Basketball Evolution | LeBron James and JJ Redick | Mind the Game
Summary
TLDRIn this insightful episode of 'Mind the Game,' LeBron James and JJ Redick delve into the evolution of spacing in the NBA, discussing its impact on gameplay and strategies. They reflect on their personal experiences with team dynamics, the significance of role players, and the adjustments needed for success. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability and the collective goal of winning championships, emphasizing the value of each player's contribution to the team's overall performance.
Takeaways
- 🏀 The evolution of spacing in the NBA has significantly impacted the game, with teams focusing on spreading the floor to create more offensive opportunities.
- 📈 The importance of role players and their contribution to the team's success cannot be overstated, as they complement the stars and often make the difference in winning championships.
- 🤔 The term 'super team' is somewhat of a misnomer, as even with a 'big three,' a team needs well-performing role players to be truly successful.
- 🎯 The concept of 'important' in basketball is often misconstrued, as the best player is usually the most important, but every role is crucial for the team's overall performance.
- 🔄 The shift in Chris Bosh's role from power forward to center was a pivotal adjustment that unlocked the full potential of the Miami Heat and maximized their offensive capabilities.
- 🚫 The term 'pressure' is frequently misused in the context of NBA players, as all players, regardless of their stature, put significant pressure on themselves to perform.
- 📊 The growth mindset of players like Chris Bosh, who willingly adapted his game to benefit the team, is a key factor in achieving success in the league.
- 🏆 Winning championships is the ultimate goal for NBA players, and understanding how to complement teammates' strengths and weaknesses is vital in reaching that goal.
- 🎥 The podcast 'Mind the Game' aims to delve deeper into the intricacies of basketball, providing insights and analysis that go beyond the surface-level discourse.
- 💡 The importance of discipline in shooting and decision-making is highlighted, as it can significantly impact a player's effectiveness and the team's offensive flow.
- 🌟 The ability to adapt and evolve one's game, as demonstrated by players like LeBron James and Chris Bosh, is a testament to their basketball IQ and commitment to team success.
Q & A
What is the significance of the term 'floppy' in the context of the basketball play discussed in the script?
-In the context of the basketball play discussed, 'floppy' refers to a catch and shoot play. It's a simple play where there are two bigs on either side of the lane, the point guard has the ball at the top, and the two wing players are underneath the basket. The shooter can come out from either side, make a play, and shoot.
What is the role of the big player like Chris Webber or Vlade Divac in the Corner Splits play?
-In the Corner Splits play, the big player like Chris Webber or Vlade Divac is positioned in the vicinity of the elbow or high post area. They are involved in split action, which is when two offensive players screen for each other off the ball. They can cut, curl, set a back screen, or a rip screen, creating various offensive options.
How did the concept of spacing in the NBA evolve during LeBron James and JJ Redick's careers?
-The concept of spacing in the NBA evolved significantly during LeBron James and JJ Redick's careers. Initially, teams used two bigs and played more traditional styles. Over time, the league shifted towards more spacing, with all five players spread across the perimeter, leading to the adoption of strategies like spread pick and roll and five out. This change was influenced by teams like the Phoenix Suns and later, the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, which emphasized shooting and movement to create space on the court.
What is the term 'short roll' in basketball and its significance?
-The 'short roll' in basketball refers to the area between the restricted area and the three-point line. It is significant because when the ball is brought into this area, it forces a reaction from the defense. Big men often short roll to either shoot a floater, make a pass to a cutter, or spray out to a man for a three-pointer, making them an integral part of the offensive strategy.
How does the 'slot cut' work in basketball and why is it effective?
-The 'slot cut' is a timed cut made by a player from the slot area (high quadrant or wing) to receive the ball. It is effective because it allows the player to get open for a pass in a position that is difficult for the defense to cover, especially when combined with other actions like pick and roll or dribble penetration.
What was the impact of Chris Bosh's move to the power forward ('the five') position in the Miami Heat?
-Chris Bosh's move to the power forward ('the five') position in the Miami Heat was transformative for the team. It allowed for better spacing on the court and enabled Bosh to become a threat from the corner three-point line, forcing opposing bigs to leave the paint. This change unlocked the offense for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, as it created more room for them to operate and made the team more dynamic overall.
How did the addition of Ray Allen and Mike Miller to the Miami Heat affect the team's spacing?
-The addition of Ray Allen and Mike Miller to the Miami Heat enhanced the team's spacing. Both players were known for their shooting abilities, which meant that defenders had to follow them out to the three-point line, creating more space in the paint and allowing for better ball movement and offensive execution.
