Talent vs. Teamwork

The Paris Olympics have helped to highlight an important aspect of basketball - talent vs. teamwork.

The 2024 USA Men’s Basketball team is one of the most talented teams ever assembled. Past Olympic squads have also impressed, of course, and we catch glimpses of interesting All-Star teams for one game a year. However, this year’s Team USA has an impressive blend of veteran savvy and greatness mixed with young explosiveness and hunger. These guys are the elite of the elite.

For this reason, the U.S. is favored to win the gold, which would be their fifth in a row. Why, then, have they struggled first with Australia and then with South Sudan, one of the youngest countries in the world?

The answer primarily comes down to a mixture of teamwork and willpower.

Players from Team USA are weighed down by individual egos. But, to be fair, who can blame them? They have achieved so much because they believe in themselves and the work they have put in individually. An ego is understandable, but it can be an obstacle in the pursuit of team cohesion.

South Sudan, for example, is a team with little noticeable ego. They have a couple of guys who have appeared on NBA rosters but generally have achieved success by not forcing shots, shooting only when open, passing until attacking makes sense, and out-hustling their opponents.

Many players on Team USA frankly desire to look cool. They know they should be the best, so they sometimes do not focus on winning plays but on plays that will stand out on Instagram reels.

The USA has not lost an exhibition or Olympic game yet. Talent can undoubtedly erase many mistakes, especially when the talent is monumental, as in the USA's case.

However, the narrative has not been the dominance of Team USA, as we might have expected by now. Instead, it is the young talent of Australia, the dawg in South Sudan, and Germany's fluid and balanced offense. We all want to watch the talented team USA, but we have also been treated to a taste of what the power of teamwork can do.

Luckily for you, you probably don’t ever have to play against a team that includes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and the Celtics' stifling backcourt. The talent gap you face will most likely be smaller than that.

So imagine what teamwork can do for you. Unselfish passing, defensive intensity, aggressive rebounding, smart shot selection, shared passion for the game, and desire to win are things that do not require physical gifts. You and your teammates can significantly elevate yourselves with the right mindset and work ethic.

Naturally, we know a place where you can not only work on intangibles but grow your talent as well. Reach out to The Basketball Movement for both individual and group skill development training to elevate your team.

Also, keep watching these Olympic games. Take note of what makes possessions work—not necessarily Steph Curry’s 40-footers or Kevin Durant’s skyscraping turnarounds. See what other teams do to score against Team USA and some of the most capable defenders in the world. Never stop learning the game, and never underestimate the power of teamwork.

Yanders Law alum goes pro

Former Yanders Law standout and AP ACC Player of the Year Tyree Appleby is bound for France.

Continuing his already stellar basketball career, Tyree Appleby is headed to Limoges, France, to play professionally for Limoges CSP.

The Arkansas native played AAU ball with the Yanders Law program in high school, displaying the ability to do it all on the court from the point guard position. App would go on to Cleveland State for his first collegiate seasons before transferring to Florida.

Appleby hit his stride in his final collegiate season, playing at Wake Forest in the ACC. He was named AP ACC Player of the Year, leading the storied ACC Conference in points per game (18.8) and assists per game (6.43). His assist average was 6th in the nation.

Tyree partnered with our friends at Edge Sports International to pursue his pro career. He played for the Chicago Bulls team in the NBA Summer League and had workouts with multiple teams around the Association.

Already a proven scorer and playmaker, Tyree Appleby is a high-ceiling player that will greatly benefit from this exciting new opportunity. He has Rob Yanders in his corner, who is a veteran of European hoops himself.

We will be following along closely as App continues his journey on the court. Follow along with us, as always, by checking back right here at The Basketball Movement!

So, you didn't get drafted

The 2023 NBA Draft has come and gone, with only 60 names being called. What now?

Only a limited number of individuals in the world can be a part of the NBA or WNBA. There are professional teams all over the globe, but the top of the basketball world is known to be here in the good ol’ U.S.A. With spots at the top being so limited, what will you do if you don’t make it in?

If being in the NBA or WNBA is your dream, if basketball is your passion, and if you are willing to work, nothing should stop you.

Here is what you do: Get in the gym. Come to The Basketball Movement. Meet with a trainer dedicated to helping take your game as far as possible.

Being at the top of the basketball world doesn’t just happen, not even for freak athletes like Scoot Henderson. It takes WORK. Hundreds of hours in the gym, peak physical condition and then some, and being married to the game.

If you don’t love basketball, the NBA and WNBA aren’t for you. These leagues are not for the faint of heart. The unseen hours required to make it to and stay in these leagues is a barrier to entry that few can hurdle.

So you didn’t get drafted? You aren’t working hard enough. You must have a fire to make it to the Association, and there is nothing The Basketball Movement does better than stoke that fire. If you have the work ethic, we have the work. Strength and conditioning, skill development/maintenance, film study, and more await you within the doors of the basketball mecca of the Midwest.

Our own Rob Yanders’ first-hand experience at multiple levels of the pro circuit, mixed with the passion all our staff possesses, is a recipe for elevating you to reach your potential. Reach out to us, and we will ensure you won’t regret it. You may find out this road is too hard for you, or you may just let us help you to your ultimate destination. We’re excited to find out with you.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

As a black-owned business, The Basketball Movement recognizes the gravity of Martin Luther King Junior’s impact.

Rob Yanders and his entities have always made a point to embrace diversity, practice acceptance, and remain vigilant in upholding the vision of trailblazers such as Martin Luther King Jr.

Being knowledgeable about the triumphs and struggles of those that have come before is critical, but the learning can never stop. Therefore, Yanders makes sure his staff, Yanders Law athletes, and students of We Are United are well-versed in the history that makes what he does possible.

Yanders is a black man that has started a prep school, created and run a successful AAU program, operated a training facility that has bettered the lives of thousands, spoken at events, and put on charitable functions that have impacted many individuals. The sacrifices that occurred to make these things possible in America are not lost on him.

