The New York Knicks are getting ready for changes underneath new head coach Mike Brown subsequent season.
Regardless of his popularity as a defensive-minded coach, Mike Brown lately introduced plans for offensive modifications centered round celebrity Jalen Brunson.
Brown desires to create extra environment friendly scoring alternatives for Brunson by decreasing his ball-handling obligations.
As an alternative of relying solely on Brunson’s particular person creation, the brand new system will contain different gamers driving and passing to Brunson in advantageous positions.
The offensive adjustment prompted Karl-Anthony Cities to check Brunson’s future position to Stephen Curry’s off-ball effectiveness.
Cities believes the system change may maximize Brunson’s scoring effectivity by way of improved positioning and motion.
“JB is likely one of the greatest level guards within the NBA, so after all, when he has the ball in his arms, everybody takes discover,” Cities defined.
“If Mike has mentioned that, then we’re going to want to do a greater job at getting him open. Like Steph Curry, we’re going to have to search out methods to make it simpler for him to get the ball with area and assist him get clear appears on the rim.”
Cities instantly related Brown’s technique to the Warriors’ profitable mannequin with their celebrity guard.
“I don’t know an excessive amount of proper now, however what I can say is that if he mentioned that, then my concept already goes to considering of Steph Curry,” he added.
The strategic shift has statistical benefit based mostly on Brunson’s capturing splits from final season.
Whereas he shot 38.3% from three-point vary general, his effectivity assorted considerably based mostly on shot creation methodology.
Brunson transformed 42.1% of catch-and-shoot three-pointers in comparison with 37.1% on pull-up makes an attempt.
The five-percentage-point distinction suggests significant enchancment potential by way of elevated off-ball alternatives.
Creating extra catch-and-shoot conditions may considerably profit the Knicks’ offensive effectivity, although implementation requires discovering appropriate playmakers to interchange Brunson’s ball-handling duties.
“How do we discover methods to get him open with screens and motion that may make it simpler on him to get to the basket or shoot the ball?” Cities questioned.
The Knicks should establish gamers able to dealing with major playmaking obligations whereas sustaining the offensive gravity that Brunson usually offers.
Candidates embody Cities himself, Mikal Bridges, or new acquisitions like Jordan Clarkson.
The system’s success will depend on discovering gamers who can create benefits for others whereas Brunson operates extra effectively in catch-and-shoot conditions.
Brown’s offensive evolution may unlock new ranges of manufacturing from the Knicks’ franchise cornerstone.