What is the significance of the 'Mac Truck Lane' strategy implemented by the Miami Heat?
-The 'Mac Truck Lane' strategy was a specific rule implemented by the Miami Heat during training camp, prohibiting big men from running between the lanes from the first day of camp until game one. This strategy was designed to encourage perimeter play and spacing, as well as to force big men to improve their rebounding and passing skills, which were crucial for the team's offensive system.
How did the concept of 'five out' or 'delay' revolutionize the NBA?
-The concept of 'five out' or 'delay' revolutionized the NBA by changing the traditional offensive approach. Instead of two players running to the blocks, teams now spread out with all five players outside the three-point line. This forced defenses to cover more ground and made it harder for them to help on defense, leading to more open shots and a faster-paced game.
What is the importance of role players in the success of a 'super team'?
-Role players are crucial for the success of a 'super team'. While star players may attract the most attention, it is the role players who complement the stars and fill specific roles that often determine a team's ability to win championships. They contribute in various ways, such as defense, rebounding, and shooting, which are essential for a well-rounded and successful team.
How did the discourse around 'pressure' and 'importance' in the NBA affect the players' mindset?
-The discourse around 'pressure' and 'importance' in the NBA can shape players' mindset in various ways. Players often put immense pressure on themselves to perform at a high level, and the perception of who is the most important player can influence team dynamics. However, it's understood that every player has a role and contributes to the team's success, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective effort over individual accolades.
Outlines
🏀 Introduction and Conversation on Basketball Evolution
The paragraph discusses the evolution of basketball strategies, particularly focusing on spacing in the NBA during the careers of LeBron James and JJ Redick. They delve into past and present strategies such as 'floppy', 'Corner splits', and 'Spread pick and roll', highlighting the changes in gameplay over the years. The conversation also touches on the absence of animation and whiteboards in their current setup, and reviews key basketball concepts from a previous episode.
🎥 Discussion on Modern NBA Strategies
This section continues the conversation on basketball strategies, with a focus on 'five out' and 'delay' concepts in modern NBA gameplay. The speakers discuss the importance of these strategies and how they have become a staple in today's NBA. They also explain the 'short role' and 'slot cut', emphasizing their significance in contemporary basketball and how they have influenced the way the game is played.
🤔 Reflecting on Player Potential and Mentorship
The speakers share their insights on identifying potential in young basketball players. They discuss the markers that indicate a player's likelihood of success in the league, such as discipline, work ethic, and the ability to absorb knowledge. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes about their own experiences with coaches and the impact of high school basketball on their careers.
📚 Learnings from High School Basketball
In this segment, the discussion revolves around the lessons learned from high school basketball and how those experiences translated into their later careers. The speakers talk about the importance of fear and respect for the game, the value of hard work, and the impact of strict coaching on their development as players.
🌟 Transition from High School to NBA
The speakers compare their transitions from high school to the NBA, discussing the differences in gameplay and the adjustments they had to make. They touch on the challenges of adapting to the physicality and speed of the NBA, as well as the mental shift from a structured high school environment to the professional league. The conversation also includes reflections on their early experiences in the NBA and how they adapted to new positions.
🏀 Spacing and Strategic Changes in the NBA
This paragraph delves into the changes in spacing and team strategies in the NBA, attributing the shift to influential coaches like Stan Van Gundy. The speakers discuss the impact of having players who can shoot from the perimeter and how it forces defenses to make tough decisions. They also reflect on their experiences playing against different teams and strategies, highlighting the evolution of offensive and defensive play.
🥇 The Impact of Complementary Players
The speakers emphasize the importance of complementary players in a team's success. They argue that while star players are crucial, it's the role players who truly make a team a 'super team'. The conversation includes personal experiences from their time in Miami and Cleveland, discussing how adding the right role players significantly improved their teams' performances and chances of winning championships.
🎥 Final Thoughts and Podcast Subscription Encouragement
In the concluding segment, the speakers wrap up their discussion with final thoughts on the importance of a well-rounded team and the role of basketball IQ. They express their passion for the sport and the value of discussing basketball strategy. The speaker also encourages listeners to subscribe to their podcast, 'Mind the Game', and thanks them for their support.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Spacing
💡Corner Splits
💡Pick and Roll
💡Short Roll
💡Slot Cut
💡Five Out
💡Super Team
💡Basketball IQ
💡Growth Mindset
💡Role Players
Highlights
The evolution of spacing in the NBA is discussed, with the speakers noting changes from traditional two-big formations to more spaced-out lineups featuring five players outside the three-point line.
