Biedrins working hard so he won't be lost among the trees

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Biedrins has been working on his mechanics with Nenad Trajkovic, a shooting coach from Serbia, for the last four weeks. That meant late-night trips to the gym every day during the NBA Finals, when the two would arrive at around 9 p.m. and stay until 11 p.m., shooting between 800 and 900 free throws every night.</div>

Full article at http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c...SPGJOJSAKM1.DTL

Well he is taking 800-900 FT a day... I hope it will start to pay off with time...

 

Maybe JRich, Pietrus, and Baron could take a page out of his book?

 

It's kind of sucks that he has to invest so much time in free throws now... There are so many things he could be learning now to improve his overall game now...

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hipokrat_x(LV):</div><div class="quote_post">It's kind of sucks that he has to invest so much time in free throws now... There are so many things he could be learning now to improve his overall game now...</div>
I'd put free throws at the top of the list of most important things. Biderins shot 30.6% from the free throw line last year. 30.6%!!! By contrast, he shot 63.8% from the field. How do you have a fg% that's twice as high as your ft%?!?

Biedrins is great around the basket, his fg% is high enough that whatever he's doing on offense is working. Whether it's putbacks, catching dump off passes for dunks, or post moves, he's putting the ball in the hole. But, when you shoot free throws as poorly as Biedrins does, it makes you less aggressive. Biedrins needs to get the ball down low, he needs to take shots, because he's a good scorer. If he's afraid of getting fouled, it's going to limit how aggressive he is in calling for the ball.

Once Biedrins minutes go up, and his role in the offense increases, teams are going to start game planning against him. When you shoot a lower % from the foul line than the entire team shoots from the field, teams are just going to start playing hack-a-Biedrins, especially in tight games. Biedrins has to get his ft% at least above the team fg% to justify him getting more minutes.

One thing that raised my eyebrows was that Biedrins is shooting 800-900 free throws in two hours. Even if Biedrins continually shot free throws, that's around 7 free throws a minute. If the estimate is true, then he's basically shooting constantly without much coaching inbetween. I'd rather see him shoot around 400-500, and have his coach focus on correcting Biedrins' form. Maybe I'm nitpicking when I know almost nothing about the situation, I just found it odd.

 

Maybe the time is a bit skewed, but even then it's not bad. That's about one freethrow every ten seconds. If you count "one-one-thousand-two-one-thousand-three-one-thousand" then it doesn't seem too bad. Especially with a coach standing right under the rim, catching and bounce passing right back to the shooter. Plus, he can be verbally coaching the whole time between each shot-rebound-pass-shot. Further, he could sneak in like 200-300 straight shots, one after the other, and then they could break for five minutes and talk form. That would still allow for that many shots in 2 hours. Did I overanalyze this?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AlleyOop:</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe the time is a bit skewed, but even then it's not bad. That's about one freethrow every ten seconds. If you count "one-one-thousand-two-one-thousand-three-one-thousand" then it doesn't seem too bad. Especially with a coach standing right under the rim, catching and bounce passing right back to the shooter. Plus, he can be verbally coaching the whole time between each shot-rebound-pass-shot. Further, he could sneak in like 200-300 straight shots, one after the other, and then they could break for five minutes and talk form. That would still allow for that many shots in 2 hours. Did I overanalyze this? </div>
I think we both have...and I was all ready to retort, but decided that we really don't know enough facts to argue. I'll just call you a stupidhead and leave it at that...

 

I think this whole free throw discussion is making me think back to the times when we had Jamison/Arenas doing all the scoring. We couldn't play D worth crap and the ball movement was stagnant, but we shot free throws and got to the line a lot. And what do we know? They both became all-stars in the East.

So many flaws...

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd put free throws at the top of the list of most important things. Biderins shot 30.6% from the free throw line last year. 30.6%!!! By contrast, he shot 63.8% from the field. How do you have a fg% that's twice as high as your ft%?!?

