Nick Young's mistake?

by Rook6980 on Mar 16, 2009 1:46 PM EDT Comment 25 comments

Everyone is talking about Nick Young’s "mistake", collapsing in the lane to allow Garcia a look at a wide open 3…. that could have sent the game into Overtime.

Sacto_medium

Let's go back and look at the recording of the game…. on the EXACT SAME PLAY, Nocioni was Jamison's assignment. Jamison collapsed into the lane to help on Udrih, leaving Nocioni wide open at the 3-point line….

You can watch the entire play here; it's at about the 1:50 mark.

Ivan Carter mentioned the play in the Wizards Insider asking Nick "what he was thinking" - but Ivan either didn't think to ask Jamison, or used selective journalism in printing only the Nick Young statement that he "had to help on Udrih." No mention in the Post of Jamison leaving Nocioni to help on Udrih.

After the game, Tapscott talked about the play briefly, saying that he didn't see the shot because he "was looking for the guy that got sucked in on the drive. I was saying something to him that I can't repeat." I can almost guarantee you he wasn't yelling at Jamison.

Had Udrih passed out to Nocioni (a better 3-point shooter than Garcia), I guarantee the Wizards Coaching staff would have been completely silent on the issue. Oh and by the way, there was a clear passing lane, so if Nick had stayed put, Nocioni would have been shooting that 3 pointer instead of Garcia………. AND, I’ll guarantee that IF we hear ANYTHING about that play from Tapscott today, it will all be about Nick Young (or a “young player”) making a mistake… and nothing about Jamison (or a "veteran") making the exact same mistake.

Well - I don't blame Nick Young for his defense on that play at all.

I keep getting back to the coaching on this kind of play. The ONLY Wizard that didn’t collapse into the lane when Udrih penetrated was McGuire – he stuck by Kevin Martin in the corner.

Everyone else collapsed, “protecting the paint”…. The mantra we’ve heard for the past 3 years. The defensive style that has been infused into these players for the last 3 years…. An almost religious psalm, intoned by the coaches: “protect the paint”…..“protect the paint”… “protect the paint”…. over and over again in practice, until it becomes automatic.

And THAT’s why the Wizards give up so many open 3-point shots…..
even when there’s 4 seconds left in the game;
even when they’re up by three;
even when the only way they can lose is by giving up an open 3-point shot –
the Wizards players are still instinctively “protecting the paint”.

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Good Points

From watching the replay a few times I concluded that Antwan should have shifted to the the top of the key where Nocioni and Nick should have picked up Garcia which are obvious points but new to me because I didn’t get a chance to dissect the replay before this post. We know these are faults by Nick and Antwan but now are we going to hear if their accountable for their mistakes and how they will improve their defensive efforts for the future? I’m not going to exactly speculate a conspiracy but you bring up an interesting point about the defense focusing on the “paint” no matter the situation.

by purpleonblack86 on Mar 16, 2009 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was having a fine Monday

and then I saw this. You’re right of course, Rook, and this isn’t the first time it’s come up, but I’m reaching the point where my reaction to “the coaching staff(-slash-Ivan) gets mad at Nick Young/JaVale McGee for something” is to mainly shrug my shoulders and wait until we get a real coach.

Looking at that picture, Nocioni is really, really open.

by Jon L on Mar 16, 2009 3:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Very good post

But let’s not go overboard in absolving the players of blame on this play. Sure, the protect-the-paint mantra has been drilled into them such that both Jamison and Young instinctively collapsed into the lane, and when challenged on that, Young roboticly stated, “me must help on Udrih,” as if he had been brainwashed by Scientologists.

But both Jamison and Young have brains, and even though they have been taught to always collapse into the lane, they should have enough smarts on that play to stick with their guys. Whether they have even been coached to do so in such a situation is a good question — have they run drills in practice covering that same situation, or were Jamison and Young required to come up with that strategy on their own last night?

by disgrunted on Mar 16, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Except

that if Nick Young had used is brain and stayed out on Garcia, he would’ve played 8 minutes the next game (maybe) and Tap would’ve said it’s because he was ignoring directions and missing his assignments and, I dunno, Ivan probably would’ve included another anecdote about him laughing in the locker room again.

by Jon L on Mar 16, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not true

If Young had stayed on Garcia, Udrih would have passed to Jamison’s man (Nocioni), and Young would have been criticized for not switching over to cover Nocioni.

