Yeah but it's not as good as actually taking them out of the game is it? It's just going like "if I'm certain to score I'm gonna really take the piss when I do it" rather than "I'm gonna score whatever you do".but some of those elaborate dunks are all psychological, about sending a messages to the opponent. when Lebron slams one down right in an opponent's face and then stares at him, that's about dominating the other team and crushing their spirit.
Do they play for the whole game though or do they switch lines or whatever? I mean ice-hockey they go super fast and they carry all that weight around but they swap half the players every three minutes.I once read that man-for-man in terms of playing time and pounds of protecting equipment, basketball is the most physical team spot. you'd think it would be American football, where they smashing into and tackle one another, but a football play runs for a few seconds and then play stops, you have half the players go off the field for awhile since they play only on offense or defense, and they have pounds of protective pads and helmets.
whereas basketball players are constantly running up and down the court for both offenses and defense, there is no stop in play after each score, and they wear literally not protective padding. more equivalent to non-americas football, except each team in that sport has a goalie who just stands in front of the goal and doesn't move much for probably 90% of the match.
really varies by country. it's huge in Mediterranean countries - especially Spain and Greece - and most of Eastern Europe - especially the Baltic countries (or really just Lithuania) and the Balkans - but much lower-profile in Northern Europe, besides France, and virtually non-existent in the UK.I thought basketball was huge in europe?
rich come on, I expect this kind of nonsense take from luka for bantz/needling purposes, but that's ridiculouswhat's weird to me is how in football someone does a piece of skill to beat a man or whatever, makes sense... in basketball you got a guy gonna score for sure and then he does some elaborate dunk and that's the highlight. It doesn't gain anything, just looks good... it's kinda like figure skating or sonething.
there are defensive or offensive (really, shooting) specialists but especially in today's NBA you have to be at least reasonably capable at both or you're essentially unplayable because other teams will ruthlessly exploit any weakness, especially in the playoffs.at any moment you're more likely to see the game being played at full speed by players who are relatively rested and who are absolutely specialised to their role
Ah ok, so it's more like footie in that respect. American Football is totally specialised and ice hockey sort of in-between?there are substitutes in basketball but the key players will be on the court for the majority of the game.
Leo much love to you but I absolutely refute that narrative, it's a v tired one that Play the Right Way types trot out (or used to, even for them it's basically passe). college basketball just looks like that bc 1) the players aren't as physically gifted so it looks like they're "trying harder" vs NBA players who make it seem effortless and 2) college kids in the stands (pre-pandemic) going nuts bc they're college kids. also I agree endless 30-footers can be boring but dudes shoot them bc analytics says they're a good idea, not out of listlessness or boredom.college basketball can be more exciting than watching NBA games, a bunch of young kids playing their hearts out for school pride and/or future professional prospects as opposed to a bunch of bored multi-millionaires in the pros who just trade a succession of 30-foot jump shots.
I dunno man, I remember we went through this before and you said (if I remember) that dunks are "the blackest thing ever" which has some kind of resonance. But sure I appreciate the skill in getting to the point, I'm just saying the highlight that they show tends to focus on the dunk. But that's the tv not the game.rich come on, I expect this kind of nonsense take from luka for bantz/needling purposes, but that's ridiculous
it just looks that way to you bc you don't know anything about basketball, the same way I find soccer (fine, football) interminably boring
basketball is one of the most skilled - I won't say the most - sports on Earth. the dunk itself is (mostly) athleticism - tho elaborate dunks are usually for dunk contests, not in-game - but most of what it takes to get to the dunk is the individual skill of players, especially the primary ball handler (guy dribbling) and the overall offense - guys moving, passing, setting screens, etc in order to create the opening in the defense that leads to the dunk. the NBA requires a very high athleticism/height baseline but beyond that baseline tactics and skill are both very important.
I was thinking it's become a lot more interesting.btw, I love how this thread has evolved. Will the Brooklyn Nets pull it together with Kyrie and a healthy Kevin Durant?