Lessons to succeed as head coach in the NBA

If you want to be a head coach in the NBA your chances to coach in the NBA is very slim unless you have high connection around the league, and same apply in college.   Not everyone can coach in the NBA rather as an assistance coaching job, or head coaching just like not everyone can succeed as a head coach in the NBA.   We got coaches around the league that either bounce around the league they got fired for whatever particular reason, some get the ax they either haven't been hired as head coach since whenever timeline, or there are coaches which is rare in the NBA stick with one team matter of fact there is only one head coach stick only coaching with one team for a long period of time.

The NBA is a player's league which that statement is true but that doesn't mean that coaches can't be a successful coach, nor doesn't mean they don't have to coach the team, and just only collect pay checks.   Coaches, or upcoming coaches can still do their job coaching the team, and can be successful head coach around the league such as Phil Jackson who won eleven championship, and Gregg Popovich he won five championship, Doc Rivers with one championship, and can't forget the legendary Red Auerbach who won nine NBA championships.  But there are good coaches around the league that can still be a successful coach even if he never won a championship for his team, or former teams that he use to coach for example coaches like Jerry Sloan, Stan Van Gundy, Tom Thibodeau, and etc.  There are also coaches around the league who are not much of a successful head coach around the league who have experience as head coach in the NBA such as Tim Floyd, Maurice Cheeks, Lawrence Frank, and etc.

There are current assistance coaches who are  upcoming head coaches that have potential to be a successful head coach in the NBA waiting for their chance such as Jim Boylen, Ron Adams, Sam Cassell, Jay Larranaga, Etorre Messina, Chip Engelland, and etc.  I am sure there are some current head coaches in the college ranks are waiting to jump to the NBA to coach in the NBA, and want to be a successful such as Larry Brown who won one NBA Championship, and Brad Stevens who also coming from college to coach in the NBA prove to become a solid coach.  There are even people who have connection in the NBA that have no experience of coaching whatsoever may someday want to be a head coach in the NBA which we have see former players who have no experience coaching quickly jump start to become a NBA head coach such as Vinny Del Negro, Steve Kerr, and Mark Jackson.

Despite the NBA is a player's league there are lessons that any coaches rather they are former head coach in the NBA, current assistance coaches, upcoming coaches, or whatever there are lessons to be a successful head coach in the NBA.   While I don't have no experience in coaching whatsoever but I have watched the NBA for a long time now base on my knowledge I see coaches, come and go some prove to be a good, or solid coach, and some not so much.   As I said there are lessons, or steps to become a successful head coach in the NBA, and to base on my knowledge I am going to give you those lessons, or steps how to be a successful head coach in the NBA.   However, keep in mind, and before I go any further that every teams no matter who is the head coach that teams require to have talents to accomplish the goal which is win a championship that is the front office's job which I am talking about the General Manager that responsible to bring talent to the roster.  

Now, you can call it lessons, or steps which is I am going to give you how to become a successful head coach in the NBA basically for me I say more like it is lessons than it is for steps.   Let's get it started.

Lesson #1: Get Experience

For some people may think getting experience is overrated in terms of becoming a successful head coach in the NBA.   To be honest with you I can see people who think getting experience is overrated have a case if you think about it look at Steve Kerr he is a very good example that when he first hire as a head coach in the NBA he have no experience of coaching whatsoever that is including with no experience as an assistance coach not in the professional level, nor a college level.   

He was hired as a head coach by the Golden State Warriors, and his first year he got his team to win the NBA championship you know why his team have a great record, and won a championship?  It is because two things well three things which one of the three things is one of the lessons which I am going to talk about later on which is once hired he contact the players, and defined their roles.   I talked about more about that later on once I get to that lesson.  In a meantime that is one of the thing got a good record, and won a championship his first year as a head coach in the NBA with no experience the second thing is well he put together a good coaching staffs which by the way is one of the other lessons I will talked more later as well, and the third thing the team have load of talents including a superstar that was put together by the front office from the organization.  

While there is a case that getting experience is overrated but doesn't mean that getting experience is not important, and it shouldn't be dismissed.  It is important, and shouldn't be dismissed gaining experience some sort will help, and guide a upcoming coach to be a better coach, and become a successful coaching in the NBA.  When I say getting experience I talked about possible at the very least attempted to be an assistance coach to one of the NBA teams which learn from the head coach for that team to gain not only experience but also knowledge to the game of basketball in general.  It never hurts to gain experience it will even benefit greatly if being an assistance coach one of the top NBA head coaches.  

Lesson #2: Put Good Coaching Staffs Together  

Once become a head coach one of the NBA teams one of the most important lesson especially if a person is inexperience in coaching is put together a good coaching staffs around you.   Again, I am going to mention Steve Kerr when he first hired he put around a good coaching staffs to help him, and to this date he still have some solid good coaching staffs surrounding him that guides him.  

There are some people who may not understand how important to put a good coaching staffs, and it benefits for all upcoming coaches, and even coaches that have ton of experiences.   One assistance can help one certain area, other can help another area, and so on while as head coach can focus one area he wants to work on.  Think of football there is a defensive coordinator focus on defense while there is an offensive coordinator focus on offense I am sure you get my point while in the NBA they can have one of the assistance coach focus on one area, other area, and even other can focus on player's development, or become say a shooting coach like Mark Price use to do for the Charlotte Hornets.  