“We have obviously come so far in this country,” Yanders says. “Just as obvious is that we still have work to do. I am proud of our community and the work being done. I hope that the acceptance we see at our facility is also being practiced behind closed doors so that we can continue improving with each generation.”

As a proud black business owner, Yanders hopes that everyone spends Martin Luther King Jr. Day reflecting on the teachings of Doctor King as well as practicing self-examination. Stifling ingrained prejudices is not easy. But, we must all work on ourselves, lift up others, and always bring our A-game regarding matters of acceptance and equal treatment.

Basketball and sports, in general, are great equalizers that bring people together regardless of race or ethnicity. Every year, the NBA does a great job of highlighting Dr. King and blasting reminders of his legacy while delivering a terrific slate of games.

Tune in while you spend your time reflecting. Hoops can bring us together, but so can learning, time spent giving back, and uplifting action. We at The Basketball Movement appreciate you for reading and taking the time to reflect and better our community. Come by any time, and we can get better together!

Pro-level workouts

The Basketball Movement offers pro-level workouts for men and women that are aiming for the top.

At The Basketball Movement, we go through skill workouts, clinics, and camps with athletes of almost all ages. Some of our favorites, and some that we are best-equipped for, are pro-level workouts with men and women with professional aspirations.

Even if you are already a professional hooper, we have proven over and over that The Basketball Movement can elevate even the most elite athletes. Whether you are a junior or senior in high school, college player, overseas or domestic pro, we can help you get to your personal next level.

(Peep the video below to see what a professional jump shot looks like with Toshua Leavitt)

With the NBA draft concluding and all eyes on the upcoming season, we will soon see several pros in action that can all attest to what The Basketball Movement can provide.

For many other players that are not able to join the pro ranks, now is the time to elevate. Robert Yanders is a former pro and specialist in this area. There are few trainers that can match Yanders’ intensity, experience, and knowledge of the game.

For all pro players and agents (or anyone interested in training at the highest level), reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com to get with Yanders and his staff. We can accommodate difficult schedules and assist in making arrangements for those that need to travel.

Everything Yanders does is centered around the fundamentals of the game, but the speed, intensity, and purpose of his drills are what sets him apart from other trainers.

“Rob’s a great guy. He genuinely knows what he’s doing and exactly what he’s talking about. He has been a great mentor for me because of his experience and that he doesn’t sugar coat anything; he tells it like it is.”
— Alize Johnson, Indiana Pacers

Check out our social sites; they provide media that offers a window into what these workouts look like. Every hooper has a limit, and we will find yours and push it. The Basketball Movement is designed based on professional facilities. We are equipped to help you get that work, but can also assist in cooldown. The facility features a film study room as well that allows us to teach some of the most undervalued skills in the game.

If you are a pro or want to be a pro, come see us. We are the top training facility in the Midwest for the best players to come to if they are not satisfied just being elite. Do you want to be great? We want to help.

Alfonso Plummer's NBA pre-draft workout

The Basketball Movement’s Wil Harrington caught up with Alfonso Plummer after his NBA pre-draft workout for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

June 23rd will be the 76th edition of the annual NBA Draft. The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, will once again host the event. Hopeful prospects worldwide will wait with bated breath to see if their lives will be changed forever. Puerto Rico’s Alfonso Plummer is one of those hopeful young men.

Finishing his collegiate career at Illinois, Plummer is a sharpshooter with an excellent, well-rounded game for his stature. He is strong, savvy, and on the radar of several NBA squads. His work with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement has helped take his game to the next level.

Long-time blog author and social media manager for The Basketball Movement, Wil Harrington, caught up with Plummer to talk about his recent workout for the Cavaliers:

WH: How would you say the Cavs workout went for you?

AP: It went great. They reached out to my agent right after and said that they liked what they saw, which definitely seems like a good sign.

WH: Were you surprised by anything they threw your way during the workout?

AP: I feel like my work with Rob (Yanders) has helped me be ready for any situation. They try to get you tired and then do one-on-one and three-on-three work. I was prepared.

WH: So it was pretty conditioning-focused then?

AP: Yeah, the whole workout was conditioning-focused. It was intense and pretty hard. At the end, we did a conditioning drill where we had to make ten baskets in different ways in under a minute. I did it, so I am proud of my conditioning - I am definitely where I need to be. Only two out of the six guys there made it.

WH: Any more workouts scheduled? I guess we are getting down to the wire for that.

AP: No, that was it. The other teams know my game too and know my shooting, so that will have to speak for itself.

Plummer has a great shot at making it to the Association via the draft. If not, he knows where to put in work to make it another way. With Rob Yanders in our corner, you cannot be counted out. Good luck, Alfonso! We will be tuned in and rooting for you!

NBA prospect - Alfonso Plummer

Working out with the Cleveland Cavaliers today, Alfonso Plummer made sure he was more than prepared.

Alfonso Plummer is represented by Edge Sports Intl., which knows that The Basketball Movement is one of the premier facilities in the country for NBA prep work. Former pro hooper and founder of The Basketball Movement, Rob Yanders has a reputation for opening young athletes’ eyes to what comes next.

In college, Plummer transferred from Utah to Illinois, where he finished his NCAA career. His knack for hitting the long ball followed him everywhere, and he says he is prepared for the jump to the next level. “College is the highest level ahead of the NBA and it mentally and physically prepared me,” Plummer says.

“Shooting is a skill that all teams need,” Plummer says. “I am elite. I am one of the best shooters in the draft.”

Plummer adds that he has all of the intangibles that are necessary such as positivity, work ethic, and being a good teammate. He says that everyone must have those things coming in, so his confidence as a shooter should set him apart.

He is also relentless in moving off the ball, which creates space for teammates. Steph Curry or Klay Thompson-like movement not only helps shooters create shots but helps teammates get shots as well. It is an underrated skill and indicative of a high-motor player.

Besides continuous shooting practice, Plummer says that he is also working on aggressiveness, dribbling, and communication on both sides of the floor.

