Indiana Pacers Coach Frank Vogel looking to build chemistry with assistants during the NBA lockout
As the lockout continues, the NBA teams have been busy regulating all types of departments; be it sales, marketing or basketball operations. With regards to basketball operations, the Indiana Pacers have also recently hired two
new assistant coaches in the form of Brian Shaw and Jim Boylen.
Since the arrival of their new coach Frank Vogel, the Indiana Pacers have seemed like a completely different outfit. It was due to his attacking mindset that the Pacers achieved a remarkable end to their preseason. Qualifying for
the playoffs was a major boost and it didn’t end there.
They gave a stunning performance against the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose had his first real test all season. Unfortunately, however, they just could not edge past the mighty Bulls. After such a promising end to last season,
the Pacers are hoping to mix it with the big boys this time around. They have a young and talented squad, which was able to adjust to the new system without any delay.
Now, with the hiring of two new assistant coaches, Vogel will have more assistance on an off the court. Given the lockout phase is still in full flow, this will provide ample time for the three to get to know each other better
and develop a proper system for the team.
“Specifically because we have new assistants, we’re meeting more than we normally would, discussing game plans, getting on the same page with terminology, our approach toward our team and just picking the brains of my new assistants,”
Vogel said.
Vogel also expressed satisfaction over the kind of company Shaw and Boylen have previously been a part of. Shaw worked as an assistant coach under Phil Jackson at the Los Angeles Lakers and won two championships in that position.
He also has three championships under his belt as a player.
Boylen, on the other hand, was head coach of the University of Utah from 2007 to 2011. Moreover he has served as assistant coach under Rudy Tomjanovich of the Houston Rockets and won two championships in the process. Vogel is optimistic
that the Pacers are heading towards those elusive championships.
“That’s where we’re going,” Vogel said. “That’s where the Pacers are going, and that’s what we wanted to bring in in terms of beefing up the experience of our coaching staff.”
Vogel took over from Jim O’Brien in the middle of last season, after which he introduced ‘smashmouth’ ball, which was a form of play that focused on attacking the basket. From there on in, the Pacers put up a 20-18 run to end their
preseason. However, after the loss to Bulls, Vogel has been more determined than ever to get back on the court.
“I want to be ready,” he said. “Whenever we get started, we’re going to be ready. I can’t wait to get started. I’m chomping at the bit.”
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