Usually management, or managements will work together with a head coach to put a good staffs surrounding the head coach he, or they hired.   

Lesson #3: Require to get a system in place

I admitted this lesson could, or should be lesson number one but I am not focusing on ranking, or go in order with the lessons.  It is obvious that upcoming coaches, or any coaches have, or should have a system in place meaning what type of system that a coach wants to run for the team he is coaching, or about to be a head coaching.   I am talking about offensive schemes, and defensive schemes not just one end but also both ends there are some coaches around the league will focus on one end, or know for one end while not focus on other end coaches for example such as Mike Brown who is more of a defensive coach, and Mike D'Antoni is another good example who is more focusing on offense which is more of a fast pace style type of system on offense.  

It is better to get a system that you want to run for basically in any level of basketball especially if you want to become a head coach in the NBA.  I prefer to have work on what schemes on both ends to work on, and not just focus on one end then you work from there with the systems in those schemes on both offense, and defense.  Me personally as you can tell I am more of a balance type of guy if I was coaching in team you want to learn to run in the half court just in case if the pace slow down, and you wants lots of ball movements & off the ball movements with screens, pick & rolls that kind of nature.  

Lesson #4: Defined Roles

Great job of getting hired, and become a head coach in the NBA what is next?  The the most important thing that even there are some coaches that don't understand, and lot of people don't understand how important is to give the best clarification as best you can to the players you about to coach to give, and defined their roles.   

If a player, or players don't know what their role is then there is a strong chance a issue might be on the rise which could mean almost anything.  Such as a player may not perform very well, and maybe confuse what he suppose to because he doesn't know his role is which may cost a team lose a game, or so.   If there is lot of players don't know what their roles are then that is a bigger issue which could also disrupted the team's chemistry in some capacity which coaches, and players should avoid at all times. 

Defined roles is very important, and it is the head coach job to tell his players what their roles are, and defined those roles for them.   Last season the Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg didn't do a good job giving his player, or players a role which one of the player, or I believe couple players even stated they don't have a role, or don't know what their role really is.

Lesson #5: Always Hold Accountable

The most important aspect of head coaching that you want everyone to held accountable, and when I say everyone I mean everyone players, and coaching staffs including the head coach should held himself accountable as well.   If the player, or players don't held accountable a head coach is not doing a good job hold accountable for that particular player, or players which basically letting the player, or players running the asylum, and that will be a big issue which any organizations wants to avoid.  Same apply for the coaching staffs, and the head coach himself doesn't hold accountable then there will be big question on the coaching staffs probably by the players, and maybe the upper management of the organization which also may cause some potential problems in the locker room that could disrupted the team's performance on the court.   Again, something the organization should avoid at all times.  

I understand this is the NBA, and players are adults that shouldn't be treated a child which is correct as long that adult do his job, and don't do anything stupid both on and off the court.  You don't want a immature player to play for your team that could cause problems in the locker room it is something that coaching staffs, and even the front office should approach to take everyone accountable.  You want to be friends with the player sure but there are times you need to get on them, and hold them accountable even if a player play in the NBA for a long while he is included as well that should be hold accountable.  

Lesson #6: Be Flexible & Make Adjustments 

If you want to be a successful head coach you have to be more flexible, and make adjustments if, or when necessary.  Lot of head coaches around the league will be flexible, and make adjustments rather make adjustments during the game which is a big must only if needed, or make adjustment for the next upcoming game but there are other head coaches are not much flexible, or not at all and won't make any adjustments whatsoever.  It is one thing to be a hard ass but it is another to be so stubborn, and not shown much flexible, and not willing to make any adjustments  that could potentially cost you a job when a team continue to struggle.

While making in game adjustments, or any adjustments doesn't guarantee it will work but if a team is struggle at the very least make some show some flexibility, and make some adjustments if it doesn't work at least you try your best to find a different way to win games for your team.  Making any adjustments especially in game adjustments is very important for a head coach they should have a open mind, and make sort of adjustments be flexibility.  

Lesson #7: Scouting, Game Preparations, & Game Planning

The most important thing in coaching in the NBA is when your team is about to play against an opposing team, or about to play against that team the most important thing is scout the team meaning watch films see the players played, and what you might expect for that team.   You want to come up with a strategy to at least what to expect from the players from the opposing team basically what they trying to do, and what the coach, and the players have to do to contain them.  

Game planning is probably the most important in coaching just like scouting the teams is, and you want to figure out how to defend them, and how you want to play on offense.  Let's face it almost every team in the league do have some sort of weakness some teams that are great teams maybe difficult to defend than the rest but doesn't mean you don't scout them, and make game planning against your upcoming opponent.  It is best to scout such as watching game films for the opposing team you about to play against not only as a head coach, and coaching staffs but have your players watched as well so they know what they may need to do, and what to expect.   It will also help game preparation for that particular game who ever they played against.

Speaking of game preparation there are times I see teams are about to play, and when they played during the game you can tell they don't seem to be prepare.  It is one of the most important things to have players for better preparation for every single upcoming games of course you have to go one game at a time since it is a long season so it is up to the head coach, and the rest of the coaching staffs get their players for better game preparation.   If not then expect confusion, and possible poor performance which may cause your team to lose a game because of poor preparation, and I see that a lot that teams weren't ready, nor prepare which affect their win/loss column.  

