Keith Smart played for Gregg Popovich and has applied some of his techniques to the way he coaches.

"The NBA is a league that copies," Smart said this week, "and teams look at trends.

"The trend right now suggests the game is coming back to a time where the floor is open, teams have stretch fours (power forwards who can shoot), and point guards who can make plays for themselves and their teammates. When you look at the Spurs, how many times do you see a guy dribble, then pass? They just pass. They also get into their offense so fast, it allows for more time to move the ball to the open player."

Smart helped the Kings transition to a team that plays faster on offense and dribbles less.