True Hoops

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Point Guard Project - Derek Fisher

Welcome to the 7th edition of the Point Guard Project!
Yes, it has been some time.

Previous participants:
PGP1 - John Lucus
PGP2 - Luke Ridnour
PGP3 - Jrue Holiday
PGP4 - Ricky Rubio
PGP5 - Royal Ivey
PGP6 - Damian Lillard

This time we're joined by Derek Fisher

Summary of answers:

1) Grew up watching all sorts of players on all levels. Magic Johnson was the pro that he loved watching the most, though he never became 6'9" so he didn't try to emulate him. But more so emulated college players because he felt it was something more attainable. He never saw himself as an NBA player!

2) Memorable point guard match-up: John Stockton is always the go to answer. He was smart, tough, could shoot and good at all facets of the game. His IQ was so high that if you made a mistake on either end of the floor, he would make you pay for it. Forced him right away to understand that you have to focus and concentrate on every possession or else you're gonna get taken advantage of.

3) Definition for the job of a point guard: Similar to a handy man - whatever needs to be fixed around the house. It's your job to fix it. Some nights it means score a little more, other nights distribute, some nights lock down defense, some nights you have to attack with penetration, other nights be willing to take and make your jump shot. The final piece is the leadership component. The team needs to look to you as the stabilizer, you don't waiver, it's a stone cold look on your face that never changes. And you're always in control of the situation.

4) When to shoot vs. pass: Pretty simple. If a teammate is open - more times than not you should give them the basketball. But understand your personnel and where certain guys on the floor excel. Each night, you have to be able to differentiate between what's needed for your team to win. Recognize that and set the example for everyone else night in and night out.

5) Typical workout: Increased workload as carer has gone on. Track number of shots more so in the offseason. During the season have a consistent warmup routine with shots and ball handling to keep it tight. The warmup is dependent on how a team will play you and the way they defend: pick and roll situations vs. catch and shoot (don't try to over dribble).

6) For aspiring point guards: You're in a very tough position to point fingers at anyone else if you're not holding yourself accountable at the highest level. You have to take the right shots, play good defense. You have to set all of the examples you want your teammates to be. Realize that it's your team, you're the quarterback, you make things go. No matter what happens everyone has to look to you for composure, poise, and toughness.

Want to hear a little bit of what a 17 year professional does after a double overtime game in the NBA?
Ice feet for 15-20 minutes.
Go to the trainers table for post game stretching for another 15 minutes.
Shower for another 15 minutes.
Go to your locker and put on all sorts of lotions to take care of your skin and body.
And then finally, speak eloquently to some pestilent sports reporter that has waited the whole time to ask you questions for the PGP. Probably the most annoying aspect of it all!

Think you can roll with that for 17 years???

Just a few thoughts.
I love the part about him never seeing himself in the NBA. I'm sure it breeds a certain sense of humility.
And that attitude is totally reflected in the way he approaches the game and views his responsibilities as a point guard: do whatever is necessary on any given night to help your team win.

Of course, it does help when you have Kobe and Shaq on your team early in your career to play off of. Those kind of guys take the pressure off of you and allow you to do the other things necessary for a team to be successful. But truth be told, not everyone understands that and some people try to do too much rather than what is needed.

If you perform fairly well at the Division I level in college, chances are you can compete in the pro ranks. There are certainly people more talented than others and have skill sets that will better translate to the NBA. There are also a group of players that even if their amateur numbers aren't gaudy, are so talented/athletic that they are worth investing in (though sometimes that investment doesn't pan out). But, there is also a bunch of players, perhaps a notch below in talent, that are auditioning for the remaining spots. Many times, for these players it's the intangibles such as attitude, work ethic, and leadership qualities that will distinguish one from another (talent vs intangibles is a debate worth having).

And sometimes, when surrounded by super talents, these players become the "glue guys" that are essential for championship teams. Enter: Derek Fisher.

But was this dude dropping knowledge just on point guards or for life in general?
Never "point fingers at anyone else if you're not holding yourself accountable at the highest level."
Hmmm. Tough to distinguish.
Either way, it is pretty educational!

Oh, and just for entertainment value.
As I approached Derek in the locker room, I over heard him talking to OJ Mayo (shooting guard for Dallas). OJ asked him some question about Kobe (which I didn't hear).
Derek's response???
"Stone cold killer."
Now, I am unsure of the context that elicited such a response.
But......Kobe and "stone cold killer?"
Perhaps you can use your imagination.

