Post#291 » by midranger » Wed May 10, 2023 4:09 am
Only half way through it (it’s long), but I think the latest Gyro Step pod has done a good job (thus far) of encapsulating the general give/take of the board’s feelings right now.
In historic terms, Bud was amazingly good for this team and overall in this sport, caveat, in the regular season. Produced likely the greatest 5 year run in franchise history. Will be hard to upgrade from, and many things could go completely sideways when trying. Coached elite regular season defense.
Also acknowledged multiple warts in translating regular season success to post season, primarily on the offensive side of the ball, but also some defensive. Much of this is obvious criticism, which makes it almost exasperating after 5 years for those of us who feel the same. Namely, 1. the egalitarian “an open shot by anyone is as good as an open shot by everyone” offense. Sorry. I’d rather win or lose with our stars than Joe Ingles, Jevon Carter, and/or Grayson Allen taking early shots. Every other team puts the ball in their best players’ hands. We almost go out if our way to overshare. 2. The transition/possession based “mathematics” offense simply doesn’t translate well to small sample size series as well as 82 game samples. Defenses tighten up and limit transition opportunities. Halfcourt offense becomes more important. Go cold for 3 games and you lose the series. If you are unwilling to pivot from 3 point variance, you’re a 50/50 proposition to win any series. 3. We’re completely unwilling to hunt mismatches and play weak links off the floor. Again, literally every other team does this in the playoffs. 4. We have nothing as simple as a pick and roll to fall back on in the 4th quarter when it really tightens up. Even when successful (Khris/Giannis in 2021 and Giannis/Brook in Miami series for a half) we immediately and almost purposefully get away from it.
Some discussion of having no real PG and lower bball IQ players overall exacerbating the situation offensively (philosophy vs personnel mismatch I’ve mentioned). Some talk of defensive scheme versatility/variability.
Overall, through ~45 minutes, I feel like it’s been largely on point.
Please reconsider your animal consumption.