Loading summary
Transcript103 lines
- [00:01]
Steve Nash
Coming up on this episode of Mind the Game. A lot of fans don't love the fouling up three.
- [00:07]
J.J. Redick
Listen, our league is a three point shooting league, so why not, if you have an opportunity to win or close the percentage of you winning a game, possibly take it away.
- [00:19]
Steve Nash
Let's talk about guys who have made a leap this year.
- [00:21]
J.J. Redick
The first guy I'm gonna talk about because he's been taking a leap after leap after leap over the last few years is Tyrese Maxey.
- [00:27]
Steve Nash
Another guy that's really kind of caught my eye is Stephon Cassell. I just think this guy is a two way full court player. Explosive downhill driver, playmaker, Gritty, combative, physical defender.
- [00:38]
J.J. Redick
Someone who I also have been working out with the last two summers is Jalen Johnson in Atlanta, Danny Avdia.
- [00:45]
Steve Nash
I mean, this is a quality, quality player.
- [00:47]
J.J. Redick
He's a big time player. He's good. He's really good.
- [00:51]
Steve Nash
Player development has to be in concert with the style of play your team has and your role on that team.
- [00:58]
J.J. Redick
You just triggered me right there. Like, I've done skill training my whole career, of course, obviously, but I've also done things that I felt like were what we were going to run.
- [01:23]
Steve Nash
How do you feel about fouling up three late in games?
- [01:26]
J.J. Redick
Oh, yeah, I'm. If I'm coaching, we fouling up three.
- [01:30]
Steve Nash
Now, what would your rules be? Like, how much time, under what amount of time would you say is your time would you do? Are you a guy that's like, I'll do it early in the last minute or are you like, I want to wait till we get under a certain.
- [01:41]
J.J. Redick
Nah, I will wait to a certain extent. Obviously you got to see how many timeouts that you personally have where if you do foul up three, you can advance the ball. The last thing you want to do is not have any timeouts. You fouled up three and you have to take the ball underneath your basketball. If they get a strip or they get a, they get to trap you and get a steal, they're closer to the rim. So you have to see how many, how many timeouts you have, how many timeouts they have as well, how long can they extend the game, you know, as well. So, you know, I'm more of a like a under, you know, 30 seconds under, you know, 24 second type foul up three guy, you know, and like I said, those other variables matter on, you know, timeout situation, who has the ball, whatever the case may be. All those things.
- [02:26]
Steve Nash
Yeah, I think the other two other variables, I mean, for sure, timeouts is a big one is how good a free throw shooting team are you? How many good free throw shooters do you have? And one that I think is underrated is how good of an inbound passer.
- [02:39]
J.J. Redick
You have on your team. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [02:42]
Steve Nash
You know, you can get caught sometimes where, you know, teams are going to pressure foul, they got to try to go for a steal, but while fouling, you know they're going to go run through people. If you have a great passer, it makes all your actions, your get in plays way much easier.
- [02:58]
J.J. Redick
I mean, we saw that in the playoffs. Was it last year, the year before in the Indiana Boston series where you know, they had opportunity, Indiana had opportunities to follow up three late game. I think Jalen Brunson hit a three. I mean Jalen Brown hit a three, sent it into overtime or. And then Indiana had a chance to win the game still, but. But could not inbound the ball. Boston gets a steal, win the game. Like, you know, these are moment in times where you have to have like a great inbounder. Like you said trust on your inbounder. You have to actually work on these plays too. You have to work, you have to take five minutes at the end of practice. Let's walk through this. Everybody on the baseline. What is our up 3 knee play to get in? What is our up 2 knee play to get the ball in? What is it? If a team is following us, you know, what is who, who takes the ball out? Who is in the back court, who is in the front court? You know, is it on the side? Is it behind our basket? Is it behind it? Like you know, all those type of things. So you know, you have to work on that. But those are good, those are good things.
- [04:00]
Steve Nash
That's a great point for like the, the common fan to know that like NBA teams have to take time in the picture of all these things. Defensive schemes, matchups, switching, icing, hitting, peeling, you know, fronting, flooding. All the different schemes, all the different offensive sets need plays. Down three, down two, all that stuff you have to go over a package of get in under your basket, get in on the sideline, get in advanced. And also like it's nice if only five guys have to know it. But the reality is guys are injured, guys are in foul trouble in the game. Everyone's got to know and sometimes the most valuable part is if your team knows it on the fly when you don't have a timeout and you can be like touchdown. And you get into whatever it is, whatever it is.