Conclusions

Those are the seven lessons to guide, and help become a successful head coach in the NBA.   I think the six lessons I present, and discussed are the most important lessons for any coaches such as upcoming coaches, and even current coaches who been coaching around the league.   Without, or I should say if you don't learn from those six lessons, and don't do them there is a strong chance you won't be much of a successful head coach around the league, and may lose not only a job but also may not get another coaching gig in the NBA. 

Before I end this I want to mention, and keep this in mind that even if a coach is proven, and become a successful head coach sometime that coach may get fired because either a team wants to go to a different direction, that coach may not get along with his boss, or bosses, or that coach may resign. I just want to bring that up that it is not always black and white if a head coach have a good tracking record with a team he coach, or use to coach.           

The Benefits of Acquire Players with Athleticism

Around the league you see teams getting players who are athletic rather from the draft, free agency, or trades.   There are some other teams don't have much, or don't have any players who are athletic in the NBA, and you may hear some team such as the Chicago Bulls for example need to get some athletic players which that statement is indeed true.   So, you are wondering okay what is the point of this article I am about to write about so I am going to tell you what the benefits for team that acquire players who are athletic when they some athleticism to the team.

First, and foremost I have mentioned in my previous article on this blog that I have discussed with someone on twitter from couple weeks ago, or so that I mentioned to him while it's true a team like the Chicago Bulls needs to acquire some athleticism but also it is very important to get a player that are very skilled don't want to end up getting a player who just athletic such as Tyrus Thomas,  Josh Smith, and many more.  Teams have to be very careful acquiring a player who is athletic because not all players that are athletic will blossom again as the names I have mentioned above you don't want players who are just athletic, and nothing else don't want just a flash in the pan you want substance.

Now, there are benefits acquiring players that are athletic that a teams want some athleticism for the team, and there is a good reason for it.  What are those good benefits I am talking about?  What is the good reason for teams looking for players who are athletic?   You may also ask what those players who are athletic can do on the basketball court?  While the players work on their game to improve their skills as a basketball player that can help their team but also players who are athletic got to learn to understand how to use their athleticism as an advantage to help their team.

I am going to tell the benefits of acquiring players who are athletic from both ends on the basketball court offense, and defense.

Benefits for Athletic players on offense
I will start with what the benefits for the players for players who are athletic that can help the team in terms of contribution.  Keep in mind that not all players who are athletic no matter what position they play  some maybe one dimensional, or some other players are not good in a certain area, or aspects to the game which can't use their athletic ability for that certain aspect, or not good in one end.  I will give examples, and discuss briefly about it in a while on this article.

On offense there are players who are athletic have the athletic ability to get in transition for the easy basket.  Now, I know and aware that there are players maybe able to get in transition for easy baskets that are not athletic which is fine in some other levels in basketball such as high school, junior high, recreation leagues but to a degree you may need to find a player that are athletic that can use their athletic ability when they get in transition.   Let me give you the example below this I am going to give you a video from YouTube.

Civic A:

As you played this video above I'm assuming you are aware who is Gerald Green who is a good example of a player who is athletic, and a good shooter.  When you played this video which I believe is only 30 seconds, or so on this video that Deron Williams a point guard for the Nets at the time when he have the ball, and semi push the ball while Gerald Green did his part filling the lane go hard to the basket which in that degree he gets in transition, and use his athletic ability for the alley oop to the dunk the ball for the easy basket.  Reason for that success  you saw on the video because Gerald Green is athletic, and use his athletic ability to finished above the rim when he have to jump high to catch the ball for the alley oop.

Civic A is a good example regarding athletic player getting in transition, and use his athletic ability to get the easy basket.  Have you ever see a player, or players who isn't athletic attempted to get in transition for a fast break to get easy baskets in the NBA? I have  bunch of times, and lot of times they will failed to convert the easy baskets in transition especially when there is a defender, or defenders try to stop the attempted for the fast break because they don't have the athletic ability to finished above the rim.   As of right now I can't find the video to give you the example of a team, or player, or players who isn't athletic enough to finished above the rim failed in transition in the NBA so if you have watched the Chicago Bulls which are a good example for the last two seasons are probably the most nonathletic team which lot of times they failed to convert a basket in transition.

Another benefit, and advantage for an athletic player that can use his athletic ability not just only in transition but also in half court when everything slow down, and not in a fast pace game.  There are ton of players in the NBA use their athletic ability in the half court to contribute on offense there is even some players have to rely lot of their athleticism to do any contribution on offense.  I am going to give you a few examples since there is ton of players who use their athleticism using their athletic ability here is the first example.

Civic B:

Civic B Blake Griffin who is probably one of the most athletic power forwards in the league right now.   If you are new to the NBA, or living under the rock that Blake Griffin rely lot of his athleticism to contribute on the offensive end, and lot of times he will use his strength against the defenders to get to the paint.   As the video above it is the most perfect example of Blake Griffin mostly relying on his athleticism but some point of the video he will use his athleticism, and using his athletic ability for his advantage for himself, and his team.  Keep in mind this video package is basically from the 2016-2017 regular season which was from last season so it isn't that long ago now I am going to post another video regarding Blake Griffin which is a shorter video, and probably a bit better regarding Blake Griffin using his athleticism rather it is in transition, or in half court.

