Wang Yi couldn't help looking at De'Anthony in a new light after hearing what he said.
The old man hadn't thought this way three years ago.
Back then, when it came to setting his lineup and tactics, he tended to react passively: he'd wait to see what the other team did, then respond.
Now, he'd learned to make the first move.
He'd predict the opponent's strategy, then act in advance and shut them down completely.
Coaching was a lot like playing chess.
A novice chess player saw the opponent make a move and only then thought about how to respond.
A more experienced player predicted the opponent's moves and acted ahead of time, cutting off their options.
De'Anthony had reached that level now.
But he hadn't considered everything.
Wang Yi pointed toward Saylor in the opposing team's Resting Area. "Coach, do you think they'll try to take advantage of Saylor's matchup?"
De'Anthony immediately saw what he meant.
With Wang Yi anchoring the defense in the paint, the opponent would definitely counter with three-pointers. That was inevitable.
But what if they couldn't get their threes going?
Or what if three-pointers were the only thing they could get going?
Clearly, that wouldn't be enough.
So they might also have their powerful Power Forward, Saylor, attack Wang Yi in the paint.
Saylor was a beast of a power forward.
He was incredibly strong, with explosive athleticism.
Having him attack Wang Yi in the paint was a very good option.
The thought made De'Anthony a little nervous.
If they really used Saylor against Wang Yi, what should he do?
Should he have Tures help Wang Yi? That would inevitably leave someone open.
As De'Anthony weighed his options, Wang Yi gave him the answer.
"Don't worry, Coach. I don't care if it's Saylor or even