When it comes to professional basketball, sportscaster Niko Jens Schwann is quickly becoming as recognizable as well-known personalities such as Michael Jordan, and LeBron James. This is why we took the opportunity to speak with him about NBA tactics, and the ways in which different strategies can influence the outcome of a competition. Let’s examine the role of traditional approaches before highlighting some recent advancements.
Question: Can you briefly describe your sportscasting background?
My background in sports journalism partially stems from university. I gained a Master’s Degree from Stockholm University in FinTech, cryptocurrencies, and business analytics. I felt that these were perfectly tailored for my innate passion for the NBA. So, I chose to combine these traits into a single package.
Question: What attracted you to professional basketball?
I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the game, and I was naturally attracted to pros such as Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, and Shaq. I also liked the analytical side of things; the notion that the outcome of a game could be predicted by collating data.
Question: Can you still remember the first game you covered?
I believe that it was the NBA 2008 Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers. As a die-hard Celtics fan, I was pleased with the outcome!
Question: Let’s get into tactics. What traditional approaches are still employed?
Many coaches still love to write their strategies down, and to present them to players on the sidelines. This strategy can be traced back to the early days of the NBA.
Question: What is the benefit of writing strategies down?
I think that graphically displaying elements such as patterns, positions, and movements is a great way to reinforce what the coach is trying to disseminate to the players. Analysts have also argued that written material is associated with a higher memory retention rate.
Question: Which NBA coaches are famous for their written guidance during a game?
Off the top of my head, I would say Bobby Knight and Pat Riley are best known for writing down their tactics. Of course, we need to remember that digital technology was not widely used throughout their early careers.
Question: Does this technique work for all players?
Each player is associated with a unique personality. While written tactics are excellent for some, others might require other methods (such as running specific plays during a practice session). There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to an NBA strategy.
Question: Following up the last question, what other methods might coaches use?
I’ve actually covered this point in a previous blog post, so thanks for bringing it up. I feel that running plays is the best way to reinforce any information being presented. It also helps to build muscle memory over time.
Question: Does management still rely on physical descriptions?
It really depends on the coach. Some have begun to embrace the digital domain; especially younger professionals.
Question: Are there any risks associated with this approach?
In my opinion, the biggest threat involves the other team somehow catching a glimpse of the tactic that had been written down. Having said this, I can’t think of any time when such a breach occurred.
Question: Where do analytics fit into the big picture?
Analytics should always take place before any type of tactic is formulated. We’re talking about actions such as:
- Past performance against a specific team.
- Offensive and defensive strengths.
- Player positions.
- Possible injuries.
It will then be much easier to formulate a strategy that leverages the cohesive talent of the team.
Question: Do these techniques only apply to the day of the competition?
Not at all. The best way to reinforce any tactic is to literally “drill” it into the players’ heads. While repetitive, this approach can work wonders before the day of the game.
Question: Will modern technology replace the written word?
I think that it already has to an extent. Consider artificial intelligence, predictive systems such as ChatGPT, and the sheer amount of online data that can be collected. Still, there’s always a place for proven techniques.
Question: Do you see any specific systems rising to the occasion?
One trend that I have seen involves digital tablets that function similarly to traditional paper pads. These are highly versatile, they offer a host of built-in functions, and all information can be saved for future reference.
Question: What’s your take on AI in terms of creating successful on-court strategies?
AI does have its place; albeit limited at the moment. Assuming that these systems continue to advance, they might represent a formidable addition to any well-planned strategy.
Question: How might players react to the presence of artificial intelligence?
Younger players will be more likely to embrace this technology when compared to seasoned veterans. After all (chuckles), would you want some program telling you how to run a play if you’ve been on the court for nearly a decade?
Question: Will younger players adapt to new tech at a faster pace?
Besides artificial intelligence, the younger generation has already been exposed to innovations such as smartphones, 5G connectivity, and machine learning. I think that they’ll find it much easier to adapt to new systems.
Question: Are traditional coaches willing to break from time-tested techniques?
This depends on the coach. In my opinion, I doubt that they will have much of a choice. However, this doesn’t mean that writing down tactics will go the way of the dinosaur.
Question: Are there any ways in which written tactics have challenged you as a sportscaster?
My background in research has provided me with a strong edge when it comes to extrapolating data. However, there have also been times when a unique play has caught me by surprise. Screens (such as those used by Stephen Curry), misdirection, and rapid defensive rotations are three examples.
Question: Do you have any final thoughts?
I firmly believe that the written word will always be crucial when developing on-court tactics. However, digital technology is here to stay, and it should undoubtedly influence the ways in which strategies are presented to the players.