by disgrunted on Mar 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

God, what a catch-22

I really hate the idea of having sympathy for a 23 year old millionaire, but I really am starting to feel bad for Nick. You’re exactly right about Tapscott most likely chastising him for failing to help, and a few weeks ago, I could see him getting benched for it. Lately, though, he seems to be getting allowed to play through rough spots, and even though he hasn’t been perfect, he seems to be progressing. His defense isn’t as bad as some in the press make it out to be, and he’s been doing a better job of hustling and rebounding lately.

by pantslessyoda1 on Mar 16, 2009 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

unbelievable

I find it unbelievable that two players can be so wide open for 3 pointers given the circumstances of that play. Tapscott can yell all he wants at Nick Young, but maybe he should consider the coaching staff’s failure to communicate essential defensive priorities to his players. If it were just Young, or just Jamison, then perhaps the player would be to blame, but two player? With your opponent down by 3 and 7 secs left? Defense that bad is the fault of the coaching staff.

by Johnnie Futbol on Mar 16, 2009 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Everyone just calm down

First of all, yes, Jamison was not in the right position on that play….kudos to Rook for pointing it out.

Still, that does not expunge Young’s track record.

And Ivan Carter was the one naming names….not Ed Tapscott.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.

by Truth About It on Mar 16, 2009 5:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Granted

but do you really think Tap was cursing out Jamison?

by Jon L on Mar 16, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course not....he's a veteran.

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.

by Truth About It on Mar 16, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I almost choked

I laughed so hard…..

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Mar 16, 2009 7:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for pointing it out that Rook

I had totally forgotten that Noc was at the top of the key by himself. (Watching it live, I never considered the option Cisco had of swinging the ball to Noc. I’m not sure Cisco would have passed it either.)

What does interest me as the level of second guessing that goes along with being a bad team, and really, what goes along with being a fan. What’s more interesting is that the level applied to Nick Young isn’t being applied to Antawn Jamison, because Jamison doesn’t have a history of leaving his man in this scenario? To me leadership starts with actions, and I’m not sure everyone on the Wizards has the same level of accountability. (That’s also true of the Kings in my opinion.)

Thanks, again, for the analysis Rook.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....

by pookeyguru on Mar 16, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Everyone on this team leaves his man....

That’s why the Wizards have the worst 3-point defense in the Association.

You cannot point at one player, with perhaps the single exception of McGuire, that will stick with his man when there is penetration into the lane.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Mar 16, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh -

And NO.

Jamison is not accountable for leaving his man – he’s a “veteran”.

Bullets Forever - where "Dagger ! " happens......

by Rook6980 on Mar 16, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A lack of leadership from the Washington organization

Seems to me I’ve heard this line before. (Chris Webber trade) A lack of figuring out what players could work out for you long term (Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton). A commitment to players that don’t work out because the financial commitment is strangling the team (Pervis Ellison). Just when I think it doesn’t get worse to be a Kings fan, I always remember that Washington fans have been suffering far longer. All six of you.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Mar 16, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey

Hopefully the Kings can get the no. 2 pick and their garbage players for cap space.

Arenas+Butler+Jamison= CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

BOOK IT!

by kingme18 on Mar 16, 2009 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure, but I think you are complimenting us

Thanks!

Representing DC with Wizards & Stuff - Truth About It.net and Bullets Forever.

by Truth About It on Mar 16, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How Dare You!?

Just when I think it doesn’t get worse to be a Kings fan, I always remember that Washington fans have been suffering far longer. All six of you.

There is at least 8 or 9 of us now! That’s a 50% increase over the past several years. Quit dismissing our team’s support!

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Mar 17, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please tell me you didn't miss the joke

Please tell me that. I don’t want to lose ALL my faith in Bullets fans.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Mar 17, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your Request is Granted

However, it appears my attempt at humor fell flat.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Mar 17, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ummmm

I was really just hoping you understood whom I was referencing. If you do, then in fact, I did understand your joke.

(That being said I’ve always been curious what Tom Friend meant by the all six of us joke. If anybody actually knows, I’d like to know the roots of that schtick.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Mar 17, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In That Case, I Have Failed You

I missed the reference. You’ll have to lose faith in this Bullets fan. Now can you clue me in to what you are talking about?

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Mar 17, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind

I think I finally found the reference. It took me awhile, but Google finally got it for me.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Mar 17, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That wasn't the first time I saw that though

I saw it earlier than that. I’ll try to find it.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Mar 17, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know

I found it, but I can’t find the article itself. ESPN says the link no longer exists. Too bad too, cuz it was a reference to all 6 Bullets fans, and he dropped older names like Elvin Hayes, Wes Unseld, and Black Jesus.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Mar 17, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs