Master the Handoff – Film Study 22/23 Sacramento Kings

Is this play better to run than a Pick and Roll?

In today’s video we breakdown how the 2022/2023 Sacramento Kings utilised Dribble Handoffs and “GET” action (throw and go or stationary handoff) to push them to make the playoffs for the first time in 17 years!

Sabonis + Kevin Huerter’s Dribble Hand Off was the most effective 2 man combination in the whole National Basketball Association last year, which I discuss further in the video. Which technically makes it “The best play in the NBA!”

Mike Brown’s hiring from the Golden State Warriors Dynasty was key for the Kings, as he built his team around their new star piece, Domantas Sabonis, who they traded Tyrese Halliburton away for (which initially shocked me, but it worked out well for both teams!)

The Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors 2023 Playoff First Round series was one of the best playoff series I have ever watched. It was great to see an almost “young” Warriors team go up against the current Warriors. Sabonis is like David Lee/Bogut, Huerter is like Klay – Fox is their Steph (no one can compare to Stephen Curry) and they have scorers surrounding them like Fox and of course they have Harrison Barnes, like the Warriors did.

Sabonis’s strength lies in his ability to make plays. He is dynamic with his movement, passing and scoring around the rim, and using him as an initiator allowed Mike Brown to hide his lack of 3 point shooting ability.

There are many ways teams can guard the dribble hand off, which I discuss and breakdown in this video, teaching you how to beat every single type of defence you are likely to face.

We go over countering a switch, lock and trail/drop coverage, under/gap and how to set up your man to better gain an advantage in the handoff.

Links –
Beat used in the video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXyLnAcLl_M&t=27s