Hersey Hawkins' book on Rose/Sprewell
By Hersey Hawkins
Special to ESPN.com
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WATCHING LIKE A HAWK |
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Throughout the rest of the playoffs, Bulls guard Hersey Hawkins will provide ESPN.com with an in-depth scouting report on several key players. Hawkins continues his series with a look at Pacers swingman
Jalen Rose and Knicks swingman Latrell Sprewell. |
How to defend them: Rose he has the ability to post up smaller guards and small forwards. Even with big guys he has the ability and enough moves so he can get his shot off. He's a decent 3-point shooter, but he can make those when it counts. He is best in transition or maybe off a secondary break. He can get the ball and can create without the defense being totally set. He uses his quickness to get into the lane.
Philly gave Rose some problems but I think that was George Lynch being physical with him. It's also knowing that it's a different mentality when you know you have to score. Rose has to be aggressive and he has to learn that in order for them to win he has to continue to shoot. They will live with him being aggressive. If he shoots 5-for-20, then big deal, he still has to keep shooting. The ability is there.
You'd rather have Sprewell shoot the jumper. He is a great post-up player and won't take you on the box. He can go mid-post and take one quick dribble, but you'd rather have him shoot the jumper . He is so good at finishing at the bucket. When he has the ball he prefers to go right, and you want to push him to the baseline. You make him handle the ball with his left hand, as he is not as comfortable. When he can go right he is amazing and can finish or shoot the jumper.
How they defend you: You try to post Rose up. With him at the three most three guys are more bulkier and outweigh him. I put my three guy on the post. Rose tries to play defense but sometimes he is just overmatched. I don't know if he is a three. I think he might be better in the backcourt, either a one or a two. He wants to be the one. But you need his scoring too much for him to be at the one.
On defense, Sprewell can guard the one, two or three. He's so quick. The only problem with him is he gambles a lot, goes for steals. And if you are smart with your passes and picks and he is out of the play you can make him pay for that. I think defensively in the playoffs he has become the guy when the Knicks need a defensive stand. He goes on the toughest guy. His game has really evolved. Four or five years ago he could care less about guarding people.
What role they fill for their teams: I think Rose has just gotten so much confidence. Larry Bird decided he could play him more and he gave him the opportunity to take more shots. He understands it will be his team in the future and it shows on the court.
Sprewell has come a long way as well. He's definitely a key member of the team and can excel on offense and defense.
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