DJ Bakker on Offensive Concepts vs Switching (EP386)

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Aug 20, 2025

DJ Bakker, Assistant Coach for the Charlotte Hornets and Head Coach of the Greensboro Swarm, shares his extensive coaching journey and insights. He discusses the complexities of defensive switching and the need for real-time adaptability. Bakker emphasizes the importance of strategic offensive concepts to exploit defensive switches, highlighting the significance of speed and communication. He also touches on advanced skills such as dribble handoffs and the vital role of player development in enhancing team success.

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INSIGHT

Why Teams Choose To Switch

Teams switch to keep bodies in front of the ball and remove offensive advantages.
Switching uses physicality, steering, and aggressive under-switching to slow and control movement.

ADVICE

Use Speed To Crush Switching

Play actions at full speed to create indecision and disrupt defensive communication.
Faster execution increases chances for slips, flips, and early advantages versus switching defenses.

ADVICE

Get Screeners To Arrive Alone

Teach screeners to arrive with at least one step separation using sprints, knock-offs, or go-stop-go movement.
Use flip screens when defenders release late to regain freedom of movement.

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In this week's basketball coaching conversation, Charlotte Hornets Assistant Coach DJ Bakker joins the Basketball Podcast to share insights on offensive concepts vs. switching.

DJ Bakker is the Head Coach of the Greensboro Swarm and an Assistant Coach with the Charlotte Hornets, bringing over a decade of NBA coaching experience and a proven track record in player development and team success. In the 2024–25 season, Bakker led the Swarm to their first playoff appearance in franchise history, finishing with a 31–19 record—best in team history and fourth overall in the G League. Under his leadership, the Swarm ranked third in Defensive Rating, top five in Net Rating, and first in both Clutch Net Rating and Offensive Rating. His dual role with the Hornets included overseeing the development of young NBA talent, including 2024 sixth overall draft pick Tidjane Salaun.

Before joining the Hornets organization, Bakker served as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2023–24 season. He played a key role in shaping the team’s offensive identity to maximize the strengths of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, while also working individually with Khris Middleton and Malik Beasley. That season, the Bucks finished fifth in Offensive Rating and Bakker was part of the coaching staff for both the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and the playoffs. His G League success began with the Motor City Cruise, where he led the team to a 31–15 record in its inaugural season and a playoff berth, while developing five future NBA players.

Bakker’s coaching journey includes player development roles with the Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, and Dallas Mavericks, where he worked with emerging stars like Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and OG Anunoby. He also served as an advance scout for the Orlando Magic and began his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. His foundation in skill development was shaped at ATTACK Athletics under Tim Grover, where he trained over 35 NBA players. Known for his adaptability, communication, and tactical clarity, Bakker continues to build competitive, development-focused environments at both the NBA and G League levels.