Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 299: Horseshoe disease in the spring breeze

To develop a cohesive and competitive team, it's not just about the coach having leadership skills; the core players are even more crucial.

Generally speaking, the ability of the starting lineup and rotation players to maintain a consistent offensive flow without any gaps depends on two factors: first, whether the team has players who can bridge the gap between the starters and the rotation; and second, whether the tactics can be continued while making appropriate adjustments.

First, we need to see if there are any reliable players in the rotation; second, we need to see if the coaching staff has made more detailed tactical arrangements.

These will all be tried before the preseason.

Chen Fang and the coaching staff held a meeting to discuss better candidates, raise questions, and solve problems.

"Should Zubac and Jaren take turns at center, or should they form the frontcourt together?" Rivers asked the coaching staff for their opinion.

"Zubac and Jaren can complement each other. On offense and defense, one can play offense and the other defense. I suggest we try playing them together first," Brian said first. As the Clippers' lead assistant coach, his opinion almost represented the coaching staff's.

So everyone looked at Chen Fang.

"Could we do it this way?" Chen Fang placed the figurine representing the player on the table. This was an interesting experiment that helped to make it clearer to others what the speaker wanted to express.

"Zubac and Jaren came on in the 7th minute of the first quarter."

"Then Zubac goes down, Jaren plays center, and Richon plays center."

"Five minutes into the second quarter, Jaren was replaced by Zubac, and Harrell replaced Richon."

"In the third quarter, the rotation will continue in this order, with Jaren and Zubac alternating, and Harrell and Richon alternating."

"In the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter, should Jaren and Zubac be reassembled in the paint?"

As Chen Fang spoke, four inside players appeared on the table in turn, and everyone's thoughts followed suit. After he finished speaking, Brian asked, "Harrell has a certain degree of aggressiveness, and Richon has the ability to protect the rim."

"All four players have very distinct characteristics, and I suggest maintaining a consistent offensive and defensive strategy. That is, Jaren and Harrell should be paired together, and Zubac and Richon should be combined."

"Two smaller teams will handle the second and third quarters, while a larger team will take over the first and last quarters."

Chen Fang thought it made sense, so he nodded and said, "I agree with this suggestion."

Once both sides agreed, the Clippers' interior rotation and playing time were initially determined.

Now it's the outside shots, which is the most difficult part.

First, there are many players; second, there are players with very different styles.

Chen Fang laid out all the players' figurines, and everyone gathered around the table quietly to look at them.

"Shall I express my thoughts first?" Chen Fang asked.

“Come on, this is important,” Rivers permitted.

“I think Jrue Holiday should be the point guard. Although his playmaking ability is not outstanding, he makes very few mistakes. Dillon should be the shooting guard. His defense and attitude can match Jrue Holiday.”

"With these two, the pressure on the high post will be much less. Whether it's leading the defense or double-teaming, they can lock down the opponent's key player."

"I will still play small forward, as a point guard and main scorer, to orchestrate the inside and outside game."

"I also have some immature ideas about rotation."

"Let the three musketeers of Villeneuve rotate between the first and second quarters."

"Depending on the situation, Dillon and Jrue Holiday will take turns playing, while Rose will play in the second half of the second quarter and the first few minutes of the second half."

“What about Lou Williams and Beverley?” Rivers asked.

"That's what I wanted to say. Given our current strength and resources, we should try not to break up the Villeneuve trio. We can rotate them depending on the opponent."

"Weak teams give Lou Williams and Beverley more playing time, while strong teams give Brunson and two others more playing time."

"Sornwell and Evans, as tactical pieces."

After Chen Fang finished speaking, the coaching staff fell silent. Rivers spoke first: "The idea is wonderful, but it will be difficult in practice."

“I had some conversations with Xiao before. Come on, tell me what you’ve said.”

Brian turned on the TV immediately; it was clear that the coaching staff had already conducted in-depth research on the use of perimeter players.

“Zhu can score, you play point guard, and let Dillon, Bridges, and Thornwell play small forward.”

"In terms of scoring, Beverley will take over from Zhu and maintain defensive intensity. When the opponent's defense is weak, Lou Williams will become the main option, and DiVincenzo will also get some playing time."

"At point guard, you, Rose, and Brunson share the position. In certain situations, you switch between the 1, 2, and 3 positions to match the players who are suitable for the situation on the court at that time."

