The pick and roll is a basketball play that has become a staple of the game in recent years. It is a play that is often used to create mismatches and create scoring opportunities for the offense. The play has been used in the NBA for decades, but it wasn’t always the go-to play it is today. So, who invented the pick and roll in basketball?
History of the Pick and Roll
The pick and roll has been around since the 1950s. It was initially developed by Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith at the University of North Carolina. Smith used it to great success, as it allowed his players to create mismatches and get easy scoring opportunities. While Smith is credited with introducing the pick and roll to basketball, it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that it became a popular play in the NBA.
The Rise of the Pick and Roll
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the NBA underwent a major shift. As the league moved away from a post-oriented style of play, teams began to focus more on the pick and roll. The play allowed teams to create mismatches and open up the floor for their players.
The Birth of the Modern Pick and Roll
The modern pick and roll was born in the 1980s with the arrival of legendary point guard Magic Johnson. Johnson was the perfect player to execute the pick and roll, as he had the vision to find the open man and the court awareness to make the correct pass. Johnson was able to take the pick and roll to a whole new level, and it quickly became a staple of the Lakers’ offense.
The Pick and Roll in the 1980s
The pick and roll quickly became a popular play in the 1980s, as more and more teams began to utilize it. The play allowed teams to create mismatches and score easy baskets. It also allowed teams to open up the floor and create more space for their players to operate.
The Pick and Roll in the 1990s
The pick and roll continued to be a popular play in the 1990s, as teams began to focus more on the fast break and three-point shooting. The pick and roll allowed teams to get out in transition and get easy shots in the half court. It also allowed teams to spread the floor and create more space for their players.
The Pick and Roll in the 2000s
The pick and roll continued to evolve in the 2000s, as teams began to focus even more on the three-point shot. With the rise of the “stretch four”, the pick and roll allowed teams to spread the floor even more and create more space for their players.
The Pick and Roll Today
The pick and roll is still a popular play in the NBA today. Teams continue to use it to create mismatches and get easy scoring opportunities. It is also used to spread the floor and open up the offense for their players.
Conclusion
The pick and roll is one of the most popular plays in basketball today. While it has been around since the 1950s, it wasn’t until the late 1970s and early 1980s that it became a popular play in the NBA. It was during this time that Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith introduced the pick and roll to basketball. The play has since evolved, as teams have continued to use it to create mismatches and get easy scoring opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Dean Smith is credited with introducing the pick and roll to basketball in the 1950s.
- Magic Johnson took the pick and roll to a whole new level in the 1980s.
- The pick and roll has continued to evolve as teams have used it to create mismatches and get easy scoring opportunities.
- The pick and roll is still a popular play in the NBA today.