Offensive Sets

Most of us are aware of the relative simplicity that is the VDN offensive system. I myself am not a basketball coach, so it's hard for me to say what would work for this team and what would not work, since I grew up my entire life playing hockey.

However, I have found a site that is very in-depth with a number of different sets. I've started to look through them and there seem to be an endless amount of plays out there, which only discourages my idea of VDN as a "coach".

I'd like people to take a look and check out some of the sets. Which ones do you think would be good for the Bulls? Which would be good for us if we add a big this summer? What if we lose Ben Gordon, should we try to play more of a "Hawk" style offense, since we could play Salmons at the 2 and use his size against a smaller 2 guard? I really like the looks you get from this Hawk style, because it utilizes dribble penetration of the point guard, which we definitely have. To explain it further, I'll let the site do the talking: 

The Hawk Offense is a relative of the "UCLA" offense and a derivative of the shuffle offense. Introduced into the NBA by Hubie Brown when he was coaching in Atlanta, thus its name, it has proven to be a very successful offense on all levels of the game. Although the Hawk Offense is primarily designed to take advantage of a size mismatch at the off guard position, it also includes wing isolations and strong post ups options. The basic option of the Hawk offense is the off guard's rub cut off a high post screen. The point guard initiates the action with dribble penetration to the wing as the high post sets a back screen for the off guard.

Anyway, the site is http://www.cybersportsusa.com/hooptactics/offensiveguide.asp

Check it out and let the debate begin. I wish we could copy and paste the actual play diagrams into the post (although Matt probably does not wish the same) but this site does a good job of making sure you can't just copy/paste.

I also like the what the Side Screen has to offer, explained in depth here:

The Side Screen Offense is a two player screen and roll isolation. Although the Side Screen is a fairly simple looking play, it incorporates a magnitude of quick hitting options, which make it so lethal. Since it can be quickly initiated by just having a post step out and set an "ON" ball screen, Side Screen action can be used for continuity when an offensive play breaks down or to create a good shot as time winds down on the shot clock.

The basic option of the Side Screen is for the wing to drive over the top of the "ON" ball screen being set by the high post player, usually a power forward or post. The penetrating wing has the options of turning the corner for a drive to the basket or executing a pull up jumper if the defense goes below the screen or making a return pass to the post cutting away to the basket after the screen if the defense switches or making a kick out pass to a shooter when a weakside defender drop off to help out on the drive.

The Side Screen can be triggered either by the point guard dribble clearing the wing or by passing to the wing and making a basket cut clearing out to the weakside of the court. In the NBA, most teams prefer to run the Side Screen on the left side of the court for right handed players, and on the right side for left handed players. This allows for dribble penetration into the middle, where the defense is most vulnerable, with a player's strongest hand.