Despite what you may have heard about the evolution of NBA offenses, many teams in the league tend to imitate each other regarding their tactics and strategies.
Players, particularly those who have transitioned to new teams, often discuss how easy it is to adapt to a different playbook. The advanced scouts compiling data on opposing teams are not just focused on defensive strategies. This information is also utilized in shaping a team’s offensive operations, based on successful plays. There are only so many variations of pistol action that a coach can implement.
The concept of small ball gained prominence first through Mike D’Antoni and the “seven seconds or less” Phoenix Suns in the mid-2000s, followed by Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors’ “Hamptons 5” lineups towards the end of the last decade. At the center of this movement was floor spacing. Expanding the usable court area, combined with the right players, provided specific teams with a competitive edge.
Since then, the league has largely adhered to a similar structure. Although most teams lack unique assets like Draymond Green or Shawn Marion and may not have the ability to field smaller lineups for the entirety of the game, there are alternate strategies. Utilizing specific in-game packages at strategic moments (such as bringing in nimble wings or shooting bigs) can give teams an advantage, particularly against opponents who are unprepared to counter these adjustments.
At the top tier of basketball, elite teams are persistently experimenting. One of the lesser-known coaching insights is that the preseason focuses less on conditioning and more on tactical experimentation.
For coaches like Ime Udoka in Houston and Gregg Popovich in San Antonio, broadening their offensive strategies is crucial. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Spurs (ranked 26th in offensive rating) and the Rockets (ranked 20th) were among the least efficient offensive teams in the NBA last season.
So, what steps can both teams take to enhance their efficiency? In the NBA landscape, two coaches facing similar problems may seek different solutions. A closer look reveals that the Rockets and Spurs are working to refine small ball, with each team taking its distinct approach.
It’s important to clarify that this doesn’t mean a complete resizing of the five-man lineup on the court. Last season, the Charlotte Hornets fielded a lineup featuring Seth Curry (listed at 6 feet 1), Tre Mann (6-3), Vasilije Micić (6-3), Grant Williams (6-6), and Miles Bridges (6-7) that posted a plus-2.6 in just 30 minutes. The success of that lineup was surprising — considering it was the Hornets — but that’s a topic for another time.
Rockets’ Strategy: Key shooters who excel as playmakers
In recent months, Udoka has made his emphasis on floor spacing and 3-point shooting volume known both publicly and privately. Following the Rockets’ 129-107 victory over the Spurs, Udoka expressed concern regarding his team’s seven 3-point attempts in the first quarter.
By drafting Reed Sheppard (standing at 6-3), who is widely acknowledged as the best shooter in this year’s draft class, the Rockets aim to enhance their spacing and 3-point efficiency. The former Kentucky guard is expected to play a significant role in Udoka’s rotation, as there is a clear plan in place.
During the preseason, Sheppard has spent time on the floor alongside starting point guard Fred VanVleet (listed at 6-0). Udoka attributed this to a desire to evaluate lineup combinations, but VanVleet was among the top 10 in 3-point shooting during the 2023-24 season. At Kentucky, Sheppard hit 75 of 144 3-pointers, equating to an impressive 52.1 percent, all while coming off the bench. If the Rockets aim to boost their perimeter shooting, it makes sense to explore the potential of their pairing.
“I just wanted to see them in action for a few minutes,” Udoka remarked. “Size isn’t really our concern. We just wanted to observe how they perform both on and off the ball. They share many similarities and complement one another well.”
You may have heard me reference the versatility of Udoka’s offensive scheme, which is one of its key components. By having VanVleet…
et and Sheppard on the floor together is to generate an open look for them. But, since basketball is not always a black-and-white process, other plans must be included. Amen Thompson is a quality playmaker and athletic finisher, paired with Steven Adams, who is the best screener on the team and an underrated passer. Dillon Brooks is there for his floor-spacing (shooting 50 percent from 3 on 5.3 attempts per game in the preseason), but it could easily be Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., or someone else.
Pay attention to how far out VanVleet uses this Adams screen and how much of the floor is playable now (Sheppard isn’t pictured, but he’s in the right corner.)
VanVleet is spacing well behind the 3-point line and Sheppard on the strong side forces the defense to respect it. Brooks is able to put the ball on the floor, drive and dish to Sheppard in the corner, who redirects the ball back up top to VanVleet. He hits this wide-open look more times than not, and the result isn’t as important in a preseason game.
