Great players can often determine the outcome of a basketball game. A player who gets on a hot shooting streak late in the game can carry the team on his back and turn defeat into victory. However, there is much more to being a great player than just shooting the ball. You must not only come up big in key moments, but you have to inspire confidence in your teammates and coaches.
Late-Game Scoring
A great player does not have to be a great shooter. It is a solid characteristic to have but it is not essential. However, to be a great player you must be a great scorer. That means that when you have the ball in your hands in clutch situations that may determine the outcome of the game, you will find a way to score. It may be with a drive to the basket, it may come after landing a key offensive rebound or it may come from a long jump shot. You have to know how to score when your team is looking for someone to step forward and make a big play.
Defensive Play
Great players do not let their opponents score. They play tough man-to-man defense and deny their opponents the ball. Good shooters may look like they are playing defense but they are really just trying to get themselves in position to get an open shot. Great players don't go through the motions. They know that offense is often created through defense by stealing the ball and setting up a good shot for themselves or their teammates. Playing defense is all about great effort and the best players always give their best effort on the defensive end.
Leadership Ability
This is an intangible characteristic that all great players have. Magic Johnson led with his enthusiasm during key moments and allowed the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers to dominate. Larry Bird wasn't as boisterous as Magic Johnson but his steely determination told his teammates that he would find a way to make the play for the Boston Celtics. Michael Jordan went out on the court every day challenging every player to try to get the best of him. This made him a leader for the Chicago Bulls
Unselfishness
Great players may take on a lot of the responsibility for playing winning basketball on their own shoulders, but they know that the likelihood of the team winning games and championships comes from getting teammates involved. Instead of simply taking the game-winning shot every time, a great player will know that the defense will collapse on him and that his team will be better off if he finds an open teammate with a pass. The ability to get your teammates involved will only cement your reputation as a great player.
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