HEAT: The Evolution of a Post Game
n Cleveland, James was the definition of a bruiser in the post. He would back down his defenders with multiple dribbles, often from the left side of the key, looking to use his size to get an edge on his defender, turn over his right shoulder into the middle of the paint and either finish over the top or draw a foul. As the numbers showed, it was effective, but those possessions also killed the shot clock, and when the defense brought a defender from the weakside, James lacked a counter-move to get himself out of trouble. The ball would stick, and the team would be left scrambling with a short clock. So, Fizdale started from scratch, breaking down James’ game to its most basic elements. He wanted James to understand how to get the most out of his size, to work on technique, balance and footwork, to learn how to draw multiple defenders and what moves are best suited to different situations. Not necessarily the aspects you would begin with any other player, but James was already such a talented, and willing, passer, Fizdale was afforded a selective focus.