- [04:51]
J.J. Redick
Yep.
- [04:51]
Steve Nash
Not to Mention plays in the, you advance it where you can still go in the backcourt.
- [04:55]
J.J. Redick
Yep.
- [04:56]
Steve Nash
And so then there's full court plays where maybe you put two people in the parking lot and ask them, what are you gonna do? Are you gonna put two guys back there with them or one and bring two up here where you're better feel. So there's a lot of thought and process that goes in, but it's hard, you know, like you never know who's in the game. Have they had any reps at this? Because it's not the type of thing you get a ton of reps at. So it is. That's a great point. How much, how important is the preparation with your personnel to play these things? What about technique of fouling? Technique of fouling up three. What are your thoughts on that?
- [05:27]
J.J. Redick
There's multiple ways that you can foul up three. Obviously if it's full court, you want to do it way before a guy gets to half court. You want to do it on a downward dribble. A guy's dribbling the ball. Once you see that ball go down foul, you don't want to do it while the ball is coming up because the guy can, he can raise. And guys are making threes from half court these days. Listen, you can't say, you know, it's not a three point shot if it's in the half court and the guy and teams are running plays and they're crisscrossing, whatever the case may be, and the guy catches the ball in the paint. Foul, you know, run through it. Yeah, inside the three. You could run through that foul, call it a pass interference. You know, if a guy catches the ball on the above the three point line, but it's back towards the basket, bear hug him. You can bear hug him, you know. You know, so there's running away.
- [06:18]
Steve Nash
Catching. Running.
- [06:18]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, running away. Absolutely. Grab him, you know, so there's so many different, you know, different ways where you can foul guys. And obviously the one way that you do not want to foul a guy is before the ball is entered.
- [06:32]
Steve Nash
Right.
- [06:32]
J.J. Redick
Because that's one shot plus the ball on the side. So you got to be cautious about, you know, if that ball hasn't been released from the guy that's out of bounds, you know, you're already fouling or you're grabbing whatever the case may be. Now it's not a three point game, it's a two point game. And now you have to, you know, play straight up defense. So there's ways of filing smartly, but you also got to be careful versus guys that, you know, certain teams, certain guys or who are used to guys trying to foul them, you know, so they kind of get into the shot, you know, a little bit sooner than others. But there are ways to make sure that it doesn't happen for sure.
- [07:10]
Steve Nash
It is an uncomfortable thing though, right?
- [07:13]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, yeah. If you're not comfortable with doing it, I wouldn't do it because you're gonna have the coaches on your. You had the coaches and your teammates on your ass.
- [07:22]
Steve Nash
You have to do it with confidence. You have to be declarative, you have to be intentional. You can't go out there. Should I, shouldn't I? You gotta be ready to run through when you have the chance. Run through, get a piece, knock him over, he's back to the basket like you said, dribbling down. Because I think once you start to get doubt in your mind, that's when you get played.
- [07:40]
J.J. Redick
Yep, that's when you get played. Yep, that's when you get played.
- [07:44]
Steve Nash
A lot of fans don't love the fouling up three, but I think it's pretty universal now from a coaching standpoint, like depending on time, scorer, team, all that stuff when you started and how. But it feels like it's pretty universal. We're going to, most teams are going to foul.
- [07:59]
J.J. Redick
Listen, our league is a three point shooting league. So why not if you have an opportunity to win or close the percentage of you winning the game, possibly take it away.
- [08:11]
Steve Nash
Yeah, yeah.
- [08:12]
J.J. Redick
And that's the best way to take it away is the, is the foul. Obviously you're not doing it throughout the course of the game, putting your team in a penalty early and you know, early in the quarter. But listen, late game, you know, under a minute, under 30 seconds, you up three. You know, it's been a hard fought game. Team may have made 12 threes, 13 threes in a game. You don't want 14 to happen. 14 to happen, you lose. You can lose in overtime that way. So, you know, I just seen the game the other. I wasn't watching the game, but I saw the clip of Charlotte in Cleveland. You know, Brandon Miller, you know, had it. They down three, Cleveland up three. And Brandon Miller gets a little, gets a little room off Darius Garland. Darius Garland falls to the ground. Brandon Miller makes it three overtime and they beat Cleveland and Cleveland. I don't want to go through that.
- [09:05]
Steve Nash
No, no.
