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Most Underrated Part of Basketball
I've come to the conclusion that low post positioning is the most underrated skill in basketball. I've come to this conclusion based on how many times I hear fans complain about certain big men not getting enough shots, or overrating certain big men based on high FG% on limited shots or in limited minutes. The average fan blames the lack of shots and/or touches on the coach, the point guard or anyone but the player himself. People act like it's just a given that any player can just dump themselves onto the block five feet from the hoop every time down and get the same shot whenever they want. It's just not that simple, low post positioning is difficult, especially when you're going up against a big, strong defender. It's a skill, that often times separates the good ones from the great ones.
People don't appreciate that part of a prime Shaq's game. Say what you want about him being lazy or not working hard, he was always one of the best at that. He worked hard for the positioning necessary to get all those thunderous dunks and two foot hooks. That's what separates Tim Duncan from a lot of the talented big men in the league right now. It's what's keeping guys like Al Jefferson and Dwight Howard from being 20+ ppg scorers right now, and why Yao Ming doesn't lead the league in scoring.
Jefferson is right up there as one of the best scorers in the league from the low post when he gets the position. He has great hands and a couple very reliable go to moves. Howard may be the most physically gifted player in the league, and when he gets position down low it shows. Yao Ming has great touch on his turnaround jumpers and his inside shots, but when you push him out of his comfort zone he's no longer going to kill you. Problem is, none of these three can get low post position consistently enough yet to realize their potential based on the skills they already possess. Yao isn't physical enough, Jefferson and Howard haven't figured out how to get the position without picking up offensive fouls/3 second calls consistently. It's a skill they have yet to master, and something that is largely responsible for them being at the level they're currently at as opposed to full blown stars or even superstars.
Appreciate the great low post scorers, and understand what is truly holding back some of these young big men who seem to have all the skills necessary to dominate the post. It's low post positioning, the willingness to work for it and the ability to get it on a consistent basis.
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