Fire Spoelstra

[Heat_team02]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/0 ... 32307.html

As the news got around about how some of the Miami Heat players were crying in the locker room after their fourth straight loss on Sunday, a couple Knicks players couldn't help but laugh at their rival's expense.

According to Chris Sheridan of ESPN, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony were "bantering and laughing" about the teary-eyed Heat players.

After New York's 92-79 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Stoudemire reportedly singled out Heat forward Chris Bosh and Anthony said, "Wait 'til I call him, man. I'll be like: 'What are you doing?'"

Bosh was said to have denied the report that he cried.

[zogster]

I know there's no way Spo sees this, or at least very little, but here's what we need to do at the end of the game, IMO;

Setup like this, black dot has the ball and is either LeBron or Wade. Red dot is whichever of the two does not have the ball. Green dot is Bosh, blue dot is Dampier/Z/Haslem, gray dot is a shooter (Chalmers, Miller, Bibby, Jones).



Bosh comes down the lane to set a screen for the other big:



This frees up some space between the big and the defender, or causes a switch. Either way it should be giving the other big the ability to run up the lane towards the ball handler freely.

Once Bosh sets that screen, the other big is going to set a screen on the ball handler (one of Wade/LeBron) and Bosh, at the same time, then goes to set another screen on the wing player (LeBron/Wade, whoever doesn't have the ball) as such:



Finally, and timing is key here (this is something that would take practice to get down right), the first screen on the ball should occur and Wade/LeBron begin to attack. While this is happening, Bosh is setting a backscreen on LeBron/Wade's man for them to cut backdoor for a potential lob or bounce pass. While all of this is happening, the man in the corner drifts up the court and spots up for a three from the wing. This helps to occupy his defender and also gives us someone back on defense if he doesn't get the pass.

Meanwhile, the big that is not Bosh (blue dot) rolls to the hoop, and Bosh pops out for a jumper, either at the top of the key as shown or on the wing.



This gives LeBron/Wade 5 options. Option 1: backdoor pass for easy layup/dunk. Option 2a: Take the ball to the hoop themselves. Option 2b: kick to Bosh for an open jumper. Option 3a: hit the man rolling to the basket. Option 3b: Kick to open three point shooter.

I list the options in that order not because one option is better than another per say, but because that is the order in which the options unfold or are available in the play.

It still involves the high pick and roll that LeBron and Wade are very good at, but occupies all 5 defenders rather than letting the defense load up around the lane for the drive. It should help to eliminate charges and weakside blocks as well.

Thoughts? I don't think it is really that complicated to figure out, and it gets both LeBron and Wade headed towards the hole on the same play, Bosh gets a jumpshot opportunity, we have a three point shooter on the outside if his man over-helps on the penetration, and finally a second big rolling to the hoop to clean up a miss or benefit from his man over-helping.

Someone please email this to Spo! If only...

[Iputsomepantson]

God I wish I was wrong about Spoelstra. I wish HIF could come on here and run s--t acting like he's a genius. I'd rather have a French guy on a message board talking smack to me than all my buddies blowing up my phone.

[BennyGfromFL]

WindhorstESPN Brian Windhorst
Erik Spoelstra on what he termed "crygate": "It's a classic case of sensationalism" by media. Said he didn't regret saying it.

Spo hardheaded? Blind to his mistakes? Shirking accountability? There's a real shocker.

At least Ira isn't kissing his ass lately like Wallace:

IraHeatBeat Ira Winderman
There is no "sensationalism" by the media when a team has a sensationalistic celebration before even playing its first game together.

[Miamis3rdRing]

The Trail Blazers plan to offer coach Nate McMillan a contract extension.

Portland general manager Rich Cho and the team's ownership feel as though McMillan has performed well.

Wiretap

McMillan is one option as a Spo replacement IMO.

[Wade2k6]

Broussard on whether the Big 3 are to blame more for the Heats problems then the supporting cast.

Broussard: Fiction.

There's a lot of blame to go around, but I think the lion's share goes to Spoelstra. Scouts say the Heat are running the same offense they ran last season with Wade (when it was "give the ball to Wade and let him create everything''). Now, though, it's "give the ball to LeBron and let him create it all." How do you not spend all summer devising an offense that will use and maximize the talents of each member of the Big Three?

