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BRADENTON, Fla. — Imagine this scenario.
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry begins the offensive play just beyond the 3-point line by passing the ball to Draymond Green positioned in the low post, allowing the versatile playmaker to serve as a pivotal point in the offense. Following this initial pass, Curry sets a screen for his former splash brother, Klay Thompson. As Curry and Thompson create space between them, they generate confusion for the opposing defense around the perimeter.
Will Thompson choose to utilize the screen or will he decide to back cut? Might Curry stealthily slip towards the basket? Will Green go for a one-on-one play in the low post, seeking to score himself?
The sequence is straightforward. It is flexible, allowing for interchangeability among positions and players. However, for over a decade, the Golden State roster has transformed it into a formidable strategy, emblematic of an NBA dynasty and a cornerstone of the team’s playbook.
Now envision the Cavaliers adopting this approach.
Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley could fill the role held by Green. Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, or Ty Jerome would handle the point guard responsibilities. Meanwhile, Mitchell, Max Strus, Caris LeVert, or even Sam Merrill would work to emulate Thompson’s style.
This is the vision of new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who aims to leverage the extensive knowledge gained from his past experiences to enhance the Cleveland team.
To reduce reliance on the pick and roll and to foster a more varied offensive strategy characterized by continuous motion, Golden State’s potent split action is being incorporated into the Cavaliers’ playbook.
“We have [the personnel],” Atkinson mentioned when asked on Friday if Cleveland could effectively execute that strategy. “But that’s also something unique to the Warriors. We’ve certainly conducted breakdowns of it. We’ll need to observe how this develops. We have to determine what resonates with this team.”
One of Atkinson’s major challenges lies in the fact that he is not stepping into a complete rebuild as he did during his initial head-coaching stint with Brooklyn in 2016. Instead, he is entering a well-established team with aspirations for a championship, possessing“`html
In collaboration with Loon (Kevon Looney) and Draymond, there are certainly some insights to glean—even though it may not directly relate to J.A. and Evan. We discussed my experiences in France and our strategy for exploiting a switch. This approach differs from what’s typically done in the NBA. I aim to incorporate aspects from that experience as well.
During the initial phase of training camp at IMG Academy, the Cavaliers have dedicated significant time to refining a selection of movement-oriented halfcourt sets, which include fist (a staple for Atkinson), elbow, flex, flare, and split.
Mitchell already foresees how beneficial the split play will be, thanks to the newfound addition from Steve Kerr.
“There’s just a lot of uncertainty,” Mitchell remarked. “With Ev and J.A. positioned at the elbow, overplaying me, Darius, Max, Caris, Dean (Wade), Sam, or anyone else creates an elbow 1-on-1 opportunity with those guys consistently being aggressive. What I mean is that Ev’s aggressiveness is vital. Instead of adopting a passive approach, we present another scoring threat that they must respond to. If they double-team during the handoff, Ev or J.A. will make plays from the pocket. It’s still early, and we’re just beginning to implement these strategies, but our group is progressively developing and learning.”
While Atkinson prioritizes a defense-first mentality for Cleveland, he recognizes that the team’s potential is mainly linked to the evolution of its offense, which had been a stylistic weakness under Bickerstaff.
“I’m a fan of the pick and roll; it’s integral to the NBA. However, I believe we can achieve a better balance,” Atkinson stated. “A drive-and-kick strategy, along with proper spacing, is essential. We shouldn’t rely solely on the pick and roll with just 10 seconds remaining. Don’t get me wrong; the pick and roll is definitely part of our game plan, but it’s only one element. There are numerous other strategies to employ, such as off-ball screening. Players should feel free to cut like they did in earlier days. Basketball is evolving. It’s about movement—both of the ball and the players. Instead of just focusing on pick and roll and spacing, we need to embrace variety in our tactics.”
Atkinson has witnessed this firsthand during his previous coaching stints, including his time with Golden State, where the team mastered a particularly effective offensive strategy that overwhelmed rival defenses, culminating in an NBA championship victory.
