With the players that the Boston Celtics have, it’d be interesting if they started utilizing a 1-3-1 zone defense.
Granted, it’d be difficult for any team to successfully run a zone defense all of the time in the NBA, so this defense should be used occasionally during the game to provide a change of pace. With the way Kevin Garnett would be utilized in this particular defense, it’s probably better to use it when he’s fresh.
Alignment & Responsibilities
The front of the defense is flanked by Rajon Rondo (or any of the other point guards on the squad). This position is required to protect the top of the perimeter.
On the wings are Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. These two spots are occupied by the shooting guards and small forwards. Their job is to be the point man on defense on their side of the court.
The middle of the 1-3-1 defense is Kevin Garnett. In this defense, versatility and athleticism is key. The only two players on the Boston Celtics roster that can handle the responsibilities in this type of defense would be James Posey and Kevin Garnett. They’re responsible for being the secondary defender on all four zones.
The last line of defense in the 1-3-1 defense is Kendrick Perkins (or another big man such as Glen Davis, Scot Pollard, and Leon Powe). His responsibility is to protect the basket and the strongside of the baseline.
Traps
The strength of this defense is that perimeter players like Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce are flanked by Kevin Garnett. His quickness and his long arms should make it difficult for any perimeter player in the league to get penetration.
Kevin Garnett chases the ball in this defense while Kendrick Perkins provides support inside. When ran properly, this defense constantly has four players on the strong side.
For instance, pretend that the offense swings the ball to the left side wing player (guy guarded by Ray Allen). The moment the ball gets swung over to that point, Rajon Rondo makes his move towards the left side. He doesn’t trap all the way, but he does close off the passing lanes, making it difficult for the ball handler to swing the ball back around. Kevin Garnett goes over to join Ray Allen in a double team. Kendrick Perkins moves over to the left block and closes off the passing lanes to prevent the weak side players from cutting in. Paul Pierce, who is on the weak side of the defense, is then responsible for players cutting from the weak side.
Statistical Advantages
The Boston Celtics are the 3rd best teams when it comes to steals. This trapping defense applies a lot of pressure to the ball handlers, which should enable the ball hawks on the team to collect a few more steals a game.
Also, by keeping Kendrick Perkins and the big men near the basket, that should increase their rebounding averages. Right now, Kevin Garnett leads the team with 10.9 rebounds a game. Paul Pierce is the only other player on the team with more than 5.0 rebounds a game. That needs to change if the Boston Celtics want to be serious contenders for the title.
