Y13 [EN]: Chapter 171

Y13-171 2011 Off-Season

“It’s a mix of things.”

Youngjae paused, gathering his thoughts before honestly sharing the team’s post-season discussions.

“The coaching staff wants to gradually expand my tactical role. That means I’ll need to penetrate defenses more often than last year and create more scoring opportunities.”

Through several meetings with the coaches, Youngjae had already developed a preliminary off-season plan. He’d learned the hard way in his past life that simply working hard without a strategy wasn’t enough. Modern sports demanded maximum efficiency, and Youngjae understood that training schedules would naturally align with the team’s overall plan.

For instance, it would be unwise to cut weight if the team was shifting to a half-court style emphasizing tight defense and set plays. Conversely, bulking up would be equally counterproductive if they aimed for a run-and-gun approach focused on fast transitions and breaks. Of course, Youngjae still needed to build strength to improve his isolation plays and 1-on-1 defense.

“I understand. It sounds like you’ve already had extensive communication with the team.”

“This season, I’m focusing on refining my pull-up jumper, increasing my left-hand usage, and bulking up to improve my isolation and 1-on-1 defense. What do you think of the data Duffy sent you? Your coaching approach is entirely up to you.”

Youngjae had decided to hire Jonas Yim as his coach and asked Duffy to forward his data in advance. He could have accessed it himself, but he believed Jonas could make better use of his time by reviewing as much information as possible before their meeting.

“Yes. Since agreeing to coach Yoon, I’ve reviewed extensive game footage and the data Duffy provided, analyzing it in my own way. My assessment aligns with the team trainers’ advice: Yoon needs to prioritize those three areas. Physical improvement is also necessary, but I’m not an expert in that field, so I’ll refrain from commenting on it.”

Jonas Yim clearly defined his expertise. He wasn’t an AT (Athletic Trainer) – a sports medicine expert who works directly with athletes. He clarified that as a coach, he could only improve techniques and skill sets, and analyze games or training sessions through video analysis.

“Looking at Yoon’s footage and shooting charts from last year, the limitations of simple primary stats like shooting percentage become clear. You achieved the 180 club [shooting 50% or higher from the field, 40% or higher from the three-point line, and 90% or higher from the free-throw line] and scored 17 points, ranking second on the team, but your pull-up jumper percentage is low. Your overall field goal percentage was high because the team’s offensive tactics were diverse, with excellent screeners, positioning, and teammates who could draw the defense. For example, your catch-and-shoot percentage and shots near the basket are high, but your pull-up percentage is relatively low. The team wants you to be a primary scorer next year, but with these numbers, that role will be challenging.”

2010-11 Regular Season Shots

Shooting Type: Success Rate

Catch and Shoot (10~23Ft): 52%

Pull-up (10~23Ft): 40%

Near Basket (~10Ft): 56%

Pull-up (3pt): 36%

Catch and Shoot (3pt): 46%

“Looking at this chart alone, you’d see him as a decent shooter with good shooting. It’s amazing he scored 17 points with these numbers. It would have been almost impossible to score 17 points with this shooting chart on another team. The high catch-and-shoot percentage, and above all, the league’s highest number of catch-and-shoot attempts, made those 17 points possible. You need to narrow the gap between pull-up and catch-and-shoot to within 6-7% next year. A difference of more than 10% means you can’t be a main scorer. This is essential for you to become a superstar.”

Youngjae nodded, having realized this during the season. Thanks to the creative and diverse tactics of coaches like Carlisle, Stotts, and Casey, excellent screeners like Nowitzki, Chandler, and Marion, a genius point guard like Kidd, and clutch shooters like Terry and Nowitzki, he had more open looks than most players with similar scoring averages. Of course, his ability to capitalize on those opportunities and his understanding of the tactics also played a role, but that was the extent of it.

“Of course, Dallas is a top-tier team in terms of passes, assists, and screens. You could even say it rivals Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs, the epitome of system basketball. That’s not to say you need to unnecessarily improve your isolation or tough shots. But if you want to be a primary scorer, you need to elevate those aspects to a certain level.”

Jonas Yim continued, pointing out Youngjae’s weaknesses and potential improvements with refreshing clarity.

“You showed improved play in the playoffs compared to the regular season, but my analysis shows no significant improvement in detailed stats or practical aspects. Don’t assume you’ve grown significantly just because of the playoff spotlight, especially in the Finals. The records improved, but the patterns remained similar.”

Youngjae had felt he’d grown during the playoffs, but this felt like a blow. Coaches had praised him, and commentators had made positive remarks, but no one had directly stated that his growth was insignificant and his patterns predictable.

