the great gatsby

Chapter 140 Gatsby's new idea!
Gatsby curled his lips. The last time they played against the Hornets, they repeated pick-and-rolls. David West blocked Okafor, and Okafor blocked Peja. The pick-and-roll felt more than the Cavaliers.

The Knicks had the ball. Gatsby carefully dribbled the ball across the half court. This time Gallinari came up to pick and roll and brought David West up. Gatsby followed Gallinari to get rid of Paul. Gallinari On the next play, Paul did not follow Gallinari, but instead chased Gatsby. Gatsby passed the ball to Gallinari. Gallinari rushed directly to the basket and wanted to dunk, but was defended in the low post. The madman Okafor pressed down vigorously.

The rebound was grabbed by David Lee. David Lee tried to beat Okafor with his gorgeous basket skills. After a few turns, Okafor didn't get caught. Reaching out to interfere, West rushed in and controlled the rebound.

Gatsby was a little surprised, no wonder this guy can replace Tyson Chandler alone. Although Chandler has not won the best defensive player at this time, his defense is not bad at all. Okafor can replace Chandler alone. On the other hand, Le can prove his strength.

Gatsby may not know much about Okafor. During his freshman year, Okafor broke Donyell Marshall's single-season block record with 138 blocks. At the same time, he also became the first in the history of the University of Connecticut. A rookie with more than 300 rebounds in a single season.

In his sophomore season, Okafor averaged 15 points, 11.2 rebounds and 4.73 blocks per game, which shocked the restricted area.

In his junior season, Okafor led the team to successfully win the NCAA championship.With 24 points, 15 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, Okafor undisputedly won the MOP of the NCAA Final Four.

The scout report gave a pertinent evaluation of Okafor: excellent defense, terrifying ability to block shots, full of energy, positive attitude, and a reliable team player.

After entering the league, Emeka Okafor played 73 games on behalf of the Bobcats, averaging 35.6 minutes per game, surrendering 15.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.71 blocks per game; while Dwight Howard averaged 32.6 minutes per game, surrendering 12 points 10 rebounds and 1.66 blocked shots.Emeka Okafor did not disappoint those who supported him. He overwhelmed Dwight Howard with the data of all-encircling opponents, and deservedly became the best rookie of the 2004-2005 season.

Okafor, the shot-blocking master, had two blocks for the Knicks. Is there anything strange about it?

As a result, Paul dribbled the ball quickly through David West's half court, but did not immediately launch a fast break. The Hornets' team actually did not have a fast pace. They played more positionally.

As soon as West came over, he was immediately blocked by the high-post Paul. Gatsby was blocked by West. Paul stuck to West to get rid of Gatsby. He faced David Lee's defense and passed it with a kick. Passing David Lee, the speed was extremely fast, and he rushed to the basket for a layup. Gallinari had no time to help defend.

Even though he had seen Paul's speed in the last match, Gatsby couldn't help but marvel at how amazing Paul's speed is now, much faster than the old Chris Paul when he was in the Rockets up!

In the playoffs of the 07-08 season, Paul led the Hornets to easily beat the Mavericks 4-1. Kidd was even more annoyed and left the field with 6 fouls in the fourth game. Mavericks coach Carlisle said after the series that beating the Hornets is very easy , just freezing Chris Paul would do, but each of us can do that.

In the second round against the Spurs, the Hornets relied on Scott's tactic of Chandler and West to help Paul pick and roll, and they fought against the Spurs in seven games!

That year, Paul caused headaches for the Spurs' insiders. After Chandler or West pick-and-roll, as long as the Spurs' big men don't delay, Paul can directly rush to the basket for a layup with an acceleration.

This is young Chris Paul!
The current Knicks’ simple pick-and-roll tactics against the Hornets are unstoppable, and it’s actually normal. In the 07-08 season, the Hornets relied on this simple tactic to reach the second place in the Western Conference. The Knicks are now ranked in the Eastern Conference. How much, the No. 11 place in the east!How is it possible to resist the tactics that the Hornets rely on.

However, this situation is basically within Gatsby's expectations. He is not very hopeful about the team's defense. David Lee and Gallinari are not known for their defense. Not good at training defense, how can such a team expect extravagant defense.

Unless the team has a defensive strongman who can support the interior, Gatsby suddenly thought of Tyson Chandler. Last season, Chandler suffered from a back injury and missed 37 regular season games. He only played 45 times and averaged 8.8 points per game. Points and 8.7 rebounds, the last game of the first round of the playoffs, he also failed to play.The decline in state made the Hornets begin to consider sending him away. In July 2009, Chandler was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats for Emeka Okafor.

After Chandler arrived in the Bobcats, he also suffered from constant injuries this season. He will be sent to the Mavericks next season. Chandler will serve as the starting center for the Mavericks, regaining his former style, averaging 10.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game It is as high as 65.4%, becoming the Mavericks' most successful signing in the offseason, which greatly alleviated the weakness of the team's center position for many years.And helped the team win the championship that season.Ranked third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

If the Knicks can trade to Chandler at this time, it will definitely be a huge improvement for the Knicks' defense. Go further in the postseason!
Gatsby decided to discuss this issue with the coach and the general manager after the game. He must find ways to recruit Chandler. Otherwise, such a defense would make him feel like vomiting blood. That's all, but the offensive talent is not enough.

Gallinari and David Lee have potential, but they are not top attackers. With Gatsby's improvement, they can average 15+ per game, but they are not very reliable at critical moments. As long as the opponent blocks him, The Knicks' offensive efficiency will drop significantly. If the Knicks' defense can't make the opponent's offensive efficiency drop, then the Knicks will basically be cold.

This is why it is said that defense wins championships. This sentence can be reinterpreted in the new era. It means that your offense may not be the best, but you can defeat your opponent through defense.

(End of this chapter)