Film Study: Nichtern-MacIntosh pick-n-rolls
By Joe Keegan
PLL Analyst
Jun 7, 2022
In 2014 a rookie from Duke showed up to Rochester Rattlers practice with endorsement deals, swagger, and shorts that sagged below his knees. Jordan MacIntosh didn’t think they’d get along initially; then he and Jordan Wolf formed the most dynamic pick-n-roll duo in lacrosse for the next decade.
Wolf announced his retirement this offseason, leaving Chrome without a playmaker at X. They passed on Chris Gray (UNC) in the 2022 College Draft, selecting eventual Tewaaraton Award winner Logan Wisnauskas (Maryland) instead to play the lefty wing. And then their X attackman – Brendan Nichtern (Army) – fell into their lap in the second round.
Nichtern and MacIntosh created pick-n-roll chemistry immediately. The West Point product attacked his matchup – 2021 Dave Pietramala Defender of the Year Graeme Hossack – fearlessly. He created shots for himself and for others, especially with MacIntosh picking for him.
Early in the game in a 5-on-5 situation, Nichtern drew two off the pick and threw back to MacIntosh for the finish.
Brendan Nichtern (@ArmyWP_MLax) drew the reigning DPOY in his @PLLChrome debut, and went right at him – running pick-n-rolls with @jmacintosh24. pic.twitter.com/mJ3sQDZLms
— Joe Keegan (@joekeegs) June 7, 2022
Later in the game, with Tom Schreiber trapped on defense, the Archers didn’t hedge off MacIntosh – so Nichtern took it himself.
Nichtern's reads in the PNR were perfect. Offensive midfielder trapped against MacIntosh? No hedge in sight. Takes it himself. pic.twitter.com/vB3IQnQpCy
— Joe Keegan (@joekeegs) June 7, 2022
Nichtern’s decision-making at full speed is impressive for a rookie. He’s a high-level passer. Some college attackmen rack up assists by hitting the mirror; Nichtern sees everyone. His willingness to dodge Hossack – the Cyborg – is a positive sign. He won’t back down from any matchup in this league. And with MacIntosh taking him under his wing, he can become the next great pick-n-roll operator.
