I got to see another side of practice today with the Sonics walking through offensive and defensive sets in preparation for the Clippers game tomorrow. The way it works is that one assistant coach scouts each opposing team and leads the game plan against that team. In this case Jack Sikma had the task of covering the Clippers.
The entire first unit with the exception of Ray Allen who experienced some tightness and was replaced by Flip Murray walked through plays under the observation of the coaching staff who pointed out exactly how they should react to the Clippers sets. Of particular emphasis was weakside defensive help and how the bigs would be expected to make their rotations without getting out of rebounding position. Coach Weiss stressed to Johan Petro and Reggie Evans that while they had to offer help from the weakside he could not do so at the expense of leaving Elton Brand alone for rebounds and putbacks.
Sonics guard Damien Wilkens simulated Clippers SF Corey Maggette.
"This guy doesn't care about assists. He wants to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket." Coach Weiss said of Maggette.
After practice rookie Johan Petro was the center of attention but his limited use of the english language made for a lot of frustrated reporters.