NBA Chat With Coach Anthony Macri 7/24/12

1. B. Carroll

   Given your experience working with great players from Maryland….what do you think about Josh Selby’s future as an NBA player?

   • Anthony Macri

     Hey folks – sorry I’m late. Will stay late to make up for it. Let’s get to your questions…

     I coached Josh as a freshman in high school. He attended the school I was coaching at then – John Carroll. I knew immediately he would have a chance to play in the league. He is one of the most competitive kids I’ve ever been around – just absolutely ruthless in terms of his approach to the game. Great athlete and scorer. As long as his team (Memphis) gives him the green light to be a scorer, and doesn’t try to change the way he plays too much, he can be an excellent scorer for them. We’re probably past the point in his development where you can “teach” him to be a pure lead guard. But there is a value in scorers when deployed right!

2. John

   As a coach if it was your decision do you have Darius Morris or Steve Blake backing up nash in the second unit

   • Anthony Macri

     Are those my only choices? Ugghh.. I’d give Morris a chance to beat him out in camp, but I’d probably spend more of my energy finding another option rather than choosing between them.

3. anthony

   With the magic saying they may start the seasons with D12.What happen now he not re-signing?And,do this DWIGHTMARE ever end.

   • Anthony Macri

     The Magic have to say that in order to increase his value. I think many teams are scaling back their offers because it looks like he can be had cheaply. Whether that is the case or not I’m not sure. I do agree something needs to happen soon.

4. pinoy hoops fan

   among all the players playing in ABL, (its up to you if you include imports) who do you think have a chance (today or near future) to be in the NBA, Or atleast play in DLeague,summer league. Any PINOY ?hehe

   • Anthony Macri

     If Junmar Fajardo was a little bit younger he might have a shot (if you are focused on Filipinos). Barring that, Evan Brock and Brian Williams have had summer league and D-League opportunities. The region is a few years away from producing NBA caliber talent – but that’s why the ABL exists, to help promote basketball and develop the game at a grassroots level throughout the region.

5. Peter

   Hey Coach! Excited for the Olympics? I was watching the US vs. Arg game and noticed that there were tons of iso plays and simple PnR plays from team USA. I didn’t see a lot of “set plays” drawn up from Coach K. Why is that we are seeing players with more freedom in International play? Is coach K just rely solely on talent and athleticism to win?

   • Anthony Macri

     Actually, the best way to let Team USA’s talent shine through is by limiting the number of set plays and instead allowing the players to operate in more of a free flow, where they can read the floor and take advantage of a defense’s mistakes. Set plays are best used for teams that are not as talented, who need the rigid make-up of a set play in order to manufacture open shots. I think Team USA’s approach on that end is solid.

6. ted the talking bear

   Hi coach, hows asia? Just wana know if u got news about the Philippine team? Are they on your league? I heard they kinda pattern their play on the nba, alot of iso and pick n rolls, any filipino or asian that are on the verge of being recruited in the nba?! I heard a filipino japet aguilar has the length and athleticism to be a nba baller? Thanks for your time!

   • Anthony Macri

     Asia is well, thanks. The ABL does have two teams in the league from the Philippines. There is a national league in the Philippines – the PBA – which is the second oldest pro basketball league in the world (after the NBA). The play is very competitive and a number of our league’s best players are Filipino. It is a great testament to the quality of Philippine basketball. I don’t know too many of the young players in the region yet, but I’ll keep an eye out!

7. ted the talking bear

   I see durant over taking kobe ,lebron or even mj in scoring when he finish with his career, the dude is a cross of pippen and reggie miller. He shoot 3′s like layups, and he can penetrate like a point or shooting guard. Agree?

   • Anthony Macri

     I think he is a very fine scorer. Hard to argue that. I think he is only getting better, and he is so young!

     Reminder for young players: Durant only did like 2 reps on the bench press test at the NBA Combine… being good isn’t just about that!

8. oklahoma barbershop

   I cant see nash and kobe workin good music in the game together. Watchin kobe play in team.usa, he kinda holds the ball for along time that he ruins the rhythm of the game and his teamates. Lakera 1 round exit to the spurs and okc to the finals again right?

   • Anthony Macri

     I think Nash will have the ball in his hands a lot more, and will take the pressure off of Kobe to be a great playmaker. Instead, Kobe will be highlighted in operational areas where he is most comfortable and able to impact the game on that end. I definitely see the Lakers going being the 1st Round but the West is going to be a war for that reason!

9. Gustavo A Thomas

   Can you names the 5 most improve NBA team on this off season,and the 5 most decliner? Thank you.

   • Anthony Macri

     I don’t want to name the most /least improved yet – need to see the final pieces get put into place – but this is a great idea for an article later in the off-season. Maybe two separate articles. Thanks!

10. boynextdoor

    at the start of the season…who do you think will back up kobe???or can you name any free agent better suit to back him up…thanks!!!

    • Anthony Macri

      Sounds like depth might be an issue in LA, considering there aren’t a ton of available backups nor do they have very many on their roster. Health might be a factor.

11. Dhrupesh Rajani

    Seems like the new CBA has backfired to an extent with the fact that players have a greater incentive to test free agency rather than extend with their respective teams as has been shown by Deron Williams and Dwight Howard. Was this an oversight?

    • Anthony Macri

      It’s all well and good that the league said the new CBA was about keeping players signed with their current teams instead of running away, but in reality the CBA was all about making sure the revenue pie was divided with less of a percentage going to the players. Most of the rest of the rules are simply window dressing in the grand scheme.

12. Wil

    Hi Coach, I am heading to Thailand next month, and although the ASEAN season is over, is there anything going on that I should catch while I’m there?

    • Anthony Macri

      Thailand has just started their own national pro league that is in its first season. I know very little about it except that some of the guys that play in our league also play in that one… you’ll have to search the internet for links and game information, though – I don’t have anything on it handy! Sorry.

13. aj

    Basketball is a man’s game but the whining of Magic organization in Howard’s case is changing it to something it is NOT. constantly changing their decisions or whether to trade DH12 now or later, deal with houston or LAL, what they want in return is frustrating people and i am sure they are getting sick of it too…then why don’t just make up their mind and get it over with.Dont you think doing what they are will keep other team/players/agents away from them since they are so difficult to deal with. What goes around comes around!!!

    • Anthony Macri

      Your post is basically saying, if a guy doesn’t want to be in a place, then the partnership between the player and the team is essentially over, and don’t try to force a relationship where one cannot exist. I agree with that, and in Howard’s case, they probably should have parted ways when they could have gotten a ton of value and started their rebuild. Now it’s dragged on way too long, and it’s obvious he has no interest in being there, which limits his overall value.

14. Mohammad

    Considering how the Dwight Howard drama is over for right now supposedly. Do you see any other big players getting moved like Rudy Gay? You think the Magic should make a push for him? Jason Richardson, Quentin Richardson, Chris Duhon for Rudy Gay and Josh Selby?

    • Anthony Macri

      Why would that be attractive for Memphis?

15. Rick

    No offense but since you are not on a team’s COACHING staff, don’t you think it is a stretch to call yourself a coach?
    For a good example look at “Trainer” Tim Grover. Being upfront and forthright is probably one of the reasons why he is so highly respected in the basketball strength and conditioning field.
    For a poor example look at “cough” Coach “cough” David Thorpe. No wonder certain NBA teams refuse to deal with him.
    Just something to consider going forward.

    • Anthony Macri

      I don’t take offense. I’m not on a coaching staff right now, but I’ve been a coach in some capacity or another for the last 12 or 13 years. I took the “coach” out of my twitter handle but it stays on here because it helps explain the perspective from which most of my opinions and analysis comes. The players I work with still call me coach – not too concerned with what the outside world calls me.

      When you get folks that are as high profile as Tim Grover, Joe Abunussar, or David Thorpe, there are people who respect and love dealing with each, and others who, for whatever reason, choose not to deal with one or the other. Most of the time, the problem is not that high profile figure, but the people dealing with him.

16. David

    What’s the next step for the Kings?

    • Anthony Macri

      The same as their steps have been for the last 5 or 6 years: choose a single direction, start moving in that direction. They still don’t look like they have a cohesive plan to me – what are the building around? A system? A style of play? A particular player or focus? That is the next step. Not just acquiring talent.

17. Cheekz

    Hey coach what the job market like in your league for the upcoming season? Where can I send a link to my highlight tape to you or get in contact with you directly?

    • Anthony Macri

      Each team handles their own roster… not a lot of help I can provide. Each team has two World Import slots – most of those are 6’7 guys and up to give the league athletic, mobile size.

18. JJ of Blueberry Bay

    Can Royce White guard the SF position as well as the PF position? There are so many unknown variables with the Rockets roster as well as Royce himself that his short term and long term potential is hard to gauge. If everything falls into place this guy could be an absolute beast.I’m guessing eventually 10 rebs.,5 assists,a steal and block and 15 points/game.

    • Anthony Macri

      I like him and he is intriguing but I think you are asking a lot of the guy. Not saying he can’t achieve that, but I think I’d be ecstatic with 11, 7, and 3.

19. Jake

    Why aren’t people taking Adam Morrison seriously after his summer league showing? Where is he likely to land?

    • Anthony Macri

      I’ve seen this from Adam Morrison before. Consistency over a season is the issue. Maybe he has turned a corner. Someone will take a chance on him. I’m not sure I’d want to.

20. Erik

    Do you think Shabazz muhammad will live up to the hype in UCLA?

    • Anthony Macri

      I haven’t heard the hype though I admit not being as close to it as I was now that I’m in Asia. I like him a lot as a player. Very hard worker and that translates.

21. Vernon

    How can we ever take the D-League seriously when they’re underpaid and teams would rather get old guys like Fisher or Juwan on their rosters?

    • Anthony Macri

      How seriously do you think it should be taken? I think many teams use the D-League incorrectly – but the teams that use it right get a ton of value out of it.

