Zone Defense - why doesn't it work in the NBA?

M-C-G · Post #1 » by **M-C-G** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:09 pm

Curious if some of you can shed some light on why there doesn't seem to be much zone D in the NBA. Without knowing much about why it is or is not successful in the NBA, it seems to me that our length could cause a lot of problems in a zone.

For those that are extra knowledgeable, what type of zone do you think could be effective (at least in stretches) with our current personnel and where would they play in the scheme.

AussieBuck · Post #2 » by **AussieBuck** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:15 pm

Zone works fine against teams that don't have elite shooting and passing in small doses anyway. The 2011 Dallas team used a fair bit of zone throughout games.

randy84 · Post #3 » by **randy84** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:16 pm

M-C-G wrote:Curious if some of you can shed some light on why there doesn't seem to be much zone D in the NBA. Without knowing much about why it is or is not successful in the NBA, it seems to me that our length could cause a lot of problems in a zone.

For those that are extra knowledgeable, what type of zone do you think could be effective (at least in stretches) with our current personnel and where would they play in the scheme.

Ask Larry Drew.

emunney · Post #4 » by **emunney** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 10:23 pm

Simple explanation is that there's just too much skill in the NBA to get away with consistent zone. Most coaches just use it as a change up to try to disrupt offensive rhythm.

ahoernke21 · Post #5 » by **ahoernke21** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 11:45 pm

NBA players are able to find the open man and can knock down open jumpers. Pretty simple.

Plossum · Post #6 » by **Plossum** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:39 am

Defensive three seconds is big too. It's much easier to attack the basket when you don't have a centre permanently camped under the rim.

Sent from my HTC_PO582 using RealGM Forums mobile app

bigballajohn · Post #7 » by **bigballajohn** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 4:41 am

ahoernke21 wrote:NBA players are able to find the open man and can knock down open jumpers. Pretty simple.

You hit the nail on the head. A zone defense requires a lot of speed at every position for the defense to be effective. In the NBA, where nowadays almost every player can shoot decently and you see more effective swings, a zone either gives up a wide open jump shot or a lay up for a good passing team.

Plossum wrote:Defensive three seconds is big too. It's much easier to attack the basket when you don't have a centre permanently camped under the rim.

In high school where there isn't defensive three seconds, zones can be effective if you have a center that can clog the lane. It really comes down to having players in the NBA who are so good at shooting that playing a zone would gives an elite shooter a better chance to take over a game without having to create his own shot.

ampd · Post #8 » by **ampd** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 4:53 am

Zone does work in the NBA /end of thread

But seriously most modern defenses are playing at a minimum some kind of zone on the weak side every single possession, and even good college zone defenses like Syracuse 2-3 zone are really a 'match up zone' or a kind of hybrid of man and zone concepts anyway.

The reason straight up zone defense isn't used is the players are more experienced, and NBA rotation players can hit the type of looks those defenses traditionally allow the offense. Also with some types of zone those shots (corner 3s for example) are some of the most efficient shots for the offense to take.

Apollo64 · Post #9 » by **Apollo64** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:21 pm

Plossum wrote:Defensive three seconds is big too. It's much easier to attack the basket when you don't have a centre permanently camped under the rim.

Sent from my HTC_PO582 using RealGM Forums mobile app

This. You can't run traditional zones with defensive 3 secs. And lol at most NBA teams being able to find the open man easily.