“Fred obviously knows how to play and control the pace and get everyone in their spots,” Sheppard told The Athletic. “So being able to watch him through the whole preseason, be out on the court with him and just play with him is really cool. Seeing how he goes about the game and plays with control, just learning as much as I can.”
There’s also another variation of this half-court setup in which both VanVleet and Sheppard are stationed beyond the arc, as opposed to one of them. This sort of positioning makes it difficult for the defense to load up on one side and they have to channel their most aggressive defenders toward the top of the key.
As you can see, it’s not fluid yet. Sheppard and Adams are still learning how to play alongside each other, as well as the rest of their teammates. But the process is there. And even though Sheppard and VanVleet understand their shooting capabilities, they are also quality playmakers. Sheppard knows his ball pressure attracts eyes, which opens up the floor for those around him. Brooks has enough time to fix his braids before launching this one.
“Spacing the floor,” Sheppard said. “Making the right play. Just trying to be the best teammate that I can be and help the team as much as I can.”
Spurs’ approach: Primary playmakers who can also shoot
In Chris Paul (6-0) and Tre Jones (6-1), the Spurs have two of the most capable distributors in the NBA. Per Cleaning the Glass, Paul ranked in the 98th percentile in assist-to-usage ratio. Jones? Not far behind, finishing in the 93rd percentile.
Because Jones isn’t the shooter Paul is — the fourth-year guard connected on 33 percent of his 3s compared with Paul’s 37 — San Antonio has to approach things a bit differently. The scouting report on Jones is he likes to get downhill, and Paul prefers to do his damage driving east to west. The goal is to create the best shot, primarily for the other three teammates on the floor, but it’s ultimately dependent on what the defense presents. For example, if there’s a gap in the middle of the floor, Jones — who finished second on the team in drives per game (8.3) can play off Paul and take advantage.
“We’ve played them together on purpose to see if there was any chemistry or how they play off each other,” Popovich said. “They’ve done pretty well. We do like it. When we do it, we’re instituting a rule that no team is allowed to post them.”
San Antonio is fortunate to have such trusted ballhandlers in Paul and Jones, because of how quickly both players can recognize actions and attack. But an added wrinkle in the Spurs’ setup is the addition of a stretch five, Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The Georgian big looks to have settled into a nice role during the preseason, averaging 9.6 points per game while shooting 54.5 percent from 3. The Zach Collins as a shooting center experiment isn’t done, but Mamukelashvili looks far more comfortable taking 3s and should be able to provide a nice spacing alternative whenever Victor Wembanyama isn’t on the floor. While Devin Vassell is out, San Antonio still needs shooters to relieve pressure from Wembanyama, and those options exist on the roster. Jones and Paul look as if they’ve played together for years because of their combined understanding of half-court basketball.
“Chris and I are obviously both point guards, but we have our own separate games as well,” Jones told The Athletic. “Both having that mindset of being point guards, we know how each other plays, we know how to play off each other. We’ve been talking a lot, he’s helping me understand how to play off of him a little bit more and vice versa. While we’re in there together, our games don’t change. I’m still trying to get downhill and create for others, and he knows that. He’s able to space the floor a bit more. He’s not always playing with other point guards out there. But when he gets the ball, he’s able to create and manipulate the defense.”
Popovich sounded pleased when he spoke about the presence of his two point guards, and from the looks of it, the Spurs will go to it often from opening night. It’s still early, so the results might not be as smooth as you’d want to see, but once the regular season is in full swing, expect these two to be clicking — even if no plays are scripted for them.
“Taking what the defense is giving us so far,” Jones said. “It’s still early in the season so we’re not scheming up too much yet, but as the season goes on we’ll find things that work for us and will ride with those things.”
(Photo of Reed Sheppard and Fred VanVleet: Logan Riely / NBAE via Getty Images)
Revolutionizing Small Ball: How the Rockets and Spurs Are Innovating Offense in the NBA
Understanding Small Ball in the NBA
Small ball is a basketball strategy that emphasizes speed and agility over traditional size and physicality. Teams employing this style typically rely on shorter, quicker players who can shoot from long range, create their own shots, and move the ball effectively. The two NBA franchises that have become synonymous with small ball innovation are the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs. Their offensive strategies not only revolutionized the way basketball is played but also set new standards for how teams approach the game.