Biedrins is great around the basket, his fg% is high enough that whatever he's doing on offense is working. Whether it's putbacks, catching dump off passes for dunks, or post moves, he's putting the ball in the hole. But, when you shoot free throws as poorly as Biedrins does, it makes you less aggressive. Biedrins needs to get the ball down low, he needs to take shots, because he's a good scorer. If he's afraid of getting fouled, it's going to limit how aggressive he is in calling for the ball.

Once Biedrins minutes go up, and his role in the offense increases, teams are going to start game planning against him. When you shoot a lower % from the foul line than the entire team shoots from the field, teams are just going to start playing hack-a-Biedrins, especially in tight games. Biedrins has to get his ft% at least above the team fg% to justify him getting more minutes.
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It is true that FT's are a top priority for Biedrins to work on. But I wouldn't have quite the confidence that you do in Biedrins' offensive game in the post. I believe working more on some post moves, especially with someone like Ike Diogu, or at a big man camp would benefit Andris very much. Most of Andris' points seemed to come from hustle and just being in good position at the right time, type of points(which he can be very good at getting, amazingly good at getting and being). However if Biedrins can learn to be smooth and potent with some moves in the post where the Warriors could just feed him down there, even if it's half of what Ike can do, then Andris' value would skyrocket for this team. That set of moves is what Andris lacks quite a bit. So even though his FG% is incredibly high, I would love to see him come into next season with some new fresh productive moves and touch in the post.

Now if Biedrins can just come into next season and be a 60% FT shooter than that will be a great improvement in itself and I don't intend to be too overzealous about Andris all of a sudden becoming a strong center in the NBA. But adding some moves, maybe like an up and under or a solid hook shot, along with better FT shooting will make Andris a very good player.

 

I'm dissapointed he hasn't changed his crappy shooting technique. The fact he's shooting 800-900 day says a lot about his discipline but CHANGE THE FORM! This is a bridge he's going to cross inevitably, might as well do it now.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Clif25:</div><div class="quote_post">It is true that FT's are a top priority for Biedrins to work on. But I wouldn't have quite the confidence that you do in Biedrins' offensive game in the post. I believe working more on some post moves, especially with someone like Ike Diogu, or at a big man camp would benefit Andris very much. Most of Andris' points seemed to come from hustle and just being in good position at the right time, type of points(which he can be very good at getting, amazingly good at getting and being). However if Biedrins can learn to be smooth and potent with some moves in the post where the Warriors could just feed him down there, even if it's half of what Ike can do, then Andris' value would skyrocket for this team. That set of moves is what Andris lacks quite a bit. So even though his FG% is incredibly high, I would love to see him come into next season with some new fresh productive moves and touch in the post.

Now if Biedrins can just come into next season and be a 60% FT shooter than that will be a great improvement in itself and I don't intend to be too overzealous about Andris all of a sudden becoming a strong center in the NBA. But adding some moves, maybe like an up and under or a solid hook shot, along with better FT shooting will make Andris a very good player.</div>
I completely agree that adding post moves should be one of Biedrins top priorities as well, especially once he gets more playing time. I'm just saying that free throws should be his top priority because if he can't shoot them, it's going to be the biggest reason his court time is limited.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">I'd put free throws at the top of the list of most important things. Biderins shot 30.6% from the free throw line last year. 30.6%!!! By contrast, he shot 63.8% from the field. How do you have a fg% that's twice as high as your ft%?!?

One thing that raised my eyebrows was that Biedrins is shooting 800-900 free throws in two hours. Even if Biedrins continually shot free throws, that's around 7 free throws a minute. If the estimate is true, then he's basically shooting constantly without much coaching inbetween. I'd rather see him shoot around 400-500, and have his coach focus on correcting Biedrins' form. Maybe I'm nitpicking when I know almost nothing about the situation, I just found it odd.</div>

I ment that he free throws suck so bad, that he has to spend so much time at praticing them, if he had decent free throw from beginingm then hen could be realy learning post up game or adding more strenght or mass at weight room. Let's hope he improves st least to some 70% with the time, it would give him confidence to drive to the basket, atm i think he might be affraid to go to ft-line.

