Pistons Coach Talks Basics

Great article in the Detroit News today, full to the brims with information about what changes Michael Curry is looking to make with the Pistons.

Here are his points of emphasis:

Pay attention to detail. “Going back to the basics,” is a phrase Curry will use a lot. Curry respects veteran players and their past success. What he plans to do, though, is reinforce all the little things that led to their success.

“It sounds simple, but if the play calls for a pick, set the pick,” Curry said. “If you are supposed to be in a certain spot on defense, be there. What’s happened is, we’ve had slippage here and because of our talent, we’ve gotten away with it. But when that slippage starts seeping in and you get into a series against a team that’s just as good as you or better, there is no way you can overcome it.”

Daily conditioning and player development sessions. Curry believes the Pistons have the best strength and conditioning coach in the league (Arnie Kander), and they haven’t used him to the fullest in recent years.

Particular focus on Rasheed’s conditioning

Curry has already talked to Rasheed Wallace about coming to camp in shape, and they have mapped out a plan to maintain that conditioning throughout the season. Wallace, who has been at the practice facility most of the summer, has complied.

These are the changes Curry wants to see offensively

Increase scoring in the paint. Curry wants the ball thrown into the post with more regularity. The goal is to work the ball inside-out, and play better in the lane and at the free-throw line.

Curry plans to create points in the paint through dribble penetration and a more motion-oriented offense. Assistants Pat Sullivan (New Jersey) and Walker (New Orleans) come from teams that used elements of the Princeton motion offense. The Pistons will try to incorporate some of those elements to their half-court attack to facilitate low-post chances.

Intensity and Defense

Increase the intensity and consistency at the defensive end.

“No matter what the rules are, the game of basketball goes to the most aggressive teams and players,” Curry said. “We want to be the team that’s always on the attack, both defensively and offensively.”

The Pistons will play mostly man-to-man. They will extend pressure up the court and apply traps to induce transition baskets.

Clear roles and a large rotation

Establish clearly defined roles. Curry expects to play 10 or 11 players on a regular basis.

He said he hopes guards Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey can average 30 minutes a game, with Arron Afflalo picking up the rest of those minutes.

He hopes to use a five-man frontcourt rotation.

That makes 10 players (three starters, two backup guards, five bigs).

Interesting that Walter Herrmann warrants no mention. The Pistons have already stated that Walter Sharpe will likely spend the season with the team instead of the D-League.