"Middle" Pick & Rolls, pick & rolls originating from the middle of the floor, are a key component to Scottie Barnes' game.
Last season, Scottie ranked in the 74th percentile in Middle PNR frequency and 80th percentile in Middle PNR PPP, making him one of the league leaders in both respects:
Attacking downhill out of the middle of the floor, whether it be to the left or right side, requires space to do so.
Last season, defenses answered to Scottie's attacks out of PNR by taking away this space, loading up in the gaps to show resistance:
In a game of counters, Scottie and the Raptors employed several of their own throughout the season to attack gap defenses.
To me, these solutions could be categorized into 1) play calls and 2) principles.
1. Play Calls
One of the ways Scottie and the Raptors counter gap help is running set plays involving players normally spaced stationary in the wings/slots.
This "double drag" set (2 consecutive screens perpendicular to the ball-handler) serves as an example:
Such actions vacate space where roaming helpers like to load up and/or creates miscommunication in forcing these defenders to actually defend their matchup.
“77 Shallow” is one of my personal favorites that Toronto runs for Scottie against gap help:
2. Principles
The Raptors also have ways of attacking gap help in PNR without running set plays, relying on principles, instead, that are executed in the flow of the offense.
1. “45 Cuts”
When Scottie Barnes runs a Middle PNR, the wing offensive player could execute a “45 cut”, which is a cut made at a 45-degree angle from the wing to the basket:
This can draw in the gap help and vacate space on the wing to attack unbothered...
... or catch the gap defender off guard and create other opportunities as a result:
2. Strong Side "Exchanges"
When Scottie Barnes runs a middle PNR, the wing offensive player could also execute an "exchange", which is just swapping their position on the court with another player:
This movement can occupy gap defenders, creating driving lanes for Scottie:
Exchanges can also create kickouts and easy scoring chances for his teammates.
Against switching defenses, the Raptors use them strategically to position good shooters one pass away vs unsuspecting gap defenders:
The movement of the action also fuels miscommunication, creating looks in the process:
What are the takeaways?
Star offensive players are going to receive inordinate amounts of defensive attention. However, there are ways to scheme around it and use it to one's advantage.
Even if an offense revolves around a star, it's important to ensure that the other 4 players on the court are a threat to the defense. As shown in this piece, even "non-scorers" can be made threats by involving them in an action :)
All data/statistics in this piece were sourced from Synergy Sports
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