- [09:06]
J.J. Redick
For me personally, I'm about to be 41 years old. First of all, another five minutes to me right now. Another five minutes to me. Messes up my whole day, the next day. Yeah, like my sleep. I. I gotta get to my sleep. This ain't dame time. This is sleep time.
- [09:24]
Steve Nash
Sleep time, Sleep time, heart rate. That's my heart rate variability, I'm telling you.
- [09:29]
J.J. Redick
So yes, in the game. End it. Let's get out of here.
- [09:33]
Steve Nash
End it when you have the chance. Right? Too many good players in our league, too many things can happen. Too much variable variance with like the talent, size, ability of guys you got to try to take the bat out of their hands when you can.
- [09:44]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, absolutely.
- [09:53]
Steve Nash
Playing 18 seasons in the NBA, I've lived in and out of hotels for what seems like my entire life. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten in the same generic elevator, walked down the same generic hallway, and set my bags down on the same generic chair. So anytime I travel now, I'm looking for a more unique experience with. Which is why I check out Airbnb first when I'm planning a trip. I've done everything from cabins for trips in the mountains to beach houses. I want a big kitchen, a spacious living room and a solid outdoor space. And if there's a hot tub, that's a bonus. When it comes to travel, staying at a home on Airbnb is just a better experience because of the home like qualities they provide. And hosting your home on Airbnb can give that feeling of home to others. If you're heading out of town for a big game or sporting event, why not let your home become part of the excitement? By opening your space to fellow fans, you're giving them the comfort of home and earning yourself some extra income while you're away. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much@airbnb.com host as someone who's lived and played across the globe, I learned what makes a flight truly exceptional. And let me tell you, Emirates Economy Class is the real deal. With over 260 modern aircraft connecting more than 160 destinations worldwide, Emirates has got game. I'm talking generous legroom that even a former NBA player appreciates. Their Latest aircraft offers 4K HD touchscreens loaded with thousands of channels of entertainment. Making these long haul flights fly by, plus their generous baggage allowance means no more worrying about packing. Emirates understands that traveling can be as stressful as a playoff game. That's why they've created an experience that feels like home. The moment you spot Emirates staff at the airport, you know you're in good hands. Their crew treats every passenger like an mvp. Look, I'VE flown countless of airlines, but Emirates economy class. It's like having home court advantage 40,000ft in the air. Go to emirates.com to learn more. All right, Bron, let's talk about guys who have made a leap this year. You know, some bigger than others. But it's always impressive and inspiring to see a guy improve his game, because you know, that comes from hard work and discipline. So sometimes it's a little bit of opportunity. But even with opportunity, largely, if you haven't done the work and prepared, you're not going to see guys take a leap. So I think it's important to, like, kind of show a little light on these guys. I always like to inspire the youth. So let's. Let's shine some of these guys who have taken a step.
- [12:25]
J.J. Redick
No, I think that's the best thing about our league. When you see guys take, like, that next leap, you know, you know, from one year to the next, you know, next year, and two guys in particular. For me, like, obviously we've seen. You know, the first guy I'm gonna talk about because he's been taking a leap after leap after leap over the last few years is Tyrese Maxey. I've worked out and trained with him over the last few summers. Every. Every morning, 5am we're in the gym, 5, 30, whatever, in the gym, and you just see, like, his dedication shows up on time, on target every single day. A guy who just loves the game and is taking full advantage of the opportunity in Philly, you know, and, you know, I love the kid. He's such a. I talked about it when we played Philly, you know, not too long ago, about how not only incredible of a basketball player he is, but how much better he is as a person, which is saying a lot because he's an unbelievable basketball player. The second guy is someone who I also have been working out with the last two summers is Jalen Johnson in Atlanta. You know, and a lot of it is situational, too, I think. You know, the injury to Trae Young has sprouted even more of what Jalen is capable of doing. They've put him at this Scottie Pippen role where he's playing like this point forward, and not only is he scoring, he's rebounding at a high rate, and he's dishing the ball. We've seen over, like, the last month where he might have three, four, five triple doubles, playing the game at a high level, and just, you know, I just love the improvement. I love seeing that. I love seeing that in this league where guys take advantage of situation or, you know, come in from their work, what they did in the summertime, and able to apply it, you know, to the season and take full advantage of it. So those are two of the guys that come, you know, you know, come to mind right away today. And I love it because I've, I'm in the gym with those guys. I've seen it over the last few, few summers and I love, you know, what has happened for sure.
