Whether or not you knew much about Mike D’Antoni before he was named the new Lakers head coach, there were probably four words you did know. Seven seconds or less – the name given to D’Antoni fast-paced pick-n-roll offense.
Well, according to Mike D’Antoni at his introductory press conference today, those four words might need to be modified.
“Books, and papers and articles are funny because they have the catch-line that it takes ‘7 seconds or less.’ I don’t even know how that came about.
As D’Antoni explains, his philosophy was never focused on seven seconds. Instead, it’s centered around the idea of getting one good shot, before the 24 second buzzer.
“My whole philosophy is 24 seconds or less. I mean obviously you’ve got 24 seconds to shoot. I don’t care if its seven or 10 or 20 (seconds). We just got to get one good shot in that 24 seconds. And, that’s what we’ll do. I expect us to be a little more up-tempo…not to be seven seconds. There’s no reason there’s not a great flow going.”
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As D’Antoni explains, there is some truth behind the seven seconds or less offense. The time limit should be dictated by the skill level of the team.
“If you’ve got the best team, why wouldn’t you play the most possessions that you could play. If you’re the best defensively and offensively…Anytime the possessions are cut down…you’ve got a chance to lose.
As Kobe said prior to the press conference, the new Lakers head coach does something that Mi
ke Brown chose not to do.
“He simplifies the game to it’s purest form.”
It’s not the new system that Kobe is excited about. It’s how Mike D’Antoni is going to positively impact the confidence of the rest of the players.
“The go-to players are going to play well no matter what system it is. I’m excited at how he instills confidence in the rest of the guys to continue to shoot the ball, continue to be aggressive. No matter what system you’re in, if the other players aren’t feeling involved, not feeling confident with what they’re supposed to do, you’re going to struggle.”
The Lakers depth and confidence amongst the bench has been, arguably, their biggest struggle this season. If Kobe’s right, and he generally is, D’Antoni will give the Lakers exactly what they need to hang another banner in Staples Center.
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Check out what Kobe had to say before Mike D’Antoni’s press conference
[jwplayer config=”lakersnation_player” file=”http://youtu.be/Gou2tKpQSkY” autostart=”false”]Reporter: @SerenaWinters
Video Editor: Michael Hain
