Older "bigs" vs older "smalls" and the postseason

Teams -- in every sport -- typically add older veteran players with the idea that they'll be able to help their club in the postseason. If your team will likely make the playoffs, it's worth the gamble. In pro basketball, it's big men who can have the biggest impact while having the lowest risk.

Older players who are smaller in stature tend to struggle more than bigs after the 82-game grind. But you can get away with playing bigs as they can do a lot of things that don't show up in the box score: Set a screen, alter a shot, block out on a free throw, make the right read on a pass. And, of course, by nature of their size, they can still get 3-5 boards/game.

If the vet is PJ Brown or Robert Horry, they're still effective shooters, as well.

Yes, there are exceptions to the "big vs little" argument. Derek Fisher has been a great addition to the Lakers. On the other hand, Chris Webber didn't have much of an impact with the Warriors.

Not every player is the same

The SF Chronicle did a story about A's pitching coach Curt Young a week or two ago. The article quotes one A's pitcher as saying:

"He's got a very solid sense of where you are and what you need. Sometimes you need something said to you. Sometimes you need to figure it out yourself. His strongest asset is he doesn't try to make everyone the same. What works for Andrew Brown might not work for Joey Devine. He doesn't blow smoke and say, 'You're great, you're great.' When he steps in and says something, it's very genuine."

Luke Walton: Passing is fun

What does good, crisp passing do for a team?  According to the Lakers' Luke Walton:

"You cut a little harder. You move a little faster. You're looking for the ball because you know it's coming when it should be. Everything's in rhythm. It's hard to express how much fun that is."

Carlise on ego, great ideas, and harmony

Rick Carlisle in today's Dallas Morning News:

"Ego is important because it's what drives you to be good at something.  But whenever it gets in the way of communication and what's best for the organization, that's never good. I'm a pretty humble person by nature – very grateful for the opportunities I've had. 

But when you get into these positions, there's a lot of scrutiny. You have to work to earn the trust of your players and the people you're working with.  

So if the video guy has a great idea that can help win you one more game, I'm going to listen to the video guy. This whole thing has to be a team operation, from the secretaries to the video guys to the training room people to the coaches to the players. All of that stuff works in lockstep.

When you have things out of whack in one area, that stuff can affect what [happens] on the court. So we've got to have everybody in harmony."

Boston's road woes, home streaks, and NBA titles

BOS-CLE Game 7 just tipped...

Looking at Boston's troubles on the road in the postseason is hard to understand, especially after what they did in the regular season and their record vs the West.

Still it's hard to imagine that many of the teams in the West -- Lakers, Spurs, Hornets, Jazz, Rockets, Nuggets, Mavs, Suns, Warriors -- couldn't have done away with the Hawks in fewer than seven games.  Further, surely any of those teams could have picked up a win at ATL (or CLE).

With all that said, BOS could still find a way to win an NBA title if they win today at home. Then, they'd have to keep their home court winning streak alive vs DET and the Western Conference champ.

Hey, they'll be due for at least one win on the road in either the East Finals or NBA Finals, which is good enough for a league title.

Pre-game and in-game stuff is over the top

I saw where David Stern is saying enough's enough with all the pre-game, timeout, and halftime "entertainment." He's talked about this before. While I'm sure all of that stuff -- the fireworks, the loud music (as teams are bringing the ball up the floor!), the videos on the scoreboard -- is geared toward the casual fan who may or may not be that interested in basketball, I've gotta say that it's way over the top. It's simply too much. The pre-game intros alone are exhausting (and, in many arenas, silly). Just check this out. Or this.

And that's not to mention all of the "official timeouts" during the game. A timeout is really like a mini-meeting of the coaches and players. With the coaches "miked up" for TV, we're only hearing them emphasize a few quick points. What you won't hear is many of the X's and O's (which is by design to limit the opportunity for the opponent to gain a competitive advantage).

The best timeouts, by the way, are the ones where players take some ownership, giving feedback on what they're seeing out on the floor. Of the coaches I've worked with, Chuck Dalyt was the best at soliciting feedback from his players during timeouts.

Spurs-Hornets notes: N.O. has the pieces

Hornets have an edge at home against SA on Monday night:  The Spurs seem to score in transition and get easier baskets at home.  On the road, they've struggled to get out in transition.

When playing in New Orleans, Chris Paul has controlled the pace and gotten easy shots for his teammates in transition.  CP3 is the best in the league at getting in the lane on the break.  Period.  With his confidence at an all-time high, SA will have to contain him.

