Clash of styles...or is it?

Recently there has been a lot of movement in the NBA. Chris Webber to the Golden State Warriors, Pau Gasol to the Lakers, Shaq to the Phoenix Suns. In the tough, generally more “up tempo” Western Conference a couple of bigger, slower players added to what have been some of the quickest teams (although Pau Gasol isn’t exactly slow, but still noteworthy).

As my coaching philosophies have developed over the years, I have leant towards a more up-tempo, open floor offense rather than a grinding half court set style. Defensively I prefer an aggressive, pressuring defense where the players are allowed to gamble and use their natural abilities (athleticism, strength, mobility, instincts etc.) to best effect.

So it is with great interest I have watched the unfolding events with the Suns and Warriors in particular. I admire Don Nelson and the frantic pace at both ends of the floor that the Warriors play. Coach Mike D'Antoni and his up-tempo style fit this also, although perhaps not quite as aggressive on the defensive end. How will the additions of bigger, slower players like Webber and O'Neal affect these teams?

Both seem to agree somewhat...from a recent interview with Don Nelson:

-Q: The Suns play so fast, will that style work with Shaq?
-NELSON: Nobody runs a five-man break. Because you have to one guy back dragging up or to change the ball. I’m sure they’re no different than we are.

And excerpts from an interview with Mike D'Antoni:

D'Antoni found irony — and humor — in the second-guessing of the trade. "Well, first we can't win without a big man, and once we get a big man, now we can't win with a big man. That's a funny argument.'' D'Antoni wasn't finished. Recognizing a Los Angeles reporter, he said, "Didn't the Lakers have Showtime and a 40-year-old center running down behind everybody?''

In town coaching the New Orleans Hornets against the Suns, former Lakers star Byron Scott seconded that sentiment.

"To me, it's a lot like the '80s, when Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar) was up in age. We were a fast-break team, but when Magic (Johnson) needed him, we called him down, put him in the post, throw it to him and spread the floor. That's exactly what Phoenix is going to do with Shaq.''

It will be fascinating to see how these teams adjust, from a chemistry and style perspective, over the coming weeks. I for one will be watching with great interest.