Triangle Offense

An interesting article was published in the New York Times on December 13th, 2009, written by JONATHAN ABRAMS. It talks about triangle offense. We all know that Phil Jackson used this offense with Michael Jordan, then with Kobe Bryant (also with Shaq while in LA) to win some championships. The article talks about Kurt Rambis (reference, picture ) who’s trying to implement this offense with the Timberwolves.

The guiding principles of triangle offense:

The triangle, created by the post, wing and corner players, revolves around seven guiding principles: the ball handler reading the defense; correct decisions based on the defense; penetration through a pass into the post; separation of 15 to 20 feet for all the offensive players; movement through sharp cuts; interchangeability in positions; and balance for defensive transition.

It is opening up options for all five players on the court. The attraction is that there are no set plays, just constant movement until a scoring opportunity opens up:

The triangle differs from more traditional N.B.A. offenses because it presents more options for the five players on the court. There are no set plays, just many possibilities.

The triangle was (only) really successful with Jordan or Bryant to do what they do best:

…when all else fails, the triangle summons a player like Bryant or Jordan to create his own scoring opportunity.

The role players should love this kind of offense:

The offense’s main payoff, Rambis said, is that secondary players become involved.

Rambis about the benefits of the triangle:

“It really teaches players how to play,” he said. “It teaches players how to move without the basketball, how to read defenses, how to play together.”

Is this good for most players?

One of the things that makes the triangle tough is, pretty much besides the center, every other piece is interchangeable. – A Western Conference scout

It is not easy for young players, like Flynn, to adapt and adopt the triangle:

It’s a mind-set. You just have to be open, you have to be receptive and you have to be willing to realize that you can’t dominate the basketball. If you are good to the offense, the offense will be good to you. – Jim Cleamons