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The Cavaliers had on again off again discussions regarding Shumpert since the 2014 trade deadline. Griffin began going after Mozgov intently after the Love trade was secured. The details of how Cleveland could get these players and the cost were always changing and vague.
For JR Smith to go from a cost to an asset is one of the more fascinating byproducts of Griffin's past calendar year.
In New York, both Woodson and Fisher used Smith as an initiator on the pick and roll. Sure Smith CAN initiate the offense, but he isn't an initiator as much as he is a scorer. Ray Felton, Shumpert, Priglioni, and Calderon this year have some strengths as facilitators, but just aren't as effective as LBJ and Kyrie initiating offense off picks. So, when Smith shifted to a scorer off secondary motion, he is able to use his iso talents and outside shooting as a third or fourth option rather than the primary option. That his how he has become efficient.
In general, Blatt's motion and complex system of picks and screens makes catch and shoot players more of a threat. They don't just create space, they take wide open shots in mismatch situations. Now that the plays and players have jelled, everyone benefits.
For JR Smith to go from a cost to an asset is one of the more fascinating byproducts of Griffin's past calendar year.
In New York, both Woodson and Fisher used Smith as an initiator on the pick and roll. Sure Smith CAN initiate the offense, but he isn't an initiator as much as he is a scorer. Ray Felton, Shumpert, Priglioni, and Calderon this year have some strengths as facilitators, but just aren't as effective as LBJ and Kyrie initiating offense off picks. So, when Smith shifted to a scorer off secondary motion, he is able to use his iso talents and outside shooting as a third or fourth option rather than the primary option. That his how he has become efficient.
In general, Blatt's motion and complex system of picks and screens makes catch and shoot players more of a threat. They don't just create space, they take wide open shots in mismatch situations. Now that the plays and players have jelled, everyone benefits.