Scouts also tell me the Heat's offense is among the most basic in the league. They hardly ever post up. I understand they don't have a true post-up player, but Bosh posted fairly often in Toronto, and LeBron and Wade could post their position at times -- just to keep the defense off balance, give it a different look and force mismatches and double-teams. They also have very little player movement in their half-court offense. And their last-second plays are predictable with little action (case in point: LeBron going one-on-four against Chicago on the last play Sunday).

Whether Wade should see the ball more on final possessions.

Broussard: Fact and fiction.

This question implies that the final play is always an iso or one guy doing it all. How about running an actual play rather than just throwing it to LeBron or Wade and saying "Go win it"? Wade should have the ball sometimes, LeBron should have it sometimes and even Bosh could have it sometimes. And if one of those guys starts the play, he could end up passing it to one of the role players (Eddie House or Mike Miller) for the shot.

That the Heat have three go-to guys should be a plus, not the minus it has become. When Boston comes out of a timeout for a last-second play, the ball could be going to Paul Pierce, Ray Allen or even Kevin Garnett. The fact that we don't know who it's going to is one of the Celtics' strengths. It should be the same way with the Heat. And in Boston, there often is an actual play with cutting and screening, not just an iso.

[5ickwithitxx]

WindhorstESPN Brian Windhorst
Erik Spoelstra on what he termed "crygate": "It's a classic case of sensationalism" by media. Said he didn't regret saying it.

Spo hardheaded? Blind to his mistakes? Shirking accountability? There's a real shocker.

At least Ira isn't kissing his ass lately like Wallace:

IraHeatBeat Ira Winderman
There is no "sensationalism" by the media when a team has a sensationalistic celebration before even playing its first game together.

spo is just a flat out f*** idiot.

[GetMoney]

bron/wade/bosh all planned that celebration by themselves?

[Tim_Hardawayy]

This would be different if it were a New York Knicks type talent collaboration.... you know, guys like Marbury and Randolph, that had never won at any previous stop. Then you could more easily fault the players.

At this point, you really have to take a long hard look at the coaching.

I remember a couple weeks ago others on this forum trying to mock the win/loss record in games decided by 5 or less stat (not to mention games against +.500 teams). Has that blown up in their face recently or what?

This could be the least clutch team I have ever seen in my life. When the opponent routinely out executes you in tight late game situations, that falls on coaching. There's simply no other explanation.

[WD]

Broussard on whether the Big 3 are to blame more for the Heats problems then the supporting cast.

Broussard: Fiction.

There's a lot of blame to go around, but I think the lion's share goes to Spoelstra. Scouts say the Heat are running the same offense they ran last season with Wade (when it was "give the ball to Wade and let him create everything''). Now, though, it's "give the ball to LeBron and let him create it all." How do you not spend all summer devising an offense that will use and maximize the talents of each member of the Big Three?

Scouts also tell me the Heat's offense is among the most basic in the league. They hardly ever post up. I understand they don't have a true post-up player, but Bosh posted fairly often in Toronto, and LeBron and Wade could post their position at times -- just to keep the defense off balance, give it a different look and force mismatches and double-teams. They also have very little player movement in their half-court offense. And their last-second plays are predictable with little action (case in point: LeBron going one-on-four against Chicago on the last play Sunday).

Whether Wade should see the ball more on final possessions.

Broussard: Fact and fiction.

This question implies that the final play is always an iso or one guy doing it all. How about running an actual play rather than just throwing it to LeBron or Wade and saying "Go win it"? Wade should have the ball sometimes, LeBron should have it sometimes and even Bosh could have it sometimes. And if one of those guys starts the play, he could end up passing it to one of the role players (Eddie House or Mike Miller) for the shot.

That the Heat have three go-to guys should be a plus, not the minus it has become. When Boston comes out of a timeout for a last-second play, the ball could be going to Paul Pierce, Ray Allen or even Kevin Garnett. The fact that we don't know who it's going to is one of the Celtics' strengths. It should be the same way with the Heat. And in Boston, there often is an actual play with cutting and screening, not just an iso.

This is such a valid post - the funny thing is that all day today, you heard a version of this same assessment. We spent all summer forcing the guys to learn a system that does not work...this has been said before many times.