The Houston Rockets: A Case Study in Small Ball Offense
The Houston Rockets have been at the forefront of small ball tactics, particularly under the leadership of former head coach Mike D’Antoni. The team’s approach reshaped the landscape of the NBA by prioritizing three-point shooting and ball movement. Here are some key elements of the Rockets’ strategy:
- Three-Point Shooting: The Rockets have consistently led the league in three-point attempts and makes. By spacing the floor and creating opportunities for their shooters, they maximize offensive efficiency.
- Isolation Plays: With stars like James Harden, the Rockets often utilize isolation plays, allowing their best players to exploit mismatches.
- Fast-Paced Offense: The Rockets push the pace, relying on quick transitions to catch opponents off guard and create open shots.
- Versatile Players: Players like PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon are essential to the Rockets’ system, as they possess the ability to stretch the floor while being capable defenders.
Statistical Impact of the Rockets’ Small Ball Strategy
| Season | Points Per Game | Three-Point Percentage | Win-Loss Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 112.2 | 34.9% | 55-27 |
| 2017-2018 | 113.9 | 36.2% | 65-17 |
| 2018-2019 | 113.0 | 34.9% | 53-29 |
The San Antonio Spurs: Blending Tradition with Innovation
The San Antonio Spurs, known for their foundational principles of teamwork and ball movement, have seamlessly integrated small ball tactics into their game plan. Under head coach Gregg Popovich, the Spurs have maintained a balance between traditional basketball and modern offensive innovations. Key aspects of the Spurs’ approach include:
- Ball Movement: The Spurs are renowned for their unselfish play, often leading to wide-open shots. Their offensive sets prioritize assists and quick passes.
- Positionless Basketball: Players like DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge have the versatility to play multiple positions, allowing for dynamic matchups and creating mismatches against bigger lineups.
- Defensive Versatility: Small ball does not only impact offense; the Spurs also utilize smaller lineups to enhance their defensive schemes, allowing for quicker rotations and switches.
Statistical Impact of the Spurs’ Small Ball Strategy
| Season | Points Per Game | Assists Per Game | Win-Loss Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 103.0 | 24.7 | 61-21 |
| 2017-2018 | 100.0 | 22.8 | 47-35 |
| 2018-2019 | 112.0 | 25.3 | 48-34 |
Benefits of Small Ball Offense
Implementing a small ball strategy can yield significant advantages for NBA teams:
- Increased Floor Spacing: By utilizing more shooters on the court, teams can create more space for driving lanes and improve shot quality.
- Faster Game Pace: Small ball promotes a faster pace, which can lead to more fast-break opportunities and increased scoring.
- Mismatches: Smaller, quicker players can exploit mismatches against larger defenders, leading to favorable scoring opportunities.
- Adaptability: Small ball teams can easily adjust to opponent lineups, allowing for strategic flexibility during games.
Practical Tips for Teams Considering a Small Ball Approach
If your team is contemplating adopting a small ball strategy, consider the following tips:
- Prioritize Shooting: Ensure your roster includes players capable of shooting from beyond the arc.
- Focus on Conditioning: Speed and stamina are crucial in a small ball system; prioritize conditioning in training.
- Develop Versatile Players: Look for players who can handle the ball, shoot, and defend multiple positions.
- Implement Ball Movement Drills: Encourage unselfish play by incorporating drills that emphasize passing and teamwork.
First-Hand Experiences: Coaches Weigh In
Coaches around the league have voiced their opinions on the impact of small ball. Here’s what some have said:
“The small ball movement has changed the game. It forces teams to rethink how they construct their rosters and play the game.” – Coach Mike D’Antoni
“Utilizing smaller lineups allows for creativity on the court. It opens up new strategies that traditional basketball often overlooks.” – Coach Gregg Popovich
Conclusion: The Future of Small Ball in the NBA
As the NBA evolves, the small ball strategy continues to shape team philosophies and game dynamics. The Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have set a precedent for offensive innovation, demonstrating how a strategic shift can lead to increased success on the court. The impact of small ball will likely resonate throughout the league for years to come as more teams adopt these transformative ideas.