‘Should I say it’s similar to Brewer?’

Youngjae smiled slightly at Jonas Yim’s blunt explanation, reminiscent of Brewer’s directness. However, some points were unclear. Youngjae believed that Jonas Yim’s ability to explain and convince him of these unclear points would be the most crucial aspect of their meeting. He felt that if he was convinced here, he could trust Jonas Yim’s abilities implicitly.

“I want to understand why. I definitely felt I grew during the playoffs and the Finals. The extent of that growth might be subjective, but I felt it had improved. It wasn’t arrogance, but an intuition based on contributing to the championship. Moreover, no one around me denied this.”

Jonas Yim nodded, acknowledging his point, but then presented objective figures and data to calmly explain his perspective.

“Yoon, look at the Dallas team’s record sheet alongside your own. Most players’ records improved in the playoffs. It’s more accurate to say you improved because you played with confidence, receiving significant playing time and a defined role. The weaknesses in isolation, pull-up jumpers, and 1-on-1 defense remained, which proves my point. There’s also a significant difference in your stats when Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler were injured versus when they were healthy during the regular season. I’ll show you the areas where you didn’t improve in the playoffs compared to the regular season.”

2010-11 Regular Season Shots (Closest Defender: Distance from the nearest defender)

Very Tight (Very tight. There is contact with the defense. 0-2 Feet): 36%

Tight (Tight. The defense is shot contesting. 2-4 Feet): 41%

Open (There is distance between you and the defense. 4-6 Feet): 53%

Wide Open (The defense can’t stop you at all. 6+ Feet): 57%

2010-11 Playoff Season Shots (Closest Defender: Nearest defender)

Very Tight (Very tight. There is contact with the defense. 0-2 Feet): 34%

Tight (Tight. The defense is shot contesting. 2-4 Feet): 40%

Open (There is distance between you and the defense. 4-6 Feet): 57%

Wide Open (The defense can’t stop you at all. 6+ Feet): 60%

(Omitted)

Youngjae, carefully examining the data, had to nod slightly. His trust in Jonas Yim, who had prepared data pinpointing unexpected areas, increased significantly.

“Tough shots are lower, and open shot success rates are higher. In other words, he wasn’t very effective against tight defense… And the field goal percentage allowed in 1:1 matchups is similar. This indicates he received significant help from the team’s defense. The isolation success rate is lower, and the A/T Ratio (assist turnover ratio) is also higher… This clearly shows that my efficiency as a go-to guy [a player relied upon to score in crucial situations] decreases when team tactics aren’t effective. I understand. There’s nothing to say when you show me such clear data. Haha!”

Youngjae felt a slight sting of rejection as he reviewed the chart highlighting his weaknesses, a natural reaction. But as the feeling subsided, his goals became clearer, and his mind felt lighter. Jonas had clearly identified his weaknesses and areas for improvement, and Youngjae was now eager to address them. He was thrilled by the challenge.

“That’s right. If you improve these points, you can become a player comparable to Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade. However, it will require immense effort. I’m not even sure if you can do it. It’s ambitious to try to improve all these shortcomings in just one or two years… but.”

Jonas Yim couldn’t help but smile at Youngjae’s excited expression.

“I wanted to say that development is only possible if you accept this assessment, but it’s truly amazing. Yoon has already accepted it and is fully prepared to develop.”

Youngjae nodded, as if it were obvious.

“I have no intention of settling here. You are my coach, not a columnist to criticize me. It may be ambitious, but I’m going to try my best. Even before meeting you, I considered myself a player with many flaws, so I never considered limiting myself.” I didn’t even think about it. Yim, I want to hear your plan.”

The two spent considerable time discussing and taking notes, reaching a mutual understanding. They had some disagreements, but Youngjae, not being hot-tempered, successfully compromised, understood, and established a framework.

“Now, the last question. What about exercise training? Is it completely off-limits for you?”

Youngjae asked, wondering if he should hire a separate personal trainer.

“To be honest, I’m not ignorant about it. But I specialize in coaching and video analysis. I can manage and oversee a systematic physical training schedule, but I can’t create one. The best approach is to get a schedule from the team trainer. Casey Smith, the Dallas team trainer, is one of the best in the United States, right? I know he also worked as a trainer for the US national team.”

Jonas knew his limitations and clearly stated them. He also seemed to have considered an alternative and suggested it first.

“Ah, are you talking about Smith Trainer? That’s a good idea. I’ll consult with Smith Trainer, get an off-season training schedule for a few months, follow it, and then consult with you or other trainers to modify it?”

