NBA: Is The Small-Ball Era In The Association Here to Stay?

May 27, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard

(13) looks to drive as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during the third quarter in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

This seems to be something that people tend to quite regularly forget about. Golden State was number one in defensive efficiency last season. Repeat that…they were first. Let that sink in. A team that seems only known for their blistering offensive attack, was one of the best defensive teams in the NBA last year.

Andrew Bogut, the often forgotten big man of the Warriors, was vital to that success. His elite rim protection enabled the Warriors to play a suffocating defense.

“Whether you’re shooting threes or twos, it’s about the balance. To win a title, you have to be able to make stops. You’ve got to string stops together at crucial times.” Steve Kerr

Everyone wants to score the points, but Kerr himself knew that in order to be successful, his team would need to defend as well as score. There in lies the greatness of the 2014-15 Golden State Warriors.

Draymond Green’s ability to defend big men is something that every team needs out of their small-ball center. His impact seems as if it has been talked to death; when in reality his contribution was irreplaceable. Though lacking in height, he was able to adequately defend and box out the bigs of Cleveland and impact the game in a multitude of ways.

It’s not a formula that will work for every team. Golden State’s position-less approach wouldn’t go far without players who can guard multiple positions, a hallmark for Green, Barnes and Iguodala.

Would Golden State have been a top defense if they had played small-ball all year? Chances are probably not. Kerr adamantly states Bogut was essential to the 67 win total the Warriors put up in the regular season.

If a team wants to have a chance when rolling out a small ball approach, they need MUST have players who are able to defend and rebound. You will give up the total rebounds 9 times out of 10 for sure, but you absolutely must be able to defend your position (even if you are technically playing out of position). Especially come playoff time.

There are just not that many solid defenders in the NBA capable of both defending bigs and providing the stretch offense capability that is needed. A sound defensive scheme will only go so far unless you have the players to execute it effectively.

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