After another Kings loss against the Charlotte Hornets, the hour is solemn. The record is 0-5; the Kings did not win a game in October. Wharton, after practice, summoned the entire team and began his speech:
"You have to pull yourself together. I repeat to you; we must pull ourselves together. We can't go on like this; we're not all on the same page. We had to stay consistent throughout the game; we always led at half-time but lost all our games. Would you be able to explain to me where the slack came from? ».
All the players put their heads down, including Hector, Wharton knew he had to change the mood.
"We have to learn from what happened. I will adjust the starting lineup, and Holmes will start instead of Deadmon. I expect a burst of pride from you against Utah tonight. Go home, and think carefully. We'll see you later."
Hector is necessarily a little disappointed but remains optimistic. But he didn't go home immediately, and he went to see coach Wharton because he noticed something while watching the video analytics and advanced stats.
"I need to improve my interception ability and defense in general. I know and see my progress while playing, but I need more. I want to get some advice from a former player."
Wharton thought and asked himself: Is it true that he shows some potential defensively, but he does not ask too much? No, the wrong way. If he wants to progress, let him do it.
Luke Wharton was never a great player, but before becoming a head coach, he won 3 NBA titles. 2x NBA champion in 2009 and 2010 with the Lakers and once as an assistant Warriors coach. Then he coached the Lakers for two seasons and the Kings since last year. He has yet to reach the playoffs as head coach so far.
Wharton replied, "It's great to see you've given a new perspective on where you need to work. Most kids who play in the NBA live in complacency and fear of failure. They are starting to raise money but need to be more consistent on and off the field. You were a bit like that, but I see that your fear of failure is gone, and that's a good thing.
The first thing is to adopt a low and stable defensive position, which is crucial for any containment advocate. The one closest to the ground will most likely receive the ball after it bounces. That's why guards have more steals and big men have more blocks. To get more flights specifically, this is a primary key.
Secondly, you should lean forward when you are in a defensive position. Doing this makes the arms closer to the ground and the player you are keeping. For this reason, it increases the ability to drop the ball.
And finally, keep your hands active. It's essential when you're trying to get more flights. It's obvious, but you must use your hands to steal the ball. If you do not slip into laziness, you will be rewarded. »
Hector nodded, but Wharton still needed to finish.
"You are good at analyzing the opposing player, keeping an eye on the player with the ball while keeping the player assigned to you. That's how you've managed to make interceptions so far, and you're doing well, but if your opponent has his back turned on him, if you are not spotted because you leave your player open, make sure he can't see you coming.
Seeing Wharton explain what he wants to know, Hector sees more clearly in what he must do, but Wharton, despite being satisfied, must think about other things.
For every coach, seeing a player wanting to progress is always nice.