The Grizzlies offense is definitely the talk of the town this season. Not content with stopping the use of “pick-and-roll”, Taylor Jenkins’ offensive system introduced another curiosity: the use of “slow step”.
Kesako? It's basically the idea that the player, when attacking the circle, marks a furtive “pause” in the middle of his double-step. Which allows, on paper, to better eliminate a defender on the second support, sucked in by the speed of the first. Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are known for popularizing it.
“ I appreciate how willing our guys are about this. It’s built into our schematics. It's what allows us to make decisions, whether it's finishing or getting the ball to the 3-point line. “, Taylor Jenkins analysis.
Posted to the Grizzlies since 2019, the latter has not taken the “slow step” out of his pocket. His new assistant, Noah LaRoche, already behind the change in philosophy, on the “pick-and-roll”, is at the origin of this other novelty.
The recruited technician insisted a lot on the issue this summer. In particular, by encouraging players to lift the ball while remaining on their first step and to analyze the situation before using their second step.
More control
“ It was the first thing we did every day. I don't even think we took 3-point shots. We just took 0-1-2 steps “, remembers Jaylen Wells who, like Jake LaRavia and Scotty Pippen Jr., learned to use it very early on due to their participation in the Summer League.
Scotty Pippen Jr. considers that this famous “slow step” helps him lose the ball less and make better decisions. “ I can see the terrain, which allows me to slow things down a little. »
Similar feeling for Ja Morant who believes he has “ more control. When I penetrate, I'm able to slow down and read the defense instead of going 100 miles an hour, jumping around and falling. I am able to stand on my feet and make the best choice possible. »
A novelty for everyone, including for referees who have already had to integrate the notion of “not zero” in recent years. “ It's sometimes considered a walk when you do it. And the whistle doesn't blow », remarks the coach whose fantasies pay off.
His team currently occupies first place in the ranking of the best attacks in the league, in absolute value, with 123 points on average (and 4th out of 100 possessions) and 2nd place in terms of passes.
