Welcome to the first edition of Right Play Wednesday! Every week, the writers here at Premium Hoops will analyze a few plays that we think were
a. Very cool
b. Aesthetically pleasing
c. Intriguing or Smart
d. Noteworthy & Eye-Popping
This is just a fun way for us to display some of our favorite happenings around the league. Catch some cool moves!
Dee Iasip GIF from Dee GIFs
The Cleveland Cavaliers Run a Four-Center Lineup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Xns1VUvaU
For a grand total of five minutes against the Bucks (and in total during the season), the Cavaliers ran a lineup of Andre Drummond, Larry Nance Jr., JaVale McGee, Thon Maker, and Damyean Dotson. This is effectively a lineup of three full-time centers, one player who splits between power-forward and center, and a shooting guard who is shooting below 30% from three this season. However, here’s the kicker: this lineup was +5.
When working with a lineup that can’t effectively space the floor, you don’t try to space the floor, and the Cavaliers clogged the paint to their advantage. In this action, Drummond dumps the ball down to Larry Nance Jr. The ensuing play feels lackadaisical as Drummond jogs over to screen Makers’ defender, Pat Connaughton (who is a full seven inches shorter than Maker). Maker saunters over to the Nance’s side of the basket, and because of Drummond (slightly illegal) screen, Maker makes a deep catch. Poor Connaughton’s fruitless attempt is but a blimp to the skyscraping Maker who easily scores a hook.
We busted the myth that all NBA offenses look the same on episode 2 of the Sense and Scalability podcast, and this is a clear example of the experimentation within the league. Even though some of the most famous analysts straw-man analytics by making it all about threes and layups, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Analytics is about finding the best shot for the best player who is on the court, and in this instance, setting Maker up for a short hook over a much shorter shooting guard is clearly the best option. - Cody Houdek
Nikola Jokic Expertly Uses His Hands in the Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGQBqgHVGkY
As of January 11th, the Nuggets have the 6th worst defensive rating in the league. Some of it has to do with some Millsap regression, some has to do with Jerami Grant getting a new chance in Detroit, and some of it is just statistical luck. Unfortunately, Jokic will never be a damaging defensive anchor, but he has some tools to make him a somewhat positive impact defender.
In this play, you can see his quick hands on full display. He lacks the vertical pop to make him a functional rim protector, but his sheer size makes driving straight to the basket a difficult endeavor. When he sees Randle taking off for a shot, he anticipates the pass by quickly getting his hand between Randle and the only place the ball could go. - Cody Houdek
Andre Drummond with a Double-Jump Block
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jbF_or6ln4
Andre Drummond might be the twitchiest player in the last decade or so to stand 6’ 10” and weigh 280 pounds. When looking at his steal numbers, quickness, and strength, it’s shocking that he’s not a perennial Defensive Player of the Year Candidate. However, that ideal Drummond has not been realized.
Adding to his tantalizing potential (at 27-years-old), Andre Drummond randomly erupts for a delicious defensive play. What makes this particular block so fantastic is that he e...
