Carlesimo’s Way – What P.J. did next for Nets

The Nets went 15-14 when Avery Johnson was running the show.

Johnson was then suddenly ousted from the head coach position, many choosing to believe it was at the request of star point guard Deron Williams. P.J. Carlesimo was sworn in as interim coach and appeared to be doing a great job, going 7-1 in his first 8 games. Carlesimo’s record with the Nets is currently 23-13, not bad at all considering the amount of time he was given to instigate his own changes to the team’s style of play; in fact, it is one of the best starts a head coach has had in Nets’ history.

Here’s what he has done differently to Avery Johnson.

Carlesimo has allowed Brook Lopez to post up far more often than he did when Avery was in charge. In 22 games with Avery, Lopez posted up 116 times, however in just 8 games with Carlesimo, Lopez had posted up 115 times. Consequently, this has led to Lopez getting more free throws per game, resulting in a more efficient offensive performance from the big man, who is shooting 76% from the charity stripe for the season.

Unsurprisingly, the sometimes difficult and emotional Deron Williams has also benefited from the coaching change. Under Avery, Deron’s ‘true shooting %’ (a measurement which accounts for three-point field goals, free throws and two point field goals) was 52%, since P.J. took over, this number rocketed to 60% and has continued to hover around this point.

Williams recently had a tremendous shooting night when his side faced the Wizards, he dropped 23 points in the first eight minutes of the game, whilst hitting 7 three-pointers in the first quarter alone. Williams also connected on 49% of his efforts from downtown in February and is averaging 23.6 points per game (PPG) so far this month, compared with an average of 16.3 PPG when playing under Johnson. It seems the clearing of ‘bad air’ in the locker room has certainly helped Deron’s game.

Deron Williams’ elevated levels of performance have forced teams to place greater emphasis upon him in defensive sets. This has freed up Joe Johnson on the perimeter who immediately gave the Nets increased production from behind the arc. He shot over 40% from three-point range the month following the coach’s sacking, 6% higher than when Avery called the shots. However, Johnson’s initial surge didn’t last long, the former Atlanta Hawk has suffered from inconsistent play which has hurt Brooklyn this season.

Carlesimo provided veteran Keith Bogans with increased playing time, and whilst he isn’t a great offensive threat, he does provide the Nets with stellar defense they can rely on which has helped down the stretch in close games. Bogans also helps stretch the floor when he his having a hot shooting streak, allowing Brook Lopez to operate in more space when posting up.

Carlesimo also provided veteran Reggie Evans with an increase in playing time. Evans’ play revolves around hustling for every rebound and loose ball that’s available, this great energy has helped the Nets on an innumerable amount of occasions. Evans has been averaging more rebounds and more points per game since the coaching change. So far in March, Evans has been averaging an incredible 13.4 rebounds, at the age of 32.

Despite P.J.’s solid record with the Nets, many fans are still calling for his head, several times this season Brooklyn fans have been left reeling at the questionable decision making of Carlesimo in late game situations. The off-season may hold some interesting surprises for Net’s fans with regards to the head coach position.

(Image: Basketball Schedule)