LeBron James shares his experience of playing with the Miami Heat and the strategic adjustments they had to make, particularly focusing on Chris Bosh's role and the importance of his ability to adapt.
The concept of 'slot cut' is explained, which is a strategic move used in basketball to create space and opportunities for scoring, highlighting its significance in modern NBA gameplay.
The conversation touches on the importance of role players and how they complement the stars in a team, emphasizing that a successful team dynamic isn't just about having multiple star players.
The speakers discuss the impact of the 'super team' concept in the NBA and how it's not just about堆积顶尖球员 but also about the strategic integration of role players to maximize the team's potential.
LeBron James reflects on his early career, the challenges he faced, and how he had to adjust his game, particularly noting the difference in season length and intensity between high school and the NBA.
The speakers delve into the importance of having a growth mindset in basketball, exemplified by Chris Bosh's willingness to change his game to benefit the team.
The conversation highlights the influence of coaching and player development, especially in shaping young talents and their approach to the game.
The speakers discuss the strategic use of the 'short roll' in basketball, which is a move used to create space and draw reactions from the defense, allowing for various offensive options.
The concept of 'five out delay' is introduced, explaining its role in modern basketball strategy and how it has become a fundamental part of team playbooks.
LeBron James talks about his experience of watching his son's games and how it influences his own approach to basketball, showing the cyclical nature of learning and adapting in the sport.
The speakers discuss the impact of the 'pick and roll' in basketball, highlighting its evolution and the various offensive strategies that can be employed using this fundamental play.
The conversation explores the idea of 'corner splits', a specific offensive strategy that involves precise movements and coordination between players to exploit defensive weaknesses.
The speakers reflect on the importance of discipline and consistency in shooting, noting the difference between athletes who can consistently make shots and those who struggle with their shooting mechanics.
The speakers discuss the challenges of guarding spread pick and roll, a common offensive strategy in the NBA, and the decisions that defenders have to make when facing such plays.
The conversation touches on the influence of analytics and data in modern basketball, with the speakers noting how it has changed the way teams approach player evaluation and game strategy.
Transcripts
I mean I don't know if it was
intentional I had so many people like
whne people text me oh yeah me too DM me
be like couldn't quite make out I knew I
knew you were drinking the one rouso
what was the other one or yeah someone
called me last uh episode one say said
he's not he's not going to waste a drop
of that wine but I pour juice up when I
oh so I didn't know you want another
glass I pour juice up and we were
talking in mid conversation I wiped the
bottle and like lick my finger it was oh
yeah he's not wasting a drop with
that
welcome back to mind the game with
LeBron James and me JJ reic this is
episode three we're going to be talking
a little bit about the evolution of
spacing in the NBA during both LeBron's
career and my career we're also going to
be talking about the evolution of
certain positions certain Cuts it's
going to be a great episode um no we
have not upgraded to animation no we
don't have a whiteboard yet the
Whiteboard was sent to Los Angeles I'm
recording this in Brooklyn so you're
stuck with the paper guys a few key
Concepts I just want to review before we
get to our conversation just as a review
from episode one floppy is a catch and
shoot play
uh it's very
simple on either side of the lane
there's two bigs the point guard has the
ball up top and the two Wing players are
underneath the basket the shooter can
come out either side make a play in the
context of this
conversation it's funny because LeBron
James never runs floppy so in this
episode we talk about Corner splits
think the Sacramento Kings with Chris
Weber and Vlad devach as the passers
Mike Biby Pia Bobby Jackson Doug
Christie those guys as the shooters and
Cutters more recent example uh was Rick
Adelman when he was in Minnesota in the
mid
2010s Kevin Love Kevin Martin Ricky
Rubio that's what these guys ran a lot
of corner splits is very simple by the
way by the way I
apologize uh a number of people have
pointed out that the defensive players
are supposed to be the x's and the
offensive players are supposed to be the
Yo's here's the thing I've only had one
coaching job in my life that is coaching
8 n and 10 year olds now when you coach
eight nine and 10 year olds it can be
very confusing to have X's and O's on
the court so I decided to draw X's
because they all thought the O looked
like a basketball and that confused them
so for me I draw my offensive players as
X's all right corner split there is a
wing player in a corner the ball handler
brings it up aside in this case we're
going to bring it up the left side and
the big I.E Vlad devot Kevin Love Chris
Weber is somewhere in the vicinity of
the elbow or high post area uh you can
occupy the weak side in a number of ways
have a guy in the corner have a guy high
you can have a guy in the corner or have
a guy in the dunker spot because I don't
love the dunker spot we'll put the other
guy in the high quadron point guard
brings it up he would hit the big Chris
Weber VL debot at the high post he then