It's interesting to see how the Hornets have come together.  They've got one of the league's best point guards.  Chandler gives them good size inside.  They did a nice job drafting what turned out to be an All-Star power forward.  Peja's a 10-year vet who gives them a terrific shooter off the bench.  The move to pick up Bonzi was great because he can come off the bench and take over a game.  He's also a low post threat and a threat on the offensive boards.   Mo Pete also fits well with this team and journeyman Pargo is a combo scorer as a back-up point guard.  

Game 7 should be fun.

D'Antoni: Finding something positive in every situation

Loved the story in today's NY Daily News about Mike D'Antoni.  A couple of highlights:

On humility:  "At the end of a chess game, the kings and the pawns all go back in the same box."

His mother on how she raised her kids:  "I'm not raising you to like me, I'm raising you for other people to like you"

On his attitude:  "He knows how to find something positive in every situation, and how to transfer that optimistic view to the people around him."

Notes and comments on the Boston-Cleveland series

A few observations on the BOS-CLE series as it heads to Game 7...

Both teams have had excellent defensive schemes, so both clubs are having to really grind it out on each offensive possession.  You could argue that the Cavs' defense as a team has been better as CLE has to deal with three offensive All-Star-caliber players.  They've essentially made Ray Allen into a quasi-role player.  That's hard to do.

I like how the Cavs have been aggressive with the hard double-team on pick-and-rolls when Pierce handles.    The show and over-under has also been effective.   When Rondo handles, the Cavs have been in a squeeze and under, but he's still gotten in the lane at times.  Boston's guard going under needs to beat Rondo to the spot quicker.  Easier said than done...

Great switch on late-game pick-and-roll in Game 6 by the Cavs with less than 14 seconds on a side-out into middle pick-and-roll.  I noticed CLE assistant Brendan Malone giving defensive instructions to his team during the timeout. 

Despite Cleveland's solid defenive schemes, Boston's "Pistol" action in the flow off makes or misses has gotten them good looks.

On the defensive end, BOS has to deal with LeBron.  CLE is running constant isolations where the Cavs get James the ball and clear out for him.   But without Gibson, the Cavs' best 3-point thereat is a break for Celtics in Game 6 and they won't have to deal with Gibson in Game 7.  I'm a little surprised at the lack of execution offensively.  Clearly, the defenses are ahead of the offenses in this series.

Look for Boston to win Game 7 at home.  The first team to score 80 points in Game 7 will win. I think BOS can get to 80 first.

Regardless, next up is Detroit, a team that can win on the road and will be rested.  DET can score more than the Cavs.  DET can beat BOS in seven games and get to the NBA Finals.

Kriegel's new book about Pete Maravich is worth reading

If you get the chance this summer, read the new book "Pistol," by Mark Kriegel, about Pete Maravich. If you're a coach with a son, I'd say it's a must-read, but it's a good read for anyone who has children. It's incredibly well written.

The first 100 pages or so are about Pete's Dad, Press Maravich, who was a fascinating guy. It then goes into Pete's days at LSU, then his career as a pro. It finishes with Pete's post-playing career.

Attention to detail: Defending baseline out of bounds

Talk about attention to detail: I recently re-watched several college games from this past season on Tivo. One thing I noticed was how good Bruce Pearl's University of Tennessee team defended baseline out of bounds. UT had their biggest player (usually the 5 man) over the ball. They'd switch everything and deny the entry pass.

It's a great example of taking a lot of pride in and paying close attention to a special situation like defending an in-bounds along the baseline. Effectively defending 6-8 of these during a game could be the difference in a win or loss. Plus, if you execute to perfection, it might cost your opponent a time out.

Coach vs GM vs Owner vs Coach: Tough to balance

Pat Yasinskas over on ESPN.com has a good column today about the fragile relationship between a team's coach and its GM. And, to some extent, the relationship between the GM and owner, and owner and coach.

Yakinskas quotes one NFL owner as saying:

"You can have the best, most qualified people in the world, but it doesn't always matter. You're dealing with exceptionally competitive people, or else they wouldn't be where they're at. That makes me worry about their egos. Hell, I worry almost as much about the egos of their wives because they worry about who's making more money. It's a very tough relationship to keep healthy for a long period of time.''

