Let's make the 2nd unit a Running Team

[EJPLAYA]

It is very clear that the skillset of our 2nd unit doesn't support us playing a half court offense as we have a difficult time getting the ball into the post and playing inside out basketball. Instead we often play isolation basketball or shoot towards the end of the shot clock. There is no question that unit is struggling offensively. We also don't have the ability to be a lock down defensive unit like the first squad. How about this thought?!

Let's push the ball up the floor and try and outscore the other team! Bring the young guys out there more, including Walker, Giddens, Pruitt, and let's play a more uptempo style of ball to take advantage of the quickness. TA can fill the wing and House can trail for the three point shot. We sure wouldn't hold their squad down defensively, but I argue we don't do it now anyway. Let's allow these guys to run and try and put some points up. Let the first unit play lockdown D and do what they do best in the half court. If we score more than they do then it's a plus. Right now we give up leads much more than we maintain them. Worth a shot?!

[crownsy]

It is very clear that the skillset of our 2nd unit doesn't support us playing a half court offense as we have a difficult time getting the ball into the post and playing inside out basketball. Instead we often play isolation basketball or shoot towards the end of the shot clock. There is no question that unit is struggling offensively. We also don't have the ability to be a lock down defensive unit like the first squad. How about this thought?!

Let's push the ball up the floor and try and outscore the other team! Bring the young guys out there more, including Walker, Giddens, Pruitt, and let's play a more uptempo style of ball to take advantage of the quickness. TA can fill the wing and House can trail for the three point shot. We sure wouldn't hold their squad down defensively, but I argue we don't do it now anyway. Let's allow these guys to run and try and put some points up. Let the first unit play lockdown D and do what they do best in the half court. If we score more than they do then it's a plus. Right now we give up leads much more than we maintain them. Worth a shot?!

Id like to see it, the only question would be is that team (specificly walker and giddeons) strong enough defensivly to get the stops you need to start the running game. you dont need to get stops every time, but you need to get TO's and Long rebounds once in awhile to get off to the races.

worth getting a look at as a lineup in a blowout though, for sure. TP.

[Andy Jick]

i'd like to see our first unit turn into a running team...

[crownsy]

i'd like to see our first unit turn into a running team...

perk would need to suddenly become fast and paul would need to shed 3-5 years off his legs for this to happen on a consitant basis. They run well enough when they make a good defensive play.

the problem lately has been, in fact, lack of good defensive plays. 

[Redz]

The return of the Zips and the Zaps?

Sure, I'm all for it.

[Chris]

To be honest, I don't think Pruitt or House are good enough passers to really run the break, and I wouldn't trust any of the other guys mentioned to handle the ball on the break either (especially not Tony Allen!).

Now, if they want to shake up the rotation, pull Rondo earlier in the 1st quarter, so that he can then come back at the beginning of the second to run with the second unit, it may work...and make a lot of sense.  Otherwise, I think it would just be turnover after turnover.

[Lucky17]

Can't have a running team if you can't rebound the ball. The 2nd unit is undersized, with House and Davis particularly small for their positions.

This is why we need to add length to our bench, especially at the 3 and 5 spots.

[Andy Jick]

i'd like to see our first unit turn into a running team...

perk would need to suddenly become fast and paul would need to shed 3-5 years off his legs for this to happen on a consitant basis. They run well enough when they make a good defensive play.

the problem lately has been, in fact, lack of good defensive plays. 

this team is structured somewhat like the celtics of the '60's...and they ran like hell.  perk is a good outlet passer and doesn't necessarily need to run.  but the rest of the team won't and it's a shame because they need to get a few easy baskets to take the pressure off them.

doc wants to run, but sadly his team doesn't.

[EJPLAYA]

Can't have a running team if you can't rebound the ball. The 2nd unit is undersized, with House and Davis particularly small for their positions.

This is why we need to add length to our bench, especially at the 3 and 5 spots.

