Well as the holidays are approaching, the Nets will be getting a few days off to rest and prepare for the Orlando Magic. Some would say the Nets took the night off last night against the Hornets, but that’s a different story for a different day.
I’d like to take a look at the Nets’ newest acquisition, Sasha Vujacic, as he adds an element to the Nets offense that wasn’t previously there. We do not know if Sasha is in the long-term plans for these Nets, but for a time being he’s here and a welcome addition for a team who on some nights can struggle to score the ball.
With no further ado, let’s look at some video:
Sasha brings a texture to the Nets offense that we lacked prior to his arrival, and that is an ability to move without the ball off screens for catch and shoot situations. Much like Reggie Miller made his living and lately Rip Hamilton, Sasha can be a threat to opposing defenses with his movement alone. Let’s take a look at an identical staggered screen set that worked two ways for Vujacic based on his ability to read the defense in the Nets last win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
These first two videos will look quite similar, accept that there is one difference and that is the way that O.J. Mayo chooses to guard both staggered sets. On this next video, you will see Vujacic coming off a staggered screen, his man O.J. Mayo chooses to trail Sasha. Reading the defense perfectly, Vujacic curls off the screen and is able to catch and score. Take a look:
In this second video, the Nets will run a set identical to the last one. The difference here is the way he was defended. This time the defender is Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies and this time, he chooses to try and cheat the screens by going over the top of them. Vujacic reads this beautifully and instead of curling into his defender, he opts to flare out to the corner, giving himself just enough room for him to catch, shoot and score. Take a look:
Now once again, Vujacic certainly isn’t the answer to our problems offensively and he may not be someone factoring into the long range plans for this team, but while he is here, he can effect a lot of possessions with his skill and ability to read and react to staggered screens and the like.
The Nets will be off until Monday, December 27th when they return to action to face the new look Orlando Magic.
Be safe everyone and Happy Holidays!