NBA scouts do not miss much, so Plummer is confident that his shooting prowess is already a given. “(Scouts) know my shooting,” Plummer says. “I do it off-balance, catch-and-shoot, coming off screens…”

The details that are harder to gather from quick film studies of college highlights are what can make or break some draftees. Plummer knows that there are plenty of takeaways from his play that can work to his advantage.

“I am great at creating space,” Plummer says. “I’m also efficient; you cannot leave me open. I am a better finisher than I was last year too. I make the right reads and I can score but also make my teammates better.”

In his brief time around Rob Yanders, Alfonso Plummer has already been able to elevate his already impressive game.

“It has been great,” Plummer says. “It has been for a short time but (Yanders) is a great guy. He is humble and makes me feel comfortable. He is very intense and has helped my aggressiveness. He’s also very focused on details. I am definitely more prepared now than I was a month ago. I’m grateful that he’s done that for me.”

There may be no substitute for the nervous energy players have at an official NBA workout. That said, no trainer or facility brings players as close as The Basketball Movement. We wish Alfonso the best of luck working out for the storied Cleveland Cavaliers organization!

NBA prospect - Payton Willis

Minnesota Golden Gopher Payton Willis has declared for the NBA draft and has Rob Yanders in his corner.

Rob Yanders is a name that has circulated among basketball elite across North America as a trainer that can genuinely maximize potential. Those that have their sights aimed at the top understand this and seek out “the basketball Mecca of the Midwest” - The Basketball Movement.

Payton Willis is one such player.

Declared for the NBA Draft, Payton Willis has an impressive resume that will only improve as he hones his skills here in Southwest Missouri.

“I guess I’ve been a bit of a journeyman,” Willis says. “I have been to Vanderbilt, Charleston, and Minnesota. I wound up with half my college career at Minnesota.” Willis rounded out his collegiate career nicely as a Minnesota Golden Gopher but soaked up each stop along the way.

“I got to experience beautiful cities and schools,” Willis says. “(Each program had) different styles and coaches, and my role changed some, but basketball is basketball.” Having experienced several programs, Willis is uniquely suited for the ever-changing atmosphere of pro hoops.

Last year, the 6 foot 4 Willis averaged 15/6/4  for his squad, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the board.

“I defended three different positions and see myself as a versatile player,” Willis says. “I have been a shooting and playmaking specialist, but I can fit any role a team puts me in.”

Currently, Payton Willis is working on becoming efficient from NBA (3pt) range and tightening his handles. These are just a couple of examples of areas Robert Yanders and his team specialize in. Willis says his time around Yanders has been “great.”

“Obviously (Yanders) has a super nice facility and great workout equipment,” Willis says. “He does super tough workouts, which have definitely been developing my game. The best part is mentorship; I am taking every tip and making sure I’m running with it.”

Willis is applying these lessons rapidly, as he has already had a few NBA workouts with more on the horizon.

The Atlanta Hawks and championship contending Golden State Warriors have already worked out Willis, with the up-and-coming Timberwolves on deck. We asked Payton how these workouts usually shake out.

“(The workouts) are super conditioning based,” Willis says. “They get you tired and then see who wins one-on-one or three-on-three. They know your game already, but they want to see who is strong mentally or who has been putting in the time to be in the best shape possible.”

Willis wants to make sure that decision-makers for these NBA teams know that he is a winner. “I try to be a great guy on and off the court,” Willis says. “I am going to fit in wherever and do whatever is asked of me.”

As anyone that has worked with Rob Yanders can attest, Payton Willis is certainly battle-tested. We wish him the best!

Around the NBA: Health and safety protocols

Several seasons later, the NBA is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

To this point, the NBA has placed approximately 113 players in the health and safety protocols since the 2020-21 regular season began. One hundred of those have been in December, and three are in for the second time.

These hurdles are an unfortunate obstacle in what had started off feeling like a typical NBA season. Over 95 percent of players were reportedly vaccinated coming into tipoff in October, but vaccination does not mean immunity. Now, with so many players removed from their teams, we are back to game postponements and teams struggling to come up with the mandatory eight-player minimum for games.

Many star players such as Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, Zach Lavine, De’Aaron Fox, and more have been impacted. The Brooklyn Nets even planned to bring Kyrie Irving back to fill the gaps on road games (he is unvaccinated and can therefore not play in New York). But, ironically, he entered the protocols on day one of his return.

This turmoil feels a bit like the struggles from the early days of the pandemic. Hopefully, this wave hitting the NBA gets under control sooner than later.

The NFL is currently dealing with similar struggles. Well-known to be less stringent and frankly vague about policies and testing related to COVID-19, the new issues are less than surprising. However, both leagues being hit simultaneously does serve as a reminder that the pandemic is still real and dangerous.

We selfishly hope the world of basketball clears up quickly so we can get back to watching hoops. However, we also want to use this instance as a reminder for those who come through our doors locally to be diligent with hygiene and socially considerate to minimize risking playing time for our hardworking athletes, not to mention the health of everyone.

All of the players missing action means significant opportunities for players being called up from the G-League and other areas. We wish all these players luck on the big stage and are thankful to have interesting pro hoops to sustain us while we wait for the league to be back at full strength.

Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement as we keep up with the happenings around the NBA!

Around the NBA: Updated power rankings

This is a reminder to check out The Basketball Movement’s NBA power rankings to see who is the best of the best.

The top hoops league in the world, the National Basketball Association, is a source of talent, inspiration, and entertainment unlike any other. The Basketball Movement closely monitors the NBA so that we can learn from the best. Also, it is damn fun to watch.

Each year, we post power rankings for the top 15 teams and update them every few weeks to help keep you in the loop when it comes to basketball at the highest level.

Records, winning streaks, and injuries to star players are all factors, but teams also need to pass the eye test.

We recently updated our rankings, and the landscape has already changed quite a bit compared to how things were early in the 2021-22 season.

Check out our updated rankings on our NBA page and catch up on what is happening around the NBA. For everything else, keep it locked, as always, to The Basketball Movement.

We Are United hands OTE first loss

Coach Rob Yanders and his We Are United prep team hand OTE their first loss.

In a big weekend for We Are United prep, the team traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to face the impressive ball clubs of Overtime Elite. The squad went 1-1, handing Team Elite their first loss of the season before falling to Team Overtime on the final day.

The Overtime Elite model is designed to churn out top-level players, already paying players a base salary of $100k annually with several making substantially more. For We Are United, in its first season ever, to come in and grab a victory is a massive step for the young prep school.

“We wanted two wins, but we are still excited,” Head Coach Rob Yanders says. “Giving that team its first loss - a team of professional basketball players - that is huge for our program.”

To have the squad performing at a high level in front of NBA scouts and D1 coaches is all anyone involved at We Are United could ask for. This fulfills Coach Yanders’ promise to these players and their families that trusted him and his new school. Yanders feels that his guys stepped up for him as well.

“All of our guys played well and represented our program the way we expect,” Yanders says. “In our first year to be playing against future NBA lottery picks…  that is a great test. The future is bright for our guys.”

Yanders also wants to be sure and thank his coaching staff as well as the fan support that traveled all the way to Georgia. “I also want to give very special thanks to OTE for having us,” Yanders says.

What Overtime has built in Atlanta is impressive, from the overall Overtime Elite structure to the facility itself. See the facility and our guys in action in the below video by OTE!

Around the NBA: 2021-22 Preview

Each year, The Basketball Movement breaks down the movers, shakers, and championship contenders around the NBA.

As usual, the National Basketball Association has had an interesting offseason. Also, as usual, nothing matters until the games begin. Fortunately for hoop heads everywhere, that time is finally upon us once more.

Can the Milwaukee Bucks repeat, or will the Nets reign in Kyrie and become the Eastern Conference champs? Are the Suns the next NBA dynasty, or will LeBron or Steph come storming back to claim the Western Conference throne? Let’s dive in.

Eastern Conference

As of this moment, the Eastern Conference has two teams that seem ready for a title run. The Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champs, and their core of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday remain intact. Will the deer be as hungry as last year?

Last season, the Brooklyn Nets were the league’s biggest question mark. This season? The same. The trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving only played six regular-season games together last year and followed it up with injury-plagued playoffs. This year, all eyes are on Kyrie Irving.

Convinced the COVID-19 vaccine is filled with brainwashing nanobots, Irving is currently intelligible to play any games in New York or San Fransisco due to restrictions. Playing for a New York team, you can see the issue. The Nets recently announced that it is all-or-nothing. Irving will be fully with the team or unable to join them at all. Time will tell, but it looks like Irving will miss the 2021-22 NBA season.

Beyond Milwaukee and Brooklyn, several teams may have what it takes, though Miami stands out. The Heat added veteran PG Kyle Lowry while retaining All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as well as Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro. Miami will be one to watch.

How far can Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the Celtics? After a bit of a disappointing season, Boston will look to rebound, led by their two young stars. Speaking of young stars, the other two potential contenders are Atlanta and New York, who will rely on the continuing development of their young cores.

The Hawks got plenty of experience in last year’s playoffs and are coming back with essentially the same lineup. After getting off to a slow start last season, Trae Young finished strong. However, he will need to take better care of the ball and show continued consistency if the Hawks want to realize their potential.

For the Knicks, Julius Randle returns as the star and has a new running mate in point guard Kemba Walker. If Walker and his backcourt mate Derrick Rose can remain healthy and the young role players like RJ Barrett take strides, they can threaten the top teams.

Ben Simmons seems as likely to remain in Philly as anywhere else now, so the 76ers fate is a bit up in the air. They remain talented but have proven nothing. With Embiid on the floor, though, they can hang with anyone.

Washington lost Westbrook, and Orlando, Detroit, Toronto, and Cleveland are still building. The other interesting teams in the East are Chicago and Charlotte. A healthy LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward keep the Hornets entertaining, if not much of a threat at this time.

As for the Bulls, they added All-Star Nikola Vucevic last season, and he seemed to pair nicely with Zach LaVine. Also, having added DeMar DeRozen, Chicago has a proven core and will be one of the more exciting teams in the East this season. But can they get out of the first round with this squad?

Oh, and the Pacers are still a thing. If Caris LeVert and TJ Warren can get healthy, they will be their typical, uninteresting selves. Sorry, Indy.

Western Conference

Phoenix not only made it to the NBA Finals last year, but they kept their roster intact. Chris Paul may be another year closer to retirement, but Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson now have another year of experience, including their deep playoff run. So, is Phoenix still the team to beat out West?

Until someone proves otherwise, the answer is probably yes. Are there teams that could quickly assert their dominance? Big yes?

The king is looking to retake the throne. LeBron James may require a bit more rest than he used to, but the 36-year-old is as dominant as ever. The team’s core is now almost entirely made up of aging stars with Rajon Rondo, Deandre Jordan, Trevor (not a star) Ariza, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, and triple-double machine Russell Westbrook. Hell, Kent Bazemore is 32.

It is no secret that Anthony Davis is the key. When healthy, “The Brow” is one of the most dominant players in the NBA on both ends of the floor. It is also no secret that he struggles with injuries. Interesting as these old fellas may be, they can likely only go as far as Anthony Davis’ health will allow.

Throughout most of the 2020-21 season, the Utah Jazz held the NBA’s best record. We kept them around the top of our rankings for that reason, but we have seen the Jazz perform in the regular season before. The eye test shows us that Rudy Gobert is a dominant pick-and-roll defender and can alter shots at an elite level. Donovan Mitchell is an elite slasher, and much of the roster is built to supplement his strength with three-point shooting. Can the Jazz actually become a contender when it matters, though? Time will tell.

Two seasons without Klay Thompson, two seasons of relative obscurity for the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry was back last year, but while his barrages from the parking lot were fun, it did not result in a playoffs appearance. So with Steph, Klay, and Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala back in addition to Andrew Wiggins and a developing James Wiseman… can the Warriors get back to the glory days?

