Thinking Basketball 21st century peaks Ep 7 | The perfect “quarterback?” & the 7-foot unicorn
Sep 6, 2025
Explore the evolution of basketball with discussions on iconic players like Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Delve into their unique offensive skills and how they shaped team dynamics. The impact of playmakers on defensively-minded teammates is highlighted, alongside a fascinating look at the Phoenix Suns’ innovative strategy. The challenges of building a championship team around a superstar, especially focusing on defensive synergies, add depth to the analysis. It's a captivating blend of strategy, personal stories, and the art of basketball!
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Passing That Changes Offenses
- Steve Nash's passing punctured defenses and created easy rim and three scoring for teammates.
- His on-court presence lifted Phoenix's offense massively, often >10 points per 100 possessions.
Mismatch Between Box Score And Tape
- Nash was a box-score-poor defender in steals but made rotational plays, took charges, and executed team schemes.
- He wasn't a defensive disaster and teams masked his physical limits with lineup choices.
Rim Gravity And Playoff Offense
- Nash's teams saw major rim-frequency and rim-efficiency gains when he played.
- From 2005–2007 his on-court offensive lift translated into elite playoff offenses too.