The play triggers with the Gilbert Arenas (point guard) handling the rock at the wing. Forward, Antawn Jamison sets a high pick allowing Arenas to curl and attack the lane, spot up for a long jumper, or kick the ball out to an open teammate.
The play isn’t much different from calling the Quick Pick & Roll play from the top of the arc except that Jamison will retreat following the screen rather than slash to the hoop. This makes the Guard Wave an excellent compliment to the Quick Pick & Roll and should prevent your opponent from overplaying the paint.
The key to running this play effectively is to properly come off the high screen. This alone will force at least one help defender (usually the power forward) to rotate or risk giving up an uncontested drive to the hoop. Even with the rotation, most point guards should be quick enough to blow by this defender forcing additional help. Alternatively, since it is the power forward’s defender that will likely rotate, teams with effective outside shooting from this position will have success running the Guard Wave.
If you aren’t quite as consistent coming off the screen, try to err closer to the screener. In most cases this will force computer controlled and auto-defending opponents to go under the screen. At this point, Arenas can spot up from behind the screen or step back behind the arc for a 3.
Because the attack is situated through the center of the paint, Arenas can effectively kick the ball out to any perimeter shooter without the need for icon passing. As a result, the point guard should be aware of any defensive rotation after coming off the pick in order to exploit this strength.
If you are looking for a play to utilize all three facets of your point guard’s offense, give the Guard Wave a try. Once your opponent has reacted to this triple threat, it should start opening up opportunities for your teammates.