Much thanks to Derek Fisher for his time!
I hope you enjoyed this edition on the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Look Out Below

That phrase may pertain more to the entire league than anyone in a specific play.
No, this isn't the Point Guard Project, but when you're on a tear like LeBron has been the last week or so - sometimes it worth taking time to appreciate.

How about this for his last 5 games:
31 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6 assists a game......ON 71% SHOOTING.
Yes, there is some sort of stat for that. LeBron became only the third player in NBA history to score 30 points in 5 straight games on over 60% shooting.

Care to see some of his high percentage shots from the Lakers game the other day???

Hard to fault Nash on that one, he was guarding the ball (Norris Cole) the whole way down, and once it went in the air......he wasn't about to go after it.

Now if only Nash saw LeBron coming from half court and had an opportunity to get in front of him to try to stop him......

Never mind.

Oh, in case you were wondering - Miami's second best player during those 5 games averaged 24.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists a game on only 52% shooting. Is it me or do these guys look really comfortable together?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Point Guard Project - Damian Lillard

Welcome to the sixth edition of the Point Guard Project.

Past participants:
PGP1- John Lucas
PGP2 - Luke Ridnour
PGP3 - Jrue Holiday
PGP4 - Ricky Rubio
PGP5 - Royal Ivey

This time we're joined by Damian Lillard

The PGP questions:

1) Who did you watch play growing up? And whose game did you try to emulate?

2) What was your first memorable point guard match-up, when you first got into the league?

3) What is your definition for the job of a point guard?

4) How do you determine when to shoot vs. when to pass?

5) What is a typical workout for you like?

6) Do you have any words of advice for young aspiring point guards?

In case you don't know Lillard yet, he has to be the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
He is currently averaging 18.9 points and 6.4 assists a game, which is first among rookies in both categories. And beyond rookies - he's ranks 5th in scoring for all point guards in the league.
In a recent win over the Spurs he put up 29 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Damian is listed as 6'3" and 195 ibs. and was drafted 6th overall by Portland. From Oakland, Lillard played college ball at Weber State (in Utah) - where he averaged 24.5 points a game his last year.

Mr Lillard, welcome to the Point Guard Project:

Summary of answers:

1) Grew watching Chuancey Billups, Stephon Marbury (he really liked Marbury), and Gilbert Arenas.

2) First memorable point guard match-up: Chris Paul. A lot of stuff he could take from him being on the court and seeing him as a leader and as a point guard.

3) Definition for the job of a point guard: Lead and make everyone else's job easier.

4) When to shoot vs. pass: More simple than people think - especially when playing with the people he's played with. Getting others involved early and getting them going is what you need to do, so the defense loosens up on you then everything comes easier as far as scoring the ball (which some doctors may diagnose as a pass first and take what the defense gives you point guard).

5) Typical workout: It's different from summer time than in the season.
In season: a lot of pick and roll stuff, a lot spot ups (no number of takes in particular), change speed stuff, floaters, and pull up jumpers.
Summer: Just try to add stuff. Definitely the middle game - floaters, mid range pull up jumpers, different finishes around the rim. And just try to get in better shape and improve everything else.

6) For aspiring point guards: Work on every part of your game so you'll be ready for every level you move up in. College, every level is tougher. So it's important to work on every part of your game.

Was it me or did Lillard's responses seem well beyond his years and designation as a rookie?

Perhaps for good reason. Lillard is 22 years old and went to Weber State for 4 years. That's kind of a rarity these days (Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving, & John Wall - all number picks as point guards - were all one and done in college). Certainly Lillard's age and college experience has something to do with how he handles himself both on and off the court.

One subtlety, which speaks volumes of his maturity and professionalism, is how he talked up his teammates and mentioned that because of them it's easy to be a point guard ("when you've had the teammates I've had"). I'm sure that would make his teammates feel good. And guess what? Instilling confidence and positivity is absolutely part of being a good point guard - even if doing so while speaking in a random interview!

There are also a few things I found interesting with regards to his maturity and style of play.

Of the players he mentioned he watched growing up, two out of three of them were scoring point guards (another shot out to Steph!). Perhaps non-coincidentely this fits his mold, being the 5th highest scoring point guard in the league. However it's Ironic that despite following and fitting the mold of a scoring point guard, Lillard defined himself (with my help) as a pass first point guard.

