Landon Buford
Before the 2018-2019 season, The Dallas Mavericks hired former Seattle Storm head coach Jenny Boucek as an assistant coach focused on player development and special assignments.
At the start of the season, Boucek did a lot of work with small forward Ryan Broekhoff as the duo focused on coming off the screens, catch and shoot situations on the perimeter. They also worked to improve Broekhoff’s corner three on both sides of the court.s
Boucek has also worked with former Maverick DeAndre Jordan with his improvement in free throw percentage. Jordan is a career 44.6 percent from the free throw line, but this season with the Mavericks and the Knicks he is currently shooting 71.6 percent.
Earlier this season, Dallas Morning News’ staff reporter Brad Townsend sat down with Boucek to discuss a variety of different things. One of the topics had to do with Jordan’s increase percentage at the charity stripe. Jordan, according to Townsend interrupted the sit-down interview between him and Boucek and said: “Are you talking about how great you are? You need some other quotes, come see me. She’s the best at her position. She gets people’s skills right. She does a great job scouting other teams.”
Townsend, asked Jordan “Has she helped you with your free throw shooting?” “Ask her,” he replied.
According to Townsend he then proceeded to ask Boucek, but she declined to release specifics of their routine.
“It’s behind the scenes, something between me and that guy,” said Boucek.
She continued:
“Those moments are special.”
Scouting opposing teams are also a part of Boucek’s coaching duties, but since she currently is not traveling with the Mavericks on the road, due to her motherly duties with her newborn daughter, she scouts home games. Former Mavericks small forward Harrison Barnes has also worked with Boucek on his game.
“We joke with her sometimes that the games she’s seen, she’s seen the best side of us,” said Barnes.
Devin Harris and Boucek have recently have been working together during the Mavericks’pregame warm-ups, and I recently had the opportunity to speak to him about some of the things Boucek has helped him with this season.
“She points out little things here and there, footwork, free throw shooting. For the most part, if she sees something little “Hey, I think you are dropping the ball a little bit keep it up. She has been great for us this year,” said Harris.
Devin Harris is averaging 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this season off the bench in Dallas.
