering to shooters on wings at 3pt line. He did not address the small lineups that are causing these issues.

4. Seth Curry is not playing because not because he can't but because there aren't enough minutes. Very confident Seth will play a role, unsure how. Very competent insurance policy for PG/SG positions.

5. Happy with Cassipi overall

6. Thinks Ben has really played well last couple weeks

7. Even though Marco has underperformed has tons of confidence in him

8. Rondo and he have a pretty special understanding and he is in awe of his playmaking. Talked about the wrap around dribble and pass to Gay. Said only handful of guard could ever make that play. Said he is being a little stubborn about leaving Rondo out there in crunch time with Hack a Shack. Wants Rondo to play through it.


Overall it seems like he has a plan, does throw things agains the wall to see what sticks and will be able to hone that going into the second part of the year. Sounded much less stubborn that I anticipated. I think he is more willing to let schemes play out over a longer period of time than maybe us the impatient fans are. But I think that is normal.

 

[SacTownKid]

I was looking forward to the interview since Grant had talked himself into a corner, saying the past 2 days "When I have Karl on on Wed, I'll ask him about the switching on pick and rolls, and the use of Demarcus on the perimeter vs down at the block/elbow where he's more effective.

So to his credit, Napear FINALLY asked this blatantly obvious questions of the coach - methinks he got the OK from his masters to have the coach address these issues.

IIRC Karl was reasonable but somewhat deluded-sounding about the best use of Demarcus.
It seemed Karl really doesn;t know what the hell to do with him since he's a talent he's never encountered before.

As for the constant PnR switching, it seemed like Karl is over it and wouldn't mind it stopping or becoming MUCH more rare.
He briefly alluded to the 4 or 5 different reactions his system has for PnR defense, and that these guards aren't playing the switching properly or aggressively enough. He really put the blame on the guards and went out of his way to say the big guys are defending well on PnR's. No mention of WCS's unique skill in this area, of course - I doubt if Karl even remembers Willie's on the team.

Overall, I didn;t get the impression Karl is as clueless overall as is being made out in this thread, and I'm a HUGE critic of Karl and think he may well be deliberately trying to get fired (and collect his contract). That said, it didn;t sound like he was pulling that kinda stunt, but I'm sure he's smart enough to mask it and play the game enough in interviews to make it look like he's going through the coaching motions.

The switching is fine, now, it's the coach who has been putting in two PG's that keep getting switched onto much bigger players. Any issue with switching has been from Karls own mistakes.

When you add it all up, from his constant lineup tinkering (even with no injuries) then blaming the random lineups as a reason they suck, and then onto this, you really have to wonder don't you?

 

[Telemachus]

I finally was able to listen to the interview today while driving. I can say for the first time since shortly after Karl was hired do I feel happy and somewhat confident in him and his ability. I didn't agree with everything he said, but he finally gave some insight to what is going on. I'll try and bullet point out the highlights, although a few poster have already stated some.


1. Cousins has ability to play anywhere on the floor. The range from down low, to elbow to up top will change depending on matchups. Trying to create space for guards and cutters. Cousins can facilitate and pass from all areas. He did say it may take Cousins 2 years to be really good on the perimeter, he did not say he was hoping it would work in 2 years.

2. They have 5 ways they attack PNR. Switching, Wall, Blitz, under and straight up. He gives guards freedom to switch unless they have a specific PNR defense called. Guards have done often and not aggressive. He has already cut it back, but may eliminate it altogether. Really through the guards under the BUS here. Basically said they do it to much and not aggressive enough.

3. Our defensive statistics are skewed by the Pace we play at. Play faster give up more points and opportunities. Said he blames a lot on transition defense, PNR D and giving up offensive rebound and not recovering to shooters on wings at 3pt line. He did not address the small lineups that are causing these issues.

4. Seth Curry is not playing because not because he can't but because there aren't enough minutes. Very confident Seth will play a role, unsure how. Very competent insurance policy for PG/SG positions.

5. Happy with Cassipi overall

6. Thinks Ben has really played well last couple weeks

7. Even though Marco has underperformed has tons of confidence in him

8. Rondo and he have a pretty special understanding and he is in awe of his playmaking. Talked about the wrap around dribble and pass to Gay. Said only handful of guard could ever make that play. Said he is being a little stubborn about leaving Rondo out there in crunch time with Hack a Shack. Wants Rondo to play through it.


Overall it seems like he has a plan, does throw things agains the wall to see what sticks and will be able to hone that going into the second part of the year. Sounded much less stubborn that I anticipated. I think he is more willing to let schemes play out over a longer period of time than maybe us the impatient fans are. But I think that is normal.

