Fly in John Wooden to save the Cavs

By Dan Barto, Director of Player Development of The IMG Basketball Academy and The PTC

As Mike Brown continues to search for answers to ignite his stagnant offense ,I suggest calling in the master of the 1-4 high offense for better looks and isos

Why?

Cleveland is shooting under 33% from the field obviously is killing them.  Thriving all year on Lebron's attacking, which results in points and the defense constantly chasing, the Cavs have to find a way to breakdown the Celtics terrific team defense within the first 10 seconds of the shot clock.  So far Lebron has been soft when attacking off the ball screen, and outside of Joe Smith and Delonte West in certain situations the Cavs have no way of gaining an attacking advantage.  Up until this point I would have said just make shots.  However, looking at the matchups I think that lots of 1-4 high looks will allow the following things to happen which will lead to high percentage shots, putbacks, and Celtic frustration.

If Lebron initiates the offense, he has the following options that I think could get the Cavs some nice looks

1.)        Use either high ball screen to get more open looks for the immediate near side shooter.  Wally and Gibson are great at reading drives but have been catching passes at weird angles and having to rush their fluent standstill jumpers and force robotic drives. More chasing will result in streaks and more midrange attempts. If Lebron comes off hard the defense has to decide and execute quickly.  If they over play the shooter, he clears and Lebron has an immediate midpost backdown ala Tayshaun Prince or Chauncey.

2.)        If the Celtics sag off Wallace or Z, the Cavs Lebron can then look to feed and follow to Smith the clear through and the opposite big can ball screen for him or dive and iso him.  This could lead to him gaining the advantage and causing the defense to again have to make a decision or chase right off the bat.  If Z sets the high screen I would look for the easy pop or a quick pop to Z into a dribble handoff with Lebron or West.  If it is Wallace or Varejao, I would have them head hunt Lebron, who is most likely in the corner for a basket cut or a basket cut to post up.  Worst case Smith is in a dribble handoff situation with Wally or West, both of whom can make the right read and misdirection their defender. 

3.)        If the Celts do sag off the shooters and key on Lebron, the Cavs can look to use him in quick entries using the high back screen to get into the midpost.  These midpost touches will lead to more free throws, fouls called at home, and allow Varejao and Wallace to do what they do best and get high percentage put backs and keep the ball alive.

If West initiates the offense,

Again the Celtics team defense and execution has been awesome, so the goal is to gain an advantage immediately. 

1.)        Pierce, Allen, Perkins, and Cassell all have problems moving side to side so they must be dribble isos more often as well as blur screens from shooters. 

Example,

4 low, Lebron in left corner, Gibson in Right Corner, Wally left block, Z right block.  West iso at top.  Wally sprints to the screen on West's left, Gibson clears through, Z flashes to offensive left elbow.  West and Wally try to expose Pierce and Cassell in a pick and pop.  If they switch Wally dives to mid post.  Gibson and Z stagger away for Lebron.  Z and Wally set a baseline double for Gibson

2.)        Rondo is a beast on the ball and pushes West at least 2 feet farther than he should be.  In a 1-4 set, he would constantly be having to look over both shoulders to see where the screens were coming from.  I would instruct Wallace and Varejao to blast Rondo every chance they get and try to dive as hard as possible to the rim.  Yes, he may go under in which case they should use the European bull dozer method of taking Rondo with them. 

3.)        If the spacing is correct West should look to iso to draw and kick or go into a two man game with Lebron.  These could consist of pinch post actions, blur screens, or handoffs.  West to Lebron or Lebron to West is the only time the Cavs have two iso or breakdown guys working together.  If they look to use each other more it should open up easier looks and put backs throughout the next two games.

It would be interesting to see what the Wizard of Westwood would draw up.