- [14:27]
Steve Nash
You know, I think, I mean, let's start with maxi, but I want to, I want to dive in a little bit on both of them. You know, I think great players in our league, an element that makes people great consistently is rim pressure. Like, if you can constantly put paint pressure, rim pressure on a defense, it doesn't mean you're always getting to the rim, but the threat that you can get there, whether it's speed, strength, you know, Jokic does it because skill, but also size. He can bully his way to the rim every time. Everyone's got to come because once he gets in there, he's too big for everyone. Maxey does it with speed, Johnson does it with athleticism. But that pressure allows you to get more opportunities from three, allows you to get playmaking opportunities. I mean, we've seen Jalen Johnson take a big jump a lot of, you know, 13, 14, 15 assist games this season for a guy that's essentially been a small forward or even a power forward his whole life. So I think when you look at these two guys, they're two guys that constantly are a threat to get to the paint and get to the rim, which allows them to show this wide skill set. So with maxi, incredible speed and athleticism, the pace, right, like, it's just, it's, it's overwhelming at times. You can see, like guys just can't keep him in front.
- [15:38]
J.J. Redick
No, they just can't, you know, and that, that's God given right there. That's God given speed and talent. And he's just, he said, you know what, I know, you know, what I was possessed with and I'm going to take full advantage of it and not only use that to my advantage, but also it creates so much, like you said, that downhill pressure at the rim. But also a lot of guys know his speed, so they try to like cut him off and his ability to have a tight handle and snatch back and hit those step back threes, you know, and get to the free throw line and make his mid range like, and make his floater. The kid has he has everything. And you know, he's one of the best, you know, point guards, obviously not, not only in the Eastern Conference, but.
- [16:16]
Steve Nash
You know, in the NBA and not a small guard. How tall do you think Tyrese is?
- [16:21]
J.J. Redick
I want to classify him as a small guard. I don't know how tall Tyrese is.
- [16:27]
Steve Nash
I think at least six, three. Am I wrong?
- [16:29]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, I would say yeah, yeah, yeah. And sneaky, kind of sneaky athletic too. If he get that right leg down, he kind of sneaky athletic too, for sure.
- [16:37]
Steve Nash
And kind of feels like you've got good length.
- [16:39]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, good length.
- [16:40]
Steve Nash
Yeah, yeah. Stretch out. He had a big game winner. And then the block at the other end recently where he made the fade away against the warriors and chased down, I can't remember Melton, maybe on a breakaway, got an incredible block. So there is definitely sneaky athleticism.
- [16:57]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, he's big time. He's big time.
- [16:59]
Steve Nash
But he's also gone up in his three point usage, like he's shooting more threes, playing off the ball a lot more than he was. So I like that there's a balance there. He obviously has the transition. He has pick and roll ISO. But getting off the ball, running off actions, making people chase, turn the corner, or shoot from three has added a kind of a new element and balance to his game.
- [17:19]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, I mean, it's hard to guard guys that have the ball, obviously with speed and quickness, but I think it's even harder to guard guys when they're off the ball and they're actually running towards the ball because you can't get a hand on guys. You're not allowed to hold guys. You know, you got guys that's coming out of the corners full speed, you know, and do you chase him over, over this? Do you try to gap it? You know, if you gap, he can either stop behind and shoot the three or now they just turn around and re screen it. And now you're playing from behind and he's, you know, he's, he's very dynamic in that too. So, you know, if you have the ability, there's a lot. There's not that many guys that can be just as dynamic with the ball as off the ball. And I remember we mentioned this a lot in a lot of our episodes with Steph Curry. Like his, he's most dangerous when he gives up the ball. You know, the number one reason why that is is that most defense and personnel when they're, when they're guarding a guy, that's dynamic and that guy gets and gets off the ball for one split second, they think it's, man, he gave up the ball. Nope. And that's what makes Steph the most dynamic on ball, off ball basketball player in NBA history.
- [18:41]
Steve Nash
You know, I also think the way the game's going to now, first of all, there's so many good players in our league. If a great player is off the ball in movement, the first job is to stop the ball.
- [18:51]
J.J. Redick
Correct.