Feuds between coaches and GMs are well documented. As a Chargers fan, I read a lot about the Smith-Schottenheimer showdown in San Diego. [It wasn't the first time a Chargers' coach and GM had gotten into it.]

On the owner vs. coach side, Don Nelson and Mark Cuban come to mind.

Of course, Jerry Sloan's tenure in Utah shows that it's possible -- even at the highest levels of sports -- for a coach and owner to get along, even over two decades.

What causes the disputes? First, as the owner above outlines, there are strong personalities involved. Second, the people (coaches, owners, GMs) have typically had a lot of success in their careers. They know what it takes to win/succeed. Third, in many cases, they have the same goals, but different ideas and strategies for achieving those goals.

I've been lucky to work with a number of terrific GMs over the years. Pete Babcock was in ATL when I was an assistant for the Hawks. We still talk or email about once a week. Ditto for John Gabriel, the GM in ORL when I was on staff with Chuck and, later, Doc. I also talk regularly with Garry St. Jean, my GM in Golden State. They're friends who I often turn to for advice and to bounce ideas off of.

Jerry West, our GM in MEM, was one of the most knowledgeable basketball people I've ever had the pleasure to be around. His competitiveness was unbelievable. He really believed in the importance of mental focus in the pre-game routine. He's a great mentor who has been incredibly supportive.

Playing to your strengths

I watched Rick Carlisle's press conference from Dallas. While I was watching it, a friend who was also watching it, called asking about Rick's emphasis on defense.

As I told him, no coach ever lost by playing the wrong defense. Teams lose because they by play that defense poorly. Early on in Dallas, Avery emphasized teaching defense and made it clear what he expected of his players on the defensive end. By doing so, he got his guys to buy into his plan.

In my experience, players want to know about stuff like defensive rotations and where are the rotations coming from and when. You can't be vague about it. It has to be excruciatingly clear. And it has to be emphasized and taught every day.

The same goes for offense. The players need to know where their shots come from in the new offensive system and how they fit in. Understanding a player's sweet spots (i.e., where they're most comfortable shooting from) and developing strategies for getting them shots from those points is the job of the coach and his staff.

As Rick put it:

"You've got to play to your strengths and you've got to adjust."

Late-game fouls

With 12 seconds left in last night's Cavs-Celtics game, with BOS up by six, Delonte West drove to the hoop and was fouled by Pierce. West hit both FT to cut it to four. Granted the Celtics went on to win, but it got me thinking about fouls late in a game.

At the college level, one thing is very clear: In the latter stages of a game, when you are ahead, DON'T FOUL. Just ask Memphis.

I don't mean in the obvious situation, when you're up by four with 6-7 seconds left. It also includes situations where you're ahead by five with 4-5 minutes left, as well.

In the NBA, a coach will have more decisions based on the early bonus. The quality of free throw shooters in the NBA and that the 24-second shot clock cause more possessions than a college game in late-game situations are factors. And, in the NBA, at timeouts you can advance the ball to mid-court, which plays into late-game planning.

Regardless, it's these points that often get moved to the bottom of a coach's "to do list" and come back to haunt them at some point

Developing young players

Of the 10 guys who were named to the NBA All-Rookie team recently, only Detroit's Rodney Stuckey is still playing.

I've read where Flip has been criticized for not playing his younger players enough. Here's the problem: With a talented, veteran team that's trying to win it all, it's tough to find minutes for young guys. Second, they're still learning the game. Throwing them into a game before they're ready can destroy a player's confidence.

In Stuckey's case, Flip's done a masterful job in helping him develop. Stuckey played 30-plus minutes to help the Pistons close out Game 5 against ORL. In that game, he had zero turnovers (DET only had three the entire game, which is remarkable) and was the point guard in a close-out game. Stuckey also stepped up in Game 4 when Billups went down.

At the same time, Stuckey's stats show that he's still coming along. He's only shot 35% from the field in the postseason, including less than 20 percent from 3-point range. But these numbers will improve as he develops. And he will develop under Flip.

A couple other rookies who received votes, but didn't make the First or Second teams are Boston's Glen Davis and New Orleans' Julian Wright, both of whom have contributed in spots during the postseason.

When it comes to knowing how a player is developing, it's not as simple as looking at the MIN column of a box score. Simply giving rookies lots of minutes doesn't mean they're "developing." It only means they're playing a lot.

Development happens at practice. It happens in the film room and the weight room. And it happens, strategically, during games. Young players need to earn their minutes and be placed in situations where they have the best chance to succeed.