And that really is something to consider. There is a difference between being a scoring point (Rose and Westbrook) that gets assists when the defense helps and a point that runs the team then takes what the defense gives them. You'll notice that for the latter (Lillard's answer for when to pass vs. shoot) I responded with "that's the first time I've heard that response."
It's true.

I seem to recall hearing a lot of "always be aggressive", or more passive: "if someone's open, give them the ball." Here you have a talented scorer saying that he actively looks to get others involved and then makes the defense pay when they play off of him (maybe like Paul and Williams - in contrast Rondo and Rubio seem to be pass first, pass second point guards). This is not an easy thing to do, even for established point guards. But already as a rookie, Lillard seems to recognize this is what a point guard should do - use your talents to make others better and be good enough to score when needed. And he seems to already be adept at it. It will be interesting to see how this changes if and when Lillard becomes the best player on his team.

As impressive was Lillard's description of his works outs.
(By the way, if you want to see one of his Draft workouts, take a look).
Is there anything more important for a point guard than being able to master the pick and roll? And in turn being able to make the mid-range/pull jumpers coming off a screen? Or how about being able to make spot up jumpers - you know in case you throw the ball down to LaMarcus Aldridge in the post who then kicks it back out to you when he is double teamed. Let's not forget different ways to finish around the rim (not just dunks) and floaters in the lane in case you don't want to challenge the trees at the rim.

And ah yes, my favorite advice for a point guard: change speeds.
Did he get this from Steph???
When Jason Williams got into the league, Steph told him (as Rumeal Robinson told him) that you can't play only at one speed - even if it is fast. You need to change speeds.
By changing speeds, you actually become faster and always have the defense on it's heels. One speed makes you predictable. Two speeds makes you intractable.
In other words: slow down before you speed up. Or if you prefer, hesitate and go.
In any event, the fact that Lillard alludes to this is amazing.

And finally, how about:
"work on every part of your game so you'll be ready for every level you move up in?"
May I paraphrase???
Always try to make yourself better, so you can be prepared for the challenges you'll face in the future.
Great words of advice!

Much thanks to Damian Lillard for his time!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Point Guard Project - Royal Ivey

Welcome to the 5th edition of the Point Guard Project.

Past participants:
PGP1 - John Lucas
PGP2 - Luke Ridnour
PGP3 - Jrue Holiday
PGP4 - Ricky Rubio

Today we are joined by Royal Ivey

The PGP questions:

1) Who did you watch play growing up? And whose game did you try to emulate?

2) What was your first memorable point guard match-up, when you first got into the league?

3) What is your definition for the job of a point guard?

4) How do you determine when to shoot vs. when to pass?

5) What is a typical workout for you like?

6) Do you have any words of advice for young aspiring point guards?

First off, I have to say that this is a real treat for me.
For those that don't know, not only was Royal my first one-on-one interview here at True Hoops but I actually played against him in High School during a charity event.

If you haven't heard the interview before, please check it out.
Not only one of my favorite pieces, but it's actually something I showed my high school players my last year as a coach in NYC for both educational and motivational purposes. It's been know to bake noodles.

Now for the numbers.
Royal is in his 9th year in the league. He was drafted in the second round of the '04 NBA draft.
He is listed as 6'4'' and 200 ibs, with career averages of 3.4 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.2 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game. His career highs are 19 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds, respectively.

FYI, Royal Played 4 years for Texas. He is second all-time in school history for career starts, and helped lead Texas to the 2003 Final Four. He played prep school ball at Blair academy, alongside Luo Deng. Of course he is from New York, and played at Benjamin Cardozo high school in Queens.

Mr. Ivey, welcome to the Point Guard Project:

Summary of Answers:

1) Grew up watching Kenny Anderson, Stephon Marbury, and Mark Jackson. But of course that's because he's a New York guy!

2) First memorable point match-up: Steve Nash. He was in his prime. Real good and real fast with the ball. Just dissected him and his team. It was the first game of the season too. He was like "wow, this is what the league is about!"

3) Definition for the job of a point guard: Distribute the ball, be a catalyst like a quarterback. Get the offense started, run plays and make sure everyone is on the same page. A point guard is the head of the snake.

4) When to shoot vs. Pass: Most of the time - in his situation - it's pass first, trying to get everyone in the offense, and make sure the offense is running. Certain guys have the green light - shoot first then pass later. And that's what they do and that's what they get paid for. He is paid for running the offense and getting guys in the right position.