- [18:52]
Steve Nash
So everyone has to have their attention on the ball while also doing two jobs at once and being aware of whether you're on the ball or off the ball, the off ball movement, the cut, the screen. But I do think the way the game's going, the pace we're playing out, the sophistication of the defense, teams getting in the gaps and flying out and rotating. So it's harder and harder to get in the paint. The days of the better players getting the ball, stopping, holding it, sizing it, everyone up like it's not efficient anymore. I think there's a lot of players that, you know, it goes both ways, but there's a lot of players that could get a lot better if they don't need to catch it, hold, let their guy get neutral again, if they can play on the move, whether it's on the cut, whether it's coming off a screen, whether it's curling, whether it's catching and ripping. Do you not think the game is going where that's more valuable or more?
- [19:42]
J.J. Redick
I do, I do. I think so. Importantly, one, there's so many different. We didn't have this many defenses and nuances of how to play defenses versus ISO isolated players back. I mean, I would say, you know, five to seven years ago, sure, you know, now, you know, there's so many different ways to get the ball out of a guy's hands. If he's just sitting there isoing on the wing, you can flood the whole side and bring another guy to the elbow. You know, you could literally, you know, run a guy and just go trap him, you know, and now you got three defenders. You got the guy that's guarding the ball, the guy that came over to trap him, and you have the sideline, you know, so there's so many different ways. And there's. And in our game of pace and space and rhythm, you know, it throws you out of rhythm. You kind of want the ball, you know, you know, popping, you know, or you want the trigger to happen either by the pass or by a pick and roll. You know, you have a dynamic pick and roll player that can attract, you know, two on the ball. Now you're playing a four on three game. You playing a numbers game? That's the game right now. It's the numbers game. How can you start the blender? Is the blender being started by the pass? Is it passing cut? Is it what the Miami Heat are doing or is it what the what the Lakers are doing? While we start a lot of our, you know, plays with pick and roll because we have such a dynamic, you know, pick a roll player in Luca. So the trigger, how do you create the blender? How do you create the trigger and creating the trigger. Ever used to being where guys catch the ball at the elbow or in the Karl Malone area and catch it and face up and jab. And jab and that. You need it a little bit, but it's definitely on the lower side of that pie chart now. It is not a big piece of the demographic of winning basketball in my case. I don't see it.
- [21:36]
Steve Nash
You're right. It's just so much harder to catch, survey and play. It's so much harder to just back your guy down from outside the three point line, you know, catch on the elbow. Everyone like that has to be dynamic movement off the ball. But the big thing for me, a lot of players I think have to understand is there's a habit you play in the summertime. You've been the focal point. You're playing one on one. You're used to playing one on one. You want to get good at playing one on one. Defenses are too sophisticated, like you said, they're too in the gaps, they're drawing attention. You have to take whatever advantage. So playing on the move.
- [22:07]
J.J. Redick
It's so funny you just said that, Steve, about like guys get to the summertime. Every year at the end of the season, there's an exit meeting with your coach, with your gm, whatever. They usually, you know, tell you, hey, you know, great year, whatever the case may be, we'll be in touch. Whatever the case may be, whatever. I wonder how many players take the initiative to say, hey, coach, hypothetical, hey, Coach Redick, like, where do you see me in our scheme of things for next year so I can work on it throughout the summer, right? Skill development. Of course I'm going to work on my skill development. But where do you see me fitting in with how you and the coaching staff are going to play? Because it's so funny, you just say that. A lot of guys, you see it all through the summer, guys are posting videos and clips of them working out and you Know, doing, you know, five or six, you know, combo moves and pull ups and things of that nature and you know, backing down and think. And you get into the season and you realize this is not going to be the style of play that that coaching staff had envisioned. Not only not, it's not no knock on you, it's how they envision or how the team is going to play. So now you. I feel like a lot of guys waste a lot of time in the off season by not getting an understanding from their coach, from their coaching staff on how are we going to play in the fall. So not only during my skill, okay, I do skill development twice a week and then I do, okay, what are we going to run in the summer? So now I can break that down to okay, we're going to run a lot of drags, okay, 77, I'll be the second roller or you know, a lot of follows. I could get into that pitcher to pitch it to my summer, you know, my summer developer, you know, and hip tap and roll and play the 4 on 3 game like it's a great. But I mean I don't think many trainers are going to tell their guys to work on hip tap and roll and get behind the defense anyways. Cause that takes them out of work and too. So. But that you just triggered me right there. Like no, I've done skill training my whole career of course, obviously. But I've also done things that I felt like were what we were going to run, you know, how, how were we going to play, you know, and you develop that because you, you waste, you wasting too much time if you're just doing just all skill development that you're not going to be able to use that skill. The coaches may not even, they're like you, we're, we're not using it in that fashion.