(Sorry that we have to ask so many questions. It is just that, preview or no, the only thing that can tell us what will happen this season is the players and teams themselves. The game speaks for itself; we are just telling you what to look for!)

With issues similar to Utah’s, the Denver Nuggets are caught between being a great team and having meaningful postseasons to show for it. Nikola Jokic won the MVP award last year but had to beat out hobbled versions of Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant to do it. Nevertheless, “The Joker” had a stellar season, nearly averaging a triple-double from the center position.

With Aaron Gordon signed long-term, Michael Porter Jr. developing into a star, and Jamaal Murray and the deep guard roster behind him, the Nuggets are poised to grow. Do not be surprised to find them atop the Western Conference standings.

From here, there is a bit of a drop-off. This is due partly to the health of Kawhi Leonard. Undergoing surgery in July for a partial ACL tear, “The Klaw” will miss potentially all of the season, leaving Paul George to lead the LA Clippers solo. George has done this with success before with the Pacers, though that was seven years ago now. LA may be scrappy, but they may not be contenders this season.

Dallas and Memphis are two other teams that feel just outside of contention status. Luka Doncic is ready to begin an earnest MVP campaign, but the durability of his running mate Kristaps Porzingis remains an issue. As long as Doncic is around, the Mavs will be tough, but his team must rise to the occasion.

As for the Grizzlies, Ja Morant developed nicely last year but must achieve consistency to lead his young team. Jaren Jackson Jr. is healthy and should be a big help in stabilizing the Grizzlies’ approach.

After some offseason questions, Damian Lillard is still in Portland. With a healthy CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, and Norman Powell, the Trailblazers are poised for another exciting playoff exit. Sorry, Dame.

The OKC Thunder are still amidst their lengthy rebuild, which at least has more promise than Minnesota, Sacramento, and Houston, though all have a few interesting young players. The Spurs should be just good enough to miss the playoffs again.

Also likely to miss the playoffs, but perhaps more interesting, are the New Orleans Pelicans. With a budding star like Zion Williamson, the Pelicans will be hard-pressed to keep faith afloat. Brandon Ingram and the addition of Jonas Valenciunas will be big pieces, but New Orleans may need to figure things out quickly.

That’s it! This was a long one for what you may be used to seeing on The Basketball Movement blog. That is because writer Wil Harrington is a passionate NBA fan that does his best to keep track of each team. Give a follow on Twitter, but do not expect deep insight. Only retweets of the most unmissable highlights and sarcastic comments about the most boneheaded player news. The NBA is the most entertaining soap opera in the world but also the most dazzling display of basketball brilliance. So tune in and follow along!

Around the NBA: Offseason update

No blockbusters to report, but there has still been plenty of action around the NBA.

The NBA has become a year-round hub of basketball entertainment. Even in the offseason, a week does not pass by without the occurrence of noteworthy news (or drama). Over the last 24 hours, for example, we have had both news and drama.

News: JJ Redick has announced his retirement from basketball. After four memorable years at Duke and 15 seasons of NBA hoops, Redick is calling it a career. One of the most prominent college hoopers of the last few decades, Redick’s legacy is bolstered by a pro career in which he showed persistent improvement.

Now, for the drama. Unsurprisingly, yet dramatically nonetheless, Ben Simmons has no intention of making an appearance at the Philadelphia 76ers training camp next week.

Simmons stands to lose substantial amounts of money if the Sixers do not move him during this hiatus. Philly naturally would rather see him moved and have new pieces in place but have less to lose in the short-term than Simmons. An All-NBA defender and All-Star playmaker, Simmons has been knocked hard recently for his lack of offensive development and questionable playoff play. However, he is still a massively talented hooper. This story will continue to develop over the coming weeks.

On to “in case you missed it” news. The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten older yet more experienced and debatably more talented this offseason. They have lost the likes of Dennis Schröder and Montrezl Harrell but have picked up Russell Westbrook and LeBron James’ buddy, Carmelo Anthony. The moves certainly make the team more interesting. But, whether or not it is enough to dethrone the reigning Western Conference Champion Phoenix Suns will be something we must watch in real-time.

Out in the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets employed a similar strategy. The signing of Paul Millsap and the return of LaMarcus Aldridge means more All-Stars (albeit from a while ago). The Aldridge signing came at the expense of The Basketball Movement favorite Alize Johnson. Given his showing as a rebounder and high-motor guy, Johnson quickly found a new home with the Chicago Bulls. (Kill ‘em, Ze)

For better or worse, there is not much other “big” news circulating around the NBA at the moment. Klay Thompson has been reported to have made good rehab progress. The Golden State Warriors need to get their pieces together in a hurry before their stars move past their primes.

The LA Clippers have taken steps towards constructing their new arena within the next several years to further their move out from under the Lakers’ shadow.

New developments? As you may have gathered, writer Wil Harrington is an NBA fan through and through. So stay tuned to The Basketball Movement blog year-round if you even have a passing interest in pro hoops. If there are happenings around the NBA, we will cover it. See you soon!

USA Basketball nets three Olympic gold medals

After a rockier start than expected, USA Basketball showed its resilience by standing atop the podium once again.

USA Men’s and Women’s 5x5 teams secured Olympic gold this past week, as well as the Women’s 3x3 team. The win marks a staggering seventh consecutive gold for the women’s team, including a record five gold medals for Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi.

The women uncharacteristically dropped an exhibition match after a night of woeful shooting. However, they quickly righted the ship and never looked back, dominating, as usual, all the way to the top. Women’s 3x3 faced challenges but also went all the way on the shoulders of four WNBA players.

Men’s 3x3 featured no professional hoopers and were quickly knocked out of contention. It might be nice to see pros or some recently retired pros take the mantle up for Paris 2024.

As we had previously discussed, things got off to a rocky start for the 5x5 Men’s USA team. After dropping their first two exhibition games, the doubters came out in full force. Once they got to Tokyo, the team proceeded to drop their first match in pool play to a talented France squad. After that, the top two teams from each pool moved on, so they were able to handle the other two weaker teams and move on.