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Transforming the Cavs: Coach Kenny Atkinson’s Plan to Integrate Warriors’ Split Action Offense
Understanding the Split Action Offense
The split action offense is a dynamic offensive strategy that has revolutionized modern basketball, especially in the hands of the Golden State Warriors. This system emphasizes player movement, spacing, and quick decision-making, which can create multiple scoring opportunities. By integrating this approach, Coach Kenny Atkinson aims to enhance the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency.
Key Components of the Split Action Offense
- Off-ball Movement: Players constantly move without the ball, creating confusion for defenders and opening up lanes for cuts and screens.
- Screening: Effective use of screens allows players to get open shots or driving lanes, making it crucial for both ball handlers and off-ball players to understand their roles.
- Spacing: Maintaining proper spacing ensures that the defense cannot easily help on drives, which is essential for creating high-percentage shot opportunities.
- Quick Decision Making: Players must make fast decisions regarding whether to shoot, pass, or drive based on defensive reactions.
Why the Cavs Are Making This Change
Under Atkinson’s leadership, the Cavaliers are looking to implement the split action offense for several reasons:
- Boosting Offensive Efficiency: Last season, the Cavs struggled to score consistently, especially in the playoffs. The split action can diversify their offensive approach, making it less predictable.
- Maximizing Player Strengths: Players like Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell thrive in systems that allow for creative freedom. The split action leverages their skills, making them more effective contributors.
- Adapting to Modern Basketball: The NBA is shifting towards fast-paced, ball-movement-centric styles. By adopting the split action offense, the Cavs can remain competitive in an evolving league.
Implementing the System: Practical Tips
Integrating a new offensive scheme requires careful planning and execution. Here are some practical tips for the Cavaliers as they adopt the split action offense:
- Focus on Player Development: Ensuring that players understand the fundamentals of the split action is vital. Training sessions should emphasize ball movement, screening techniques, and off-ball positioning.
- Incorporate Film Study: Analyzing successful teams that utilize split action, like the Warriors, will help players visualize their roles within the system.
- Encourage Communication: Players must communicate effectively on the floor to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding screens, cuts, and passing opportunities.
- Gradual Implementation: Start by incorporating elements of the split action in practice, then progressively integrate it into games to allow players to adapt without feeling overwhelmed.
Benefits of the Split Action Offense for the Cavaliers
Adopting the split action offense can have several benefits for the Cavaliers:
- Improved Spacing: With players moving off the ball, there will be more space available for drives and open shots.
- Higher Scoring Potential: The combination of quick ball movement and off-ball screens can lead to higher-quality shot opportunities, increasing overall scoring.
- Enhanced Team Chemistry: As players become more familiar with each other’s movements, it can lead to better teamwork and trust on the court.
- Player Empowerment: Allowing players the freedom to make decisions can boost their confidence and create a more dynamic offense.
Case Studies: Success of the Split Action Offense
Many teams have successfully implemented the split action offense, particularly the Golden State Warriors. Here are a few key examples:
| Team | Year | Success Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Warriors | 2015-2016 | 73 Wins |
| Houston Rockets | 2017-2018 | 65 Wins |
| Boston Celtics | 2020-2021 | Eastern Conference Finals |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Max Strus
Recently, Cavaliers’ wing Max Strus shared insights on potential offensive adjustments for the upcoming season, hinting at the team’s adaptability to the split action offense. Strus emphasized the importance of player movement and ball-sharing, which aligns perfectly with Atkinson’s vision for the Cavs. He noted:
“We’ll be focusing on our spacing and keeping the ball moving. It’s exciting to think about how we can utilize our skills to make this work.” [[1](https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/news/the-cleveland-cavaliers-could-make-this-offensive-change-this-season)]
Challenges in Transitioning to the Split Action Offense
While the potential benefits are significant, transitioning to the split action offense may present challenges:
- Learning Curve: Players will need time to adjust to new movements and responsibilities within the offense.
- Defensive Adjustments: Opponents may initially exploit defensive weaknesses while the Cavaliers learn the new system.
- Injury Concerns: Increased movement can lead to a higher risk of injury if players are not physically prepared.
Conclusion
Integrating the split action offense under Coach Kenny Atkinson is a strategic move for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they look to elevate their game. By focusing on player development, communication, and gradual implementation, the Cavs can harness the benefits of this modern offensive scheme, potentially transforming their competitive landscape in the NBA.