And about that amount of free throws, he does have coach (Nenad Trajkovic) assigned, not like he is only standing and counting free thorws in english with serbian acent When he got drafted he totaly scraped his old shooting tecnique, and learned how to shoot FT from begining. I don't think the techniue is ugly, the shots just don't go in.. PPL say to bend knees and stuff, but he is 7 foot guy, he is not the guard, bigs don't shoot ft the same... Warriors should get FT coach who tought Yao how to shoot those FT...

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting hipokrat_x(LV):</div><div class="quote_post">I ment that he free throws suck so bad, that he has to spend so much time at praticing them, if he had decent free throw from beginingm then hen could be realy learning post up game or adding more strenght or mass at weight room. Let's hope he improves st least to some 70% with the time, it would give him confidence to drive to the basket, atm i think he might be affraid to go to ft-line.

And about that amount of free throws, he does have coach (Nenad Trajkovic) assigned, not like he is only standing and counting free thorws in english with serbian acent When he got drafted he totaly scraped his old shooting tecnique, and learned how to shoot FT from begining. I don't think the techniue is ugly, the shots just don't go in.. PPL say to bend knees and stuff, but he is 7 foot guy, he is not the guard, bigs don't shoot ft the same... Warriors should get FT coach who tought Yao how to shoot those FT...</div>
Ah yes, it does suck. But if he's spending two hours a night after practice, then it's not like he's taking away from team practice time.

As far as technique goes, the biggest thing with free throw shooting is to be able to exactly repeat the motion each time, just like a golf swing. So while shooting a lot of free throws is important from a muscle memory standpoint, having the right technique makes it easier to repeat the same motion. That's why I questioned the number of free throws he's shooting.

 

What about Biedrins' strength to play in the post? He's got a nice drop step move but I noticed he only outmuscles or seals off 6'9 or smaller power forwards. He's like owned maybe a few power forwards acting like centers on a few plays like Ben Wallace and Michael Ruffin. That's about it. Anything bigger he's shoved from the paint with one forearm. Post defense he absolutely gets destroyed and is forced to give a weak foul.

Anyone still think Biedrins isn't packing a power forward body like 'Sheed or Jermaine O'neil?

Maybe if Biedrins gets stronger we can also see some alley oop plays his way. The kid can hop, but not sure if it's safe for him to do with all that size coming crashing down if he gets undercut. A guy like Murphy got taken out by Shawn Bradley and ever since then, he's been pretty soft. Maybe, it's the new money talkin', though. Lots of guys get big Warriors money and never play the same.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">I think we both have...and I was all ready to retort, but decided that we really don't know enough facts to argue. I'll just call you a stupidhead and leave it at that...</div>

you win

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post">I completely agree that adding post moves should be one of Biedrins top priorities as well</div>

I dunno -- I mean he posted that 63% FG on virtually all put-backs, tip-ins, and easy dunks. He's long, athletic, and suprisingly strong when he finishes inside. He has a good second burst on the boards. I don't see him getting many iso touches next year. If he's going to score, he's going to have to do what he did last year -- get after it, scramble, and most importantly get open for Baron on the easy dish. He could average 8 to 10 points alone on hand-offs from Baron.

I'd rather him work on his hands and footwork to catch and finish. He could make Baron that much more special by givinghim a sure-fire weapon to bail out in the paint. And Baron will be glad to feed him off the triple-team crossover in the lane.

It'd be nice if Biedrins had a little low-post repetoire, but frankly I don't see him getting many opportunities to show it off. Better to prepare for the things that he'll be asked to do: catch the ball finish the dunk, and be prepared to go to the foul line.

 

Fact or Fiction: Biedrins would beat blindfolded Shaq in a free throw contest?

