The hiring of Kurt Rambis as Timberwolves coach looks like a positive for 6-foot-8 small forward Corey Brewer. Rambis spoke about Brewer as his “stopper” earlier this week and that’s a welcome sign for the former No. 1 draft choice who played in only 15 games last season and was less than sensational his rookie year of 2007-08.
Season three is significant for Brewer who is a hyper defender, poor shooter (38 percent in two seasons) and is recovering from a knee injury that caused him to miss 67 games last season. After 94 games as a pro, the NBA knows Brewer’s career depends on finding a role as a defender.
That sounds like a fit for Rambis. “He can guard three positions (presumably small forward, point and shooting guard),” Rambis said earlier this week.
Rambis wants to develop a team that will be fun to watch, a group that can run the fast break. He comes from the famed “Show Time” era of the 1980s in Los Angeles that ran the floor with artistry and execution. Overlooked by some observers is that the Lakers wouldn’t have won world championships if not for their exceptional defense.
The Wolves’ new coach played with a lanky defensive specialist who pestered Larry Bird and other scoring whizzes. Michael Cooper, 6-foot-5, 170 pounds, knew his assignments and played with passion on defense. Brewer, 6-9, 188 pounds, seemingly has the physical skills and past resume with national champion Florida to spark speculation he could become an elite NBA defender.
Rambis was a defensive specialist and contributor to the Lakers’ mantra of “no rebounds, no rings” when he played. His teaching of the running game to the Wolves and also coach Phil Jackson’s famed triangle offense may be fun to anticipate, but successful teams defend and rebound.
At his news conference on Tuesday, Rambis said the Lakers of the 1980s were so well prepared defensively, they knew the plays of the other teams and where they wanted to position themselves on the floor. If Brewer heard that, he should have high-fived himself.