Scoring Without Dribbling

Learning how to dribble and handle the ball is an important skill for any basketball player, but just like anything in life you can over do it. I've seen many young players who love to demonstrate their ball handling skills to the detriment of their team. These guys are frequently guilty of showing off dribbling trying to look like Curly Neal or Allen Iverson and don't even realize they have multiple teammates wide open in scoring position.

Most people assume if you are a good scorer you need to dribble a lot, but I'd love to thank Klay Thompson for showing you can still be a deadly scorer while having minimal contact with the ball. The video clip below features highlights from a game where he scored 43 points with only 4 dribbles.

43 POINTS WITH ONLY 4 DRIBBLES!!!

It helps that Klay has such beautiful shooting form and a quick release. Other players that moved well without the ball and can square up and got shots off quickly include Jeff Hornacek, Ray Allen, and Kyle Korver. I love pointing this type of play out to young and frequently selfish players who would rather dribble excessively in order to break someone's ankles and look cool than to find the open man and help their team score. Practice your ball handling skills but don't feel that you have to dribble all over the court to make a positive impact. Oh and did I mention he scored 43 POINTS WITH ONLY 4 DRIBBLES!

2020 Dunk Contest Suggestions

If you are familiar with this blog you know that each February like clockwork I start complaining about the NBA dunk contest. I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record but it is my duty to try and fix what could be a beautiful and breathtaking event. Ever since Vince Carter won, there have only been a handful of memorable contests that I really enjoyed. I don't blame the players for this but rather the format the NBA insists on going with. Back in 1984 when they started having regular contests, they had 8 contestants and we got to see several dunks from a variety of players each round. Ever since they narrowed it down to 4 contestants these contests have frequently been too short and disappointing.

This year I heard that Dwight Howard was invited to participate again. He would not be my first choice at this stage in his career even though I have enjoyed watching his rebirth with the Lakers this year. If you are going to pick a veteran player I'd go with the oldest player in the league who also happens to be the greatest dunker of all time- Vince Carter. My only fear is he'd get too many sympathy votes but I think he'd still surprise everyone. Here are some additional suggestions to improve the contest. I think in addition to Carter, I'd include the following past dunk champions who are still in the league.

Vince Carter
Zach LaVine
Donavon Mitchell
Hamidou Diallo (since he is the returning champion)

In addition they should invite the following 4 players as well.
Aaron Gordon
Derick Jones Jr.
Zion Williamson
Lebron James

If you had these 8 dunkers and went back to the old format where we could see several dunks by many competitors it would be mind blowing. Also I would only want prior dunk champions like Dr. J, Jordan, Dominique, or Jason Richardson to judge. Keep the biased fans away from judging as well as any non-NBA celebrities.

Oh, and one more thing. Don't let Kenny Smith near the microphone. I like the guy as a commentator but I don't ever want to hear him repeatedly say "It's over" or attempt to sing the Superman melody again.

In summary:

1) Get the 8 players listed above to participate
2) Have 4 rounds and eliminate half the group each round
3) Only past champions can judge
4) Keep Kenny quiet

In the future they might also consider promoting the dunk contest like crazy but not let anyone know who will be participating until the contest begins. I'd love to see that curiosity approach and think it could draw more viewers since many people lose interest when lesser known participants are announced a month before.

If you followed these suggestions the dunk contest would be one of the most exciting and entertaining sporting events of all time. You are welcome NBA and dunk fans around the world.