You can see, and if you are familiar with Blake Griffin's game, and see you play bunch of times he rely on his athleticism a lot.  He is not known as a good jump shooter in a pick and pop game, nor known to stretch the floor, and shoot the threes even though in the mid range area he did show a bit of improvement but he still rely on his athleticism.  As you see the second Blake Griffin video he use his athletic ability that benefits not just for him but for also the team that finished above the rim, get in transition for easy baskets, and etc.  Again, as I mentioned before he also use his strength at times when a defender is on him basically he rely his athleticism, and strength.  

The next video is another good example, and another player who is also athletic that use his athletic ability to get into the basket rather it is in half court, or in transition rather it's in traffic, or not.  He played a different position which is a point guard position, and I know you probably know who I am talking about now which I am talking about Russell Westbrook from Oklahoma Thunder. 

Civic C:

On Civic C you see above the video highlight packages on Russell Westbrook shows how he contribute on offense, and even on defense.  But as of right now I am focusing on offense which as you see the video below that Russell Westbrook is one the most athletic point guards in the NBA right now, and as you see he is very exposure when he get above the rim.   He show fearless which I he is not only one of the most competitive player in the league but also the most fearless as well, and he use his athletic ability.

The thing I didn't mention earlier is that players like Russell Westbrook, and even Blake Griffin they are so athletic they use that as advantage in traffic when they get into the paint, or close to the paint, and they succeed because they can use their athletic ability to finished.  Same apply in transition for easy baskets just like Blake Griffin he is the most athletic gifted players around the league even I wish I was athletic like him, or anyone who is athletic for that matter.  The plus side for Russell Westbrook that when he first enter the league he isn't much of a good jump shooter rather mid-range area, or from the three point line but now he shows improvement on those areas.  So, he doesn't really only rely on his athleticism.

There are ton of other players who are athletic which I could give you more video example of those players on the offensive side but I will stop there which I am sure you get the point to this particular topic.  Now, there are other aspect that players don't rely on athleticism on the offensive end such as shooting a jumper, or moving with out the ball to get open looks, set a screen, make a play, making cuts those kind of stuffs you don't have to rely on athleticism on the offensive side.  The next benefit I am going to talk about now is on the defensive side.   

Benefits on athletic players on defense

On the defensive side which base on individual defense, and team defense.   Let's talk about team defense first it is best to have all five players that play five different positions that are athletic, and it will help to have a big man who is athletic, and mobile that can recover quickly.   If those players can stay committed, buy in the coaching philosophy on not just on the offensive scheme but also the defensive scheme can be a very good defensive team.    

If you got that, and plus you got load of players who are athletic it will makes the job much easier in terms of switch when necessary.   Not lot of teams capable of doing that since they don't have the personal for it that can capable of playing defense, and can switch in any position plus recover quickly when needed.    Let me give you a couple of videos to give you the example.

Civic D

The Milwaukee Bucks are a very good example of having the personal since they have the most athletic players in most of their positions.  The video above is basically nearly nine minutes, and the person goes by the name coach Daniel that gives a good defensive observation on the defensive side for the Milwaukee Bucks keep in mind this video is from the 2016-2017 regular season.  I think he did a great job giving his observation on the defensive side as you see the video how the Bucks played a solid defense with strong effort, and played hard defense.   You see how switching, or recover so ease because they got some players who are athletic, and have long wingspan that help at times deflecting the ball to force turnovers, or give the opposing team trouble.     

Keep in mind that they do have some players who are not athletic, nor not known as good defenders that can suffer the team defense players such as Jason Terry, Greg Monroe, and Jabari Parker.  Not only the Milwaukee Bucks have the personal that committed the team defense plus have the athleticism that can switch, and recover quickly another team I am talking about is the defending NBA champions the Golden State Warriors.

Civic E

This is by coach Daniel again which give his observation regarding how the Golden State Warriors played team defense which was against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round playoffs from this past year.   The Golden State Warriors do have some athletic players, and versatile to rotate, recover, and switch when necessary now keep in mind Stephen Curry is not known as a good defender individually but I think he is underrated on team defense which you can hide his individual defense with the personal the team have.   

The Golden State Warriors could get away playing small when needed to which it will even help the switching in all five positions much easier since Zaza Pachulia isn't athletic, nor mobile enough to recover quickly, and it is a mismatch in the opposing team favor if they switch on him.   Which you see lot of times for the Warriors to go small last season, and even in the playoffs including in the 2016-2017 NBA Finals.  There is another good video I want you to check out regarding the Golden State Warriors team defense which is another good observation.
 

Overall on team defense the most important thing is have players stay committed, played hard, and played strong defense.  If you got the personal with athletic players who are also agile, and mobile to quick enough to recover, can rotate, and can switch on all five positions will make jobs much easier, and it is very important in today's NBA.  Now, I have discussed about the benefits on athletic players base on team defense the next thing is base on individual players.  

You can't teach athleticism, and that statement is true.  Not a whole lot of players are not gifted like some other players like not as athletic as the other but some who are not as athletic are solid defenders, or known as solid defenders such as Kirk Hinrich, Matthew Dellavedova, Tony Allen, and etc.   There are some players who are athletic, and use their athletic ability to defend some players are even a three & D type of players such as Trevor Ariza, Courtney Lee, Kent Bazemore, Nicolas Batum, Wilson Chandler, and there are others.  

