The difference between great scorers and great players

The NBA is filled with great scorers at every position. Great scorers aren’t very hard to find as they come in different shapes, ages, and sizes. A scorer’s trade value or stature in the NBA isn’t as high as the average fan or observer would think. The player’s that are worth the most in the NBA or any level for that matter are the ones that can do multiple things.

Now don’t get me wrong its not simple to be a 20 point scorer at any level. It takes a lot of ability to be able to score points on the block, transition, coming off screens, or any other way. What players and observers need to understand is the difference between a great scorer and a great player. A great scorer can score in a variety of ways and draw their opponent s best defender or multiple defenders and score points. Great players can score in multiple ways and draw multiple defenders but make plays for their teammates after drawing multiple defenders.

I think that it’s a skill that a lot of players don’t know how to take advantage of. If you watch games and focus on team defense you will notice when great players touch the ball that they are geared towards them. You can see that help side defense help off their men longer then when other players touch the ball. I think especially young players struggle with that facet of the game where they want to make the shot regardless of how many defenders they draw.

A lot has to do with maturity and experience. If you look at players as they come into the league and where they are as players five years in you will see a big change. Kobe, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, and you are seeing Kevin Durant get better with this as well. You do see some players that even with the experience and maturity of their games just don’t have the ability to make plays for others. I think both types of players are high level, but only one has an impact on your team’s winning long term.

Lets take a look at Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant’s plays when they draw defenders in. The difference between good offense and great offense is the ability to draw multiple defenders and make extra passes. Dirk is so good at sucking in defenses and making plays Kevin Durant is progressing at this very well.

It is no accident that both players are playing for the Western Conference Championships.