Phoenix runs even after a made basket. I think it is a lot based on the attitude to push it every time. Another key thing would be to get POB in there for rebounding. I have seen quite a few times where he got the rebound and hit the outlet. BBD would definitely not be on my "running" squad. He is the opposite of what we would need out there.

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

To be honest, I don't think Pruitt or House are good enough passers to really run the break, and I wouldn't trust any of the other guys mentioned to handle the ball on the break either (especially not Tony Allen!).

I agree with the assessment of TA and House, as they are not good enough passers. However, I don't think we've seen enough of Gabe in transition to be able to tell. From what I've seen in the halfcourt set, I'm very okay with Pruitt in transition. I think there needs to be a bit bigger sample size before we write him off. He certainly hasn't done anything in my opinion to discourage running the fast break.

[Chris]

To be honest, I don't think Pruitt or House are good enough passers to really run the break, and I wouldn't trust any of the other guys mentioned to handle the ball on the break either (especially not Tony Allen!).

I agree with the assessment of TA and House, as they are not good enough passers. However, I don't think we've seen enough of Gabe in transition to be able to tell. From what I've seen in the halfcourt set, I'm very okay with Pruitt in transition. I think there needs to be a bit bigger sample size before we write him off. He certainly hasn't done anything in my opinion to discourage running the fast break.

The only thing I have noticed with Pruitt is that even when he makes the right decision, he isn't great at putting the ball exactly where it needs to be.  Its often too high, or two low, or too far off to the left.  You can ussually get away with that in the half court, but on the fast break, you really need an exceptional passer.

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

To be honest, I don't think Pruitt or House are good enough passers to really run the break, and I wouldn't trust any of the other guys mentioned to handle the ball on the break either (especially not Tony Allen!).

I agree with the assessment of TA and House, as they are not good enough passers. However, I don't think we've seen enough of Gabe in transition to be able to tell. From what I've seen in the halfcourt set, I'm very okay with Pruitt in transition. I think there needs to be a bit bigger sample size before we write him off. He certainly hasn't done anything in my opinion to discourage running the fast break.

The only thing I have noticed with Pruitt is that even when he makes the right decision, he isn't great at putting the ball exactly where it needs to be.  Its often too high, or two low, or too far off to the left.  You can ussually get away with that in the half court, but on the fast break, you really need an exceptional passer.

Is it possible that he simply needs some consistent minutes to warm up and get into the flow of the game? He hasn't gotten too many straight minutes, and I think (hope) it's simply due to the basic early game "working the kinks out." Also, as he's been almost baby-ed in his playing time, part of it could still very much be adjusting to the game speed. As we haven't seen it used yet, and something (strategy, personnel, rotations, whatever) needs to change, I think it's still very much a legitimate option provided we can get some boards.

[crownsy]

Can't have a running team if you can't rebound the ball. The 2nd unit is undersized, with House and Davis particularly small for their positions.

This is why we need to add length to our bench, especially at the 3 and 5 spots.

Phoenix runs even after a made basket. I think it is a lot based on the attitude to push it every time. Another key thing would be to get POB in there for rebounding. I have seen quite a few times where he got the rebound and hit the outlet. BBD would definitely not be on my "running" squad. He is the opposite of what we would need out there.

PHX's bench also consitanly gives up leads (not that ours doesn't now) in a short amount of time.

I'll take defense over alot of points but no D any day. This would be a good change up unit to punish big slow teams with though.

[KG Living Legend]

You can only play a running game when you have players that can execute that style.  Eddie house is garbage at a fast break style. Maybe a little better than me running the break.

[footey]

I agree with the OP's premise. The best way to accomplish this is by starting Pruitt, and bringing in Rondo 8 minutes or so into the first quarter, and having him set up with the 2nd unit. Give guys like Powe, Walker and TA (when he gets healthy) some run with that unit. You could run them very hard, and turn it more into a kamakazee style attack unit. I can't remember how many times lately where Rondo wants to start a fast break with the other starters, but the other guys are just too tired to keep up. Even Tommy has been busting their chops about it.