The Home Stretch Mailbag: Doc Rivers, The Next Face of the NBA, and More
Feb 23, 2024
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JJ Redick and Tommy Alter open the mailbag to discuss Doc Rivers, potential new face of the NBA, Bucks season outlook, traits of top NBA coaches, scheme and play analysis, building dream teams, passing techniques, and youth basketball concepts.
Discussed potential future faces of the NBA including Victor Wembenyama and Anthony Edwards.
Explored strategic player selections from different decades to form Earth's dream team against alien opponents.
Emphasized importance of focusing on fundamental skills like cutting and spacing in coaching youth basketball.
Deep dives
Selecting a Diverse Decade-Based Dream Team for Earth in Extraterrestrial Basketball Showdown
For a critical faceoff against extraterrestrial challengers, each decade from the 1950s to the 2020s contributes a standout player to Earth's dream team. The ensemble features Bob Cousy from the 1950s for playmaking, Bill Russell from the 1960s for size and rim protection, Kareem from the 1970s for scoring prowess, Larry Bird from the 1980s for shooting, Kobe from the 2000s for shot creation, LeBron from the 2010s for overall excellence, and Steph Curry from the 2020s for elite shooting. Scottie Pippen represents the 1990s as a versatile wing defender.
Strategic Earth GM Builds Multifaceted Basketball Squad to Take on Extraterrestrial Adversaries
With a strategic eye on a balanced roster, the Earth's general manager assembles a multifaceted basketball team spanning decades to compete against alien adversaries. The selection process prioritizes size, shot creation, shooting efficiency, defensive abilities, and overall excellence to counter the opposing extraterrestrial threat.
Detailed Analysis of Decade-Based Player Selections for Earth's Intergalactic Basketball Challenge
The methodical player selections for Earth's intergalactic basketball challenge delve into the unique strengths and attributes of each chosen player from different decades. By strategically combining playmaking abilities, rim protection, scoring prowess, shooting proficiency, and defensive versatility, the Earth team aims to counter the balanced lineup presented by the alien competitors.
Navigating the Chicago Bulls' Basketball Dilemma Through Various Seasons
For Chicago Bulls fans like Tommy Altar grappling with the team's inconsistent performance over the years, the lack of a clear plan or strategic direction has led to a sense of frustration and uncertainty. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players like Kobe White and Zach LaVine, the team's overall approach and results leave fans disillusioned, highlighting the need for a coherent and long-term strategy to elevate the Bulls' standing in the league.
Miami Heat's Playoff Success and Lineup Challenges
Miami Heat's success in the playoffs is uncertain, with a lack of continuity due to numerous starting lineups. The team's potential relies heavily on the health and performance of key players like Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler. Despite the team's potential, the lack of consistent lineup combinations poses a challenge in defining their identity and maximizing their playoff success.
Coaching Youth Teams and Emphasizing Conceptual Learning
Coaching youth basketball involves focusing on concepts like spacing, cutting, and basic pick-and-roll strategies rather than complex plays. Emphasizing fundamental skills like cutting and back cutting builds a strong foundation for the team's offense to thrive. The approach aims to simplify the game for young players, allowing them to understand core basketball principles and develop their skills steadily over time.
In the first episode back after the All-Star break, JJ Redick and Tommy Alter open up the mailbag to answer a bunch of listener questions. First, JJ address everything that occurred on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ this week and everything surrounding Doc Rivers (head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks), Patrick Beverley, and Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant. Then JJ and Tommy discuss what we can expect from the Bucks the rest of the season and what are some traits that make the best head coaches in the NBA. They also have a great discussion on who the next face of the NBA could be over the next couple years: Victor Wembenyama, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or someone else? JJ also delves into some scheme, play, and concept questions as it relates to what he sees in the NBA and also what he teaches on his kid’s basketball teams. JJ then builds a starting five of teammates he played with throughout his career, as well as a team with one player from each era to take down a team of aliens. There’s so much more great stuff in this episode as well. Thanks to everybody who sent in questions!
