With three players capable of averaging 30 points, the Suns should climb among the best attacks in the NBA. Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant know this, and that’s why they prefer to focus on defense. This is also why management chose Frank Vogel, NBA champion with the Lakers in 2020. That year, LeBron James and his teammates finished in the Top 3 of the best defenses. What is the basis of a good defense? The size responds the Phoenix coach.
“It’s obviously [utile] at the rim, to deter shots and catch rebounds. But also offshore », he said Wednesday. “We want everyone to be in their position, in their space and to narrow the field. If there are fewer penetration lines on the court because we have players with stature, it’s harder for attackers to think they can get to the basket. And then, obviously, you have to contest shots wide. When you have the height to contest shots, it makes things more difficult too.”
Speed and scale will be our strong points
With his 2m11 and 2m25 wingspan, Kevin Durant is the ideal player to be at the heart of this defense. “When I enter, it’s the jungle” sums up Josh Okogie. “I can’t imagine what the other teams will see when they play us. »
Vogel assures that this is a plus, and that it complements the systems he had planned. Above all, it helps to compensate for a deficit in size and weight.
“We continue to do things the same way, we continue to coach the same way. But size only makes things better, especially on the defensive end. Speed and scale will be our strong points”he warns. “This is how we are built. My prerequisite on physical qualities will be there, but we know that we will not be the biggest and strongest team. On the other hand, we can still be the most physical team, even if you are not the biggest and strongest. And that’s what we’re going to do.”
Jusuf Nurkic, defensive quarterback
Another important element, physique. Size is nothing if there is no aggression or physical presence. The fallback is also very important, as well as the rebound screens. Without forgetting, of course, communication.
“The most important thing is communication”even believes Beal. “Everyone is on the same wavelength, we understand the diagram, the concept. Interiors are more or less like quarterbacks, so as long as they’re strong, they talk to us, the backs. … We have to get on the ball and get the rest of the defense ready, knowing that if we’re active, the rest of the guys have no choice but to be in position, ready to go too. It’s a collective effort. »
Beal mentions this role of “defensive quarterback” of the interiors, and it is therefore Jusuf Nurkic who will lead all of this. “I feel like it starts with me” confirms the Bosnian. “But everyone needs to be aware of it. Everyone should take this as a challenge. Personally, I didn’t see any problem. Everyone accepts the challenge. Today in practice, Devin Booker really defended on his opponents and challenged them. Especially for these three guys, they know what to do. Especially at this stage of their career, they are really ready. »