goes into split action as a reminder
split action is just when two offensive
players go to screen for each other off
the ball and again they can cut they can
curl they can set a back screen or a rip
screen a rip screen is the same thing as
a back screen often times again the
meaning is in the word if I was to say
I'm going to go set a back screen for
you where would I screen your defense
I would screen his back that's the same
thing as a rip screen so in this case
this is Paia this is Mike Biby uh Mike
BBY can go set a down screen for Paia
Paia has a number of options here he can
curl to the basket he can back cut he
can chase the basketball he can come for
a dribble handoff uh in this case let's
say Mike Biby sets a great screen page
it just comes off FL hits him he hits a
wide open jump that's Corner splits all
right spread pick and
roll all that means is there's nobody in
the dunker spot there's nobody in the
paint all five players are spread across
the perimeter um depending on where the
pick and roll is located let's say it is
up top the ball handler here you have a
guy in each Corner um this is a
right-handed player so we want to go to
the single side so we'll put this this
guy in the high quadrant and then the
screener would then come set a pick and
roll again everyone is spread out nobody
is inside the paint the opposite of this
of course uh would be let's say this guy
will eliminate him and put him in the
dunker spot that is no longer a spread
pick and roll that's just a pick and
roll five out delay uh again the meaning
is in the word five out five outside of
the three-point line five out this is I
think one of the biggest revolutions EV
ution in today's
NBA no longer see two people run to
either block as you did for a long time
in the NBA you still see it some in
college you certainly see it some in
high school five out is how most NBA
teams play it's not necessarily a play
as it is a set in a concept so for the
purposes of this let's say it's off a
miss everybody sort of run you get two
guys in the corner one guy on the wing
ball handler bringing it up and then the
trail guy who got the rebound or who
took it out is running down the center
of the floor okay within that you can
get to a number of options you can play
a step up pick and roll here you can run
a stagger screen away stagger screen
again it's in the word two players a
stagger one screen two screen uh you can
run away action away action again
meaning is in the word you go away from
the basketball you screen away like this
boom that's DeAndre Jordan screening for
me that's Brook Lopez screening for Kyle
corver that's just a way action a lot of
teams will hit the fivan though at the
top and then they will get into split
action delay is just another name for
five out again because I've got a white
piece of paper not a whiteboard I can't
go over every single option out of this
but this is the essential idea of five
out or delay okay the short role this is
one of the most important Concepts in
today's NBA uh it's a big part of this
conversation as well uh let's just go
back to that spread pick and roll okay
so within that spread pick and roll the
fan is going to set a screen for the
ball handler to get to his right hand
okay okay and let's say the help side is
here
here strong
side strong side all side is there the
big is up in the pick and roll and the
guards and the and the defender of the
point guard is right there as this guy
comes
off they put two on the ball the short
roll
is essentially the area between call it
the restricted area and the three-point
line so at any point in time if you get
the ball to the fivan in this area that
forces a reaction from the defense now
this guy almost always will pull over as
the low man he's the lowest guy on the
floor he's the low man that's his
responsibility to protect the rim this
guy as we discuss sometimes will drop
here and he will essentially have
responsibility on these two guys once
the ball is in this area this is the
short roll area anywhere again between
restricted and the three-point line the
short roll area is where today's big man
makes plays a lot of guys are not
shooting necessarily right here they're
not short rolling to shoot this shot
they are short rolling to either shoot a
floater haa yic to May
this cut this P pass to this cutter or
to spray out to this man for a three
that's the short Roll Another concept we
talk about is the slot cut just to be
clear here the slot is another word for
the high quadrant it's another word for
the wing uh in a spread pick and roll
the slot is considered the guy on the
wing you have the corner the corner and
the two people in pick and roll so this
would be the slot right here the slot
cut is simply a timed cut let's say the
ball handler turns the corner the big
rolls the defense reacts it's a Time cut
out of this slot to get the ball in this
area paint Rim whatever go dunk the
basketball now you can also let's say
you're posting the ball
here you can have a slot cut out of the
post a slot cut is just a cut from the
slot
area thank you guys again for watching
for listen listening LeBron and I have
really enjoyed recording these episodes
talking basketball and I hope you guys
have learned something and enjoyed it as
well appreciate you this is episode
three of mind the game
Evolution Cheers Cheers very much enjoy
the first episode absolutely I'm going
to ask you a question and I we can edit
this out if need be this is just I I
just want to get the conversation
started this way that's great because we
were just talking about young
guys and I felt towards the end of my
career once I had figured the league out
and I again figured the league out
meaning like I had a job you know what I
mean not like I'm an Allstar um but once
