Where does our evaluation begin in player assessment? It's a constant during development and applies broadly.
What is the player's "competitive character?" Remember that "the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior." It blends commitment, effort, leadership, resilience, toughness and other intangibles.
Does the player compete on both ends of the court? