So applying this rubric to Pat would mean that again, it's part of the coaching staff's fault. As I said before, he's fast enough when he gets going. The reason why he isn't getting time IMO is not because he's not trying hard enough but because the staff might have evaluated him somewhat incorrectly. Example #1: raw speed. He's faster and more athletic than Perk, but needs to work on his first step. Therefore, he needs to work on his explosiveness... are they saying this to him? Maybe not. Example #2: Defensive awareness. We already know he can block shots, but the problems I saw in the preseason games was that he didn't know where to go on either offense or defense.. the run-and-gun mentality basically carried over. Is this a problem because he doesn't know the sets well enough or because he doesn't want to listen? I'd like to think the former. So let him work on the sets in practice, do everything you can to familiarize him with them. Is the staff doing this? Maybe, maybe not. I'm inclined to think they're not.
So, in summary, it's not "yes or no" but "case-by-case."
That's an extraordinary claim that would require extraordinary proof. Can we attribute the lack of success for any player who didn't succeed in the NBA to the lack of good coaching? The idea that the coaching staff is not teaching him the sets well enough is bizarre. What I saw was a guy who has a very common problem: he can't simultaneously keep the awareness of his man and of the ball. That has nothing to do with the sets, he'd have the same problem in every scheme.
During the Summer it was said over and over that he busted in the Warriors because of Don Nelson. If the same happens here is because of Doc? What if he goes to Europe and doesn't do very well either?
Sorry cordorobes I thought this thread was done but alas it is yet resurrected. I don't think it's too bizarre that the staff might not have taught him the sets well enough. The problem has cropped up with Pruitt too, and clearly you saw that it took time for the team to adapt last year even when they went to Europe to do it. I don't remember how far into the season it was, but KG was saying something about doing the D-sets "on his woman" which even after 12 years in the league at that point overwhelmingly suggests that the D and maybe even O schemes are fundamentally different than what he's been used to over his career.
So that point in mind it would be hard for pretty much anyone to get used to the sets, nevermind the rookies. Which is why I say that Baby and Powe lucked out last year because there were effectively only 12 guys on the roster, 1 of whom (Pollard) wasn't even able to play with the team for near 80% of the season. Well how do you think that would impact someone's playing time with the 1st or 2nd team?
So the whole problem like I was saying isn't this-or-that but a little bit of everything. He might not have the BBIQ to pick it up, but then again that's a pretty tall order for someone to just pick it up like that after being effectively shut out in his last team. Second thing, as far as his ability to be aware of his man goes, you might be right, but it might be the case that that could be remedied with a change in his defensive philosophy (i.e. integrate him more into the sets). I'd also lean towards him having a high BBIQ just for the fact that he's shown flashes of being a good outlet passer.
Well, some guys are quicker learners than others, but I won't place the blame on the coaching staff. But I don't believe for a second that his major problem is not knowing the sets.
POB doesn't set solid picks, doesn't get low and large, doesn't position on the proper angle, be it on backscreens, downscreens or cross screens. He doesn't know how to establish position on the low post, even the basics of sticking his foot between the defender legs. He just runs around agitating his raised arms like he's some modern dance performer. He doesn't know how to roll of screens, he doesn't execute the reverse the pivot movement, he turns his head to the ball too early. He doesn't box out, he can't execute the "find, pivot, block" routine. These have nothing to do with sets; rather are basic basketball fundamentals that, from my point of view, a 7ft with 2 years of college experience and 2 years of NBA experience is expected to master. At least some of them. Will he get it? I don't know. But, right now, he's not a solid basketball player whose problem is missing some rotations.