Walt Frazier on leadership, tenacity, and having a plan

Terrific article in today's Investor's Business Daily about NBA legend and Hall of Fame guard Walt Frazier, one of my favorite players growing up. I loved his style of play, including his defensive prowess, which was often overshadowed by his play on the offensive end of the floor.

What I didn't know about until I read the story this morning was how much of a leader he was. The oldest of nine kids, Walt was put into a leadership role early on. Like LeBron, Walt worked overtime on his game. "I was always the first one at practice and the last one to leave. The other players could see that I practiced what I preached."

Frazier points out that while all of the guys in the NBA are talented, many don't succeed. Why?

According to Walt, it's a lack of "tenacity." "Talent is sometimes a detriment, because you take things for granted."

He also talks about his intense competitive spirit, remembering how, as a kid, he'd cry after losing a game. As a pro, the losses ate at him, as did the behavior of his teammates following a loss.

"After a loss, I'd go into the locker room and guys would be drinking beer and fooling around. I couldn't understand that. I took everything to heart."

An interesting sidenote: Today, the 63-year-old Frazier lives in the Virgin Islands.

Read the whole article here.

Jerry Sloan "pushes guys to the limit"

The LA Times today had a feature story on Utah coach Jerry Sloan, who has been with his team for 20 years, longer than any other coach in pro sports. His clubs are always physical and execute well every night. That's a tribute to the 66-year-old Sloan, an 11-year NBA vet as a player who is known for his incredible intensity on the court, while being pretty laid back off of it.

According to Lakers guard Derek Fisher, who played for Sloan last year, "When the game starts, a whole new level of intensity comes out."

When asked why he hasn't gone to an uptempo offense, instead sticking with his traditional pick-and-roll system, Sloan essentially says he uses whatever system fits his roster.

"When you don't have guys that can run and run with guys that are more athletic, then you better do something to try and compete with them."

In the article, Kobe claims that Sloan's playbook is "the same stuff," but that his teams "execute extremely well."

I often wonder why more teams don't use a team like Utah as an example. Utah drafts and signs players who fit Coach Sloan's system. The Jazz value intangibles like toughness and often-overlooked skills like screen-setting as an important element for their team to be successful.

LeBron working overtime to find his shot

Near the end of an Associated Press story from today about the Cavs' win over BOS last night was a note I found interesting.   Trying to shake off poor shooting, it seems LeBron was out shooting jumpers three hours before the tip-off in an attempt to "catch a rhythm."

When your star is out on the floor before the ushers and security guards have even made it to the arena, it sets the tone for the rest of the team.

Key to earning players' respect: Help them get better

Saw an article in the Fort Lauderdale paper the other day about new MIA coach Erik Spoelstra, who never played in the NBA.  Of the eight teams left in the NBA playoffs, four have coaches who played in the league at one time (Phil Jackson, Byron Scott, Jerry Sloan, and Doc Rivers).   In fact, Pat Riley, the Heat's last coach, was a nine-year NBA vet.

The article, which discusses the importance of NBA head coaches having experience as professional players, has a couple of interesting quotes from coaches, both current and former.

Chuck Daly:  "Most players want to win.  If they really believe you're a guy who can help them, they will accept you."

Lawrence Frank:  "If you can help guys get better, it doesn't matter if you ever played at the NBA level."

According to the article, Spoelstra, who played in college and overseas, has the four principles that Riley describes as essential to succeed as a coach:  Work ethic, reliability, trustworthiness, and sincerity.

Says Jeff Van Gundy:  "If you have those four things, it doesn't matter if you played in the league or if you didn't, if you're short or tall."

Van Gundy's brother, Stan, who has guided the Magic to the Semis, adds:  "If you are good and competent at what you do, [players] will give you that respect."

How the Spurs can beat the Hornets...

As the Mavericks did in the first round, the Spurs have struggled against CP3 and the Hornets.  So how can SA get back in it?  

My strategy would be to run and run and run some more.  Make it a fast-paced game.  Think uptempo times 10.  This will keep N.O. out of their half-court game.

Should be smooth transition in Dallas

Expect a relatively smooth transition from Avery Johnson to Rick Carlisle in DAL.  Both Avery and Rick are respected by players, which should make the hand-off easier for the Mavs.  Both guys are former NBA players who knew how to maximize their talent on the floor. Both won NBA titles as players.   Avery a likely a little more emotional than Rick, but both are smart coaches who know what they're doing.