Good synopsis.

 

[SacKings384]

So he actually went on air and threatened to intentionally **** up a HOF center's prime years?

Yeah when I heard that I nearly vomited when I heard that. The only thing I wanted to hear when he said that was "And we've seen what a stupid idea that was, so we scrapped that." They're trying that with Anthony Davis (although not to the same extent as he's only taking 2 a game this year) and it's working out sooooo well for them. Both him and Boogie have seen their efg% drop this season. Gee I wonder why.

 

[206Fan]

I've said this a bit before, I think if we perform exactly the way Coach wants us to on offense, we'd be much better on defense. I firmly believe that.

Since the Kings fail to execute at a higher level on offense, it leads to a pee poor defense.

 

[Glenn]

Good synopsis.

My synopsis of what I have heard from Karl is that he has a method to his madness perhaps aimed for end of season play, he does not get over excited about bad play or good play but accepts the idea that players will have good and bad days. He is much more patient and rational than the fans! As to attitude about the game, he has a lot to teach Cousins. He can teach Boogie by example to keep an even keel. I wish we had hired a different style coach but this one, Karl, is no idiot. It's early in the season and he is getting his feel for the lay of the land. I hope he remembers a few portions of the last game as for awhile, the team was clicking offensively and defensively.

Be patient folks.

As this may be my only post of the month let me throw in something about injuries. All injuries take 4- 6 weeks to heal fully. When a player returns from injury after a few games or let's say 10 days, he is still hurting and limited. With a lot of players like Boogie, it is better to have a hampered Boogie on the court than sitting on the bench. *He may have back pain and achilles' pain the rest of the season. What we all hope is that in extended times off, like after this game tonight, it all has a chance to heal more. Let us hope he doesn't re-injure what already is injured but let us also remember, the chances of that are lessened as the athlete feels pain and that is a big warning sign saying, "don't do it, dude."

I mean all injuries from a slight sprain to a broken bone. If rehab is involved, it may take longer.

Let's beat the freaking Knicks.


*I say this because the player is not healing while playing and may actually subtly be re-injuring himself a little. If lucky, he will fully heal. The way I wrote it initially sounded darn pessimistic.

 

[kingsboi]

Yeah when I heard that I nearly vomited when I heard that. The only thing I wanted to hear when he said that was "And we've seen what a stupid idea that was, so we scrapped that." They're trying that with Anthony Davis (although not to the same extent as he's only taking 2 a game this year) and it's working out sooooo well for them. Both him and Boogie have seen their efg% drop this season. Gee I wonder why.

Why don't all teams just try to turn all their bigs into Draymond Green's and be a big happy three point chucking family.

 

[VF21]

WAIT. WAIT. WHAT!

didnt vlade go on record at the start of the season talking about how demarcus needs to stop shooting 3s and dominate the paint ?

He is quoted as saying so.

I'd like to see a link to your source for that.

 

[Bricklayer]

I'd like to see a link to your source for that.

I remember it too, although I recall it being more of a media report about something Vlade said to Cousins in a private conversation after an early practice or something.

 

[Sac.1989]

I'd like to see a link to your source for that.

Vlade Divac on DeMarcus Cousins shooting threes: "I told him I saw you can do it, just stay away from it, just go inside."

http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2015/...otes-and-more-from-sacramento-kings-media-day

 

[VF21]

I remember it too, although I recall it being more of a media report about something Vlade said to Cousins in a private conversation after an early practice or something.

That's actually kind of my point. Vlade didn't - and wouldn't - come out and same something like that publicly. It's just not his style.

 

[VF21]

Vlade Divac on DeMarcus Cousins shooting threes: "I told him I saw you can do it, just stay away from it, just go inside."

http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2015/...otes-and-more-from-sacramento-kings-media-day

I stand corrected. I don't read SactownRoyalty and I don't recall that specific quote being mentioned by anyone not named Blake Ellington, so...

 

[Sac.1989]

Just wish we played to our strengths. Yeah we needed help from the outside, that doesnt mean adapting your great inside presence to marginally increase your effectiveness outside.

It is what it is, Karl would prob argue that having Demarcus out there adds to our overall offensive effectiveness. I dont agree with that and see it as misuse and id say Vlade might agree.

Brick's point about wasting the best years of our star player are somewhat appropriate.

 

[VF21]

Brick's point about wasting the best years of our star player are somewhat appropriate.

