Could We See the Return of the Bench Mob?

"I want to be consistent with the bench guys and establish a rotation there and at one point have all five bench guys in the game and they are doing a great job," Smart said. "I've set aside several plays that they will only run that I though would fit them and keep the floor balanced."

Sounds like Smart is looking to create a cohesive bench unit. Again, one of the many things Westphal never did or seemed to even care about.

4 months ago SavageBeast 18 comments 0 recs |

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This would be great!

I love what Coach Smart has done with this team in the time he has had with it. Starting 5 seems to be consistent (not changing the line ups) and if he can get the bench to transition smoothly into the flow of the game would be great. The bench so far these past couple of games have really stepped it up when the starters were struggling.

I let people run their mouths while I run my business.

by baykine on Feb 7, 2012 9:24 AM PST reply actions

A Bench unit that runs plays??

What is this? A cohesive bench unit, a consistant rotation, a team playing like a team, a smart coach, scouting reports??? I’m not too familiar with this type of “coaching”.. but I think I like it

by Chent on Feb 7, 2012 9:31 AM PST via mobile reply actions 5 recs

NICE!

I let people run their mouths while I run my business.

by baykine on Feb 7, 2012 9:52 AM PST up reply actions

What's a scouting report? I couldn't find it in the STR Kings' lexicon.

by SPTSJUNKIE on Feb 7, 2012 10:27 AM PST up reply actions

My feelings are hurt.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy

by HighTops on Feb 7, 2012 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs

Hahaha. Ouch. My bad. Let me unwedge my shoe from my mouth and I'll respond.

by SPTSJUNKIE on Feb 7, 2012 3:57 PM PST up reply actions

It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide

by SavageBeast on Feb 7, 2012 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs

soft

" 1 + 1 = 3 " - David Kahn

by Shizzo on Feb 7, 2012 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Wait is this what and Offensive scheme looks like..I think i remember those from the Adelman days

Founder of Isaiah as Mogwai..

by Widowwolf on Feb 7, 2012 10:02 AM PST reply actions

Very Smart!

I’d loveto see Thornton lead the attack.

by Smills9133 on Feb 7, 2012 1:41 PM PST reply actions

It's wonderful that Smart gives just a much thought to his bench, as to his starters.

There is nothing like a having a strong bench to go to when your starters begin to wear down. Knowing that you have some players, like IT to come in with some energy. I like how Smart thinks.

Asked if the Kings had any intention of trading Cousins, basketball president Geoff Petrie said, "No."

by Slam_Dunk on Feb 7, 2012 2:55 PM PST reply actions

Our current bench rotation just doesn't pack any scoring punch.

JJ and Chuck should never be on the floor together without the starting backcourt. And, certainly not with Outlaw. I’m not sure who he wants to run plays for, but I hope he can find someone to score a basket on the front line.

And, I think it’s asking too much of two rookies (Jimmer & IT) to have them run an offense without even the hint of a scoring threat on the front line.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy

by HighTops on Feb 7, 2012 3:40 PM PST reply actions

I think it can be done

But it would be a very different offense than the starters run. Pick and roll for Hayes and Jimmer? IT driving the lane and passing off to JJ. JJ is actually a decent scorer around the hoop, but he needs assists. I actually like Donte down low as well. Get some IT to Donte oops going. What we don’t have is a big who create his own shot down low.

It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide

by SavageBeast on Feb 7, 2012 3:57 PM PST up reply actions

Pick & Rolls work because they have counters for every action by the defense

Two of the options are that the screener can hit the outside shot if you choose to double the ball, or roll and finish at the rim. While Hayes sets a mean screen, no one fears that he would fill either of those two options.

Donte is one of our best finishers around the rim, and I like him coming off a high screen and slashing down the lane without the ball. And, half of JJ’s game in oops around the rim, but teams still pack the paint on us because we don’t make them come out and defend us.

And, if I’m the opposing coach, I’ll let you pass to JJ or Hayes in the paint, and take my chances that they don’t handle it cleanly.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy

by HighTops on Feb 8, 2012 5:36 PM PST up reply actions

Jimmer and JJ

Jimmer has been finding JJ around the basket for some buckets. Let’s hope that connection blossoms and we just might have a scoring duo off the bench.

"Live Long and Prosper." - Spock

by hozr on Feb 8, 2012 12:19 PM PST up reply actions

I would love to see this...

but I agree with HighTops that JJ and Chuck shouldn’t be on the court together. Maybe Chuck will eventually move back to the starting lineup, then Coach could run JT, JJ, Donte/Cisco, JImmer, & IT out there.

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by kwlarson on Feb 7, 2012 5:04 PM PST reply actions