Things started clicking for Team USA, and once that happened, the talent gap between them and their opponents grew more noticeable.

They got another crack at France in the gold medal game and prevailed. Durant led the way, and they got gutsy performances from Damien Lillard, who was dealing with an injury throughout.

Fortunately, there is still basketball to watch even with the “2020” Olympics behind us. The NBA Summer League is underway in full, and WNBA action continues. The next time we see the United States represented will be at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in September 2022. Stay tuned!

Around the NBA: 2021 Draft recap

The 2021 NBA Draft is in the books — Who went where, and how does this year’s draft class stack up?

Coming out of a strange year for not only NCAA basketball but hoops around the world, the young men in the 2021 NBA Draft have had an interesting road to get here. From the number one pick to the final selection, dreams were realized last night, and we love to see it.

Not everyone gets to achieve their dreams, and unfortunately, not everyone even gets a fair chance.

In the kind of classy move we have come to expect from the modern NBA, Commissioner Adam Silver had some nice words for Terrance Clark. This Kentucky standout was expected to be a lottery pick but tragically lost his life in a car accident earlier this year.

Overall the tone of the evening was back to what we are used to from an NBA Draft. There was a consistent, exciting buzz as players and their families experienced elation. Trades and unexpected picks were occurring throughout. Fans and analysts wonder if they just drafted the next Giannis Antetokounmpo or Luka Doncic. We are excited to find out.

We have had the privilege of covering some of these players (such as Cameron Thomas, pick 27 above, and Sharife Cooper, pick 48 below). The number of unseen hours packed into this list is staggering and one of our favorite parts here at The Basketball Movement. Hard work pays off.

Below is how things shook out:

First Round:

  1. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, G, Oklahoma State

  2. Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, G, G League Ignite

  3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, F/C, USC

  4. Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State

  5. Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga

  6. Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey, G, Australia

  7. Golden State Warriors (from Timberwolves): Jonathan Kuminga, F, G League Ignite

  8. Orlando Magic (from Bulls): Franz Wagner, F, Michigan

  9. Sacramento Kings: Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor

  10. Memphis Grizzlies (from Pelicans): Ziaire Williams, G, Stanford

  11. Charlotte Hornets: James Bouknight, G, UConn

  12. San Antonio Spurs: Joshua Primo, G, Alabama

  13. Indiana Pacers: Chris Duarte, G, Oregon

  14. Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody, G/F, Arkansas

  15. Washington Wizards: Corey Kispert, F, Gonzaga

  16. Houston Rockets (from Celtics via Thunder): Alperen Sengun, C, Turkey

  17. New Orleans Pelicans (from Grizzlies): Trey Murphy, G, Virginia

  18. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Heat): Tre Mann, G, Florida

  19. Charlotte Hornets (from Knicks): Kai Jones, F/C, Texas

  20. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson, F, Duke

  21. Los Angeles Clippers (from Mavericks via Knicks): Keon Johnson, G/F, Tennessee

  22. Indiana Pacers (from Lakers via Wizards): Isaiah Jackson, F, Kentucky

  23. Houston Rockets (from Trail Blazers): Usman Garuba, F, Spain

  24. Houston Rockets (from Bucks): Josh Christopher, G, Arizona State

  25. New York Knicks (from Clippers): Quentin Grimes, G, Houston

  26. Denver Nuggets: Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland, G, VCU

  27. Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Thomas, G, LSU

  28. Philadelphia 76ers: Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee

  29. Brooklyn Nets (from Suns): Day’Ron Sharpe, C, North Carolina

  30. Memphis Grizzlies (from Jazz): Santi Aldama, F/C, Loyola (MD)

    Second Round:

  31. Washington Wizards (from Rockets via Bucks and Pacers): Isaiah Todd, F, G League Ignite

  32. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Pistons via Knicks): Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F, Villanova

  33. Los Angeles Clippers (from Magic): Jason Preston, G, Ohio

  34. New York Knicks (from Thunder): Rokas Jokubaitis, G, Lithuania

  35. New Orleans Pelicans (from Cavaliers): Herb Jones, F, Alabama

  36. New York Knicks (from Timberwolves via Thunder): Miles McBride, G, West Virginia

  37. Charlotte Hornets (from Raptors via Pistons): JT Thor, F, Auburn

  38. Chicago Bulls (from Pelicans): Ayo Dosunmu, G, Illinois

  39. Sacramento Kings: Neemias Queta, C, Utah State

  40. Utah Jazz (from Bulls via Pelicans and Grizzlies): Jared Butler, G, Baylor

  41. San Antonio Spurs: Joe Wieskamp, F, Iowa

  42. Detroit Pistons (from Hornets): Isaiah Livers, F, Michigan

  43. Portland Trail Blazers (from Wizards via Pelicans): Greg Brown, F, Texas

  44. Brooklyn Nets (from Pacers): Kessler Edwards, F, Pepperdine

  45. Boston Celtics: Juhann Begarin, G, France

  46. Toronto Raptors (from Grizzlies): Dalano Banton, G, Nebraska

  47. Toronto Raptors (from Warriors): David Johnson, G, Louisville

  48. Atlanta Hawks (from Heat): Sharife Cooper, G, Auburn

  49. Brooklyn Nets (from Hawks): Marcus Zegarowski, G, Creighton

  50. Philadelphia 76ers (from Knicks): Filip Petrusev, F, Serbia

  51. Los Angeles Clippers (from Trail Blazers via Grizzlies and Pelicans): Brandon Boston, G, Kentucky

  52. Detroit Pistons (from Lakers): Luka Garza, C, Iowa

  53. Philadelphia 76ers (from Mavericks via Pelicans): Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky

  54. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pacers): Sandro Mamukelashvili, C, Seton Hall

  55. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Nuggets): Aaron Wiggins, G/F, Maryland

  56. Charlotte Hornets (from Clippers): Scottie Lewis, G, Florida

  57. Detroit Pistons (from Nets via Hornets): Balsa Koprivica, C, Florida State

  58. New York Knicks (from Sixers): Jericho Sims, F, Texas

  59. Brooklyn Nets (from Suns): RaiQuan Gray, F, Florida State

  60. Milwaukee Bucks (from Jazz via Pacers): Georgios Kalaitzakis, G, Greece

Around the NBA: Bucks eclipse Suns

The 2020-21 NBA season has concluded after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals.

