Chapter 5 Crafting a Superstar

Having wrapped up the tactical discussion, Jeff's impression of Jerry had undergone a complete transformation.

Jerry was not here just to learn; he sought the job. He had the capability and the audacity to assert himself, seizing the opportunity to present his ideas and suppress his competitors.

Jeff inquired, "Can you elaborate on the tactic after Patrick executes backdoor cut?"

Jerry drew up a new diagram and marked the movements with arrows, explaining, "When Patrick makes a side cut, receives the ball at the low post, and if Luc goes out to switch, Patrick will face either a swingman or guard and can use his physical advantage to score near the basket. Given Luc's slow speed, once he steps out, it's difficult for him to return in defense. If Dennis or Scottie steps in to cover, Patrick can pass the ball to the weak side, allowing the corner player to take the shot. Hence, I suggest that the small forward should primarily practice corner shooting, while Patrick should focus on the high post and mid-range shot from both sides."

Jeff didn't approve of it; he was more traditional. "How could one possibly not play in the paint? The closer to the basket, the higher the shooting percentage."

"Luc is 7.15 feet high tall and weighs 264.5 pounds, bigger than Patrick. It's difficult to ensure efficiency with direct low post attacks. I think we should create as many open spaces as possible. So, I suggest limiting Patrick's low post plays and, ideally, his playing time as well." Jerry did not yield but stuck to his ideas.

In his previous life, during the 1997-1998 season, Patrick dislocated his right wrist, accompanied by a ligament tear, and played only 26 regular season games—a result of the 36-year-old veteran pushing too hard. Patrick's playoff return lasted only 4 games, and his poor performance led to the New York Knicks' second-round elimination by the Pacers with a 4-1 defeat.

The NBA wasn't about sheer strength. Creating openings for shots is key, especially with more players shooting over 40% from three-point range in the future. And the team had Allan, a force not to be wasted.

"Patrick off the court means a decrease in the New York Knicks' defensive intensity. How would you solve this problem? You two can answer as well," Jeff asked, glancing at Tom and Ken.

The faces of the two veteran assistant coaches flushed with agitation. Jeff's question might appear considerate, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills, but it was actually an invitation for them to set the conversational tone.

Jerry was bold enough to suggest reducing Patrick's playing time, which indicated he had a solution in mind. From the moment he walked in, he had conducted himself with an air of assurance.

At this point, Jeff began to discount the other two. Before Jerry's arrival, they had boasted of their past achievements but hadn't offered a single insight into the new season's strategies for the New York Knicks. If they couldn't present solid ideas, what good was their experience?

Both had similar thoughts and knew they needed to speak carefully, but times were changing. If they didn't offer something substantial now, it would be too late.

Tom was quicker to respond.

"When Patrick is out, in a half-court setting, the guards apply pressure on the ball-handler, while the bigs crowd the ball, creating a temporary double-team. Meanwhile, the other players cut off passing lanes, with a tall, quick forward on the weak side handling two players simultaneously, ready to rotate."

Jeff pondered for a moment; the idea made sense.

Tom was well-versed in defense. This tactic required strong, aggressive man-to-man defense, supported by big men agile enough to push to the three-point line and perfect team rotations. As long as the opposition was not full of shooters, the strategy would be effective.

Jeff questioned, "This approach could weaken our backcourt rebounding, and Charles would frequently have to defend the perimeter, right?"

"Yes, a defense can't cover every aspect perfectly," Tom replied.

"What if the opponent has a strong post player who can force his way inside and draw the double-team or pass out for perimeter shots? How would Charles and Buck Williams cope if they can't hold their own?"

Against a player of O'Neal's caliber, fierce in low post singles, not even Patrick's presence could repel him. Fortunately, such players were rare.

Finally, Ken spoke up, but his suggestion was irresponsible. "I think Patrick should play more. He's a tough guy, willing to give it his all for victory. The New York Knicks' tradition is iron-blooded."

Jeff maintained his expression, but inwardly, he dismissed Ken's idea.

If he had any dependable assistants, would he have let Patrick play 37 minutes per game last season? Wouldn't they have avoided the brawl against the Miami Heat and the subsequent suspensions that led to their reversal?

To Jeff, mentioning the word "iron-blooded" now felt like an insult.

Jerry raised his hand, smiling. "I agree with Tom's perspective. We can accelerate rotations, and defensive assignments can be adjusted depending on the opposing team's lineup. Against Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers, we could use the 'Hack-a-Shaq' tactic to send him to the free-throw line. If we're up against Mourning, we could put a strong, not overly tall player against him to engage in a muscle contest and keep him out of the low post, decreasing his impact. Facing a big man with a poor shot, we can play a small lineup and still solve the problem as long as we congest the paint."

Tom hastily added. "By ensuring rotation, preventing the opposition from setting up outside shots, and relying solely on low post scoring, we can easily keep the score under one hundred points and still play counter-attacks."

Tom and Jerry exchanged smiles. Jerry had not completely refuted his tactics, putting Ken at a disadvantage. The New York Knicks required more than just a solitary assistant coach.

Ken cursed inwardly. It seemed as if the other two had colluded. What else could he say after they'd made their points?

Ernie and Jeff suspected Tom and Jerry knew each other because Jerry had called "Tom" as if it were a nickname for an old friend. Jeff hadn't introduced the two competitors when Jerry walked in. Tom wasn't well-known—why would anyone pay attention to a mediocre assistant coach from the Philadelphia 76ers?

Jerry succeeded in blurring perceptions once more, now allied with an accomplice.

Jeff posed another question, "What's your objective if you join the New York Knicks?"

With the general manager present, mentioning objectives was akin to making a military order. The two considered their responses, but Jerry answered immediately and decisively.

"My objective is to help the New York Knicks win the championship next season, and I'm confident we can achieve it. Our strengths include three-point shooting, defense, roster depth, and the core's age—no inferior to the Chicago Bulls. Weren't we just strategizing on how to finish off Michael and turn the Chicago Bulls into 'black pepper steak'?"

"Great, very ambitious." Ernie applauded from the side.

Jeff also laughed; this was the iron-blooded spirit he saw in the New York Knicks—the courage to pursue dreams and the passion to charge toward the goal.

Looking at the other two, who didn't dare to make such bold statements, it seemed they feared being blamed if the team failed to advance.

Even if the New York Knicks were eliminated, fans would blame the head coach, not the assistants. However, without a sense of responsibility, they paled in comparison to Jerry.

Jeff asked, "Do you really believe we can win the championship next season?"

"Yes! Because I have confidence in you, in the New York Knicks' players, and especially in myself. Offense is my specialty; if the team employs me, I will help you devise the right offensive strategies and do everything in my power to ensure our victories."

"For the new season's assistant coach, I've made my choice." Jeff turned to Ernie and said gravely, "He's good."

Without any coaching experience, no imposing credentials or backgrounds, Jerry had impressed Jeff based on that single interview.

In this era, he was a genius!