I think Brick's comments are more a clarion call for Karl and the coaching staff to avoid wasting DMC's best years.

 

[Sac.1989]

I think Brick's comments are more a clarion call for Karl and the coaching staff to avoid wasting DMC's best years.

yep to which i agree.

yeah demarcus can shoot the 3 but hes undefendable in the paint.

things shouldnt be as hard as we make them to be.

 

[VF21]

I still believe there are times when DMC shooting a three early on can pay dividends down the line. I don't have a problem PROVIDED they don't just park him out there for eternity.

 

[rainmaker]

When Grant asked Karl directly about our defense and that everyone knows we can't win with it as is, Karl somewhat excused the defense by saying when you're the #1 paced team the NBA stats won't be kind to you.

Suggested the guards are responsible for our poor P&R defense and he's thinking about dropping the switching as an option. Also said he builds defense from the inside out.

And what I see is a guy who just doesn't get it. His system handicaps our defense. While the switching is a problem, his choice to go Rondo/DC and three guard lineups is a big part of what hurts our perimeter defense. He says he wants to build the defense from the inside, yet repeatedly failed to use WCS and instead goes to constant small ball lineups where our guards have little backup in the paint and we get hurt on the glass.

What's patently obvious is he coaches offense first. That's his priority. Any defensive strategy will take a backseat. That might be a bit more acceptable if our halfcourt offense wasn't trash. And while he, and Cuz too btw, both talk about his spreading the floor being good for our offense(said Cuz shooting 33-35% from 3 is a bonus for us, SMH) what's largely missing is the pressure Cuz puts on the defense as well as the opportunity to use him as the focal point by designing an offense off the attention he draws. So if Cuz isn't hitting his jumpers/3s on any given night, his impact his suddenly minimal compared to what it could and should be.

What a mess. Nothing I heard was a true recognition of our problems and nothing I heard approaches solving our problems. If not for the Rondo/Karl dynamic, I'd be 100% for firing this guy's ass.

 

[Gliesian]

Karl wants to be van Gogh. I respect his ambition and would hold his palette for him if this was 2 years ago or even last year. Karl will make him a better and more dynamic player, but we're on the clock with Cuz. My fear is that he'll leave and be that player for a different team.

 

[kingsboi]

yep to which i agree.

yeah demarcus can shoot the 3 but hes undefendable in the paint.

things shouldnt be as hard as we make them to be.

It's the Kings we are talking about here. Everything they do is harder than it has to be and that remains the one constant to this day.

 

[kingsboi]

Karl wants to be van Gogh. I respect his ambition and would hold his palette for him if this was 2 years ago or even last year. Karl will make him a better and more dynamic player, but we're on the clock with Cuz. My fear is that he'll leave and be that player for a different team.

I have no doubt that the best thing that can happen to Cousins and his career right now would be to leave the Kings and flourish elsewhere where maybe a coach knows how to properly use him.

 

[rainmaker]

Karl wants to be van Gogh. I respect his ambition and would hold his palette for him if this was 2 years ago or even last year. Karl will make him a better and more dynamic player, but we're on the clock with Cuz. My fear is that he'll leave and be that player for a different team.

More dynamic? He's taken away everything dynamic about Cuz's post game which off the elbow was quite similar to what Webber used to do. Are we forgetting Cuz was a triple double threat last year? A guy who could get the entire opponent's front line in foul trouble? A guy who'd force defenses to collapse on him opening it up for others? Was mixing up his block game with his off the elbow face up game?

Cuz is less dynamic now than he's been in the last couple seasons.

 

[Gliesian]

More dynamic? He's taken away everything dynamic about Cuz's post game which off the elbow was quite similar to what Webber used to do. Are we forgetting Cuz was a triple double threat last year? A guy who could get the entire opponent's front line in foul trouble? A guy who'd force defenses to collapse on him opening it up for others? Was mixing up his block game with his off the elbow face up game?

Cuz is less dynamic now than he's been in the last couple seasons.

I disagree. His bread and butter has always been what you described. It's some damn good bread and butter, but hasn't changed much. Now that Karl is changing Cuz' game by adding several new offensive schemes, he is becoming more dynamic. This doesn't mean it's good for us, but it could be for Cuz' career.

 

[IfAt1st]

Yeah, what I'm hearing seems a lot like people are acting like this is Karl's first year with the Kings.

He was the coach for THIRTY games last year, and had a front-court seat for how the offense works with Cousins at the elbow.

It does seem pretty preposterous that Karl hasn't felt that a nightly triple-double-threat (from Cousins) is something to build around or even use this season at all!