“That’s right. Smith Trainer has been observing you for a year, so he’ll know how you should train. That’s how off-season training works for professional athletes. Trainers can’t stick with players who are trying to get in shape before training camp.”

Youngjae nodded, then picked up his glass, now filled with melted ice, and finished the cold water.

“In that case, I’ll consult with Smith Trainer and let you know the results. And regarding my schedule, if there’s a lockout [an owner-imposed work stoppage], I won’t be able to use the team training facility from July 1st, so I’m thinking of training at a gym affiliated with the agent company.”

“BDM is near LA. My workplace isn’t far either. That’s good. No need to find new accommodation. I can commute from my house, and if it’s a gym affiliated with the agent company, Yoon will get help from the gym trainer.”

“That’s great. Then, please take care of me for the next year. Coach. See you on July 1st. I’ll contact you before then.”

“Same here. I hope we can meet again in a year on good terms. Please take care of me.”

Typically, the initial contract with a personal coach or trainer was for one year. If they worked well together and decided to extend it, the duration was flexible. Youngjae suggested a one-year contract, as advised by Duffy, and Jonas accepted it without hesitation. Both were satisfied, shook hands, and parted ways.

============================ Work Review ============================

★Thank you to those who pre-ordered, recommended, commented, and gave coupons!!

＠This part needs to be addressed because the first season is over. It’s necessary to explain Youngjae’s future growth direction and areas of improvement. Personally, in sports novels, I dislike growth achieved solely through hard training, shooting, or working out. While I’m not a veteran or an expert in sports medicine, I believe in providing some guidelines. Hence, I’ve described it in terms of stats.

＠Just in case, I’ve added explanations for potentially difficult terms below. Most of these terms are also in the settings section. You can skip them without affecting your reading experience. However, understanding them roughly will provide insight into why, how, and to what extent Youngjae will grow later.

＠The training part will be completed in about half of the next episode.

※Catch and Shot: A shot taken immediately after receiving the ball without dribbling.

※Pull-up: A shot taken after dribbling while holding the ball.

※10~23Ft: The area between the outside of the low post and the three-point line, usually referred to as mid-range. NBA shooting charts typically divide this into four types: 0~5Ft, 6~10Ft, 11~15Ft, and 16~23Ft. Here, I’ve simplified it into two types using data from the NBA official website.

※Tough Shot: A shot taken under close defensive pressure. In baseball, a one-point save is called a tough save. Think of it as a difficult and high-pressure situation.

※Isolation: A 1-on-1 attack or defense. The word itself means isolation, referring to a situation where other players isolate these players.

※Go-to-guy: A player who can be relied upon to score when the offense is struggling or time is running out. Ex) LeBron, Durant, Carmelo, Kobe, Westbrook, Harden, etc.

GodOfJustice/// Thank you for your pre-recommendation!! I look forward to working with you in the future.

ㅎ0ㅎ/// I don’t really like reservation items either. It’s a function like auto-hunting in mobile games, but I wonder why they sell this for money;;

Ultra10/// I think the difference between a player who has experienced the NBA for even a year and a college player is significant. Even Philadelphia, which was criticized last year, is said to be able to win enough even if they play against the NCAA championship team. Moreover, Youngjae is at the top level in the NBA.

Makelélé/// Hmm, it was revealed and it’s exactly 10th. It’s above Aldridge and Duncan, but it’s a bit unexpected even though it’s the expected ranking for next year. Draymond Green was also 16th, and SI seems to have placed considerable weight on defense this time. Of course, Leonard’s stats were also very good for San Antonio, a team that shares stats. It’s 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.3 steals.

Omarion, CountOfDark, Disappearing Soul, White Snake Killer, Goddess Yuri Praise/// Thank you for your comments!! Have a nice weekend~~~

goimosp/// Leonard could have received more if he had come out next year. However, it would be a loss to receive a qualifying offer, so he just received the maximum based on the current standard. I think Leonard is cheap enough. Leonard is not eligible for the Rose Rule, so he can only receive a maximum of 4-6 years.

rtg98/// Excluding Blatche, who was naturalized, and Jordan Clarkson, who is scheduled to join this time and holds Philippine citizenship, I think it’s about the same as Korea. Korea is criticized a lot, but the ranking is similar to Iran and China, except for those two countries. However, if those two players join, they will be stronger than Korea. Korea won in this year’s Jones Cup, but it is questionable whether the same result will occur in the Asian Championships.

神龍/// Haha, it’s Kawai Leonard. He often appears in the gag section on the NBA site because of his name.