New York Knicks: 3 ways to improve pick-and-roll defense

Make a decision

There are numerous ways to defend the pick-and-roll offense. However, indecision by defenders is the one thing that will cripple a defense. Strategy and technique matter little when there is no commitment or conviction. In life and basketball, indecisiveness always leads to negative consequences.

The consequences of the New York Knicks’ lackluster defense were countless wide open shots for the Nets. These open looks were created by defenders who did not communicate and would not commit. Commitment in pick-and-roll defense means choosing how the screen will be handled. Both defenders must be on the same page and 100 percent committed to the plan.

Before a team develops the technique of pick-and-roll defense, they must first be committed to making a stop. In the last three seasons, the Knicks have finished 26th, 18th and 28th as a defense. Consequently, there is no tangible proof of defensive commitment by a Jeff Hornacek coached team.

There are plenty of ways for a defense to either stop the pick-and-roll or render it ineffective. Hedging, switching, icing and blitzing are all strategies employed against the pick-and-roll. Unfortunately, without decisiveness a defense has no chance to make a stop no matter what strategy is used.