Sorry wrong thread.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post"> Anyone still think Biedrins isn't packing a power forward body like 'Sheed or Jermaine O'neil?</div>

I don't. I can remember several emphatic finishes in the lane last year amidst big defenders. I actually think he is wiry-strong and really could grow into that frame. I see his build like Andre Kirilinko: that guy is skinny, but so damn sinewy and wiry strong, he seals of, disloges, and bodies-up on guys 2 or 3 inches taller and guys who have him by 10-20 pounds.

I'm not saying he's that way yet. Clearly Biedrins is not strong compared to typical 7 footers. But his frame is such that I think he could add 10 to 15 pounds of muscle (not bodyweight, but muscle) and really be a sturdy, solid center. IMO he shouldn't get any heavier than that because part of his "strength" is his litheness, his athleticism and explosiveness for a guy his height. I remember a few dunks in the paint last year that I thought "oh this is going to have to be a fading jump hook or a pass back out to a guard" but he just sliced and quickly elevated for a strong jam. He shouldn't diminish that ability by bulking up weight-wise, but instead enhance it by adding 10-15 pounds of sinewy muscle.
Most of us could benefit from adding 5 to 10 pounds of muscle. In the long run it actually helps you lose weight because you burn more calories. It stimulates your metabolism, helps you burn fat, and helps to stimulate the release of testosterone in the body. Adding 10 to 15 pounds of bodyweight (fat, water weight, and tissue) could slow Beans down. But another 10 to 15 pounds of muscle on Beans could actually make him quicker.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AlleyOop:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't. I can remember several emphatic finishes in the lane last year amidst big defenders. I actually think he is wiry-strong and really could grow into that frame. I see his build like Andre Kirilinko: that guy is skinny, but so damn sinewy and wiry strong, he seals of, disloges, and bodies-up on guys 2 or 3 inches taller and guys who have him by 10-20 pounds.

I'm not saying he's that way yet. Clearly Biedrins is not strong compared to typical 7 footers. But his frame is such that I think he could add 10 to 15 pounds of muscle (not bodyweight, but muscle) and really be a sturdy, solid center. IMO he shouldn't get any heavier than that because part of his "strength" is his litheness, his athleticism and explosiveness for a guy his height. I remember a few dunks in the paint last year that I thought "oh this is going to have to be a fading jump hook or a pass back out to a guard" but he just sliced and quickly elevated for a strong jam. He shouldn't diminish that ability by bulking up weight-wise, but instead enhance it by adding 10-15 pounds of sinewy muscle.
Most of us could benefit from adding 5 to 10 pounds of muscle. In the long run it actually helps you lose weight because you burn more calories. It stimulates your metabolism, helps you burn fat, and helps to stimulate the release of testosterone in the body. Adding 10 to 15 pounds of bodyweight (fat, water weight, and tissue) could slow Beans down. But another 10 to 15 pounds of muscle on Beans could actually make him quicker.</div>
He's still only 20 years old. Even if he doesn't try to add weight, he's naturally going to fill out.

The one thing I never worry about is the Warriors' conditioning. Mark Grabow is just about the best conditioning coach (I know that's not his title anymore, but we also call Mullin the GM, so it doesn't really matter) in the league. Whatever Biedrins ends up weighing, it will be because that's the best weight for him to be at.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post"> Mark Grabow is just about the best conditioning coach... in the league</div>

Yeah, he does seem pretty darn good. The bay area is blessed in that regard between him and Stan Conte. Look how quickly JRich has been able to bounce back from various injuries, and what a physical transformation Murphy went through a few years back. He became stronger and a lot more athletic (believe it or not!)


<div class="quote_poster">Quoting wtwalker77:</div><div class="quote_post"> Whatever Biedrins ends up weighing, it will be because that's the best weight for him to be at.</div>

Let's hope that theory holds true for Baron and Foyle

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AlleyOop:</div><div class="quote_post">Let's hope that theory holds true for Baron and Foyle </div>
I'm glad you brought up Baron. The only reason I haven't been hoping Baron would be traded for a low post scorer this year is that he's been training with Grabow instead of doing his own thing in LA.

Baron will be in the best shape of his career come opening night.