The philosophies of Monty Williams and Alvin Gentry couldn't be anymore different. New Orleans former coach believed in a deliberate offense and possessions were mostly dictated by the team's playmakers. Monty believed good looks would be created by the talented players finding a way into the paint for either a good shot attempt in the lane, a drop off pass or a kick out to the perimeter. The purpose of ball movement was to not create spacing but rather find offense, as in an open attempt or to change the point of attack.
On the defensive end, one-way players were considered more than acceptable because Monty felt it was more important to have all five players possess the ability to contribute on that end of the floor.