Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is hoping to quickly acclimate the team's new acquisition D'Angelo Russell into their style of offense. In order to do so, however, he must first give him situations to thrive in and play to his strengths — something Kerr is already looking to incorporate into his sets.
“We know D'Angelo's really good at pick and rolls, so we'll put him in pick and rolls,” said Kerr during Monday's Media Day session, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell.
Russell thrived hiding behind screens and popping away from mid-range and beyond the arc, using former teammate Jarrett Allen as a perfect brick wall to snipe away behind.
While 7-footer Willie Cauley-Stein will be momentarily unavailable to be that screen-setting big man, Kevon Looney could be the man of choice this time around — allowing him to flourish with sets he's familiar with.
Russell shot the best percentage of his career last season with the Nets, mustering a decent 43.4 percent from the floor and 36.9 percent from deep. Those percentages could elevate thanks to Golden State's high ball-movement offense, as well as their playmakers, but it will be up to Russell to make the most of his wide-open shots and his shot-selection in the pick-and-roll.
The 23-year-old's biggest adjustment, however, will be to mold himself into a better defender. He has big shoes to fill with Klay Thompson now ruled out until the All-Star break.
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