Mike Brown’s preseason effort to get the Kings to defend

The Sacramento Kings offense was absolutely phenomenal during the previous season, topping the league in points per game with an impressive average of 120. De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and the supporting cast showcased their dazzling skills in high-scoring games, leaving no doubt that the Beam Team had arrived. This season, there are hints of new strategies being added to an already explosive offense.

Head coach Mike Brown recently revealed to reporters that he wants his players to have a quicker and better understanding of the offensive plays, as well as more space to execute them. He aims for a more free-flowing offense with improved spacing and the ability to make sharp cuts. If they get bumped or taken out of the play, they should be able to counter it with a cut in a different direction, thanks to the proper spacing.

However, what sets this season apart is the focus on defense. Despite having a historically dominant offense last year, ranking number one in the history of the game, Brown believes that a strong defense is crucial. Drawing from his experiences in six NBA Finals with three different teams, Brown stated, “You have to be able to defend.”

The consensus within the organization is clear: for the Kings to elevate from being a good team to a championship contender, a defensive overhaul is necessary. Last season, the Kings ranked 24th in defensive rating, a slight improvement from 27th in the previous season. General Manager Monte McNair emphasized the need to transform the Kings from an offensive spectacle to a consistent and formidable contender during Media Day.

Throughout preseason and training camp, Coach Brown has highlighted specific defensive principles he wants the team to focus on:

1. Pick and roll defense
2. Physicality without fouling
3. Using the baseline/sideline for help
4. Defending dribble hand offs
5. Transition defense

Let’s dive into the pick and roll defense principle. Last season, the Kings struggled with defending the pick and roll, ranking 30th in the league. Brown wants his players to be more proactive in these situations. When defending the pick and roll, they should send the ball toward the screen, engaging the ball handler aggressively while navigating around the screen. Physicality is key, and the team must be prepared to absorb contact.

Physicality without fouling is Brown’s emphasis. While he appreciates the team’s physicality and willingness to take charges, he also wants them to avoid excessive fouls. Playing with an appropriate level of physicality ensures opponents feel the defensive presence without giving away unnecessary free throws.

On the defensive end, Brown stresses the importance of using the baseline and sideline to limit the opposition’s options. By keeping the ball on the sideline, the Kings can provide built-in help, preventing opponents from slashing to the middle of the paint. This strategy was successfully implemented during Brown’s tenure as the defensive coordinator of the Golden State Warriors.

In addition, defending dribble hand offs is a significant aspect of Brown’s defensive playbook. He believes in disrupting offensive flow and not allowing players to get comfortable in their sets. When facing dribble hand offs, the players need to get into the body and disrupt the flow of the play.

Brown’s perimeter defense principle is straightforward: limit the effectiveness of the best shooters. He categorizes players as “hot” or “not hot,” and the priority is to get the hot shooters off the three-point line. The defense should force them into tougher shots by making them sidestep or drive into a well-fortified paint. Rear view contesting is encouraged to disrupt their rhythm.

To measure adherence to these defensive principles, Brown tracks six key actions analytically and gives players grades based on their performance. This approach emphasizes accountability and consistent defensive effort.

Lastly, the Kings need to improve their transition defense. Brown highlighted the team’s lack of communication in transition, emphasizing the importance of quick defensive setup and physicality without fouling. By taking care of the transition game, the Kings can prevent easy scoring opportunities for their opponents.

All in all, while the Kings continue to be an offensive powerhouse, Coach Brown’s main focus is on instilling his defensive principles. By doing so, he aims to elevate the team’s championship aspirations and ensure that the beam represents not just offensive flair, but comprehensive team victories.

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Olivia Wilson

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