A lot of people think dunking is something that is just done without much thought. But, in fact, there is a great amount of thought put into it.
“Have
I done this dunk already today?”
“Are
the fans going to get tired of seeing this same dunk?”
“How’s
my swag on the dunk?”
So I have been working on mastering what we call the “leg lift” in the basketball world. I have been working on this craft for years and I am still a long ways from mastering. It is what it sounds like, a simple lift of the legs when executing a dunk. While it may sound very simple, this takes a great deal of practice and can be very challenging to execute properly.
Timing is everything when it comes to the leg lift. It is best executed when the participant begins to lift his legs right before dunking the ball. By doing this there is special kind of force that is created, making a very powerful looking dunk. By lifting the legs, there is also more weight coming down as you grab the rim and finish the dunk(almost making it look like you are having a seat while hanging on the rim) and this is were the style comes in.
After all this, last but not least, the ROAR. Finish off this monstrous jam with a roar at the top of your lungs.
The trick here is to begin screaming as soon as you know you’ve completed the jam. It would be so embarrassing if you started screaming, only to find out you were unsuccessful. Once there guaranteed success, you may then begin the yelling process while still hanging on the rim. From there you can swing off of the rim with great “swag” and continue on with the roar to the crowd.
Out of the five guys listed here, Trae Young and Domantas Sabonis probably have the highest upside, and have a chance to climb these ranks within the next couple years. Brandon Ingram flashes potential at times, but is wildly inconsistent and hasn’t developed as well as expected for year 3. As for Wiggins, and Parker, both are over-paid volume scorers who shoot poorly from deep and consistently play bad defense.
20-16
20. Julius Randle (age 24)
19. Myles Turner (age 22)
18. Jaylen Brown (age 22)
17. Lauri Markannen (age 21)
16. Kyle Kuzma (age 23)
Kuzma continues to build upon an impressive rookie season upping his ppg to 19.1 as the second option on the Lakers. Jaylen Brown and Myles Turner both play outstanding defense, but have taken backseat roles on offense within their respective teams. Markannen has been extremely efficient on offense for a Bulls team lacking any scoring while Randle has been a revelation since signing with New Orleans, averaging 20ppg and 9.2rpg for the year.
15-11
15. Jamal Murray (age 21)
14. DeAndre Ayton (age 20)
13. D’Angelo Russell (age 22)
12. Clint Capela (age 24)
11. Jayson Tatum (age 20)
Tatum is as smooth of a scorer as there is in the NBA and will continue to rise up this list. There probably isn’t another center better suited for the Houston Rockets than Clint Capela, who excels on the boards and finishing lobs. Russell has only gotten better since leaving the Lakers. Ayton has been a bright spot on an awful Suns squad, showcasing versatility on the offensive end. Murray has played a huge role in the success the Nuggets have been having this year.
10. DeAaron Fox (age 21)
Fox has done the impossible by making the Sacramento Kings playoff contenders for the first time in 12 years. Fox has been shooting 46% from the field and 36.4% from deep while averaging 17.2ppg and 7.1apg. Not only has Fox been extremely efficient, he also leads one of the most fun offenses to watch in the league. The progression of Buddy Hield and Fox as a duo is something to keep your eye on going forward.
9. Donavan Mitchell (age 22)
Mitchell has built on a phenomenal
rookie campaign following some early season struggles. He’s a great two-way
player with a chance to have a HOF career. These first two years are eerily
similar to Dwayne Wade’s early career.
8. Kristaps Porzingis (age 23)
Porzingis (when healthy) is among
the most skilled players in the league. At 7’2 he is extremely long but has
guard-like skills. His ability to shoot from deep makes him nearly impossible
to guard. There still remains a question of durability when it comes to his
long-term health.
7. Devin Booker (age 22)
Devin Booker has developed at a much faster rate than most expected. He’s currently averaging 25ppg and 6.7apg. While his scoring has been great, it hasn’t translated into wins for Phoenix. Expect Booker and Ayton to develop into a great duo within the next couple years.
6. Ben Simmons (age 22)
Ben Simmons recently made his first all star game, and it’s not hard to see why when you look at his averages of 16.7ppg, 8apg, and 9.2rpg. Despite not having a jumpshot, he’s been very effective because he has such a versatile game. I’m not convinced Simmons ever develops a jumpshot and it probably will hinder him in today’s NBA. Regardless, Simmons is a generational talent as a 6’10 point guard with exceptional court vision.
5. Luka Doncic (age 19)
Doncic has been the most impressive
rookie since LeBron James. His step-back 3’s in clutch moments are unreal for a
guy that’s 19. One of the most exciting players in the league already, expect
Doncic to develop into a great.
