Thursday, December 20th, 2012 at 9:00 am  |  142 responses

Pau Gasol Says Mike D’Antoni’s System Makes it ‘Tough’ for Post Players


by Marcel Mutoni / @ marcel_mutoni

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni is currently dealing with a problem that 29 other NBA coaches envy greatly: in Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard, D’Antoni has two supremely gifted post players.

Mike’s problem is that he has yet to figure out how to maximize Pau and Dwight’s abilities. Gasol admits that he’s not sure if D’Antoni’s offensive system — which places a premium on three-pointers and perimeter play — can take advantage of the Lakers’ ability to dominate the paint.

Per USA Today:

“I don’t find (playing with Howard) tough,” Gasol said. “It’s more the system right now that makes it tough at times, because (D’Antoni) wants four guys to be spread and one interior guy and it’s a guard-oriented system, so that makes it tough. I think there’s enough looks for both of us. But again, it’s not a system that you post up a lot, so we’ll see. We’ve just got to figure it out, but if you’ve got two great post-up players, you’ve got to utilize it.”

Before the game (Tuesday night), D’Antoni reiterated that Howard would be a focal point in the paint but that Gasol would have to adjust. “It’s Pau who has to expand his game, and he’ll expand out in the corner threes and he needs to take a couple, and we’ll get him in the post when we can,” D’Antoni said.

Kobe Bryant has made public his wish for Pau Gasol to get more touches in the post, but the big man remains frustrated with his role on the team (though the organization claims that they have no intention to trade him this season.)

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping that Steve Nash and his soon-to-be 39 year-old legs and back can help solve most of these issues when he returns to the court. Fans are understandably nervous and skeptical.

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  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    are you under the impression that i don’t think Phil Jackson is greatest coach of all-time? Cuz i never even implied that.

    .

    I said he doesn’t adjust his system for his personnel. Cuz he doesn’t. He uses the same system. The thing is, his system is way better then anyone else’s. But it’s also much more complex, and the lack of training camp was the key reason why i personally thought D’Antoni was a better fit for the team right now.

    .

    And no, “the best coaches can usually make even the worst of teams overachieve, and can adjust, no?” – not without a training camp. Look at Phil Jackson’s history as a coach, his winning happens in the 2nd year under his system (well aside from 2000, which is technically his first season, even though the whole second half of the prior season was Kurt Rambis implementing the structure of the triangle, but whatever).

    .
    The fact that people think this Lakers team should be winning right now is pretty much ridiculous. If you are actually watching them play, it is clear they have a huge skill issue, and a health issue. The team simply was not put together to deal with injuries. And that’s what they are experiencing. Along with all of the changes management irrationally made at the beginning of the season.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    you are a jackass.

    .

    i was responding to this, “When Brown falters with a new offense after 5 games, “He lacks offensive intelligence a coach needs to make proper adjustments.”

    .
    it’s a RESPONSE. learn to read things in context, this is the second time i’ve had to explain to you that i am responding.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    good one. stung the heart. you’re deep insights are wonderful.

  • initbruv

    I did read all of your horseshit. And you are still an obnoxious person. Don’t try to explain yourself, I’ve already made up my mind about you sir.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    did i ever say D’Antoni was a better coach then Jerry Sloan?
    .
    you are annoying as sh*t with your terrible replies that are completely and utterly out of context.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    do you have anything to add that makes a difference? is anything i just said actually false? no? k.

  • initbruv

    Nope, I’m just enjoying letting you know what a goober you clearly are.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    good work. it is really working, i might even disappear from this website in shame.

  • initbruv

    Nobody is making you reply.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    did i say i have an issue replying?

  • ChosenOne

    Just wait for Steve Nash to come back. D’Antoni works better with Nash, he even said this. He even regrets leaving the Suns (well, leaving Nash to be honest). Nash basically ran those Suns teams. Mike D didn’t really have to coach in Phoenix really….
    I’m telling y’all, Nash will get it working, he’s a magician and he works wonders.
    Nash impacted D’Antoni’s career the same way LeBron impacted Mike Brown’s basically.

  • initbruv

    You spelled “your” wrong. You only use an apostrophe when you’re saying the equivalent of you are. Get it?

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    lol. i am not explaining myself for you. i am seeing that you can’t read. so i assume other’s can’t either. you are just helping me make it clear to the illiterate. i don’t care about your opinion of me even a little.

  • initbruv

    Um…no. By replying you’re showing that you do not have an issue with replying. You goober.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    Nop’e

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    good work, well then, stating nobody is making me reply seems a little redundant now doesn’t it? do you not know what redundant means?

  • initbruv

    That is incorrect sir. But I’m going to stop now because I’ve polluted this thread too much already. I just couldn’t resist anymore. You take care nbk. Remember, proper English is needed to clearly express yourself.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    no it isn’t. you clearly new (<– they're too) (<— and their) (<— also hear) (<— and again) what i meant.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    and Jimmy didn’t make that decision. As so many of you people who don’t actually know what you are talking about think.
    .
    Dr. Jerry Buss decided to hire Mike D’Antoni.
    .
    DR. JERRY BUSS

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    just like anything on this website, i argue over what is logical. probably get used to it. it’s been this way for years.

  • initbruv

    I know but if you’re going to rant every day (yes, every single day I see your garbage on here) on this website then at least learn correct English. Otherwise you’re just a goober with a computer.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    oh no! one douchebag thinks proper english is important when he already knows what i’m saying, in a comment section on a basketball website! i better use my college education to proof read my comments for any minor grammatical errors or he’ll think i’m a goober!
    .
    again, i. do. not. give. a. flying. f*ck. about. anyone’s. opinion. of. me.
    .
    i am here to argue/debate about a subject i enjoy during my freetime. just like me. it’s simple.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    Those Cleveland teams, and Mike Brown (offensively only, he’s a great defensive mind) were exposed in the playoffs.
    .
    and of all the people on this website to try and use success to back up their argument, you shouldn’t be the one doing it.
    .
    or do you want to reshape your opinion of Kobe now?