"This setup will free you up a lot, reduce your physical exertion, and allow you to focus on scoring or playmaking."

"Defense, a problem that plagued us last season, is no longer an issue."

According to Brian's description, Chen Fang's mind was opened, and he understood the coaching staff's thoughts.

Try to free yourself up as much as possible, either becoming the core of the attack or the core of the organization, constantly switching roles according to the situation on the court.

"I accept this suggestion," Chen Fang agreed.

The coaching staff all smiled; the biggest problem had been solved, and today's meeting had become meaningful.

"Next, let's talk about the Clippers' tactical strategy this season."

Rivers appeared relaxed and said, "On defense, we learned from the problems we had in last season's playoffs. Our switch-everything defense often only looked similar, and it wasn't effective enough to intimidate the opponent."

"Last season, our defensive efficiency ranked 21st in the league, which was terrible."

"Now we have five players who can rotate in scoring and small forward: Bridges, Dillon, Holiday, DiVincenzo, and Samwell. In the paint, we have three highly mobile power forwards."

"With you and Brunson, we have ten players with excellent defensive abilities, which is the reason we can play a switching defense."

"Now, facing the Warriors, we won't let them have it so easily." After making this tough statement, Rivers looked at Brian, indicating that it was his turn to say the rest.

"Defensively, we will use half-court man-to-man defense, switch constantly, apply pressure on the opponent on the high wing, and close out the elastic areas mainly at the free throw line and elbow area," Brian said, explaining on the whiteboard.

"We will always maintain three lines: Jaren in the paint, Jrue Holiday on the perimeter, and Dillon on the wing."

"The rotation will be Richon, Beverley, and Bridges."

"The tactical personnel are Sandwell and DiVincenzo."

"These eight players will form three lines of defense: at the high post, the free throw line, and the short corner, creating a three-dimensional defensive structure where they coordinate and help each other."

"This is the defensive strategy. In the offensive strategy, I suggest that the perimeter players use your high pick-and-roll as the starting point for the tactics, and the wings should be threatened by Bridges, DiVincenzo, and Dillon's three-point shooting."

"Junior Holiday serves as the outside receiver and the second scoring option."

"In the paint, Zubac's offensive responsibilities will increase. His offensive ability is already lethal, and he also has the ability to pass the ball in from the wing."

"After you leave the court, Jrue Holiday will become the primary offensive option, and Lou Williams will be the second."

"We hope to open the game from the high post, with the inside players following up and the wings providing support. When the game reaches the fourth quarter, we can create an effective deterrent from multiple points, making it difficult for the opponent to cover everything." "This lineup is well-rounded on both offense and defense, and has the strength of a top-five team in the league. We have assessed that if you score more than 30 points, our winning percentage is over 80%."

"Strictly speaking, the Clippers will become a team that plays a defensive transition game, and our half-court offense will also have a strong ability to break through defenses."

At this point, Brian was very excited: "Through the Summer League, I think our offseason acquisitions are very much in line with the Clippers' current needs and are also the mainstream tactical strategies in the league today."

He looked at Chen Fang, and although he couldn't say it outright, he knew very well that Chen Fang was the key factor in all the transactions.

"We can score on transition offense that forces opponents to commit many turnovers, and we have very good players in that area as well."

"Wow, this is so exciting!" Chen Fang clapped and praised. Brian's offensive and defensive intentions were exactly as he described, and they were indeed moving towards the scene he had imagined.

"The key now is to integrate them and create a high-frequency rotation of 12 players. This will increase the opponent's defensive adjustments exponentially," Rivers summarized after seeing Chen Fang's approval.

"Leave this to me," Chen Fang said, taking the initiative.

After the meeting ended, Chen Fang stayed behind to discuss the use of Dillon with Rivers.

"First Officer? That's a great idea. He's a fantastic locker room player, and he's already established his authority within the team." Rivers initially agreed with Chen Fang's thinking, but then added, "However, you need to consider Brunson."

"Yes, Brunson is also very good, but for now, Dillon is more suitable."

“I understand. I’m just reminding you that they are both of the same type. Dillon is more outward, but Brunson is more inward.”

"You need to use your brain to figure out how to manage the subordinate relationship between them."

Chen Fang nodded. He knew Rivers wouldn't speak without reason, so he asked, "Coach, do you have any good suggestions?"

Rivers laughed: "Just a small suggestion."

"A team can have several positions."

"Captain! This position is usually held by the team's core player, or it can be a veteran player."