As you can tell some of the names I mentioned are playing at the wings positions which I have not mention some other players who are athletic are big man that known as a shot blocker that can protect the rim, and use their athletic ability to switch when needed, or rotate.  There are lot of bigs who are athletic, mobile, and are rim protectors such as Rudy Gobert, DeAndre Jordan,  Hassan Whiteside, Gorgui Dieng, and can't forget about Draymond Green who is a powerforward but is athletic, and versatile that can defend all five positions when needed if the switch is necessary, and can rotate plus record quickly.

Now, I don't want you to get the wrong idea that not all athletic bigs can  even they known as a solid defender can't defend the pick and roll action, or can't stay on the guard, or a wing that can cause a bad match up in the opposing team favor.  The pick & roll is probably the most difficult for most bigs to defend there are some bigs can defend the pick & roll well if they are mobile, and athletic Joakim Noah is a good example back in the days before the injuries pile up for him he was a good pick & roll defender that can switch, and defend the guard.   He was also mobile which he is quick enough to recover, rotate, and when necessary switch but once again not all bigs even if they are athletic, nor mobile enough can't defend the pick & roll action. 

Lot of athletic big man that can help that use their athletic ability to become a good help defender blocking shot such as Ibaka, DeAndre Jordan, and Rudy Gobert.   Which all three rely on their athleticism on the defensive end to recover quickly in terms of help defense of course at the same time help defense is matter of timing, and give effort.            

Conclusion

I hope this gives you a better understand, and educated the benefits of acquiring players that are athletic in the NBA that can contribute, and how they contribute from both ends on the basketball court.  Keep in mind getting athetlic players doesn't always mean they turn into gold getting players that are skilled is the most important you just don't want to end getting a player that are just athletic you want a player that are skilled, and understand how to use their athletic ability that can help the team on both ends.        

The Mechanics of Individuals

At the time after I wrote the proper rebuilding plan I tried to think what I should write next which brings me an idea that  sometime last week I was chatting with someone on twitter, and just briefly discussed about shot release.  So, after a short discussion on twitter gives me an idea what to write next on my blog which I titled The Mechanics of Individuals.

Basketball players especially the ones wants to play basketball for a living have to work on the aspect of their game, and hoping they improved so they can contribute for the team if they want to have a long career in the pros.   It is not a easy and is not for everyone to be able to play in the NBA even if there is someone from this world, and there is someone from this world have great work ethics work so hard that doesn't always mean it will translate to the NBA which is possible may not able to make it to the NBA but that doesn't mean that individual should stop working on their game. 

There are lot of players starting day one when they first enter in the NBA not only work on to keep in good shape physically which is a must but also work on the aspect of their game, and looking to improve their game.   The most important is results meaning base on the players performance on the court and how the player contribute to help their team base on team, and individual performance how much improvement the players have progress but as pointed out some others may not progress as the team, and that player are hoping for.  Sometime that player despite a great work ethic maybe not good enough to improve part of the aspect of their game, or not good enough to stay in the league.

Every individuals who is currently, or wants to play in the NBA, or any professional basketball level wants to have a long career there three major important aspects require to have even though the third aspect is debatable which I will discuss that more when I get to that point.   First, let me list those three most important aspects that individuals must require to have.

Three Important Aspects

• Motor
• Skills
• Athleticism

Let me explain  the meaning those three important aspects in basketball.   Motor is probably the number one most important aspect that every individuals  who is serious wants to play basketball for a living have to have a motor.   What that means is this individual have to have heart, passion, and is always ready to go when a coach put that individual on the court, and played once that individual played he have high motor play with energy from both ends on the basketball court.  Do the little things, played hard that kind of stuff you can basically say like a car, or any vehicles once the ignition turns on the motor, and the engine turns on the vehicle is ready to go.   Okay I admit it is not the best analogy I have describe but I am sure you get the picture.

The next important aspects are skills.  Let's face it  in any professional sports, or any sports level for that matter that individual got to have skills to be good, or potentially to be great player.  Now, there are players who maybe not good at certain aspect of basketball game, or don't have any skills but are good in certain aspect of basketball say for example Dennis Rodman who is one of the best rebounder, and a great defender at some point in his career but he is very limited on offense.  I should say liability is probably the better word to use than limited in terms of offense which is what Dennis Rodman is not good at beside those put backs.   Another player is Reggie Evans who is not good at anything else but he is a solid rebounder nothing else but in a long run the organization front office, and coaching staffs will look at the players that may have upside, and most important skills what they are, and what could they become potentially wise if they can reach it.

Athleticism is the third aspect, and is the third aspect that I mentioned earlier is debatable if athleticism is important aspect in basketball, or not.  To me and this is base only my opinion, and views that athleticism is important for any individual that are athletic if that individual have skills which is more important than just being athletic.   However, athleticism can be very important in basketball if they know how to use their athletic ability on offense, and defense.   Look at Lebron James who is a very good example who is the most athletic player in the league right now not only he is just an athletic guy but also he know how to use his ability on offense, and defense not just only he rely on his athleticism but he also rely on his skills.   There are ton of players past, or present are very athletic that are skilled player but some others again past, and present are just athletic but nothing else example players such as Tyrus Thomas, Josh Smith, Stromile Swith, and Darius Miles.  I mentioned this with someone on twitter a week ago that you can't just get a player because he is just athletic but also he have to be very skilled is what the most important, and know how to use his ability.