4. Karl Anthony Towns (age 23)
Karl Anthony Towns puts up
ridiculous stats and is as skilled a post as there is in the league. No one has
ever denied how talented Towns is, but it’s fair to wonder if any other star
has as empty stats as he does. Going forward, Towns will have to prove he can
lead a team to be contenders, otherwise, he’s likely to fall on this list.
3. Nikola Jokic (age 23)
Jokic may end up being the best
passing center of all time as he averages 7.7apg. His game is really
unconventional with a strange looking jumpshot and below average athleticism,
but it sure does work well. Denver currently has the second best record in the
West and Jokic is the biggest reason why.
2. Joel Embiid (age 24)
Embiid doesn’t have any weaknesses in his game. He’s very skilled and physically dominant in the post. Yet, he can also run the floor like a deer. Not to mention, he’s a pretty good defensive center. It’s not hard to envision Embiid having a hall of fame career, with a chance at being one of the great centers to have played.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (age 24)
The Greek Freak is most likely to be the face of the NBA after LeBron’s run is over. He’s electrifying in every sense of the word and continues to get better. The Milwaukee Bucks have become title contenders through the dominance of Giannis and there’s no reason they can’t sustain it for the next 10 years.
There have been a bunch of great looking jerseys in NBA history, and unfortunately there have been plenty that are less than pleasant. Here is my list of the top 7 ugliest NBA jerseys. Let me know what you think!
7 Golden State Warriors 2012
I won’t lie, I think all of the sleeved jerseys in the NBA are just hideous. But out of all of them, this orange one to go along with the pin stripe shorts are just the worst of the bunch. With how well the Warriors play, this jersey seems to misrepresent them.
6 Charlotte Bobcats 2007
This jersey was the terrible idea of some Charlotte designer that went along with their “NASCAR Night” in ’07. The finish line checkers on the sides of the jersey do not mesh well with the pin stripe design of the rest of the jersey. While Charlotte was named the Bobcats, they only had a winning record 2 years out of the total 10 years, this jersey kind of fits with the ugliness during that decade for them.
5 Sacramento Kings 2005
The Kings made gold and purple jerseys in ’05 as alternate uniforms, seemingly forgetting about that powerhouse Los Angeles team to the south. These were only used for two seasons, which in my opinion, is two seasons too many.
4 Cleveland Cavaliers 1994
The stripe going across this jersey just doesn’t look right, not to mention that the colors have nothing to do with the Cavaliers logo or primary colors. Even the word “Cleveland” looks ugly with the red font. Compared to today’s Cavs jerseys, I’m glad these will not be making a comeback any time soon.
3 Dallas Mavericks 2001
This metallic looking jersey was only used for one game in the ’01 season before owner Mark Cuban gave them the boot. I honestly can’t blame him because these things just look downright awful. They almost look like a shiny trash bag, and that’s where they belong; in the trash.
2 Los Angeles Clippers 2006
This jersey is a throwback to their days as the Buffalo Braves. It’s hard to make an orange jersey look good and the weird stripes on this one just didn’t do it. The “B” also looks totally out of place, similar to the stripes. Clippers fans weren’t too proud of these jerseys and were happy to see them go after only two seasons of being in use.
1 Milwaukee Bucks 1995
There are a bunch of ugly Milwaukee jerseys that I could have chosen because most of them look bad, but I think you can tell why I chose this one! There are so many things wrong with this jersey, so let me start with the obvious; the deer. Damn this thing looks pissed and awful, and it takes up basically half of the uniform! Next let’s look at the primary color; that may very well be the worst looking green I have ever seen. Now the text; with the faded white to purple lettering, it just tops off what was already an ugly jersey.
Every summer at the end of June, downtown Spokane is engulfed by basketball. Often bringing players and teams from across the United States, Spokane’s Hoopfest hosts the world’s largest outdoor 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Those who have experienced this one of a kind event will surely be able to relate to these stereotypes.
The Dad “Coach”
Every bracket has that dad coach who is screaming obnoxiously at either his son or the court monitor. Often times the dad is more passionate about winning than the child.
2) The Family Division
Team of guys in the family division claiming they are blood related, however don’t look anything alike and are made up of completely different ethnicities.
.
3) The Manchild
There is always a couple dudes that either hit puberty at an incredibly early age or just don’t know how old they are. Often have more hair on their face than other kids have in their armpits, and opposing mothers always demand a birth certificate.
4) Overly Involved Court Monitor
Not much needs to be said, here is video proof that court monitors are the real entertainment during Hoopfest weekend.
5) That One Mom
Just when you are making yourself comfortable in an already crowded downtown sidewalk, some mother moves her chair directly in front of you. Even worse, she starts to make a big scene screaming at the kid that fouled her son.
6) Backboard Survivors
These are the people who do not touch a basketball all year until Hoopfest. They realize how awful they are, however, find success by throwing the ball off the backboard.
7) Street Fighters
The people who take Hoopfest way too seriously even though they are terrible at basketball.
