The B-Side: Reducing an Inbound Set to Brutal Simplicity

The B-Side is a recurring feature here at Bleacher Report that gives kudos to the unheralded: the brilliantly executed set that leads to a bland layup, the swarming coverage that causes a shot clock violation or even the phenomenal move that ends with a blown finish. Every night in the NBA is filled with plays that are noteworthy for a wide variety of reasons, and this space is set aside to enjoy the alternatives to the standard highlight—one clip at a time.

The NBA is filled with some of basketball's master strategists—true artists who can turn squiggly lines on a clipboard into fully fledged play action. They engineer complicated, miniature ecosystems of stunts and staggered screens, all with the explicit goal of milking the most out of a given possession.

They strive for more than a mere iso. Although getting the ball into the hands of a superstar is perhaps one possible end among many, it can be done more tactfully and with more purpose than the inbound avenue on which hero ball "sets" usually rely.

There's a craftsmanship to drawing up a perfect inbound play, pulled from years of experience and careful study. It demands a nuanced understanding of space and movement, but the payoff is a very tangible pressure on the mechanisms underlying opposing defenses.

A good set play forces opponents to make difficult decision after difficult decision and capitalizes on the split-second delay that often accompanies defensive commitment. The timing is delicate, but the reward for such structure is considerable.

Or, you know, a smart player with elite athleticism—whether by design or by instinct—could just do this:

A bit easier, no?