Now you know the three important aspects regarding base on individuals what they should require to have if they serious about playing basketball for a living.   I should mention and this is very important that two of those three aspects are not teachable meaning those couple aspects I mentioned can't be taught by coaching staffs, nor trainers.   Motor is one of the aspect that can't be taught it is matter of the desire, heart, and passion for that individual to have either that individual doesn't have it, or does have the motor for it.   Another aspect that can't be taught is athleticism no one can't teach any individual to be more athletic especially when they are not as athletic it is by generic, and nature if you are athletic gifted. 

Depend on what skills you talking about in terms of basketball some skills can be taught for example shooting if you want to become a good shooter it is teachable that you can improve your shooting skills. Such as shot release, high arc, or low arc of your shot, and shooting form.  There are some other skills can't be taught like blocking a shot if you are a good shot blocker that great but if you are not it can't be taught to become a better shot blocker which is shot blocker is more of a timely manner, and defensive awareness in terms to become a better shot blocker.  The most important skills to look at is basically look on offense there are players who are offensive liability but have upside to become a good, or even a great offensive player if you look at potentially wise.   How to score a basketball, when to score the basketball, how many different ways to score, how to create your own shot from off the dribble, how to catch and shoot, how to become a spot up shooter, how to become a slasher, and attack the basket.   I could go on and on to score the basketball that is matter of skills, and is teachable. 

While I mentioned three important aspects, and the meaning of those aspects in basketball there are other things I haven't mention, nor mention as much which are very important in basketball they are offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and basketball IQ.   There are players who are current and use to be in the NBA do have low basketball IQ but certain aspect of basketball game they are good at for example players such as Nick Young who have a low basketball IQ but the man can flat out score same apply with JR Smith which both are still playing in the NBA to this day.  But I do think have a high basketball IQ is very important to have you got to want smart players you may have the talent in the world but having a talent with high basketball IQ is always a big plus.   Awareness on both offense and defense is very important got to know your surroundings, and know what you need to do on both ends where to go, and when.   If you have poor awareness on either offense, defense, or both you going to have issue as a player, and could potentially cost your team to lose games with your poor awareness on one end, or both ends on the basketball court. 

The last two things I want to talk about is defense, and rebounding which there are two most important things in basketball if you want a team to win games.   The only thing you can teach to become a better rebounder no matter what size you are is teach how to box your man out but that is basketball 101 it is one of the most basic fundamentals in basketball.   I am not the tallest person, and I probably won't get 10 rebounds, or even 8 rebounds but I could box my man out hopefully I can get a rebound, or two maybe help my teammates to get a rebound.  I have see guards in the NBA are a solid rebounders such as Rajon Rondo, Kyle Lowry, Bonzi Wells, and just to name a few.   Other then teach someone how to box your man out is basically have a good timing, instinct, and luck to rebound the basketball you just don't know where the ball goes if someone missed a shot. 

The second thing I want to talk about is defense.   How to become a better defender?  To my knowledge, and the way if I want to teach someone how to play defense to become at least above average defender I will say the most important things is who you are guarding, know your personal, and move your feet.   Those are the three important things to look at to become a better defender which is base on individual defense as for team defense know when to help, know when to switch, and the most important is communication which is probably I should mention the first thing when I first mention team defense.  Without communication on defense you don't know when the screen is coming, don't know when to switch, when to help that kind of stuff it is better to communicate your teammates, and same goes with your teammates to help each other on defense.       

Proper Rebuilding Plan

On my blog the very first article I wrote about the understanding of rebuilding process, and if you haven't read it yet please click here to read it now.   Anyways, the first article basically is about to give you a clearly understanding of the rebuilding process now this article is basically about a proper rebuilding plan.

In the NBA when teams doing the rebuilding plan the outlook is probably different than you see teams in other professional sports such as NFL, MLB, and NHL.  With the differences of the rebuilding plan in these professional sports beside it's a different sports but also the salary cap is different than the NBA which plays a huge factor even if your team is in the rebuilding process.  So, the rebuilding plans in the NBA it is more of a big picture to look into how to fit on the plans to make the rebuilding team turning into a contender it's like a caterpillar turns into a beautiful butterfly of course it didn't always turn out that way in the NBA for lot of teams.

When a team are rebuilding especially a team who are mediocre, or are contenders decide to rebuild the team that they are two different paths heading there is the right way, and then there is the wrong way to rebuild the team.   Yes, you are new to sports  you read it right that there is two different paths in rebuilding the team the right way, and the wrong way let me give you the full details on those two paths to give you a better understanding, and clarification of those two paths.

The Right Path

• A rebuilding team, or teams that started rebuilding from being mediocre, or a contender is to get as many assets as much they can get that is including acquire draft picks, contract expiring, acquire young players from another team, or from free agency.

• While you absurd someone's salary meaning acquire a bad contract as long you got some other good assets attack like a draft pick, young player those kind of assets, and when I say draft pick I mean ask for a first rounders if you really could second rounders are fine too.   

• In the beginning of the rebuilding process and at some point in the rebuilding process the most important in the rebuilding process is stay under the cap, and don't spend money stupid on free agents s nor acquire bad contract after bad contracts.  When I mean don't spend money stupid on free agency I mean don't overpaid guys that isn't worth their value some maybe worth overpaying.  

