October 22, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton speaks with center
(5) during a stoppage in play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
3. In-Game Adjustments
One of the most impressive things that about Walton as he’s coached the Warriors this season that has also mildly flown under the radar is his ability to make adjustments on the fly. If something that has worked previously in the season isn’t working on a given night, Walton has shown no hesitancy in shaking things up on either end of the floor to try and put Golden State in the best position to succeed—and that’s obviously worked considering their historically successful start to the season.
This is a particularly valuable asset to have in the light of coaching a young, inexperienced, and developing Lakers team. One of the defining characteristics of young players in this league, regardless of how much talent that they have, is that they are prone to inconsistency more often than players with more experience. A coach’s ability to adjust to that on a granular level in games and from game-to-game is pivotal for young teams succeeding and to the young players properly developing.
Walton’s ability to adjust over the course of a game stands in stark contrast to Byron Scott, as well. Scott’s stubbornness in terms of his rotations and systems have been rightfully criticized throughout his time in Los Angeles and a coach with the ability to adapt to situations as they come like Walton can would be a breath of the freshest air.
Next: No. 2 Pedigree of Success