I just play ball

Chapter 9 Role Positioning
Despite the unbearable excitement, Li Yue remained rational.

In his opinion, in order to win the trust of the coach, in addition to showing a positive attitude, you must also identify the target and prescribe the right medicine.

What is the current headache for the coaching staff?
First of all, it must be the team's low offensive efficiency.

As a coach, D'Antoni mainly has two tricks, namely the seven-second fast break and the V-shaped offense.

However, in the starting lineup of the Lakers, Howard is often the fastest runner on the fast break. It cannot reproduce the grand occasion of the Suns that Stoudemire grabbed the rebound, Nash ran to the center line to catch the ball early, and Marion and Diaw followed up on the wings. .

So now the Lakers only have a V-shaped offense to play, but they can only play one-third of their power.

Because the V-shaped offense requires the center and power forward to cover the two elbows, the shooting guard and the small forward ambushes on the sidelines on both sides close to the bottom corner and wait for the opportunity. Score through four conventional methods: break layup, break point, break shot, and low singles.

But the current situation is that Nash's breakthrough power has been greatly reduced. Howard is unwilling to play pick-and-rolls and his low-post ability is too poor. Gasol is willing to play pick-and-rolls but his three-pointers are too low. Gasol rushed in with a screen, and the opponent's power forward could switch defenses without any scruples.

There are two ways to solve this problem. One is to persuade Howard to play more pick-and-rolls. The probability is basically zero.

The second is to replace someone who can shoot and pass at the top of the arc to attack with the ball. Kobe often does this, but because of his age and injuries, he can't catch the defense when he catches the offense, and he has to attack at critical moments. Suitable for long-term as a starting point.

Li Yue knew that he could take on this role instead, just like when D'Antoni was coaching in New York, the initiator of the V-shaped offense was basically Melon Anthony, and he could drive the team's offense like Anthony did.

These thoughts flashed by, Li Yue made up his mind and looked around the second team: center Jordan Hill, power forward Earl Clark, small forward Jamison, shooting guard Jodi Meeks, point guard Steve Blake.

Perhaps because there is no need to abide by too many rules in team training, Hamm signaled the starting group to continue to attack.

He didn't even need to serve the sideline ball, and he threw it directly to Nash.

Seeing this situation, Li Yuefei ran up quickly and reached out to Nash for the ball.

Although it was different from the tactical plan, because of the smooth cooperation in the previous game, Nash passed the ball to Li Yue without hesitation, and used his cover to run to the bottom corner.

Li Yue rushed to the top of the arc with the ball, and before he could wave, Artest stepped forward to pick and roll.

As soon as the wall was set up, Clark had already switched defenses.

The attitude is very positive, but the timing is too bad, Artest turned around sharply and made an empty cut.

Since Howard left the field and did not stay in the low position, the V-shaped tactics appeared in the true sense, and the basket was completely unguarded.

Jordan Hill shrunk to intercept, Gasol was unguarded, and Li Yue passed the ball immediately.

Swish!Gasol scored in his familiar position, with a rare smile on his face.

...

On the sidelines, five coaches stood together.

Clifford said in a low voice: "It seems that the evaluation of the scouting report back then was very accurate. Li Yue's ball-handling skills are really good. Although he is relatively thin, I don't understand why he was not selected until the 58th overall pick?"

Phil Weber shrugged: "Linsanity still lost, why do you say?"

Darwin Hamer looked expectant: "If only he could be stronger."

Dande Anthony chuckled: "Do you really think of him as a stripped-down version of LeBron?"

Mike D'Antoni was expressionless: "It's a bit like understanding tactics and passing the ball, but you have to look at the passing level."

...

On the court, the second team attacked.

It was also a V-shaped tactic, Blake took the ball to the top of the arc, and the team settled in a 122 formation.

Hill raised up to screen, Gasol stayed at the free throw line and waited, and Blake took the opportunity to rush in.

Nash squeezed through the screen to catch up, but fell behind by a full two lengths.

Seeing this, Li Yue adjusted his orientation sideways, and slid sideways to help defend.

Blake didn't dare to jump up and shoot, and didn't dare to continue to rush in, but he threw the ball high.

Li Yue decisively twisted his hips and ran back to Jamison. Not only did he successfully return to the defense, but he almost stole the ball.

There was not much time left in the attack, and Jamison lowered his shoulders and rushed in against Li Yue.

Li Yue pressed close, raised his hands to interfere with the shot, and deliberately missed the pass, but Jamison stopped abruptly.

when!Shots hit the iron.

Artest grabbed the rebound and passed it to Nash. Li Yue gave a thumbs up with a smile, as if saying he was beautiful.

Li Yue nodded lightly in response, not feeling too excited.

Because in his opinion, the pure V-shaped tactical system is too simple. Even if there are four main scoring methods, he can still know how the opposing player moves without the ball with his eyes closed. It is very easy to restrict, especially when encountering a powerful striker. Defensive player.

Even if it is a low-post singles, it is unavoidable to change to an outside super giant in a high-post singles.

Too simple, too easy to be targeted!

...

On the sidelines, the four coaches looked happy.

Clifford: "I probably know why Kobe strongly suggested to keep him."

Phil Webber: "When he is healthy, he has both offense and defense. It really feels like a stripped-down version of LeBron."

Hamm: "Looks great at the moment, but can he play the same role in the second team?"

Dan DeAnthony: "You can just arrange for him to pass, like now."

McD'Antoni was expressionless and shouted loudly: "Lee, hit one with the ball."

...

On the court, Li Yue, who was controlling the ball at the top of the arc, heard the coach calling, and immediately raised his hand to signal to pull away.

As soon as the action came out, there were surprise sounds on and off the court at the same time, and everyone looked at Li Yue with great interest.

"My impression of you holding the ball is still in the first time you participated in training and wanted to dunk Kobe." Gasol said.

Bryant shrugged and spread his hands: "I defended it, but I appreciate his courage."

Jamison clapped his hands: "Come on, I can defend it too."

Li Yue didn't say a word. As far as he knew, Jamison played small forward for a while when he was young, and then switched to power forward when he was old. Now that he is in the Lakers, he often switches positions between big and small, but no matter what time he is, his defense is average. .

Because Jamison has a gentle personality and rarely tries his best to attack and defend, Li Yue decided to use this as a breakthrough.

He changed hands continuously, moved forward with cross steps, entered the free throw line, squeezed decisively close to the body, grabbed the position and directly launched a three-step layup, protected the basketball with his right hand and forced a jump. Jamison only chased two steps.

With a bang, Li Yue split the buckle with one hand.

"Okay!" Howard, who was originally innocuous, suddenly stood up and applauded loudly.

"It's okay." Kobe nodded, "Stay here later, I'll give you a special training."

...

In a blink of an eye, the 5V5 confrontation ended.

According to the process, the whole team is ready to watch the analysis of the Thunder team video together.

During the break, McD'Antoni called Li Yue to the sidelines and said straight to the point: "We plan to keep you on the team until the end of the season. Do you have any position for yourself?"

"I want to be like Andre Iguodala..."

(End of this chapter)