During a timeout in the second quarter of the Warriors’ recent playoff opener against the Rockets, there was a hiccup on the court. The Warriors’ Draymond Green was upset because his team had just gone on a 6-0 run and he felt the call was unfair. Just then, Warriors assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse came up and put his arm around Dream, and the two looked like they were arguing. But after the timeout, Dream seemed much calmer.

After the game, Chase Dream clarified the situation: “He said that I did a good job, that I should not pay too much attention to the hiccups on the court, that I should stay focused, and that I should not get emotionally involved. His words were very helpful to me.

Although this game dream only get 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, the data is not dazzling, but the Rockets hit only 39.1% of the game, the total score of only 85 points, is their lowest score this season. Behind the victory of this game, the role of Stackhouse is indispensable. His words, chase the dream is really listened to.

In fact, Dream and Stackhouse have a long history. Stackhouse was selected as an NBA All-Star twice during his playing days, in 2000 and 2001, when he played for the Detroit Pistons. Dream, on the other hand, grew up in Michigan, often going to Pistons games as a kid, but also in the Pistons locker room. Stackhouse noticed the little fan early on, but didn’t make contact at the time. Until two years ago, when Dream took the initiative to call Stackhouse, the two had an in-depth exchange.

Stackhouse recalls, “I realized we were very similar in our desire to win and our physical conditioning. He had skill and toughness and was willing to learn.”

However, Stackhouse also bluntly stated that Dream Chase’s main problem was that he was overly concerned with self-esteem. He told Chase, “Of course you’re the best defensive player in the league, but you have to understand that the most important thing is to stay on the floor and focus on your assignment.

In other words, Stackhouse believes that Dream has become too emotional over the years, often spending his energy arguing with opponents or complaining about referees. This type of performance is actually a manifestation of anxiety. Dream also openly admitted that since the Warriors won the championship in 2022, his own form slipped, the data dropped, on-court presence is not as good as before, the psychological pressure is very great.

Stackhouse gave him a simple prescription: don’t think too much, defend against opponents, stand your ground, and then use language to lead teammates. He told Dream: “As long as you do those things well, you will naturally regain everyone’s respect.”

As a result, Chase played his way back onto the Defensive Player of the Year list this season, and that says it all.

From player to coach: Stackhouse’s Transition.

Stackhouse retired in 2013 and became a play-by-play commentator for the Pistons.In 2015, he joined the Raptors as an assistant coach before taking a head coaching position with the Raptors’ affiliate, the Raptors 905, where he led the team to a championship in his first year and was also named the Developmental League’s Coach of the Year.

He later served as an assistant coach for the Grizzlies and coached the Vanderbilt University men’s basketball team. Although he was eventually fired because of the team’s poor record, he is not ashamed of it. He said, “It was my intention to leave after six years of coaching, and now it’s just the right time to go with the flow.

Stackhouse has always wanted to work in the NBA again. He had planned to contact the Warriors himself after taking a break, but he didn’t expect the Warriors to call so soon.

Why did the Warriors draft Stackhouse?

It was Dunleavy Jr. who first took a liking to Stackhouse, who had been in Warriors management for many years and had experience drafting people. At the time, Kerr and Dunleavy Jr. wanted to find someone who came from a player’s background, played at a high level and had coaching experience. Stackhouse fit that mold.

Cole said, “Retired players can better understand the feelings of current players, and Jerry (Stackhouse) was not only a top player at the time, but his coaching level was very high.

Stackhouse got right to work after taking over, not only bonding with Kuminga and Rooney, but also taking Wiggins and Moody to practice. Contrary to the old impression of a player who could only score, he is now primarily concerned with defense.

Stackhouse’s coaching philosophy.

Stackhouse started thinking about coaching at an early age. When he played for the Mavericks, he was a two, but often played against four interior players in full-court switches. The experience taught him the importance of defense.

He is also considered the NBA’s “hidden song god,” often singing the national anthem for the team before games, and his singing voice is quite professional.

As a coach, Stackhouse enjoys seeing his players improve the most. He said: “When you see a player break the habit, develop good habits, the feeling is like seeing a light bulb all of a sudden bright, very wonderful.”

He’s quickly taken a keen interest in several of the Warriors’ young players, especially TJD and Bojamski.

“TJD has a great sense of rim protection, and Bojemski works hard on the defensive end, not too much on the outside, but he really hustles.”

While the two haven’t been able to establish themselves on the defensive end in the second half of the season, Stackhouse has improved Moody in particular through subtle coaching.

Leader in the locker room.

Stackhouse is a big believer in creating atmosphere. He encouraged Moody, “On defense, keep your eyes on the ball and your man, not just your man, and always be energetic.

He also made it a point to help freshman Butler. Stackhouse said that while Butler and Wiggins are about the same height, Butler is heavier, better able to play against stronger players and more comfortable commanding his teammates loudly on the court.

In his opinion, momentum is important on defense: “Like a confrontation between beasts, you cannot lose momentum to the other side.

Stackhouse’s philosophy on life.

Stackhouse grew up understanding the importance of competition. He was eighth in his family, with seven older brothers above him. Growing up fighting and competing taught him how to be strong earlier than other kids.

He was also known for his fiery temper in the NBA, fighting with coaches in the locker room and clashing with teammates on airplanes. But now he smiles and says, “Age has matured my character.

With the Warriors, he has also earned the respect of young people with his actions. He can not only talk about tactics, but also personally demonstrate the action. He often competed with younger players in three-point shooting and often ran up the court to demonstrate what to do.

Stackhouse’s expectations for the future.

Stackhouse is 50 years old and still maintains a lean and rugged physique. He proudly says, “If I need to play, I can still play, I’m just slower to recover.

He is especially proud of his experience with the Raptors 905 team, when he not only led the team to a championship, but also developed a number of future NBA stars such as Siakam and VanVleet.

With the Warriors, he also hopes to become an NBA head coach one day. For now, he is patiently learning and trying to gain experience.

In addition to coaching his players on the court, he organizes team dinners, card games and outings to build team unity. He believes that basketball is a team sport, and good relationships can take the team far.

In summary.

With his experience, skill and patience, Stackhouse has not only helped Dream Green return to peak form, but is quietly changing the culture of the entire Warriors team. He is a tactical coach, a spiritual mentor and a role model for the younger players.

In the future, perhaps at some point in the NBA, we will see Stackhouse lead a team to a championship as a head coach.