[Rick is second from left in this photo from 1986, between Danny Ainge and Larry Bird.  Bill Walton is at the far right.]

 

Rick's staff in Dallas -- featuring two former NBA head coaches in Terry Stotts and Dwayne Casey -- demonstrates the confidence he has in himself while surrounding him with guys who know the game and know what's required of an NBA head coach.

As a side note, Rick played for my Dad in the CBA with the Albany Patroons back in the late 1980s.  Even then, I remember my Dad saying how smart Rick was as a player, how hard he competed, and how he'd make a great coach some day.  

Rick is also head of the NBA Coaches Association and he's done a terrific job in that role.   I also think Rick is insightful as a color analyst on TV.  The guys succeeds at whatever he pursues.  

Good hire by Donnie and Cuban in my mind.

Upgrading your team: Musts and Needs

Long-time NFL personnel expert Mike Lombardi has another insightful article on SI.com.  According to Mike, teams typically fail to improve over the previous season for one of three reasons:  (1) Coaching; (2) offensive/defensive schemes; and (3) talent.

The key for the front office is figuring out where the problem lies.

In his article, Lombardi discusses how legendary coach Bill Walsh (pictured at left) always had two lists:  A "Must List" of areas where his teams MUST improve, and a "Need List" of spots that could use an upgrade, but aren't as critical.

Lombardi also writes that it's not enough to simply identify quality players.  How does a player match up against the teams/key opponents in his division?   Winning divisional games is critical for a team's overall success.  It's an interesting point that's often overlooked in the NBA, where some players are better equipped to play in one conference over the other.

In the end, says Lombardi, it comes down to finding "diamonds in the rough" -- mid-priced guys (and role players) in free agency and the draft who can make "vital contributions."

Keys to beating the Lakers...

For what it's worth, here are a couple of thoughts -- grounded in experience -- on how to beat the Lakers and Kobe:

1.  In the past, they struggled in pick and roll situations.  Now, they have the ability to switch pick and rolls because of their lateral mobility of interchangeable parts.  Still, Pau is the player you want to to involve in middle pick and rolls.

2.  Defensively against LA's Triangle offense, you've got to meet the entry pass as early as possible.  It's critical that you don't get beat on the elbow.  Guard around the play -- go under the cut, not over it.

3.  On Triangle post-ups with a post and two offensive players on the ball side, pressure the ball/passer while the other defender sits in the lap of the post-up player (typically Pau or Kobe).  

4.  The "Kobe Bryant Rules":   The four players who aren't guarding Kobe head-up need to be aware of where his is at all times.  Whenever and wherever he catches the ball, shrink the floor on the catch.  Get to the two elbow areas and the blocks so that Kobe see a wall on his catch.

Of course, Bryant can drive both ways, but you've got to force him one way so that your guys can over-sag the help to that area.  For example, in SAC and GS, we'd force him left on both sides of the floor.

Kobe will kill you at the line.  Keep his FT attempts down by guarding aggressively without fouling.  Easier said than done...

When you have the ball, make Kobe work.  Wear him down.  Bring him off screens and make him chase you to deplete his energy as the game wears on.

Finally, on the Lakers "52" play -- their bread-and-butter in late-game situations when they need a sure basket -- Bryant is the ball-handler on the pick and rolls.  Trap him early and stay with the trap until he's the passer.

What Doc Rivers was most impressed with about LeBron

BOS coach Doc Rivers coached LeBron James in this year's NBA All-Star game. According to an Associated Press story today, what impressed Doc most wasn't LeBron's rebounding, passing, or shooting. So what was it?

"His focus in the timeouts. It actually caught me off guard. His eyes were like beaming at me. You don't see that often. Especially not at the All-Star game."

Another example of what separates great players from elite ones.

The Draft: The importance of intangibles

Sports Illustrated had a couple of insightful articles recently about the NFL draft process.  Peter King's story had a quote from former Packers' GM Ron Wolf about evaluating college kids that really stood out:

"The fascinating thing about pro football is, no matter how long you're in it, you can't predict how guys are going to handle the pressure, the limelight, the money."

Like so much of life, it's the intangibles that matter most.  

Another SI article reveals that some teams go back to a player's middle school days -- seventh and eighth grade -- to look for patterns of behavior.  

