Nets head coach Steve Nash knows he needs to be careful not to overburden star Kevin Durant, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
Durant, who leads the NBA in scoring with 29.5 points per game, is shooting a career-high 58.5% from the field. Nash says the team is intent on finding Durant more shots within the flow of the offense, instead of relying on him to bail them out with his great one-on-one play.
“That’s the luxury of All-Star players, that they can do that. Kevin’s obviously elite at scoring and isolating, and there are times when we lean on him. But it’s important for our team that we don’t overburden (him),” said Nash.
“You want to give him as many great opportunities to score out of the flow and out of teamwork, rather than have to face a loaded defense all night. So while that is a luxury — that he can make plays against anyone — we definitely don’t want to rely on that. That’s the antithesis to our vision. But that is a luxury, when he can just rise up and score over people.”
The Nets have just seven players back from last season, and Nash says all the new faces are still trying to figure out how to play together.
“It’s a new group, and we’re asking them to play a lot of basketball where they’re reading situations, playing early, and with a randomness, but with principles,” Nash said. “That takes time to develop that feel for one another. But I think that’s where our group needs to go. … It still takes time and there are only stretches of the game where we execute that vision.”
Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Matthew Brooks of NetsDaily.com provides a video breakdown of how the Nets‘ Bruce Brown and DeAndre’ Bembry have played key roles in shaping the team’s newfound defensive identity. Brown re-signed with Brooklyn in the offseason, while Bembry was added in free agency.
- With Sixers star Joel Embiid sidelined with COVID-19, it’s Andre Drummond‘s time to shine, opines Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Pompey believes that Drummond, a free agent signing on a one-year, minimum-salary contract, has already proven to be a clear upgrade over Dwight Howard, Embiid’s replacement last season. Drummond is averaging 15 points, 20 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game in three starts this season.
- Sixers guard Shake Milton has given the team a boost since returning from a sprained ankle, according to Gina Mizell of the Inquirer. Milton has shown a willingness to play multiple roles and is competing harder on defense. “However it comes, I think I’m going to be prepared,” Milton said. “My mentality every game is to come in and bring the team energy, pick up full court, play-make on offense, guard my guy on defense and do whatever I can to help the team win.”
It shows how far Drummond has slipped that now “Drummond is better than Dwight Howard” even needs to be spoken.
I was a big skeptic of Drummond. I thought he did terribly with the Lakers. Watching him the other night against the Bucks though I think he is doing much better.
You should still be a skeptic. He played on a 76ers team that night without Embiid, Harris, Curry, Thybulle, and Simmons of course. Think of it like his Pistons days. He is going to look good because there is nobody else on the team that is really good in the first place.
Sounds like it’s a win/win for both teams. Drummond better for Sixers, Howard better for Lakers……next.
Except for the fact that Howard hasn’t been better for the Lakers.
Even with all of their injuries, Dwight has barely made an impact.
DeAndre has been playing better, that’s why he is their starting center.
Drummond is still really good, just was benched for a rebuilding Cavs and didn’t play much with LA. When he gets his usual mins he makes an impact
Sooo true!