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    not that i disagree, cuz i don’t at all but i’m pretty sure D’Antoni’s job as much as adjusting, is to make Dwight comfortable so he resigns. If he built the offense around Gasol and used Dwight how he did Shaq (like he should for the better of the team) it would make sense to assume Dwight will become very unhappy.

  • shockexchange

    Those Cleveland teams were not “exposed.” They just were not that talented; if anything, they overachieved. As far as Horry Jr is concerned, the Shock Exchange has given him credit for success. He played on teams with “exceptionally more talent than the rest of the L,” leading to his being the “biggest winner of her era,” just like Robert Horry. What higher compliment can the Shock Exchange give a player?

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    considering he’s nothing close to Robert Horry, and was the best player on 2 title teams. (even if he wasn’t their greatest strength, he WAS their best player.) You think by giving back handed compliments you are really giving the guy the credit he deserves? You are amazing, i know you aren’t this ridiculous in real life, that would be impossible.

    .

    They were exposed. LeBron was good enough to get them to overachieve (Detroit in 2007 for example), but when he wasn’t (Orlando + Boston (Twice)) the team was helpless. Brown made no offensive adjustments. Basically if LeBron wasn’t good enough to dominate the game, Brown just rolled over, instead of tryin to find a different angle on his opponent where he could create an advantage.

    .

    Not that them failing to win was all on Brown, the team really did over achieve, but it wasn’t because of Brown’s abilities as an overall head coach. He created a GREAT defense, and then let LeBron be LeBron on offense.

    .

    But he never demanded LeBron’s respect. He never made offensive adjustments. (his team went from the 6th best offense in the league during the regular season his last year, to scoring 85-86-87-88 in his four losses against Boston). He was exposed.

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    Triangle offense is alot to soak in, especially for new heads.

    And yes, everyone seems to forget that Dwight is on a one season contact

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    that’s all i’m saying. i am not saying D’Antoni is a better coach or even close.

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    It’s only a successful system if a championship was won. Dantoni system is trash

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    Yes, all on jerry

  • shockexchange

    As far as the “Horry Jr debate,” the Shock Exchange is gonna give you a lifeline. Why don’t you go check with “the people within/around the Cavaliers, Lakers, Knicks, Lottomatica organizations” before trying to engage him. And for the last time, the only “adjustments” Brown could have made on those Cleveland teams was trade for a playoff caliber power forward, point guard, and shooting guard to go along with LeBron.

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    Hahhaha at the ring reference

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    The Felton/stour admire era was good. Had the Knicks winning, when Carmelo came in.. Dantoni combusted

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    I remember chandler shooting a grip of 3′s

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    I don’t support him. He seems to cave into pressure. Can we agree that?

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    or he could have done something other then try and get LeBron to score by dribbling on the high post and running a pick and pop with Zydrunas Ilgauskas. He could have used LeBron and Mo Williams in Pick and Rolls. He could have put LeBron is position to catch the ball within an offense rather then initiate it. He could have played LeBron at something outside of PG or SF. There are many many things he could have done.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    that’s fine. i don’t have a problem with anyone not trusting D’Antoni. I have a problem with people using false reasoning.
    .
    i don’t think D’Antoni is the best coach in the world at all. But i think he was a good choice for the situations the Lakers are in, and should get ample time to succeed or fail. Not 20 games w/ a team completely ravaged by injuries. that isn’t fair. just like it wasn’t fair to fire Mike Brown.

  • http://twitter.com/Jzakoni Sanchez

    i agree about the system learning… triangle system is complicated

  • LakeShow

    Your doing yeoman’s work here man.

  • shockexchange

    Brown could have done all those things and the Cavs still would not have gone further than they did. Other than bringing in more talent, Brown would been better off putting itching powder in the socks of the Cavs’ opponents.
    Dude you still speak with forked tongue. If Riley or Phil had been coaching this team, you’d be complaining how the Cavs management didn’t bring in the necessary talent to win a chip.

  • shockexchange

    Just when I was about to say, “Hurry up and log in as ‘Lake Show’ and start agreeing with yourself.” Looks like you beat the Shock Exchange to it nbk.

  • LakeShow

    Would still be better than the 5 posters you come on here as to give yourself “up votes”… lol your incredulous, and everyone here know’s it.
    It’s why your struggling to get that 5th book off the shelf. . .

  • shockexchange

    The Shock Exchange sees you nbk.

  • LakeShow

    The book sales “Top 1 billion chart” don’t see you…

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    the shock exchange is blind.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    haha i wouldn’t go that far

  • shockexchange

    nbk, you should disagree with yourself every once in a while so it doesn’t look so obvious.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    he didn’t do those things. so how do you know? the point is, he is the coach, it’s his job to make adjustments and not roll over. He rolled over.
    .
    and i already said it’s not all on Brown and they did over achieve. please f*cking atleast read what i say, i understand you aren’t very good at this saying relevant stuff thing, but at least read what you are arguing about. it would safe both of us time and frustration. Your frustration trying to spell out words and form sentences and my frustration from repeating myself.

  • http://twitter.com/sooperfadeaway nbk

    you have been reading this website for “12 years” and never saw me and Lakeshow have summer long arguments?
    .
    fact – you are an ignorant liar.

  • shockexchange

    Dude, the Shock Exchange gave you a lifeline. Use it before commenting further.

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