- [24:40]
Steve Nash
Yeah.
- [24:40]
J.J. Redick
So how can you, you know, how can you, how can you take that? You know, I think that's the next step for a lot of players as well too. That's trying to, you know, get better the next year too.
- [24:49]
Steve Nash
I think that's a really smart comment for a lot of players out there in the league in college and high school. Player development has to be in concert with the style of play your team has and your role on that team. That doesn't mean that 10% of it isn't where I want to be in a year, two years, three years, five years, but how am I going to play? Because unless you don't get on the floor, you're not as efficient you play less minutes. You know, I get calls, you know, fairly frequently from NBA guys want to work with me, get in the gym or do some work. And I always say, like, yeah, I'm happy to work with you, but I want to know, I want to talk to your coaches first because I want to know, like, what, what do you see for this player? Where do you see him fitting into your team? What role do you want him to have before I start saying, hey, man, let's, let's get to it, let's do this, let's do that. That's a waste of time. And then it's also, now he's getting two messages. It's not going to help the kid get better.
- [25:39]
J.J. Redick
Guy comes back to the season starting, he's doing all he's doing. He's doing hang, he's doing hang, dribble, skip outs, threes. And hey, where the hell, kid, you learn that? Hey, man, Steve, Steve told me that. Hey, listen, right.
- [25:52]
Steve Nash
100. That, that doesn't need to be on my name. I, I, I think it's important to, like, let's get, let's get in, like, lockstep here with your player development coach, your assistant coaches, your head coach. Like, what is the ask of you in this system to make an improvement? And sometimes it's simple. Like, it doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to be like some crazy isolation. It's like, like you said, like a tap and go footwork.
- [26:19]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, yeah.
- [26:20]
Steve Nash
Do it a thousand times this summer so you're always on balance, always on rhythm, always on timing, what's the counter, all that stuff. So it doesn't sound sexy. It's not great for the gram, right? You know, the tap and the tap and slip, whatever. It doesn't get you likes, but that's what's going to get you minutes. That's going to make you more efficient. So I think it's a great point you bring up.
- [26:40]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, absolutely, absolutely.
- [26:42]
Steve Nash
What about Jalen Johnson? Like, what's the ceiling for this guy? I mean, he can score at three levels. Incredible athlete.
- [26:49]
J.J. Redick
He's like I mentioned, I mentioned Scottie Pippen, man. And obviously he has a long way to, you know, a long way to go. But as far as the talent, you look at a guy with long arms, 6, 9, 6 10, runs like a deer. Super athletic. He's improved this outside touch, but like you said, putting pressure on the rim. His ability to rebound, he can guard, he can guard one through five, you know. You know, for the majority of, of you know, ones and fives. There's some fives that would be a little bit challenging, but that's, that's what, you know, you're talking about Embiid, you're talking about Joker. Obviously they're mismatched for anybody, you know, and his playmaking, like, you know, I see that he's going to continue to improve. And you know, one thing about our league is just like it's all about confidence and opportunity. And once you take advantage of that opportunity and your confidence continue to, you're like, I know I can do this. I can do this every night. You know, it's not going to be, you know, the triple double every night. It's not going to always be, you know, 15 assists every night. But, you know, you're starting to know the nuances of the game, on making the right play, you know, and things of that nature. So I just, I love his ceiling. I don't know what his ceiling is, but I know it's not low. I think it continue to, I think it's very high and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. I think he, he's on pace to be an All Star in the east this year, for sure. You know, there's no, there's no doubt about it.
- [28:22]
Steve Nash
No, for sure. I think he's playing an All Star level and I think he's, you know, with, with some, some health. You know, I think he's a perennial All Star. Just the way he started because this is the first year he's really had this much responsibility.
- [28:34]
J.J. Redick
Exactly. And he's been healthy, you know, he's been healthy so, so far, you know, and like you just said, health is, health is wealth. Health is wealth in our and life obviously, but it is, you know, being available to your teammates and being available every night, you know, that means a lot. So.
- [28:53]
Steve Nash
Yeah, for sure. Another guy that's really kind of caught my eye is Stephon Cassel, you know, averaging 18 points, that's four more than last year. Seven assists, that's three more than last year. True. Shooting at 60%, that's up 8%. You know, I just think this guy is a two way full court player, explosive downhill driver, playmaker, gritty, combative, physical defender. Like to me, you know, the last thing to come here and he's made some threes is the three point shooting, but he can make.
