The Golden State Warriors, determined to address their defensive woes from last season, have hired Jerry Stackhouse as their new assistant coach. This move is part of head coach Steve Kerr’s strategy to bring more defensive gravitas and intensity to the team.
Strategic Hire
Kerr, after assessing last season’s struggles, concluded that the coaching staff needed more defensive expertise and leadership. “The word from Mike and Steve was that they were looking to add a former player,” Stackhouse told NBC Sports Bay Area, emphasizing his teams’ consistent defensive performance in various roles, including his time at Vanderbilt and in the D League.
Defensive Philosophy
Stackhouse, known for his physical style of play during his 18-year NBA career, plans to instill the same mentality in the Warriors. “Physical – that’s the one word that I would say,” Stackhouse remarked about his defensive vision. He emphasizes the need for players to scramble, rotate, and adapt while maintaining a physical presence on the court.
Player Relationships
Stackhouse’s connection with key players, especially Draymond Green, is crucial. “We talked in Vegas,” Stackhouse said of Green. “A lot of the stuff that I want to implement, he does naturally. He’s not the problem. What he brings is his competitiveness. I can relate. All the way.”
Addressing Past Issues
The Warriors’ defense has declined since winning the NBA Finals in 2022, dropping from a league-leading rating to middle-of-the-pack in recent seasons. Stackhouse aims to fill the void left by former assistant Mike Brown, whose departure coincided with the team’s defensive slump.
“You’ve got to be on a string, seeing man and ball – not locked into your man and having ‘oh (expletive)’ moments,” Stackhouse explained. “You’ve got to be engaged. And it usually starts with transition defense.”
Transition Defense Focus
Jerry Stackhouse stresses the importance of transition defense, aiming to force opponents into half-court situations. “We want to make teams play against our half-court defense. The best way to play a stout defense is if we can get back in transition and make them play in the half-court,” he said, expressing confidence in the roster’s capability to achieve this.
Moving Forward
With Stackhouse’s defensive principles and Kerr’s strategic direction, the Warriors aim to reclaim their defensive prowess. Stackhouse’s addition, along with his alignment with defensive stalwarts like Green, sets a promising tone for the Warriors’ upcoming season.
Stackhouse’s appointment signals a strong commitment to enhancing the Warriors’ defense. His physical, no-nonsense approach, combined with the team’s existing talent, aims to restore Golden State’s defensive identity and drive them towards greater success
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