8) Party Hard Ballers
The team of true bros that go downtown and party hard the night before, only to wake up still drunk or too hungover for their a.m game.
9) Unathletic family member
The family member that hates sports but is always forced to watch Hoopfest. Often found feasting on kettle corn and snow cones.
10) Hoop Til I Die
Last, but not least the old guys that are still convinced they got game.
Please share, and post any other stereotypes in the comments below.
If there is a sport that leads in looks and style, it’s gotta be basketball. From the iconic kicks that Jordan took the floor with every night, to the Fab Five sporting the black socks, the basketball population trumps all other sports in fashion IQ. With the jerseys, it’s no different. Basketball almost always leads the way in clean, stylish, sometimes wacky uniforms. Not all are hits, but almost every team’s fans can argue it’s best uni is the cream of the crop.
Here are my favorites from each franchise. Comment below which jersey is your favorite!
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks’ jerseys have been on a slow decline since Pistol was in Georgia.
Boston Celtics
Larry Legend didn’t ever put on a different jersey while he was in the NBA. He didn’t change teams, and his team didn’t ever change the jersey.
Brooklyn Nets
Although I could do without the sleeves, I do like the mix of the seventies look with the current colorway.
Charlotte Hornets
Many NBA fans wish teams would leave the pinstripes for the baseball teams, but I’m one to appreciate pinstripes when tastefully done. Larry Johnson’s Hornets took teal and pinstripes to another level.
Chicago Bulls
Did I mention tasteful pinstripes? Not the most famous Bulls uniform, but definitely the meanest. And isn’t that what you want from a team with a frowning bull as the logo?
Cleveland Cavaliers
I might be alone on this one, but I love this jersey. It was short lived, and the Cavs decided to stay away from light blue and black from here on out, but I wish they woulda kept with it.
Dallas Mavericks
The logo and font reminds me of the Wild West, and what’s a better look for the Dallas Mavericks? I’d like to see these back as an alternate.
Denver Nuggets
All the colors of the rainbow, Denver skyline, and the outline of the Rocky Mountains, and yet it worked well as a uniform. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Detroit Pistons
Winning helps any jersey’s cause. The Pistons had some of their best years when Chauncey and Rasheed rocked these.
Golden State Warriors
Sometimes, all you really need is a clean logo that honors your city. Golden State has it.
Houston Rockets
This is a nice looking, clean jersey with an understated logo on the shorts. The current Rocket uniforms need to adopt some simplicity from this one.
Indiana Pacers
In my opinion, the Pacers have the association’s ugliest jerseys. At least this one doesn’t have the yellow and pinstripes.
LA Clippers
Maybe it’s the beautiful man that Bill Walton once was that made me pick this jersey, or maybe the lack of quality jerseys in the Clippers history.
LA Lakers
It’s a classic look that benefited from countless Hall of Famers.
Memphis Grizzlies
I don’t know what to say here. It was fun while it lasted, but please leave it in the 90’s.
Miami Heat
The Miami Floridians narrowly beats out the 90’s look made famous by Mourning and Hardaway. I just like the unique colors and format of this one.
Milwaukee Bucks
Possibly my favorite NBA jersey. The cream, green, baby blue and white work perfectly together, and remain understated. Just like their young team, these jerseys bring a lot of energy to the court.
Minnesota Timberwolves
I grew up a Timberwolves fan, and I’ll be the first to admit that they only have a few good unis. At least KG enjoyed his prime in this one.
New Orleans Pelicans
With not many to chose from, this away uni from the Pelicans is an easy pick.
New York Knicks
Another classic, clean, and crisp jersey from the league.
Oklahoma City Thunder
This jersey and colorway combo is almost as loud as Gary Payton. Almost.
Orlando Magic
The glory days with Shaq and Penny had the best jerseys, too.
Philadelphia 76ers
I had to go with the classic Sixers look. Stars and stripes down the sides are a nice tribute to the city where our country was born.
Phoenix Suns
I’m not sure what’s brighter, Chuck’s smile or the shooting sun across the chest.
Portland Trail Blazers
This Blazer alternate is a personal favorite of mine. Still worn by Portland, this is one of the last jerseys that still has a pattern across the front.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings in the early 2000’s were a scary, mean team. This dark, simple jersey embodied that personality as well.
San Antonio Spurs
There might not be a jersey that fits a team better than this one and the Spurs. It’s plain, clean, and undeniably good. Anyone who hates the Spurs knows the only reason is they aren’t their team.
Toronto Raptors
Frankly, this is an ugly jersey. But, it’s the best ugly jersey there is.
Utah Jazz
Easily the best Jazz logo is paired with a very unique colorway. In my book, those two usually add up to be a good combo.
Washington Wizards
Okay, I lied. Two sleeved jerseys made the list. This one has a lot going on with the bold, wrap around stripes, but I think it works well as an alternate.
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