5) Typical workout: Coming off pick and rolls, screens, pin downs. You always handle the ball. Perhaps some in and out moves(?). Has a set workout and sticks with it.

6) For aspiring point guards: Keep working on your game. Point guard is the toughest position to play in the NBA. But it's the best because you always have the ball in your hands. Keep on honing your craft and work at it everyday.

A couple of things.

First off, that NYC point guard allure of going to Georgia tech is REAL.
I remember growing up and playing high school ball - it was just known that Georgia Tech recruited point guards from New York. It was just known about Kenny Anderson and Steph. And is was certainly a desire/dream to be the next to go there. In fact, when I was a freshman at LaGuardia High school, there was a senior across the street at Martin Luther King high school, Kevin Morris, who was the next point guard being recruited by Georgia Tech. And of course everyone wanted to see him play. I even went to a game to watch.

And to let you know that the whole NYC Georgia Tech point guard thing never really faded, when I played against Royal in the Wheel Chair Basketball Classic my senior year, Bobby Cremins - coach of Georgia Tech - was there. Because of the game, I ended up going to St. John's. But I remember, even years after, saying to my friends "man, if I would have dunked the ball I would have went to Georgia Tech." (perhaps a story for another day).

Ironically, going to St. John's I got to look at a picture of Mark Jackson every day in the locker room.

And Steph? You want to know about Steph??? My goodness, there isn't enough space in this post to write about all the Steph stories I heard while in high school (and even in college and after college). That was New York's guy (at least before he played for the Knicks). And forget about kids from Brooklyn, Steph was their main man. He was their end all be all.

Second, I truly think Royal's response about when to shoot vs pass is extremely informative.
I love how he makes it known, "in my position, I pass first......I get paid for running the offense and getting guys in position."

My, it's as if we're revisiting my first interview with him.
Knowing your role in a system and your strengths in order to be successful as a professional. In Royal's case, an NBA point guard. Yes, there are other point guards in the league (Rose & Westbrook maybe?) who best serve their team by attacking and scoring. But that's not everyone. A lot of players are role players. And if they want to keep their spot on a team (or in the league), they have to play a certain role and play it as best they can.

For sure, this is an honest answer (with a touch of humor) and is context dependent.
It may also be a little sobering. Having to play by the conventional rules of society and strictly adhere to the requirements of a job, just to keep that job and your lively hood. Where is the freedom? The free will? But for how many people is this the reality? And how many of those people don't have the benefits of playing in the NBA?

Perhaps many of us would prefer not to.
But again, that is a story for another day.

Much thanks to Royal Ivey for his time!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Point Guard Project - Ricky Rubio

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Point Guard Project.

Our previous participants:

PGP1- John Lucas

PGP2 - Luke Ridnour

PGP3 - Jrue Holiday

This time we are joined by Ricky Rubio

The PGP questions:

1) Who did you watch play growing up? And whose game did you try to emulate?

2) What was your first memorable point guard match-up, when you first got into the league?

3) What is your definition for the job of a point guard?

4) How do you determine when to shoot vs. when to pass?

5) What is a typical workout for you like?

6) Do you have any words of advice for young aspiring point guards?

Ricky Rubio is a bit of a throw back, if you will. Yes, it's hard to call him a old school point guard, considering that he is only 22 years old and entering his 2nd year in the league. But there is no doubt that in contrast to many of the other scoring point guards that currently dominate the NBA, Ricky is more of a "true" point, a pass first point, that fits more the mold of a Steve Nash and Rajon Rondo.

Ricky was drafted by Minnesota with the 5th overall pick back in 2009 and is listed at 6'4'' and 180 ibs. Of course, Ricky is also from Spain and didn't play in the league until last year. It is an interesting question to ask - whether international point guards may fit the mold of "pure" point better than american point guards. But that is a debate for another day.

Last year, as a rookie, Ricky averaged 10.6 points per game, on 36% shooting to go along with 8.2 assists. Those stats speak volumes to his strengths, along with the fact that Minnesota - after years in the doldrums of the league - had a legit shot of making the playoffs. That is of course until Ricky's season was cut short by a torn ACL (which he is still in the processing of recovering from). Besides the playoffs, one also has to ask if Spain legitimately would have been able to beat the USA in the gold medal game this past Olympics had Rubio played.

