The Utah Jazz finished a dismal 26th place in point production last season. Pressed on the subject, coach Jerry Sloan had this to say, "Guys just need to play hard and know where they're supposed to be out there on the floor in order to give us a chance to win the ballgame." Intrepid. In the following interview, coach Sloan shares some of his basketball philosophy and strategy with NBA Leeks.
Leeks: Why do you think your team is so dismal on offense? Could it be a lack of spacing reducing the effectiveness of the low-post action you run?
Sloan: Guys just need to play hard and know where they're supposed to be out there on the floor in order to give us a chance to win the ballgame.
Leeks: Have you thought about getting a three-point shooter on the floor to help spread the defense out?
Sloan: Guys just need to play hard and know where they're supposed to be out there on the floor in order to give us a chance to win the ballgame.
Leeks: Fascinating. Let's turn to defense. Why do you insist on double-teaming all the time? Even when the post man is completely ineffective and is anticipating the double-team, you still send them! What brass!
Sloan: Guys just need to play hard and know where they're supposed to be out there on the floor in order to give us a chance to win the ballgame.
Leeks: In a recent game against San Antonio, you double-teamed Finley, Horry and (Oh Boy!) Alberto on three consecutive possesions, which resulted in three Ginobili three-pointers. How does this sort of spirit-crushing episode help your team gel into a contender?
Sloan: Guys just need to play hard and know where they're supposed to be out there on the floor in order to give us a chance to win the ballgame.
Leeks: Phoenix, a team ravaged by both the free-agent market and injury, just made it to the western conference finals. They attempted the most three-point shots in the league. Is there anything to this "high octane" offense which is becoming popular?
Sloan: Guys just need to play hard and know where they're supposed to be out there on the floor in order to give us a chance to win the ballgame.
Leeks: Thanks for your time Jerry. That was a fascinating look into the mind of an old-school baller.
