The 2nd episode of the Vet Moves Podcast featured San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mitch Johnson as he discussed his journey from playing overseas to coaching under a legend. Mitch detailed the steps he took to get on the Spurs bench along with some of the challenges in doing so. It was an insightful conversation that offered useful advice about getting into coaching on any level.
Let’s start that discussion with the point guards. It is of little debate at this point that Steph Curry is the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA. He has dazzled us with half court shots and no look threes, making shooting from long range look as effortless as a free-throw. So you may ask, well, who is going to defend him? The Boston Celtics just so happen to have the current defensive of the year winner in Marcus Smart, an award I may add that hasn’t been given to a guard since Gary Payton in the 1995-96 season. Smart is also one of the stronger guards in the league so he may make Steph work on defense as well, posting him up or running him off screens, anything to get under his skin.
The second battle worth mentioning takes place on the wings, and both wings are involved. Tatum and Brown vs Thompson and Wiggins. On paper this would appear to be an even matchup, all of these wings have size and length, athleticism, skill, so it’s the mental game that may be forced to shine through.
The last position battle that will be particularly intesresting is Horford and Draymond. Draymong is the heart and soul for the Warriors and has a knack for doing whatever is needed to help them win, and although Horford doesn’t have that same exact reputation, with a little thought you could say the same about him. Who will come out victorious? Who will make the winning plays when it matters most? Only time can tell but one thing is for certain, this finals will be one for the records books.