[BennyGfromFL]

bron/wade/bosh all planned that celebration by themselves?

I think what Ira was trying to say is blaming the media for blowing a story out of proportion seems silly when this team chose to cast themselves as 'larger than life' right from the outset.

Whether or not that's true, Erik's been roundly criticized by analysts and players for the comment, and the fact that he fails to acknowledge that he shouldn't have said it is just more confirmation that this guy lacks common sense.

The funny part is that it's one of the few times in these press conferences that he's deviated from the 'script', and now we all understand why.

[DWadeno3]

bron/wade/bosh all planned that celebration by themselves?

I think what Ira was trying to say is blaming the media for blowing a story out of proportion seems silly when this team chose to cast themselves as 'larger than life' right from the outset.

Whether or not that's true, Erik's been roundly criticized by analysts and players for the comment, and the fact that he fails to acknowledge that he shouldn't have said it is just more confirmation that this guy lacks common sense.

The funny part is that it's one of the few times in these press conferences that he's deviated from the 'script', and now we all understand why.

Agreed. I was also shocked to hear Erik use the words "stubborn" and "process" again after the loss against the Bulls. Hasn't stubbornness caused this dilemma? Don't we commit the same mistakes over and over again, just to fall short the same way every time? I'm sure he watches the game tape again to analyze our mistakes and thus I'm shocked to hear those words out of his mouth. It's just more proof of the guy's lack of common sense.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

"There is nothing more we can do." - Spoelstra

[Tim_Hardawayy]

"There is nothing more we can do." - Spoelstra

You know what I can't stand?

When Riley was the coach, Ira used to do everything to doubt him and undermine him through his column. Never really believed in the guy, always sided with the players.

But now with Erik, its like he's taken the polar opposite stance. Consistently questions the players, defends all of Spoelstra's comments and decisions.

I've never considered Ira much of a basketball expert (just look at some of his trade suggestions over the years) even though he's by far the best reporter we have covering our team in terms of facts, and this just helps to confirm it for me. He's choosing what will help get him a story over who is truly a good coach. He'd slam Riley because he wouldn't give him any info, and sticks up for Spo because he tells Ira everything.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

"There is nothing more we can do." - Spoelstra

You know what I can't stand?

When Riley was the coach, Ira used to do everything to doubt him and undermine him through his column. Never really believed in the guy, always sided with the players.

But now with Erik, its like he's taken the polar opposite stance. Consistently questions the players, defends all of Spoelstra's comments and decisions.

I've never considered Ira much of a basketball expert (just look at some of his trade suggestions over the years) even though he's by far the best reporter we have covering our team in terms of facts, and this just helps to confirm it for me. He's choosing what will help get him a story over who is truly a good coach. He'd slam Riley because he wouldn't give him any info, and sticks up for Spo because he tells Ira everything.

or, he's being controversial on purpose. Devil's advocate.

Everyone loves Riley? Ira has some bad things to say.

Everyone hates Spo? Ira will tell you why he loves Spo.

He's lame.

[amichael]

I've been following this board for a while now, and I've decided to finally say this... This coach is about as competent as Mike Brown was. I might even dare to suggest that Brown's defensive competence is better, as the Cavalier's system didn't require players to over-collapse and have Lebron running around like a mad-man, needlessly covering ground that otherwise wouldn't need to be covered if Spo didn't have such an exaggerated help-defense system.

This team will continue to get burnt by the elites if the coaching staff continues to exhaust their guys this way, and then expecting their two superstar perimeter players to carry them for 48 minutes strictly through dribble penetration against defenses that already expect this team to do just that.

Firing Spoelstra at this point won't guarantee a fix, but it damn sure won't lend anymore flaws to this team's performance.

[Nupe_1911]

Broussard on whether the Big 3 are to blame more for the Heats problems then the supporting cast.

Broussard: Fiction.

There's a lot of blame to go around, but I think the lion's share goes to Spoelstra. Scouts say the Heat are running the same offense they ran last season with Wade (when it was "give the ball to Wade and let him create everything''). Now, though, it's "give the ball to LeBron and let him create it all." How do you not spend all summer devising an offense that will use and maximize the talents of each member of the Big Three?