• The obvious one is draft a superstar, or superstars and build around the team that fits into the superstars strength. 

The Wrong Path

• Don't acquire assets, or enough assets such as draft picks, contract expiring, young players, & etc.

• Acquire bad contracts with no assets in attach which is a no, no if you are a rebuilding team, and you going to absurd someone's salary you want some assets like a draft pick, young player, or a combination to attach part of the deal. 

• Go over the cap, and overpaid some players that isn't worth overpaying, and give players bad contracts after bad contracts left, and right.   

• Failed to draft, nor acquire a superstar, or superstars.  Without a superstar on the team very unlikely that a team will not move the needle.

Now you know, and understand the right path, and the wrong path for rebuilding.  While there is one thing I didn't mentioned which should belong to the wrong path that a team who begin to start the rebuilding process that a team shouldn't never trade a first rounder unless it is a deal that you can't refuse, and benefit your team.  You want as many first rounders draft picks as much a team can get for a rebuilding process which you may hit gold which is not a guarantee but don't trade them away unless a deal that benefits your team, or more like a deal you can't refuse type of deal. 

Collecting assets is the most important for the rebuilding process if you don't have many, or worse no assets what so ever than there is a strong chance your team may failed, and won't be able to move the needle.  Look at the Boston Celtics there are a good example couple years ago, or so they were in a rebuilding mode they acquire assets after assets, they become a playoff team, and to this date they still collect assets after assets such as draft picks which they select young players from the draft, and just this off-season they sign Gordon Hayward. The only issue the Boston Celtics currently have is they don't have a true superstar, and sorry Gordon Hayward is not a superstar.   

Another example is the Brooklyn Nets is a good example they go tot he wrong path while at the time they are in a "win now mode" when they traded their two first rounders to the Boston Celtics to acquire players that are out of prime, and are old in Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.   Which by the way didn't work out as they are hoping for, and now they are in a rebuilding process  that they could have the number one overall pick, and draft their future superstar to build around if they would have keep the pick.  This is why it is very important that any teams even if a team isn't rebuilding is don't trade a first rounder unless it is a deal that benefit your team, or a deal a team can't refuse type of deal. 

With the better understanding of the right, and wrong path there are three most important aspects in the rebuilding process which of course you want a proper rebuilding plan to go accordingly the plan, and those three important aspects to it is:  

1. Vision  
2. Luck
3. Execution

Any general manager, or any positions regarding having the front office role rather a general manager, vice president, or whatever.  That when they decide to rebuild a team that the three most important aspects as you read above are vision, luck, and execution let me give you a better understanding those three important aspect regarding a rebuilding team in the NBA.

Vision any GM needs to have a clear vision where he, or she want his, or her that manage a vision if he, she, or they don't have a clear vision where they want the team headed at then there is a strong chance that your team will headed to mediocre which is the wrong place to any teams.  Of course the middle of the rebuilding process any GM continue to have a vision even if a team that is a current contender that a GM have to have a vision where, and what direction the team to go to, and then execute.  When draft a superstar got to have a clear vision to fit into that player style, and mesh their game well to build surround that superstar, or superstars plus of course the development is very important as well for any players including future superstars.  

Luck in the NBA when your team start the rebuilding process, or in the rebuilding process that it is obvious your team is require to be bad to get the chance to get a high draft pick.  Now, keep in mind  actually keep two things in mind the first thing in mind is that even a playoff team, or contender could acquire a potential high lottery draft pick from a trade such as when the Boston Celtics acquire the Brooklyn Nets 2017 and 2018 first round draft pick.   The second thing to keep in mind that even if your team is bad enough even if it is so bad enough that have the worse record in the league for that season there is no guarantee that your favorite team may not get the number one overall pick, nor even a top three.   While a team who have the worse record, or bad enough that they may have a strong chance to get a top draft picks doesn't always end up that way because the NBA have a system in place which is called the NBA Lottery.  It is matter of the ping pongs, and the results hoping you get the top draft picks at the very least the top five is good, top three is great, or winning the lottery which meaning get the number one overall pick is obvious great.  It is matter of luck of hoping to win the lottery, or get the top three keep in mind in terms of draft class not every year is the same so there is a strong chance that the draft class could be the strongest point in terms of talents, and such, or could be the weakest point for that particular draft class for that year.  Luck have to bounce your way hoping it goes in your favorite team favor.  

Execution The last most important aspect in the rebuilding plan, and this rebuilding process is very important is execution.  You are wondering and asking what do you mean executing?  Let me explain in the NBA it is require to have talent on the roster to compete for a title, and it is matter of execution to acquire those talents from not just only from the draft but also in free agency as well.  Also, it is not only just managements, coaches, but also it is up to the players to develop to improve their game, and that could contribute for the team if develop property which I will talked about players development next.  Execution it is matter of all parties front office to acquire talents, the right coaching staffs, and development of the players to have a good and long career in the NBA without a proper execution then very likely the rebuilding plan will fall flat for your favorite team.

You can basically the same with the other two important aspect without those three important aspects in term of rebuilding, and even if a team is a contender then there is a strong chance the future would not be bright for your team.   If a GM have no vision on how to build a team then that GM deserve to get the ax, if there is no luck on the organization side there is a chance that it may takes longer for your favorite to rebuild, and if there is a lack of proper execution a good chance your favorite team as I mentioned above will fall flat.

