Defense AND...

Unfortunately, the average player and definitely the average fan, tends to define a good player as an offensive-minded player…one that scores a lot. Although scoring is an important part of the game, a good coach knows that players that “just score” can and usually do have off-nights where nothing falls.

When a one-dimensional player (scorer) has an off-night, their value to their team is diminished. If all they bring is scoring and they have an off-night… they’re not helping their team and a good coach will quickly replace them with a player that brings something else to the team (defense, passing, rebounding, hustle, etc).

Instead of being known as a one-dimensional player (scorer) you want to be known as a “Defense AND” player. A player that is always a dominant defensive presence on the court AND something else (scorer, great passer, rebounder, hustler, etc). A “Defense AND” player stays on the court even when their shot isn’t falling because they bring something extra to the team. 

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