I figured the league out I felt like I
could tell within two or three days of
being around a young guy whether he was
going to be all right in the league yeah
do you have that too do you sense that
yeah absolutely what are the markers for
you where you say this guy's this guy's
going to be
good um coaches and Veterans being able
to get on
them and there's no snickering there's
no back talk there's
no n all of that it's just almost they
almost look
like
just keep on coming with it because I
want to see if how much I can I want to
see how much just keep on keep on
because I'm absorbing
everything that's when you know like oh
he's he's going to be in this league for
for a long
time one of the things that I always
noticed was
um and I wasn't perfect perfect at this
when I was like a rookie
especially there there's an element of
fear me meaning once we step on the
court I'm not scared but there's an
element of fear like I I need to be in
the training room on time yeah yeah I
need to do all the lifts yeah that my
strength coach is telling me to do if my
PD guy Player Development guy my PD guys
telling me to be on the court at 10
o'clock for an 11 o'clock practice that
guy's there at 9:55 ready to go sure
it's it's it's like the small stuff yeah
it's a small stuff it is a small stuff
uh we are recording this on
Thursday opening day of the NCAA
tournament official opening day I do not
count the play in yeah I don't I don't
count the play in not because not
because I've been in the play in a
couple times now as an NBA player but I
do not count a play in I don't get it's
like it's not official because you're
still playing into the tournament yeah
um and your high school coach just got a
big win about an hour ago yes he did
what what did you learn from
him oh my
goodness
um I think the number one thing that I
learned from him right
away
is how
to not only approach the
game but also how to think the game and
also play at a level that
was a lot harder and determined than the
a tournaments that I was playing in
beforehand um I got to coach Dan br
my ninth grade year so My First Year at
high school first of all back to the
fear
thing when you go from middle school to
high school you all already terrified of
what lies ahead you don't know what to
expect you know obviously you know in
Ohio you have six seventh and eth and
middle school so you have that feeling
coming out of Elementary going to the
Middle School from the fifth to sixth
grade you have that fear older people in
in the schools and how is it going to
affect you and things of that nature and
then you go to the high school and you
see you know kids with beards and you
know teachers they just look so much
more massive you you know and um and I'm
going to a a coach that is a former
college basketball coach and you hear
the stories I mean you know firsthand
probably or maybe you don't because
you're great you maybe had have to do
everything but you know I heard you know
the stories of like you know 500 am
wakeups to go run the mile or you know
this was your high school coach this is
my high school coach this is my high
school coach this is my high school
coach you hear the stories of like you
know one mistake everyone's going to run
until the coach gets tired and in my
head I'm like how in the hell does a
coach get tired if he's not running so
you like terrified of all of this you
know so the one thing back to your
question that I learned from coach D is
that um we're going to practice
Perfection every single day day every
single day he always used to tell us the
game uh the practices are going to be
way freaking harder than the
Gams and you don't understand that every
time the coach say get on the
line that's a universal that's a
universal word right there or or
Universal term right there get on the
line you know that's the last thing you
want to hear as a basketball player to
get on the line but he was um he was
super strict he was super demanding he
would get in your face call you out of
your name there were kids whose parents
used to come to
practice that he would call them out of
their names right in front of their
parents my sophomore
year my freshman year we win the state
championship we go 27
and0 I was MVP of of the
tournament uh obviously Maverick was our
captain um my freshman
year my sophomore year the first
practice I was
uh came in as projected number one
player in the state of Ohio I was
projected to be All-American as a
sophomore projected to be Mr basketball
as a sophomore which had never been done
in Ohio High School uh
history and the first practice we had
our sophomore year after the winning
state championship I did absolutely
nothing wrong coming out of football he
kicked me out of
practice he kicked me out of practice I
had no idea why the [ __ ] he kicked me
out of practice
and I think he was just setting the tone
for the season yeah like wherever the
[ __ ] or wherever you think you
are yeah I've heard all of this stuff
about how great you are and things that
nope I'mma humble your ass right now it
kicked me out of practice in the last
thing he said to me when he kick him out
of practice first day practice he said
best sophomore in the country my ass I
love that I love that setting the tone
right away best sophomore in the country
my ass and kick me out of practice
I I actually think I had a healthy level
of respect so I played varsity as a
freshman but actually my school middle
school was sixth through nth grade
really so I didn't even go to high
school yet say that again so it was
sixth through nth grade we didn't have
space they have space at the high school
so the year after I left they built a
second high school they split into two
they mov down a division that sort of