- [29:25]
J.J. Redick
Yeah, he made a few. He met a. He made a few against us too, so. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And if that's the last thing to come then. And it's in the shot is not broken.
- [29:34]
Steve Nash
Right, Right.
- [29:34]
J.J. Redick
Beautiful shot.
- [29:35]
Steve Nash
Yeah.
- [29:36]
J.J. Redick
That's just all about reps. It's just all about reps. Super. Super. I love. I love that kid. Love the kid. Loved him. You know, I watched him a lot in high school on the circuit. Love this one year at UConn and obviously last year, you know. You know, love his demeanor. He's very stoic. Like, his demeanor never changes throughout the game. You could tell he's like, super locked in on whatever the job is at hand. I just. I love his upside.
- [30:05]
Steve Nash
And I, like you said the demeanor, but the demeanor is combative. Like, he's going to be physical. You're going to feel him. You know, you're going to feel him at both ends. You're going to feel him on drives, you're going to feel him defensively. You know how important that is in our league today and what an element that brings to someone's game, but also a team game. So I really like the leap he's taken. Let me go for one last guy that's taken a leap here and it's been kind of fun to watch is Danny Avdia in Portland. You know. Yeah, 25 points per game. That's plus eight from last year. Six assists. That's two up from last year. True shooting 62%. That's up 2% from last year. I mean, here's maybe the biggest one is he's top four at time of recording in foul rate. Nine and a half free throws a game up there with Shea, Luka and ar. So, I mean, this is a guy that gets downhill is a problem.
- [30:59]
J.J. Redick
No, he. He is a. He's a physical driver. He's a physical, physical driver to the rim. And if you don't have a body in front of him, if you're on the side of him, then he's going to get that foul call. You know, he's super physical, especially going downhill to his right hand. And like you said, he's worked out. He's worked a lot on his outside shooting, too. You know, when he was in Washington, that's the one thing he did have. He's always had this speed with the ball, very fast with the ball, downhill to his right hand, big body, big wing. But this year in particular, I've seen him expand his range and make some shots from the perimeter at a more consistent rate, and it's resulted in him having a breakout career year so far.
- [31:42]
Steve Nash
Yeah, for sure. I feel like he's in a. And I could be wrong. I feel like he's in a little better shape. He just feels a little sharper.
- [31:48]
J.J. Redick
Yeah.
- [31:49]
Steve Nash
Getting to the cracks. Like you said, he's shooting, so that makes him faster too. Good playmaker, makes plays for others. He's a guy. I think Washington probably is kicking himself. Yeah. Ruined their decision there because I mean this is a quality, quality player.
- [32:04]
J.J. Redick
He's a quality player. He's a big time player. Player I like, I, I, he's good. He's really good.
- [32:10]
Steve Nash
And a smart player. Can read defense as well too, so that's fun. This is always fun to talk about guys that have taken a leap and those are, those are some of many that have taken a leap and it's fun to highlight.
- [32:20]
J.J. Redick
Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.
- [32:31]
Steve Nash
There's nothing like going from a relaxing airport lounge to an even more relaxing hotel, followed by dinner, a concert and doing it all over again with the newly enhanced American Express Platinum card. Upping your travel game just got a whole lot better. There's nothing like having more time for another round of golf or soaking up some sun by the pool. With access to a suite of benefits with the largest curated global hotel program as compared to other credit card programs, I can enjoy world class amenities with tailored service and a view. To top it all off, whether I'm escaping the cold or exploring it on the slopes, AMEX Platinum takes my travel game to the next level with an array of premium travel, dining and entertainment benefits all backed by American Express's award winning service. There's nothing like Platinum terms apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com withplatinum and now over to our director Jason for a word from our partner, DraftKings.
- [33:25]
Jason
Thanks to DraftKings for sponsoring the show. January Basketball. This is where the league really starts to find its rhythm. The holiday games are behind us. Teams are really starting to figure out their identity. And every night you're seeing guys make their case for all star spots or pushing their teams into playoff position. The season gets real right about now. There's no better way to stay locked in than with our partners at DraftKings sportsbook. And right now, all new customers who sign up using promo code mind and bet $5. Get three $300 in bonus bets if your first bet hits minimum odds of minus 500 required. And never forget, DraftKings. Same game parlays let you stack multiple plays from a single matchup. Love the thrill of live betting. DraftKings has got you covered. Bet live on star player props and in progress games as they happen. Player props in game, momentum swings, all of it. Whether you're watching to see how a playoff race shakes out. DraftKings gives you a way to stay locked in on all the details you might have otherwise missed. It changes how you watch the game. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app now using code MIND to bet just $5 to get $300 in bonus bets. If your first bet hits DraftKings, the crown is yours.
