With NBA hoops returning by the end of the month, we once again line out some players to study by position.
Basketball is almost back, which is great for all types of fans. Even with only 22 of the 30 teams participating in the Orlando bubble, there will be ample talent, as it is all squads in playoff contention. We have outlined player profiles for you before; lists of players to watch and study at each position. We noted current and former hoopers that are excellent examples at their respective positions. Check them out below:
Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers
The Basketball Movement outlined many players in the above, but we are going to keep it a bit more simple this time around. The players we note below will only be those that are participating in the upcoming seeding rounds, and we will be focusing on players that we had not previously discussed. So, no Trae Young (not playing in Orlando), no James Harden (previously discussed), and so on.
Time to dive in.
Point Guards
Just about every team coming into the Orlando bubble has a solid point guard that has traits young guards can learn from. Perhaps the most exciting is Ja Morant.
The likely Rookie of the Year, Morant receives ample attention for his flashy play and explosive attacks at the rim. However, if you keep an eye on him, you will see that the young PG is fundamentally sounds as well. His footwork, vision, and handle are what will make him a lasting presence in the Association.
Another good PG to watch is Jrue Holiday, who is hoping to be named to an All-NBA defensive team for the third year. Deferring to young stars when he needs to, yet maintaining the killer instinct to close games, Holiday is an all-around point guard that is worthy of your analysis if you want to learn about the highest level of point guard play.
Shooting Guards
There are a few prominent guards that play plenty of point but slide nicely into the shooting guard position. A couple of those to watch in the upcoming Orlando games are Donovan Mitchell and Fred VanVleet. Mitchell works well as a shooting guard because he has the athleticism to guard varying players and the shot to play true SG. VanVleet is no longer a backup PG, but a full-fledged starting SG playing alongside Kyle Lowry.
Plenty of film is out there from VanVleet in last season’s title run for the Raptors. Still, keep an eye on the Wichita State product again this year to learn from his fearless playstyle.
For a straight-up killer shooting guard, look no further than CJ McCollum and Buddy Hield. Both are primed to put on shooting clinics per usual.
Small Forwards
We touched on many small forwards in our previous iteration of these player profiles. One that has come on strong since then is Jayson Tatum. There is still room for improvement in Tatum’s game, but the guy is already averaging 24ppg, so you know he brings plenty to the table. His knack for putting the ball in the hole has improved every season and he is a great one to study for long, athletic forwards.
A pair of other young small forwards to watch out for are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jonathan Isaac. A defensive force all season, Isaac is questionable with an injury, but has entered the bubble with the Magic and may return to teach a thing or two about shot-blocking.
Gilgeous-Alexander may not strictly be a small forward, but that is just because his handles and offensive instincts make him a lethal point guard as well. A breakout player for the Thunder, he will be scoring in bunches in Orlando.
Power Forwards
Somehow, we did not mention Anthony Davis in our previous player profiles. So, let us just say: Anthony. Davis.
You know every Lakers game played will be blasted everywhere, so young power forwards have no excuse to not watch and learn. Anthony Davis is a do-it-all power forward that has stepped up his defensive presence while still dominating in the paint, on the boards, and even from the perimeter.
Another great one to watch going forward is Bam Adebayo for the Heat. Bam has come on in a big way, earning his first All-Star bid this season. He is a devastating athlete but also strives to do the little things that are important in playing winning basketball.
Centers
Here are few underrated guys for you big men to watch: Domantas Sabonis and Brook Lopez.
Sabonis was an All-Star this year, but not by much. His game doesn’t grab you like the biggest name guys, but his tenacity and nose for the ball make him an excellent study for young big men that need to learn to play the right way in the paint.
Brook Lopez is a former All-Star, previously known as an interior scorer. Now, he is a defensive anchor and three-point threat for the top team in the NBA in Milwaukee. One of the NBA block leaders this year, Lopez has stepped up on effort plays while doing an excellent job of knowing when to exit the paint to stretch the floor for the attacking Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Those are just a few examples of excellent players to keep an eye on and learn from during the NBA seeding games and Playoffs. It will certainly be an interesting way to resume the season and you know we will be keeping up and keeping you informed. Check out how these games will look and the schedule here. Stay tuned!