Both in their 53rd NBA seasons, the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks are storied franchises but only shared one championship between them. Milwaukee won in 1971, led by the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabaar. It had been quite the drought since, but seeing the two in the NBA Finals was refreshing, with only Jae Crowder of the Suns having played in a championship before (Miami 2020).

In Chris Paul’s 16 seasons, this was his first Finals appearance. The future Hall of Famer started the series strong but faded as it continued, making uncharacteristic turnovers and disappearing into the background at times. Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton had incredibly impressive playoff runs for their first time out. Both young stars had games and moments of basketball brilliance but unfortunately showed their inexperience as the Finals wound down.

Credit must be given in part, of course, the defense of Milwaukee and the relentlessness of its brightest star.

Milwaukee had been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA for several seasons but started slow this year. The addition of Jrue Holiday and the defensive transformation of Brook Lopez took longer than expected to gel. All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton are established two-way guys, with Giannis being last season’s Defensive Player of the Year. Suddenly, right in time for the playoffs, things started clicking.

The Bucks had the benefit of facing some injury-plagued teams, but that is often the way the cookie crumbles in the playoffs of any sport. Fingers may be pointed at the expedited season, but whatever happened to other teams, Milwaukee did their best to make sure it did not happen to them, luck or not.

As for those opponents: Miami had essentially the same roster that led them to the Finals in the bubble last season. Brooklyn had injuries to their stars but still had Kevin Durant raining fire and brimstone. Atlanta was a bit of a Cinderella story but was coming in young, hot, and with plenty to prove. Milwaukee defeated them all.

Phoenix benefitted from injured opponents as well. Lakers with no Anthony Davis, Nuggets with Jamaal Murray, and Clippers with no Kawhi Leonard. That still left LeBron James, (MVP) Nikola Jokic, and Paul George. Phoenix was rolling.

The Suns took the first two games at home, which meant do-or-die for the Bucks in Milwaukee. A 3-0 or a 3-1 deficit could have spelled the end for the Bucks, but they took care of business, evening the series 2-2.

Back to Phoenix — the home team had taken each game so far, but behind another herculean effort by Antetokounmpo and a brilliant two-way performance by Holiday, Milwaukee gained the edge.

For Game 6 in Milwaukee, we had the NBA’s best road team facing the NBA’s best home team. The game could have gone either way if only Giannis Antetokounmpo hadn’t laid it all on the court and prevented his team from losing. Phoenix never gave up, but the Greek Freak made sure that did not matter.

Antetokounmpo finished off the Suns with a 50 point, 14 rebound, five-block performance, which was one for the ages. His ever infectious enthusiasm spilled over afterward and continues to do so today. A family man and ferocious competitor, Giannis wore his heart on his sleeve throughout and gained even more respect than he already had from his two regular-season MVPs.

Devin Booker now has an awkward plane to catch with Middleton and Holiday as the trio heads to Tokyo to represent Team USA. Unfortunately, that is the only basketball we will get for a while, but keep an eye out for the NBA Draft Thursday, July 29th as well.

As for next year… will Giannis Antetokounmpo’s reign continue? Will the superstars in Brooklyn remain healthy and gel? How much does LeBron James have left in the tank? Will the return of Klay Thompson mean the return of the Warriors?

There are many questions, but that is why we stay tuned. Keep checking back with The Basketball Movement as we track the NBA, NCAA, FIBA, high school, and about any other hoops you can imagine.

USA Basketball update

Exhibition games have concluded, and the men's and women’s Olympic basketball teams are headed to Tokyo.

In what has historically been a display of dominance, the USA Men’s and Women’s teams faltered in their exhibition games leading up to the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Between COVID scares and surprising losses, the USA will need to find its footing if they hope to take gold in Japan.

Kevin Love has decided to stay behind to continue nursing his lingering leg injuries. In addition, Bradley Beal has been forced to remain stateside due to health and safety protocols (COVID-19). Keldon Johnson and Javale McGee have since replaced the pair. Coach Gregg Popovich is familiar with Johnson, as he coaches him in San Antonio as well. McGee addresses a need for rim protection.

Zach Lavine will not be flying with the team due to health and safety protocols but is expected to join later in the week. This likely means that the team is being cautious with contact tracing.

Also needing a later flight are Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton. The trio is competing in the NBA Finals, which could conclude as early as tonight or as late as the upcoming weekend. Look for a recap of those Finals right here at The Basketball Movement.

Despite the presence of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and a litany of other stars, Team USA dropped two of their four exhibition games. The opening loss to Nigeria was a shocker, with only a pair of lesser NBA talents standing out on the African squad. A loss to Australia is more forgivable, as the Aussies have a solid team, but the back-to-back poor games are a surprise from a team sporting USA across its chest.

The USAMNBT finished up exhibitions with wins against aging Spain and Argentina squads and will look to carry momentum into Tokyo.

On the Women’s team, we saw a rare exhibition loss as well. In international play, the women have been even more historically dominant than the men but shot the ball poorly in a loss to Australia.

In a fun twist, Team USA played the WNBA All-Star team (those that either were not selected to Team USA or hail from other countries). Team USA lost that one as well, and the MVP was ironically Arike Ogunbowale, who felt she had been snubbed from the USA roster. Apparently, she had a point.

The ladies will look to get back on track just like the men, and they will need to do so quickly. Friday, July 23rd, marks the first action for both the men and women of Team USA. Keep checking back here as we follow along!

2021 NBA Finals preview

The Basketball Movement previews the 2021 NBA Finals between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.

Will the 2021 NBA Champions be the best team or the healthiest? Ahead of the 2021 NBA Finals showdown, starting tonight on ABC (8:00 pm CST), the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most significant talking point. The two-time MVP and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo’s presence may be the deciding factor as the 2021 NBA Playoffs conclude.

