Where James Borrego Finds a ‘Valuable Asset’ for Jeremy Fears

Playing with “speed and violence” is the principle James Borrego‘s since he was elevated to the top position. Turning every change of possession, whether made or missed by the opposition, into an opportunity for Jeremy Fears to ignite a break was the catalyst for quick transitions and an aggressive pace. fellow newbie Derrick Queen and the The New Orleans Pelicans are taking intense attention to detail a message to the heart.

“Well, I think the entrance is really important,” Borrego began. “Your offense really starts on the rebound, that’s when you’re fastest, right. Once you get some kind of defensive rebound, you’re going. That’s probably going to be your fastest possession because you’re obviously on the floor.”

The Pelicans have focused specifically on taking advantage of opportunities after the opposition scores, a less conventional approach to generating transition offense. But Borrego emphasized that the Pelicans aren’t just chasing pace after defensive stops. They tapped into another source of early offense that became just as valuable for unlocking Fears’ speed.

“We’re looking for strikes,” Borrego continued. “Where we find a lot of valuable possession is what happens. Getting the ball out quickly and finding these jets on the floor, whether it’s (Jose Alvarado) or (Jeremiah Fears), and they go. We put pressure (on the opponent right away).”

At the heart of this tactical push is Fears, whose one-man quick-break ability has drawn early comparisons from the coaching staff.

“(Jeremy’s fear) sets the tone for us,” Borrego admitted. “He sets the pace for us; he’s a one-man fast break. He goes downhill. I think even after a game he can go coast-to-coast. He did it once after a free throw.”

Borrego put Fears in rare company, comparing the rookie’s end-to-end explosiveness to some of the league’s elite transition makers.

“There’s only a handful of guys in the league, and we can go to a list of three or four guys that can do it end-to-end,” Borrego explained. “(Jay Morant) and (De’Aaron Fox) have been those guys over time who can go end-to-end, coast-to-coast, and Fears is another one who can do that. He’s going to be a big part of us making those threes because he’s a big part of our pace and aggression overall.”

Fears, however, cannot be responsible for the team’s pace. The approach requires a team-wide mentality focused on moving the ball quickly, Borrego said, starting with effective tackles to change momentum.

“It starts with that. There has to be a mentality to get the ball out quickly and up the floor,” Borrego emphasized. “We want to move the ball over the free throw line and get it the other way. A big part of that is getting in quickly to get the ball up the floor.”

The Pelicans may still be adjusting to a new system and a new voice on the sidelines, but Borrego’s approach has become unmistakable. Get in quickly, turn the floor and get the ball to Jeremy Fears before the defense settles down. Using the beginner’s one elite skill to set the table for Derrick Quinn is an excellent basis for the future.