NBA Draft 2k16

Practice makes perfect. Such a phrase is often heard throughout our lives as we strive towards the pursuit of excellence. Becoming the best is the goal, and to do so, one’s mental, emotional and physical capabilities must be tested. Those wanting to become professional athletes must be willing to go beyond what is required, as well as push their respective limits to achieve that goal. Over the years, student-athletes in college have begun the quest of “going pro” within their undergraduate years. Education is seen as disregarded and get getting drafted is the only objective. This year’s draft was no different. The eligibility rules are simple:

“All players must be at least 19 years of age during the calendar year of the draft, and a player who completed basketball eligibility at an American high school must also be at least one year removed from the graduation of his high school class.”

This provides players the opportunity to develop their game at usually the college level before they declare for the draft. On June 23, hundreds of fans poured into the Barclay’s Center prepared to watch their favorite players be selected into the NBA. Approximately 160 collegiate athletes, including 45 international players waited for the life changing night of the NBA 2016 Draft to begin. With only 60 picks, the intensity and anxiety of the stadium ran high as every player sacrificed their college years and education in the hopes of accomplishing their dream, becoming a professional athlete. For some being selected was predetermined, while for others, the night was a leap of faith and filled with prayers. Seated at tables, in the stands or in a back room surrounded by family members, each player patiently waited. Commissioner Adam Silver walked out onto the stage and the night began. “With the first pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select Ben Simmons, 6-10 Power Forward from LSU.”

 

The four hour event consisted of 2 rounds, 30 team picks in each. The first 14 lottery picks went as follow:

1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons- Power Forward/ 6-10/ Louisiana State/ Freshman
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram- Small Forward/ 6-9/ Duke/ Freshman
3. Boston Celtics- Jaylen Brown- Shooting Guard/ 6-7/ California/ Freshman
4. Phoenix Suns- Dragen Bender- Power Forward/ 7-0/ Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)/ 1997
5. Minnesota Timberwolves- Kris Dunn- Shooting Guard/ 6-4/ Providence/ Junior
6. New Orleans Pelicans- Buddy Heild- Shooting Guard/ 6-4/ Oklahoma/ Senior
7. Denver Nuggets- Jamal Murray- Point Guard/ 6-5/ Kentucky/ Freshman
8. Sacramento Kings- Marquese Chriss- Power Forward/ 6-9/ Washington/ Freshman *traded to the Phoenix Suns*
9. Toronto Raptors- Jakob Poeltl- Center/ 7-1/ Utah/ Sophomore
10. Milwaukee Bucks- Thon Maker- Power Forward/ 7-0/ Australia/ 1997
11. Orlando Magic- Domantas Sabonis-Power Forward/ 6-10/ Gonzaga/ Sophomore *traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder*
12. Utah Jazz- Taurean Prince- Small Forward/ 6-7/ Baylor/ Senior                                *traded to the Atlanta Hawks
13. Phoenix Suns- Georgios Papagiannis- Center/ 7-2/ Panathinaikos (Greece)/ 1997 *traded to the Sacramneto Kings*
14. Chicago Bulls- Denzel Valentine- Small Forward/ 6-6/ Michigan State/ Senior

The remainder of the night continued the same format, adding a new, young athlete to the franchise every five minutes. Of course not everyone was chosen, but for many it was a dream come true. Players such as Isaiah Whitehead was given the opportunity to play in the league but remain home, playing for the Brooklyn Nets. For others such as Buddy Hield, being able to represent his country in the NBA  is an honor.

“I’m so happy, man, not only for me but for all the kids back in the Bahamas. The norm is that we never make it out there. To be one of the few that make it out there, so being one of the few that makes it out there helps me give to the kids and inspire them, like okay, there will be more that will make it out there.

I’m just happy for the Bahamas, really. Put them back on the map, and for all my friends and family.”

For every player selected that night, they all shared a common once in a lifetime experience. Putting on the hat and walking across the stage to begin their professional careers was an unforgettable moment and just the start of more to come.

The NBA….Where Amazing Happens

Back to Back?

On Monday, a calmness swept Oracle Arena as the Golden State Warriors prepared to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers, hopefully for the last time. After a remarkable Game 4, where Steph Curry scored 38 points, on 11/25 from the field, while allay Thompson shot 50% and put up 25 points. It seemed like the Warriors were destined to win and end the Finals on home court. Yet, LeBron and Co. fought for their lives.

The Cavaliers dominated the Warriors, 112-97. LeBron James looked to redeem himself from a poor Game 4. With the late absence of Draymond Green, James was able to dominate the paint and alienate the defense en route to scoring 41 points.

In the first few games of the Finals series, James played a insignificant offensive role, while the rest of the team lead their team to the lone victory.

“At this point, it’s whatever it takes,” LeBron said of playing a larger role in the offense in regards to Game 5. “Obviously making shots and things of that nature are something that you sometimes really can’t control. Sometimes the ball go in; sometimes it don’t. How hard you play, how locked in you are on the keys to get a victory.”

