In Real Life: Atul Gawande speculates that one of the key drivers behind rising health care cost is overtreatment: excessive and gratuitous procedures which give the impression of thorough treatment without actually improving results. Patients may suffer complications from needless operations or doctors may neglect a low cost preventative measure in favour a more expensive and risky procedure. Certain “anchor tenants” influence the culture of particular hospitals and communities. The key to better health care lies in prescribing the appropriate care for each patient and treating the cause instead of all of the symptoms. Western countries agree that health care costs …
Offensive Execution
The execution of these plays (the process) led to two different outcomes in Chicago’s 82-81 win over New York. The Bulls involved everyone in their set, although it was designed the entire time for Derrick Rose to take the shot. On the other hand, the Knicks don’t seem involved in helping to get Carmelo Anthony open or moving into a passing lane once he gets the ball. Chicago had more diverse and more effective options as their play unfolded. In the first play, Jimmy Butler uses an elevator screen from Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer to get open at the …
Brock on Books: 11 Rings and Relentless
Recently, two key figures behind basketball dynasties of the 1990s and 2000s published books outlining their philosophies and paths to success. Sage coach Phil Jackson penned 11 Rings and determined trainer Tim Grover authored Relentless. Some may fine the tone of the books to be supercilious, as it should be easy to win when coaching and training Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The average coach/trainer is unlikely to lead two of the ten best players of all-time but can learn from these works, which shed light on some of the most resolute personalities in basketball. Firstly, neither Jordan nor Bryant …
Did Derrick Rose Suffer an Overuse Injury?
Was Derrick Rose’s injury caused by overuse and a lack of recovery time or because he was adjusting to avoid aggravating existing lower body injuries?
Acting Like a Team
In practice, teammates should push each other constantly. During games teams should remain focused. A sad scene transpired during Toronto’s last exhibition game against Chicago. The Bulls held a ten point lead and had just called the games final automatic timeout. During the timeout, Chicago was immensely attentive, huddled around coach Tom Thibodeau as he reviewed some tactic or strategy. The team could have relaxed as they held the advantage but they chose to remain focused, because that is the behaviour that they will need to succeed in the playoffs.
The Decision
Miami compiled their trifecta of superstars and boasts high hopes for the next six years. Certainly, the concept of three top players has worked in the past, on both a short (Boston 2008: Allen, Pierce, Garnett and Philadelphia 1983: Malone, Erving, Toney) and long-term (Boston 1980s: Bird, McHale, Parrish and San Antonio 2000s: Duncan, Ginboli, Parker) basis. The concept of elite trios has also fallen short just as frequently (Los Angeles 1970s: West, Chamberlain, Baylor and 2004 Minnesota: Garnett, Spreewell, Cassells). While the transactions of July 8th will give the Heat a very strong chance, it is no guarantee. There …
Ed Davis and the Off-Season
It is difficult to feel excitement for an Association draft pick outside the top ten. The Toronto Raptors were merely presently surprised that Ed Davis dropped to the thirteenth spot in the lottery. Davis could fit in nicely, replacing U.F.A. Amir Johnson in a bench role and contributing rebounding and defence to a team that sorely needed it down the stretch. However, if the team does not retain Chris Bosh and Davis must start, it will be a disastrous downgrade. Davis has some post moves but he lacks the variety of manoeuvres and the outside shooting to be effective at …
The Breaks of the Game
During his career, David Halberstam wrote two books about the National Basketball Association: The Breaks of the Game and Playing for Keeps (concerning the break-up of the 1977 Portland Trail Blazers and the construction of the 1990s Chicago Bulls respectively). Halberstam’s two works – written roughly seventeen years apart – cover a dramatic shift in the game of basketball, a change from a marginal sport without a full television contract to the second most popular sport in the world. The 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers may have been the last true team (greater than the sum of its parts) to win …