Practice Makes Perfect? Some NBA Players Are Not Working on Their Craft
"Not a game. Not a game. Not a game. We're talkin' about practice," said Allen Iverson in one of the most controversial press conferences of his career. "How the hell am I supposed to make my teammates better by practice."
Practice seems to have become one of the most disrespected facets of an NBA career. Players tend to go out and have fun instead of work at their craft. And you can see it in the development, or lack thereof, in their game.
There are two things to do in the offseason for an NBA player: rest and practice.
Look at Dorell Wright of the Golden State Warriors. There was a point in time where he wouldn't have even thought about spotting up for a three-pointer during his days in Miami. Now look at him. He's shooting almost 40 percent from beyond the arc—one of the best three-point shooters in the West.
Look at Kevin Love. He was always a great rebounder, but he too worked on his three-point shooting and now he stretches out the floor with his range. Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook; there was a point in time when neither of them would shoot a three-pointer unless time was expiring. Now, look at them. They might be far from automatic, but you can believe they'll shoot it if they're open.
What point am I trying to make here?
These players put in the time to perfect their craft. I feel that if your game is not evolving over time you are not effectively using the offseason. Players like Kevin Durant—he is the embodiment of someone that goes to practice, night in and night out.
But what about LeBron James and Chris Bosh? They've been doing the same things their entire career. When is LeBron going to develop an adequate three-ball or get some ball-handling skills? Everyone saw that Sprite commercial; all he has is that little in-and-out crossover and his "crab dribble." When will Bosh get a post-up hook shot or a three-point shot as well? These players are getting paid max NBA contracts and their games are not developing.
One of my favorite players was Allen Iverson. I believe if he would've been more concerned about practice, he could be playing in the NBA right now. We all know how great he was at attacking the basket, but his three-pointer was far from automatic. If he would've just bit his tongue and went to practice, he could be a starting point guard in the NBA. He just had to work on being a distributor.
The NBA could be taken to a completely different level of competition if players would diligently put in time in the gym. And that trend is starting to pick up. Younger players like Marcus Thornton, Jordan Crawford and Nick Young are the superstars of tomorrow and their games are already starting to grow. DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Williams; they were formerly known as dunkers. DeRozan is starting to put the clamps on the opposition on the defensive end, and Williams has become a facilitator with his passing skills.
Practice is what makes the NBA go round, and if LeBron and Bosh don't hop on the bandwagon, they'll become obsolete very soon.