“The Greek Freak” appeared to hyperextend his knee in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. However, the Bucks’ supporting cast was still able to put away the seemingly overachieving Hawks.

A banged-up Trae Young made an impact in the ECF as well, as injuries continue to be an unfortunate theme in these playoffs. More on that once we dive into how the Phoenix Suns arrived in the Finals.

Assuming Antetokounmpo can play, this will be a highly competitive series. Giannis has struggled with his jumper and free throws but has the size to punish anyone on the Suns’ roster in the paint, with perhaps the exception of Deandre Ayton, who has enjoyed an impressive playoff run.

If the Bucks’ star cannot go, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday will be forced into a prominent role on offense. Both struggled at times quarter-to-quarter in the games without Giannis but ultimately were able to put together good enough performances to propel Milwaukee to victory.

Phoenix has had the luxury of barely any Anthony Davis in round one, no Jamal Murray in round two, and no Kawhi Leonard in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Clippers. Although, of course, the Suns are red-hot, so we should not credit injuries for too much of their success, but if they do not have to face Antetokounmpo? That is a fortunate title run.

Chris Paul is chasing his first ring in his storied 16 seasons. Statistically an all-time great, he has always passed the eye test as an elite leader as well. If he can pull off a championship as a veteran, it will cement his status as one of the best point guards of his generation.

Paired with Paul in the backcourt is Phoenix’s leading scorer, Devin Booker. Young, but a proven star, Booker makes for a nasty 1-2 backcourt punch with Paul. Milwaukee’s perimeter defense will be a key in the series. One of the most capable defensive teams in the league, the Bucks will face a difficult task - one that they did not have to meet earlier in James Harden and Kyrie Irving thanks once more to injuries.

If Antetokounmpo can go - look for the Bucks to lean heavily on the drive-and-kick approach. Milwaukee is a lethal three-point shooting team, but so much of that comes from Giannis’ ability to dominate the paint. If he cannot go - Milwaukee will be scrambling to see who of Middleton, Holiday, or even Brook Lopez can step up and keep the series competitive.

For the Suns, it will be all about Paul and Booker trying to break free of Jrue Holiday’s stifling defense. If either player can get it going, and Deandre Ayton is able to do his part and secure the paint, they will be able to play the way they want and have a fighting chance. The Suns’ role players have played well despite relative inexperience. That must continue in these Finals.

Stay tuned to The Basketball Movement and follow us on Twitter as the greatest league in the world nears its climactic finish.

Team USA rosters set

With the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo quickly approaching, we take a break from the NBA Playoffs to check in.

The men's and women’s Team USA rosters have been filled out ahead of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Sunday, July 25th, will mark the first games for both men and women. This means some players will be coming immediately from the playoffs but have likely made considerations and arrangements.

For the men, Kevin Durant is the headliner and will be seeking his third Olympic gold medal. Durant was going to be joined by his Nets teammate James Harden, but Harden recently withdrew to tend to his injured hamstring. Gregg Popovich will be the Head Coach once again.

The full, current roster can be seen in the tweet below:

Draymond Green joins Durant as a fellow member of the team that took gold in Rio in 2016. Kevin Love won with the team in London in 2012. The roster is full of players seeking their first Olympic gold, but the shooting and athletic versatility of the squad will make them immediate frontrunners.

The women’s team will be striving for their millionth (seventh) gold medal in a row and are seeking to cement one of the most dominant stretches in USA team sports history. Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird both have four Olympic gold medals, and Sylvia Fowles has three.

Below is the full women’s roster:

For more Olympic hopes action, check out these Twitter accounts:

Junior National Teams

3x3

Youth Development

The women’s 3x3 squad is made up of WNBA players, but the men’s squad is comprised of relative unknowns. This new format will certainly be interesting to see in action as the Olympics get underway.

Each traditional 5x5 squad will have a handful of exhibition games ahead of the official action. Keep checking back here and on our Twitter as we keep up with basketball movement around the globe.

Team sport MVP

The Basketball Movement breaks down what it means to be the MVP of a team sport.

NBA MVP, WNBA MVP, National College Player of the Year, high school player of the year… we are always seeing awards given to the most valuable players, though basketball is a team sport. To many, team success should be the bar by which all else is measured. In many ways, team success does come first. However, the effort and skill of the individuals make teams win; some individuals bring more to the table than others.

The NBA recently named its MVP for the 2020-21 regular season. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets was consistent, unique in his dominance, and the leader in almost every statistical category for his team, which finished with a 47-25 record (third in the Western Conference).

Team success? Check. A healthy, consistent season? Check. Statistical dominance? (26/11/8 with great percentages, led NBA in +/- and VORP) Check. Are these the things that truly determine the most valuable player?

On just a team level, the different values players bring can be challenging to quantify. Having a willing distributor could provide more impact than a three-point specialist. Having a three-point specialist could be more valuable some nights than having a dominant rebounder or defensive stopper. Many solid teams are put over the top by a chippy jack-of-all-trades.

Any given team could have a most valuable player that no one else may guess. It could be a great locker room presence that holds the team together. Scoring stands out, but a player’s actual value can only be witnessed by those that watch closely and know what to look for.

Nikola “The Joker” Jokic entered the league humble, a willing passer, and well, tall. He has developed into an elite scorer at all three levels, a solid defender and rebounder, and perhaps the greatest passing center the world has seen. He seems genuinely liked by his teammates and has never been the root of any known drama, a rarity for an NBA star.

Value can be defined subjectively, so there will always be a debate. Some players put up gaudy numbers on largely irrelevant teams, while others like Jokic are simply the most impressive cog in a winning machine. Players who achieve individually but do so by elevating those around them are typically the most valuable.

Basketball is a team sport, after all.

How would you define the MVP of a team sport? Do you think The Joker is the NBA’s rightful winner, or did someone else get robbed? Let’s keep the discussion going as we continue monitoring the basketball movement!