Let our Guards Lead the Attack!

[footey]

I was encouraged watching the Pacer game, how the guards, rather than Tatum and Brown, had primary playmaking responsibility. Particularly Kemba, Teague and Pritchard took turns on pick and role getting into a mismatch with a big, and then making a good basketball decision: sometimes driving to the hoop, other times kicking out or taking a short jumper. It was very effective.  I feel Tatum and Brown work better playmaking on the secondary level.  They lose too much energy trying to be primary playmakers.  They will have easier scoring opportunities this way. 

I hope this trend continues.  Teague in particular looked like the Teague I was expecting when we signed him in offseason.  If he brings that same energy each game, it will solve a lot of our recent short comings. 

[moiso]

I was encouraged watching the Pacer game, how the guards, rather than Tatum and Brown, had primary playmaking responsibility. Particularly Kemba, Teague and Pritchard took turns on pick and role getting into a mismatch with a big, and then making a good basketball decision: sometimes driving to the hoop, other times kicking out or taking a short jumper. It was very effective.  I feel Tatum and Brown work better playmaking on the secondary level.  They lose too much energy trying to be primary playmakers.  They will have easier scoring opportunities this way. 

I hope this trend continues.  Teague in particular looked like the Teague I was expecting when we signed him in offseason.  If he brings that same energy each game, it will solve a lot of our recent short comings.

I totally agree.  The game has changed a lot and bigger guys like Doncic and Harden often run the show,  but Brown and especially Tatum would be much better off as you describe.  It's been a huge issue with this team and it puts too much pressure on two guys and doesn't give other guys enough responsibility.  I don't think we can expect that from Teague all the time though.

[jambr380]

Kemba was brought here to do literally what you describe. I understand he will have his off nights, but he looks better physically than both Jaylen and Jayson right now. Hopefully Kemba can continue to build on his strong nights against ATL and IND as he gets more reps. He would go from untradable contract to premier All-Star PG with just a little more consistency. I remain excited about his future and don't feel he should be taking a backseat - especially as a lead ball-handler and shot creator.

[todd_days_41]

Let's get a better guard to do it and i'm in. Smart needs help. 

[footey]

I think tonight's game vs Wiz we saw more playmaking responsibility continued to be placed on the guards. You also don't see Tatum bring the ball up anymore except on the rare occasion.  He had a lot more energy tonight.

[liam]

I think tonight's game vs Wiz we saw more playmaking responsibility continued to be placed on the guards. You also don't see Tatum bring the ball up anymore except on the rare occasion.  He had a lot more energy tonight.

Yeah, zero reason for Tatum to bring the ball up.

[jambr380]

Let's get a better guard to do it and i'm in. Smart needs help.

I don't agree - we all saw what Kemba can do when he is looking for others in tonight's game. He came in about half way through the 4th and really settled the team down with his passing, led by the back-to-back-to-back-to-back plays to Theis. I believe he had 6 assists in the quarter. This also allowed Tatum to have the energy to completely take over this game in the end.

Smart will certainly help with the attack and I can't wait until he's back, but having a player as dynamic as Kemba will really make a difference. It's like, how quickly we forget last season.

[PAOBoston]

I agree and disagree. Getting Kemba/Smart healthy will in itself lead to better guard rotation so PP/Teague aren’t getting so many minutes. But, JB/JT need to continue playmaking imo. It’s hugely important for their development and pretty key for the playoffs when half court offense matters. You want the ball in your primary scorers hands. That being said, there need to be a balance.