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StartersC - Kristaps Porzingis (2022-23)
PF - Kevin Durant (2012-13)
SF - Shane Battier (2008-09)
SG - Devin Booker (2023-24)
PG - Jason Kidd (2006-07)
BenchC/F - Serge Ibaka (2011-12)
F - Nicolas Batum (2023-24)
G - Charlie Ward (1999-00)
Rotations C - Porzingis (34), Ibaka (14)
PF - Durant (28), Ibaka (12), Batum (8)
SF - Battier (30), Durant (12), Batum (6)
SG - Booker (38), Ward (6), Battier (4)
PG - Kidd (37), Ward (11)
FGA Per PlayerThis being a Jason Kidd team, our transition game will be one of our main strengths. With Kidd cleaning the glass and orchestrating the break alongside KD, Booker, and Ibaka we're guaranteed a bunch of easy baskets every game. Porzingis and Battier trail for threes. In the halfcourt, we have Kidd as the organiser to get KD and Booker in position to wreck shop either in isolation or coming off screens. Porzingis is an elite third option, as he's not only a legit stretch 5 but has now figured out how to punish smaller defenders on switches. 2007 Kidd is just beginning to develop into a reliable spot-up shooter, hitting well into the 40s from 3 over this and the next two playoffs. Ward and Batum are solid glue guys on both ends.
Matchup- Initial defensive assignments will be Kidd-Harden, Booker-Bridges, Battier-PG, KD-Lewis, Porzingis-Holmgren. A big key is Porzingis who is not only an excellent pick-and-roll defender (his numbers with the Wizards were elite:
https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2023/07/01/nba-boston-celtics-zinger-fit-2/) but also a great rim protector. He can close out to Holmgren and slide his feet to prevent easy drives.
- Against 1-5 pick-and-rolls, Kidd looks to fight through the screen, allowing Porzingis to get in position to cut off the drive or close out to Holmgren. Any other screens we switch.
- Both teams are able to attack in isolation and spread pick-and-roll, but I think where get gain an advantage is our ability to score in transition. Kidd and Booker can both trigger the fast break, while Harden pretty much never looks to push the pace, ensuring Snake will be going up against a set defense at all times.
- Porzingis should be able to get a few easy ones with quick duck-ins against Holmgren. Unlike earlier in his career, the Porzingis of the last couple of years can really punish smaller/skinnier defenders in the post.
Good luck Snake.