Thanks! I had a similar thought, but decided 2,000 words was already enough haha. Feels like something we'll see more of, but truthfully, there aren't that many teams equipped to do so right now, at least in the regular season.
Definitely a very playoff-relevant question. I still have major questions about how playoff viable the offense can really be with so many non-shooters next to Jokic (not just Westbrook!), but maybe Jokic really is just that damn good. Dude has the shoulders of Atlas.
I think Malone has pushed the “non-shooters” to bring it aggressively
in this last week. it’s starting to work. As importantly and less tangibly it isn’t just that Westbrook passes well, it’s HOW he passes. His passes to Strawther, Broun and even Watson are fine with this overwhelming positivity. Watch and you’ll see not just the pass but a belief and inspiration to the receiver that they will make the shot. That has no measure on analytics and yet!!
Man, I love what you're putting down. Definitely think that Westbrook's confidence in his teammates is part of the reason role players have always embraced Westbrook (his superstar peers may be a different matter ha).
Great piece, Mike!
I love your point about DEN/Jokic being able to protect Westbrook’s anemic shooting from above the break.
Can teams capable of going double “Bigs” like BOS and MIN still put a funnel on DEN by sticking a big on Westbrook and daring him to shoot?
Thanks! I had a similar thought, but decided 2,000 words was already enough haha. Feels like something we'll see more of, but truthfully, there aren't that many teams equipped to do so right now, at least in the regular season.
Definitely a very playoff-relevant question. I still have major questions about how playoff viable the offense can really be with so many non-shooters next to Jokic (not just Westbrook!), but maybe Jokic really is just that damn good. Dude has the shoulders of Atlas.
🫡
There's not a lot of shooting out there; you're right.
I think Malone has pushed the “non-shooters” to bring it aggressively
in this last week. it’s starting to work. As importantly and less tangibly it isn’t just that Westbrook passes well, it’s HOW he passes. His passes to Strawther, Broun and even Watson are fine with this overwhelming positivity. Watch and you’ll see not just the pass but a belief and inspiration to the receiver that they will make the shot. That has no measure on analytics and yet!!
Man, I love what you're putting down. Definitely think that Westbrook's confidence in his teammates is part of the reason role players have always embraced Westbrook (his superstar peers may be a different matter ha).
Thanks for the good write up!
Glad you liked it!