- [34:41]
Steve Nash
Help my game fan questions of the week okay, from Real T I L Neal realtill Neil from X what are the best sets to use against teams in drop or teams that switch? Pick and roll? What you have a thought on that first?
- [35:00]
J.J. Redick
The best sets to run versus teams.
- [35:02]
Steve Nash
In drop or concepts or switch.
- [35:06]
J.J. Redick
Well, obviously, you know, when you got teams in a drop, pick and roll, you know, if you have a dynamic point guard that's able to make those reads or whatever the case may be, it helps out a lot. So if you're a pick and roll team and you're coming off and that five man is in a deep drop, if you have a point guard that has the ability to shoot the ball, you know, and that, that big, your big can get a good clean screen on who's ever guarding the ball handler, it's going to then extend the defense. At some point the coaches are going to make an adjustment. They don't want you to keep coming off and just keep raising up, raising up and raising up. There's no help. The opposing player that's guarding the ball is going to get frustrated. He's going to be calling for the big come up. I need to hear you, I need to see you. So I think that helps too. But also, you know, against switching teams, getting that ball movement, create, create, you know, you know, confusion with hip taps, you know, quick hip taps, ghost screens, you know, if you, you know, you, you, you chase the ball and then, you know, he thinks he's going to set, you think he thinks you're going to set a pick and roll and you just slip out of it. You know, that creates, you know, confusion. You get behind the defense and you create the numbers game. So you know, a lot of teams that switch, a lot of they point switch. So you know, you got some, some opportunities to be able to run some flares. You got an opportunity to run some rip screens, some rips and slips to the rim. So you have to see how they're switching, who they're switching with, you know, and I think that that would help out a lot.
- [36:34]
Steve Nash
Yeah, I think in switching defense, I think those are great calls. And then I think the Other part is you have to mix it up. You have to mix it up, play with pace. You have to flip screens. You know, we talked about slipping, but like flipping screens, catching the defender on the wrong side. Play, get game, whatever it may be, get to sets where your pace and your variance is different. So they're not looking at the same thing. If you play slow, you walk into screens. Every time they get into you and they're physical, they get under, there's nowhere to slip, they receive you, they can push you back if they want to. So it's really important, I think, to play with pace, be really intentional what you do, and then to mix it up. Like LeBron said, you want to be able to slip, you want to be able to go screen, but you want to be able to flip screens, play, get game. All that variance, I think makes it difficult against switching defenses. And then for my thoughts, on a drop is when you have a three level scorer, it's a tough defense to go to drop because that guy can come off on a good screen. He's got the three ball, he's got the mid range. He could attack the big to score or to play make. So I think what a lot of coaches do, if they feel like they have a center that's not capable being up to touch to take space away from that three level score, is then they bring the wings in and shrink the floor and play in the gaps. So then you just have to be willing to make early passes and trust your teammates, make them pay for being in too tight, get off it early, let that next guy play two on one, shoot it, play two on one. Drive and kick with the corner. But again, the way the game's going, the one thing that's in common of this is being decisive and playing on the move, being willing to get rid of it early and play as a team because defenses are getting too sophisticated to just be so deliberate with all your actions.
- [38:12]
J.J. Redick
I agree. Great call there, Steve. Mama shooting the podcast. I'll call you back.
- [38:24]
Steve Nash
Mama. What's up, Mama?
- [38:25]
J.J. Redick
Love you. I love you, Mama. Look.
- [38:31]
Steve Nash
You'Re gonna be our guest soon.
- [38:32]
J.J. Redick
Yeah. Steve said you got to be our guest soon. Okay. All right. Love you. All right, stay warm out there. I'll call you later, okay?
- [38:44]
Steve Nash
All right.
- [38:44]
J.J. Redick
All right, bye.
- [38:46]
Steve Nash
That's amazing. That's amazing. Thanks for watching. Mind the game. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Remember to, like, subscribe or follow wherever you're watching it.