22. alen

    What do you think of Darko to the HEAT. I really think he can be a good fit in a great team which doesnt really expect much out of him, right

    • Anthony Macri

      Whenever a team’s expectations matchup to a player’s abilities, magic can happen. I think that might be the case in Miami for Darko if it all comes to pass. Time will tell.

23. Perry

    What’s been the most rewarding/challenging part of your work with the ASEAN Basketball league?

    • Anthony Macri

      There are great people and potential in this league, and learning as much as I have over this short period has been a gift. There are also plenty of challenges – both big picture and small. But I love bringing a fresh perspective to a set of problems and trying to overcome those obstacles.

24. dwight howard

    are you all tired of my dwightmare? Haha
    ..is it legal if i said to hennigan that i want to be traded to L.A. And force them to trade me to lakers?

    • Anthony Macri

      Not sure what you mean by ‘force.’ Players often hold up deals by telling the interested team that they aren’t going to sign long-term in a place. It is a game of “chicken” between the player and his current club. Unfortunately for Dwight, he has made his situation so public that it is now affecting his value, which might make the Magic less likely to trade him than they should be.

25. Josh

    Did you see The Dark Knight Rises? What did you think?

    • Anthony Macri

      Loved it. Very entertaining and kept me engaged throughout. A few pieces I did not like but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Overall a great movie because I went in with a certain expectation and it met that expectation. Going to see it again in IMAX this weekend I think.

26. Trevor

    Why hasn’t anyone spoken out against allowing endorsement patches on jerseys? Doesn’t it overcommercialize the game?

    • Anthony Macri

      I think the notion of ‘over-commercialization’ is fabricated. Sports entertainment is a business, and this is a source of revenue. a 2.5″x2.5″ patch isn’t going to change the quality of play on the floor – and unless you are looking for it, you won’t see it anyway.

27. pinoy

    have you gone here? hope you’ll visit Phils. And y0u’ll see how pinoys are “die hard” basketball fanatics.
    My Q – who do you think will back up KOBE at SG?

    • Anthony Macri

      I’ve been to the Philippines twice over the last few months. Going again in mid-August. Love that the electrical outlets are the same as the US and that most people speak English. Haha! Also admire and respect the country’s love affair with basketball.

      I have no idea who will back-up Kobe – Better hope their starting backcourt stays healthy and fresh, or the Lakers will have big issues in the postseason.

28. David

    I know foreign leagues have a limit on American players. What league allows the most to compete?

    • Anthony Macri

      Every league is so different – you could do some research on Eurobasket to see what you can find. Good luck!

29. 123Eric

    In basketball speak, when a player/coach says that he/player should “be aggressive” what does he really mean? Is “being aggressive” synonymous to “letting the game come to me/him”? Whats the difference, if any? Thanks!

    • Anthony Macri

      It can mean a lot of things in different contexts. To me, it actually means the opposite of letting the game flow – being aggressive means taking charge of the game and taking advantage of whatever pieces a player can grab onto and control. However, I think the context is really the only way to understand what is meant by the saying. I’d need a more specific example of why someone was telling the player to be more aggressive. I try to avoid such a general statement when I advise players – it is amorphous and doesn’t mean very much of anything. Instead, telling a player to attack middle on every closeout or to hit the offensive glass gives them an instruction that also is aggressive in nature. Hope that helps.

30. Marion

    Orlando can’t be fully judged until we see what they get for Howard. However, if their greed causes them to get less, isn’t it a lesson for other GMs/teams?

    • Anthony Macri

      Certainly is a lesson for other teams – I don’t necessarily think it’s greed so much as sentimentality that got them in trouble. I think they felt they could convince him to stay, but the relationship was already over.

31. Ender

    Is Allen Iverson still so toxic that no NBA team wants to deal with him? He can’t be any worse than the other veterans out there (Juwan/Fisher/Ben Wallace, etc).

    • Anthony Macri

      It’s not so much that he’s toxic anymore. I think the issue is now he just wants to play. With an NBA team, could he accept being a guy who is a team’s 8th or 9th guy? I’m not sure that he could, and I’m not sure that he should. A team has to be convinced he won’t become a distraction if he is their 8th best player, can contribute, but the team maybe loses a few games in a row. Will he start grumbling? He is a competitive enough player that he just might.

32. muffinalt

    What are your thoughts on Tyler Zeller? What do you think his ceiling is? He looked great in the summer league for sure. Thanks!

    • Anthony Macri

      I like him more than a lot of people. I think he is mobile, able to face the basket, and can attack closeouts from the mid-post area. He is fundamentally sound, but needs to get a bit stronger to really go at it in the post in the NBA. I think he can be a great bench four man on a championship level team, and maybe even a starter on a contender if the mix was right and with maturity. Would like to see how far he can extend his shooting range.

      That does it for me! I will have a Coach’s Notebook article up this Thursday morning. Be on the lookout! Until next week – enjoy the Olympics!