Importance Of Player Developments

I have mentioned probably numerous times about players development which is a very important in  a team are in the rebuilding process.  When the GM for the team draft a young player it is very important to the team and the player to develop to improve their game they got to develop their aspect of to their game.   Without the proper players development then most likely either the coaching staffs, front office, or that player maybe all above are at fault for failing of developing to the next level. 

If you think about it players development is also under those important aspects I have discussed from above which is mostly fall under those two important aspects luck, and execution.   It is matter of luck when drafting a player you hope turns into what you are hoping for, or even if a player was draft in a late first rounder, or even a second rounder that a GM hope is luck into his side that wherever a player was drafted hope turns out to be a solid player, or even a great player.   Execution it is a player of the players development if that player development turns out what you are hoping for then that player, and GM executing what you are hoping what the player become in the pros.  In someway vision is also part of the aspect if the GM have that kind of vision for that player wherever he was drafted, and same apply with the player where he see himself when he enters in the NBA.  

Fans do need to understand that every players are different some may development quickly, some may develop longer than you expected, and fans, coaches, and front offices have to be  patience for that particular player to develop.   Some other players may never ever get it, and will most likely either not turn what you are hoping for, or the player become a bust and maybe not have a long career possible out of the league.   Now, lets rewind a little bit when I mention that some players may takes longer to develop and got to be patience on some players let me give you example look at James Johnson who is a very good example.  He was drafted with the number 16 overall pick years ago from the Chicago Bulls, and he is bounce from many different teams play for years now to finally find his niche.   He doesn't become a superstar but he become a good roleplayer it takes him longer for him to get it, and develop what kind of player he is becoming sometime, and some players not only takes longer to develop but also that player may bounce in different teams until the team give him a shot, and he finally gets it which James Johnson become what kind of player he is.  

I would say majority of the time in terms of the players development it mostly up to that particular player to develop his game which he have to work the aspect of his game what he needs to improve, and also coaching staffs also important to guide and help those player, or players to develop.  If the players develop well with him working, and improving his game plus with the help from the guidance of the coaching staffs  then it also help that particular GM looks good, and that GM is right for drafting the player who what he is hoping what he become as a player.  It is matter of dedication, passion, and work ethics for that player what he needs to work on to become a better player, and have a good, or even great long career in the NBA.      

Importance of direction

The direction is very important in professional sports including the NBA.  I am not talking about looking for direction to Chuck E Cheese I am talking about that a professional teams what direction they wanted to headed at so they can become a successful team meaning achieve their goal, and which is winning a NBA championship.

In any professional sports rather it's NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA that any organization are require to have a direction where they wanted to headed at from point A to point B.   As you learn from my previous article about Understanding the rebuilding process which I mentioned there are three phases the rebuilding phases, contender phases, and retooling phases.   Those three phases is a team that set a team, or teams set a direction where they wanted to headed at, and once set the direction then teams have to go all in for whatever direction they wanted to headed at.

It is very important that you set a direction if you have no direction, or can't make your mind for setting a direction where you want your team headed at strong chance that your team stuck in the middle which is the worse place to be on in professional sports especially in the NBA.  When you stuck in the middle is one thing that your favorite teams is to avoid stuck in the middle, or in other words your team being a mediocre team  because either your team doesn't set a direction where they wanted headed at, or even they set a direction they make bad decisions after bad decisions which managements have difficult time improving the team.

This is probably the two articles in a row I mentioned one of the teams for a good example, and the team for a good example is the Chicago Bulls.   Before the trade of Jimmy Butler the last few years especially couple years they were stuck in the middle ground meaning being a mediocre team because of not only bad decisions they have been made over the years rather draft, free agency, or whatever but also the lack of direction the organization they were heading at.  Nine out of ten years the Chicago Bulls made the playoffs, and only one Conferences finals appearances because of poor decisions, and the last couple years, or so the lack of the direction the organization are heading at meaning they have no direction where they set.   Now, after the trade of Jimmy Butler they finally set a direction, and even admit in the press conferences that they are going to a rebuilding process which the organization finally set a direction instead of stuck in the middle. 

The lack of of direction, or didn't set a direction can do more harm than help for any organization, and being a mediocre team the worse kind is something you want your favorite team to avoid as I stated above unless you love watching your team stuck in the middle rather find improvement, and be a contender to compete for a championship.   This is why setting a direction are important for every professional teams in every professional sports including the NBA now of course organizations met set a direction but don't think that team that set a direction won't become a mediocre team.  Because they could depend on the decisions the managements made in terms of trades, drafts, free agency, and other decisions they made for the team that could cost the team become mediocre.  Look at the Chicago Bulls organizations, or even the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks organization, and once the team enter being a mediocre team then your team may have a difficult time making moves to improve even if your team is a contender. 

Which is why it is important to set a direction, and make a decisions an important decisions is to set a direction such as entering the rebuilding process since your team going no where the LA Clippers is another good example.  They were contenders for many years despite the injuries years after years they were stuck in the middle ground because some of the poor decisions, and bad luck regarding staying healthy.   The organization seem to set a direction which Chris Paul is no longer with the team but decided to bring back, and resign Blake Griffin which they still want to "compete" but the organization better be careful, or they may regret their decision down the road.