"The locker room leader is someone with prestige, someone who is respected by all the players."

"Off-field captain, this responsibility includes handling matters related to daily life, training, and post-match activities."

"Coach, do you mean to let Brunson also take on one?" Chen Fang understood.

“Ti Lung can be the team captain, and you can be the locker room leader. Usually, Ti Lung can give the orders, and you can stay behind the scenes.”

"Brunson, don't rush. Let him participate in the work of the team captain and provide logistical support for the whole team. This is the job of a rookie. This will not only ensure unity, but also make the two of them wary of each other."

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Fang agreed to the coach's arrangement.

“I think this is the best option. Coach, you are always my leader, and I will fully support your decision.” Chen Fang expressed his respect for Rivers and his willingness to work with him this season.

The two shook hands and smiled at each other.

“I feel like the next ring is getting closer and closer,” Rivers said with a smile.

"Please don't leave before then, I need a coach," Chen Fang said sincerely.

Then, Chen Fang casually mentioned his recent training with McGrady.

"Tracy is sorry that she couldn't help the coach at the time, and hopes that I won't have this regret."

Rivers finally believed Chen Fang's words. He felt relieved and promised, "As long as the management doesn't go too far, I'm very happy to be with the Clippers."

"I will express my stance to them," Chen Fang immediately agreed.

This time, the agreement was finally reached.

Chen Fang needs a stable coaching team. Even if it's not one of the top teams in the league, it's hard to find one that fits him so well and has such a high level of cooperation.

"By the way, I've been thinking that the coaching staff needs another dedicated defensive coach. Do you have any suggestions?" Seeing that the conversation had gone so smoothly, Rivers decided to give a corresponding reward.

Chen Fang was stunned for a moment, and a person immediately came to mind.

“I do have someone in mind, and I have a deep connection with him. He will come if you wish!”

"Who?" Rivers asked curiously. He had thought that Chen Fang would at least need to make preparations and search for someone, but he did not expect that someone would be found so quickly.

"Joe Mazura! He's now an assistant coach for the Celtics' G League team, the Maine Red Claws."

"He was an assistant coach at Fairmont State University, and in 16 he was hired by the Red Claws as a video analyst. He is currently the first assistant coach."

“When I was playing in Nike’s EYBL in 17, I formed an interstate team to compete in the Dora Cup, and he served as the head coach.”

"His defensive philosophy is distinctive, emphasizing teamwork, adaptability, and high-intensity defensive strategies. He has a high level of expertise in teamwork and overall defense, high-intensity defense and pressure, adaptability and flexibility, attention to detail and execution, limiting the opponent's scoring opportunities, and the balance between defense and offense."

"You've gone into such detail?" Rivers had to believe it, and was quite surprised.

“We still keep in touch and chat every week,” Chen Fang replied frankly.

However, he concealed a fact: Mazura was among the first Black Brain members and was the official organizer with the highest authority within Black Brain.

When Chen Fang learned that Mazura's fate had once again collided with his, he was overjoyed and immediately revealed his identity.

Mazura was also surprised, and the two subsequently had more thorough communication and cooperation.

"If he's willing to come, the Clippers coaching staff will welcome him with open arms. Brian's energy is limited; he needs help!" Although Rivers knew that once Mazura arrived, she might steal many of his rights, just like Lawrence had done before.

But he readily agreed, which shows his magnanimity.

He can't stay with the Clippers for long; he's been here too long and it's time to move on.

Rivers's creed is that unless you're the boss, you shouldn't fantasize about sharing the wealth and glory of the boss's empire.

The next one will be better!

This has always been Rivers's creed.

Chen Fang was unaware of this. He was greatly encouraged. To be honest, he had considered it, but out of respect, he kept it to himself.

He knew Mazura's abilities all too well; the Celts' terrifying offense and defense in his previous life were his masterpieces.

Mazura truly mastered Ukado's skills, incorporated them into her own style, and achieved great success.

It's fair to say that with Mazura paired with the Clippers' current roster, that would be a true aircraft carrier.

Stepping out of the building, Chen Fang felt that everything looked pleasing to the eye, and even the wind felt warmer.

This is what it means to be riding high on success.

Maybe I can really become an MVP candidate in the 19 season!
This is Chen Fang's ambition; he can now devote himself to both data and victory without any worries.

Come on, Alliance!
Enjoy the thrill!
(End of this chapter)