Kyrie Irving also came out with the same sort of vengeance in matching James’ 41 pts. From his graceful inside to perimeter scoring, he was unstoppable. The combined 82 points were enough to maintain momentum throughout the game. The remaining players fed off of the aggressive, all-in style of play. The Warriors were unable to defensively match the Cavaliers intensity.

The Warriors never sustained the momentum needed to carry the team to a win. While Thompson was 11/20 while scoring 37 points and Curry with 25, it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The Warriors also sustained another setback when center Andrew Bogut left the third quarter with a leg injury. Although he avoided a major knee injury, he will remain out for the rest of the Finals. Playing with out two starting big men, left the paint weak and allowed the Cavs to take control of not only the paint, but the game.

The combination of LeBron hustling back to block two Warriors’ fast break shots, countless fast paced possessions, high percentage shots, and strong defense led to an unlikely road win and a Game 6 back in Cleveland Ohio on Thursday. Will the return of Draymond Green and another remarkable performance from the Splash Brothers be enough for the Warriors to win the Finals two years in a row? Or will Lebron James and Kyrie Irving put on another historic performance and help force a Game 7? Tune in Thursday at 9pm Eastern Time.

 

3 NBA Finals Players We Can Learn From

Jason Miller Foxsports.com

If you are a fan of the game of basketball or are just looking for a way to better your talents in the game of basketball, then this article is a must read for you.

We have finally reached the finale to this NBA season and will be seeing Game 1 tonight between the Warriors and the Cavaliers. Both teams have numerous players who have a specific incredible talent. Today, I’m going to address a couple of those players’ talents.

As a student of the game, we are required to watch these incredible athletes to increase our intellect. Players like LeBron James are so knowledgeable in the game that watching him play will indeed help you become a better player on the court. Surprisingly, LeBron James is not one of the players we will be talking about today. Without further ado, let’s look into those specific players.

Andre Iguodala’s Defense

One of the best perimeter defenders we have in this league, Andre Iguodala is a player that every fan of the game must watch this series. How he defends the ball is exactly how each basketball player should defend. Let’s take a look at some of the tape from the Finals last year to understand how good he is on the defensive end.

Here’s one defensive stop from Iguodala that defines how he played against LeBron in last year’s Finals. LeBron James, as we know, is a player that punishes you on the offensive end. He can almost be defined as unstoppable. Andre Iguodala did a phenomenal job to contain LBJ last year.

In the play above, you can see how LeBron gets a great first step on Iggy, but Andre does the perfect job to slide his feet to get in front of James. Iggy keeps his hands up and does not reach for the ball until LeBron brings the ball down to his waist. Once he does just that, Iggy swipes down with his hands and cleanly strips the ball. Iggy teaches us 3 things that are very important that we must all remember when playing man to man defense.

1. Slide your feet
2. Keep your hands up
3. Reach with a purpose

Look for Andre Iguodala to continue to utilize these defensive elements once he goes up against LeBron again this series.

Kyrie Irving’s Ball-Handling

Kyrie Irving is a fantastic basketball player. One component of his game that we are all mesmerized by is his ball-handling. From the Uncle Drew Series to the USA Practice, we’ve seen it all from Kyrie in terms of ball-handling.

Irving is one of the best in the game at dribbling the basketball and being able to get by the defender with a slick move. We often get distracted by the beauty that is his ability to handle the ball, but what is so great about his handles is that he uses it to gain separation, not to just look flashy.

Look for Irving throughout these Finals and watch when he attacks the rim. Usually, it starts with a good move to get him that little space he needs on the opposition.

Steph Curry’s Off-Ball Movement

We are so quick to look at Steph’s dribbling and shooting when we watch him play. Yes, while those two components of his game might be his best, the one part of his game that we do not discuss is his off-ball action. This component might be the most important.

What makes the Warriors so great is their off-ball movement. A great shooter can’t be a great shooter if he does not get the space that he needs. Sometimes, Steph Curry is able to get the space he needs by his dribbling moves, but that’s not always the case.

First, let’s look at a play that Steph Curry was involved in that led to a three-pointer for him.

Just like this from Iggy… pic.twitter.com/qsae2ZJWgs

— Andrew Cutler (@andrewrcutler) May 27, 2016

Steph has a couple options on this particular set. His first option is to come off that original down screen from Draymond. He decides to slip that and run across the floor to take an Andre Iguodala pick and gain the space on that right wing.

This other clip below is a little more interesting given that it doesn’t lead to a basket for Curry, but rather for Draymond Green.

Even though Steph Curry is widely considered the best player in the league and the most talented, it just goes to show you that even the best still need to use some off-ball action to get the other teammates involved.

In these NBA Finals, pay particular attention to these three players as they can help you understand and learn from the game more.