Golden State Warriors: Genius plays the team uses for their big men

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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – MAY 14: Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Zach Collins #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half in game one of the NBA Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 14, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is one of the best at creating offense for his players. He uses the elite guard talent he has to generate open shots for his less talented big men.

Everyone knows about the ‘Splash Bros’ of the Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. They can create their own shot from anywhere on the floor, particularly from three-point range where they are both deadly.

What is really special about the Warriors though, is how Steve Kerr and the rest of the coaching staff are able to get great shots for their other players because of the gravity of their two star guards.

The main beneficiaries of the system have always been the Warriors big men. They’ve had a wide selection of fairly average centers and power forwards over the last five years that have been made to look a lot better than they are because of Kerr’s brilliant playbook.

There are certain actions within the offense that are particularly effective at getting buckets for big men. We’ll take a look at three of the most effective here.

PORTLAND, OREGON – MAY 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Draymond Green #23 during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers in game three of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Moda Center on May 18, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

1. Lob out of the short roll

The pick-and-roll is a staple for any NBA offense, however, the Warriors actually run it the least out of any team in the league. Despite not running it much, they are actually the most efficient at it when they do.

What makes it so efficient is their use of Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. Because of Curry’s immense shooting ability, he often draws both defenders out of the pick-and-roll. This frees up Green to roll towards the hoop.

Curry immediately passes the ball to Green and now the Warriors effectively have a four-on-three situation. Green is an excellent facilitator in these situations and always makes the right pass. This pass is always to an open shooter for a three or a lob to the rim for a player cutting.

The Warriors big men often station themselves down by the low post for this play. So the lob pass from Green is easy for them to finish at the rim. Big men with a bit of athleticism have basically made their careers out of this play.

Bigs who frequently profited from this have been Kevon Looney, JaVale McGee, Andrew Bogut, and Jordan Bell.

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