Lakers’ Anthony Davis learning new role in Darvin Ham’s ‘centerfield’ defensive system
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/X9GGzZkLbY
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“It’s more of a Milwaukee system how they have the bigs back in the paint,” Davis said at practice Tuesday. “For me, I’m more up on the ball, ‘Let me affect the play.’ So that’s the biggest difference for me. It’s something that I’m trying to transition to. … Not helping as much. Letting the guys on the ball do their thing. … Staying out of plays when it’s not my assignment.”
Ham is implementing a similar scheme to the one that helped the Milwaukee Bucks become one of the league’s best defenses over the past few years and, ultimately, win the 2021 championship. The coverage calls for Davis to drop back against pick-and-rolls, playing what Ham dubs “centerfield” defense. The Lakers are looking to force contested 2-point jump shots – the least efficient shots in the game – and limit points allowed in the paint, as well as control 3-point looks.
Ham is still figuring out how best to build his defense around Davis, who will be its centerpiece. Davis’ length, athleticism, instincts and IQ allow Ham to shapeshift his coverages in ways most coaches can only dream.
“I mean, just his ability to be back,” Ham said. “… He can do that, protect the rim. He can also get up and move his feet. We’ll definitely have a package in our pick-and-roll defense where it requires us to ‘red’ – you know, switch. And we’re more than comfortable with him switching onto smaller players.”
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