Scouts also tell me the Heat's offense is among the most basic in the league. They hardly ever post up. I understand they don't have a true post-up player, but Bosh posted fairly often in Toronto, and LeBron and Wade could post their position at times -- just to keep the defense off balance, give it a different look and force mismatches and double-teams. They also have very little player movement in their half-court offense. And their last-second plays are predictable with little action (case in point: LeBron going one-on-four against Chicago on the last play Sunday).

Whether Wade should see the ball more on final possessions.

I said all of this back in October, 2010 and here is the proof:

My Posts from 10/29/10 in this thread - page 2:

Spo. is a pretty bad offensive coach. This can not be disputed. The Heat offense is predicated on 1v1. It looks like the same offense from last year but with one additional player that can go 1v1 from the perimeter (LeBron). In fact, from what I have seen, the Heat are running less PnR and more 1v1 now.

LeBron, Wade and Bosh are good enough 1v1 players to assure that the Heat go real far but against the top tier teams during playoffs I don't know if a stagnant and slow 1v1 offense is going to get it done.

Also, why is Arroyo even starting?!?! What is that about. Wade and Bron handle the ball. Arroyo serves no purpose whatsoever.

I understand that the season has just started. However, this lackadaisical Spo. offense is nothing new.

On a serious note, I will be more than happy to give Spo. credit when he does something coaching wise that merits praise. Simply throwing Bron, Wade and Bosh out there to play 1v1 is not coaching. The team should be running A LOT. Using picks and rolls A LOT. Posting Bosh and LeBron A LOT.

In fact, I have steadily said SPO is terrible for at least three years only to be ridiculed for having my opinion. There is always some excuse for Spo. First lack of talent, then injuries, then the infamous process and now it is silly for anyone to expect the Heat to win it all this year. Why should the Heat win it all?!?! They only have the two best players in the world in their primes and a top 5 PF in the world to boot. LoL.

[3LiftHeatCurse]

bron/wade/bosh all planned that celebration by themselves?

I think what Ira was trying to say is blaming the media for blowing a story out of proportion seems silly when this team chose to cast themselves as 'larger than life' right from the outset.

Whether or not that's true, Erik's been roundly criticized by analysts and players for the comment, and the fact that he fails to acknowledge that he shouldn't have said it is just more confirmation that this guy lacks common sense.

The funny part is that it's one of the few times in these press conferences that he's deviated from the 'script', and now we all understand why.

One problem with this :

That Heat 2010 celebration WAS NOT for the world. It was for Miami Heat fans. We were celebrating our acquisitions, which were historic. Such an amazing off-season will never happen again in our lifetimes.

Zaslow said it best :
Did everyone who attended the Heat 2010 celebration have a good time that night? Cuz those r the people it was for. Heat fans. No one else.

[mh_3]

I think what Ira was trying to say is blaming the media for blowing a story out of proportion seems silly when this team chose to cast themselves as 'larger than life' right from the outset.

Whether or not that's true, Erik's been roundly criticized by analysts and players for the comment, and the fact that he fails to acknowledge that he shouldn't have said it is just more confirmation that this guy lacks common sense.

The funny part is that it's one of the few times in these press conferences that he's deviated from the 'script', and now we all understand why.

One problem with this :

That Heat 2010 celebration WAS NOT for the world. It was for Miami Heat fans. We were celebrating our acquisitions, which were historic. Such an amazing off-season will never happen again in our lifetimes.

Zaslow said it best :
Did everyone who attended the Heat 2010 celebration have a good time that night? Cuz those r the people it was for. Heat fans. No one else.

Well, now we're not enjoying anything from it. It was a nice night, but at least back it up.

[jmbflame21]

There’s a lot of blame to go around, but I think the lion’s share goes to [Erik] Spoelstra. Scouts say the Heat are running the same offense they ran last season with Wade (when it was “give the ball to Wade and let him create everything”). Now, though, it’s “give the ball to LeBron and let him create it all.” How do you not spend all summer devising an offense that will use and maximize the talents of each member of the Big Three?

Scouts also tell me the Heat’s offense is among the most basic in the league. They hardly ever post up.

http://nba-point-forward.si.com/2011/03 ... s-fiction/

Take that Spo lovers!!!