FYI, Ricky started playing professional basketball when he was 14 years old. He led Spain to the FIBA-europe under 16 championship - by scoring 51 points to go along with 24 rebounds, 12 assists, and 7 steals in the final game. He was also the youngest player ever, 17, to play in an olympic basketball gold medal game.

Mr Rubio, welcome to the Point guard Project:

Summary of answers:

1) Too young to watch the NBA growing up! It came on at 2-3 in the morning and his mother wanted him to go to sleep. Followed Elmer Bennett in Spain and his brother. When the "youtube" came on he watched Steve Nash, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams. (Elmer Bennett was a point guard at Notre Dame and only played a few years in the league. But he played 12 years in Spain, and a couple with Rubio).

2) First memorable point guard match-up: Derrick Rose

3) The job of a point guard: Be a coach on the court and has to run the team. Has to do the right decision and things. Has to be the brains of the team.

4) When to shoot vs. pass: It depends, shoot when team needs to score and no one wants to shoot. Pass if you see a free guy ready to shoot, go for him.

5) Typical workout: If you feel good you keep shooting, if you don't fell like its a good day you stop so as not to pick up bad habits. It depends on the day and how you feel.

6) Words of advice to aspiring point guards: Not applicable

These answers really are enlightening and speak volumes about age.
Both Rubio and Jrue Holiday are only 22 years old but it is truly amazing to hear how their response differ, especially when it comes to workouts/game preparation. For Rubio, no particular method to his workout? At least none that he let on. "If you feel good, keep shooting." How simplistic is that response? For sure it seems as if at this age he is relying more on "feel" for the game.

It will be interesting to see how Rubio develops with age. Imagine when he starts thinking the game in a methodical manner? How good will he be then? But then again, is it a good thing to think about the game methodically, especially when on the court? It's not like this is molecular biology.

Much thanks to Ricky Rubio for his time!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Point Guard Project - Jrue Holiday

Welcome to the third edition of the Point Guard Project.

Our previous participants:
PGP1 - John Lucas
PGP2 - Like Ridnour

This time we are joined by Jrue Holday

Summary of answers:

1) Watched Magic Johnson - I mean, he did grow up in California...and the doctor did tell him he would be 6'8"

2) First memorable match-up: Deron Williams. Knew he was really good - but a lot bigger and quicker than he thought he was.

3) Job of a point guard: Be a floor general, bring everything together. Get people shots when they need them, direct the DEFENSE (wow, defense) as well as the offense. Be a floor captain. Picking up and being aggressive on defense.

4) When to shoot vs. pass: If you have a open shot (simple enough). And if you're open all the time - then you should probably be scoring a lot. But, when a guy isn't having a good shooting night or a shooter hasn't touched the ball that many times - run a play to get them a open shot.

5) Workout: Passing is more so playing and having a feel for where your teammates will be. Shooting and ball handling is repetition. Different variety of shots - 1-2 pull-ups, coming off screens, & spot ups. During the off-season, make a 1000 shots a day, who knows how many it takes (2000-3000 shots). Repetition is about muscle memory, when you start hitting - it becomes natural.

6) For aspiring point guards: Keep working hard, don't be discouraged! Be the hardest working player on the court. Be able to do everything. Know where everybody is supposed to be, know where the defense is supposed to be. (Don't worry Jrue - it's not generic!).

Much thanks to Jrue Holiday for his time!
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Point Guard Project - Luke Ridnour

Welcome to the second edition of the Point Guard Project.

Our previous participants:
PGP1 - John Lucas

This time we're joined by Luke Ridnour.

Summary of answers:
1) Watched John Stockton & old footage of Pistol Pete Maravich

2) First memorable matchup: Mark Jackson. He was bigger and posted up......the whole game.

3) Job of a point guard: lead the team. Get guys in the right spot and get everyone in the best position possible to succeed.

4) When to shoot vs. pass: Depends on how the game is going. If guys are making shots, then just run the team. If guys aren't making shots, start the spark by making things happen.

5) Workout, during the season: not so much about the number of shots. Take game shots: pick and rolls, live shots, spot up threes. Pick and rolls and spot ups are almost the only shots he takes.

6) For aspiring point guards: It's a medium between being aggressive and leading the team. But always be aggressive - it makes things happen and opens things up for others. And learn how to dribble with both hands, "that's huge."

Much thanks to Luke Ridnour for his time!
Hope you enjoyed this edition of the Point Guard Project!
Stay tuned for more!