The article quotes sociologist Harry Edwards:

"When you draft a kid, you don't just draft that kid. You draft his whole family. When a young player arrives in the pros, he doesn't leave the culture that he grew up with at the locker room door."

NY Times on the new breed of basketball statisticians

Great article in Sunday's New York Times magazine about Mike Zarren, the statistical analyst for the Celtics.  The story explains why Danny Ainge hired the 32-year-old Zarren:

Ainge hired Zarren simply because he wants any advantage worth having, and Zarren’s insights are “more information on every decision we make,” Ainge says. “Mike is a much smarter guy than I am. I’m open to smarter people than me. It still comes down to my instincts. I have to make the choice, no matter what my scouts say, no matter what the models say. I don’t think it’s realistic to think that a statistical model will ever be foolproof in basketball because there are so many variables, but I do think it can help us.”

The story goes on to outline how Zarren contributes: 

There are two channels through which Zarren can help the Celtics. The first is by assessing potential deals and draft picks, which means bouncing information off of Ainge. The second channel is strategic advice, which means going to Coach Doc Rivers, whom Ainge says is “skeptically receptive” to Zarren’s insights. You sense that Zarren has gained credibility within the Celtics not because the basketball people adore his regression analyses but because he adores the sport. “Most geeks are not basketball guys,” Zarren says, “and most basketball guys are not geeks. You have to be both to be successful in this developing field.”

Westphal demonstrates loyalty

It's always interesting to see what a team's assistant coaches say/do following the firing of their head coach.  Last week, I caught a quote by Paul Westphal, a Mavs' assistant, after Avery was fired in DAL.  When asked whether he was interested in the job, Westphal replied candidly:

"I am not a candidate.  I came here to help Avery."

Here's Westphal, a guy who, as an NBA head coach, won 267 games.  He can coach in this league.  So why the flat out refusal to discuss the head job?  Why not toss his name in the hat?

Because Westphal understands that the most important quality of an assistant is loyalty.  Specifically, loyalty to the head coach.  Paul demonstrated his loyalty by quickly professing his loyalty to Avery.  

Meeting of the minds results in better coaches

In an earlier post, I wrote about how Coach Cal at Memphis got the idea to remake his team's offense from a JUCO coach.  It's a good example of basketball coaches learning from each other, regardless of what level they're at -- high school, junior college, NAIA, major college, minor league, Euro league, NBA.

But it actually goes beyond basketball coaches talking with their peers in basketball about basketball.  The best coaches go outside their sport to learn from what successful coaches in other sports are doing.  The Xs and Os might be different, but the principles are the same.

For years, coaches like Bobby Knight, Bill Parcells, Tony La Russa, Tom Izzo, and Steve Mariucci have traded ideas, taking effective tactics and strategies from coaches in oth

er sports and applying them to their teams.

I've read where UF hoops coach Billy Donovan and Gators' football coach Urban Meyer talk frequently.  Ditto for Tennessee coaches Bruce Pearl and Pat Summit.

When I was with the Atlanta Hawks, team president Stan Kasten (pictured right) would bring the GMs and coaches from the Hawks, Thrashers, and Braves together in a summit where we would exchange ideas on draft strategies, player development, and coaching philosophies.

And you never get to old to learn from others.  What's the old saying?  "Life is like riding a bicycle.   To keep your balance, you've gotta keep moving."

What Derrick Rose will bring to his new team

Most draft experts expect Derrick Rose to go No. 1 or No. 2 in the NBA draft next month. Why?

It's because point guards like Rose control a game's tempo. They typically become the identity of their team -- think Chris Paul in New Orleans, Deron Williams in Utah, Tony Parker in SA, and Steve Nash in PHX.

His combination of size, speed, and strength will make it tough for many NBA point guards to defend. As for his shooting, it will improve quickly over the next 12-24 months.

To top it off, Rose has been playing under a former NBA coach in an NBA tempo under coach John Calipari in Memphis.

Best defensive coaches working in the TV booth

Teams looking to emphasize defense should turn on their TV sets. Jeff Van Gundy is a defensive guru. Close behind is the Czar, Mike Fratello, who I worked for in Memphis. I can attest that Mike's a great defensive mind.

Of the current NBA coaches, Pop in San Antonio is likely the league's best defensive coach. His teams play solid "D" every year, his schemes are effective, and his guys know their roles. Plus, the Spurs turn it up a notch on the defensive end once they reach the postseason.