The League is for entertainment only. Tempting as it may be, it is not sensible to take the games seriously. Professional athletes rarely provide a second thought to their partisan supporters. Even if they did care (and provided total effort, played through injuries, set a good example, used their heads, etc.), the game is almost fixed. Officiating is inconsistent and influences the outcomes of games far too frequently.
Nevertheless, professional basketball offers many benefits, ranging from bursts of exceptional athleticism to occasional examples of incredible teamwork. Players and coaches can study the League and learn a great deal, providing they watch the trees and not the forest. Those with phenomenal athleticism and skill can watch the forest, those closer to the ground should try and find one or two ways to improve their game at a time.
Too many players try to block shots like they can get their heads above the rim and swat balls into the stands. They should follow the League players who know their limits and play within them. Those players establish position and get to the spot first, so they can take a charge or change a shot (Grant Hill).
Too many players fade away and tilt themselves backwards while shooting. Adjusting and contorting one’s body may suit someone who has played basketball for more than twenty years straight. They should admit that they are still learning and follow the deadly shooters in the game who get ready, use the same technique every time, and react to each shot exactly the same, make or miss (Ray Allen).
Too many players assume that they’ve already made it big. League players may rely too much on their athleticism. If someone cannot jump over opponents, they can cut around them with precise cuts that are run hard and consistently (Manu Ginbobli). If someone cannot simply elevate and snare a rebound, they can compensate by boxing out all game (Kevin Love). If a team cannot score in seven seconds or less, they can pass the ball around and execute their sets (San Antonio).
Too many players believe that they can get to the line like Kobe Bryant does or Michael Jordan once did. The calls simply are not there at the high school level. The efficient player is one who drives to the hoop, passes to players when appropriate, and incorporates simple moves like pull-up jumper, shot-fakes and jab-steps, and changes of pace (Deron Williams). Nor should anyone ever watch the League and think for a moment that the same travelling and offensive foul rules apply anywhere else.
Amidst so many flamboyant illustrations of what not to do, it is difficult to locate a positive role model. The first step is to self-evaluate one’s own game and look thoroughly for holes (they certainly exist). Finding a comparable player or team may consume time but it is entirely worthwhile.
Man-to-man defensive intensity, getting to the hoop and not settling for anything less, sacrificing oneself for the team in order to take a charge, crisp passing to get a layup, navigating a double-team and moving the ball for an open shot … there are always plays with feature solid individual fundamentals or cohesive team play which can become inspiration for improvement.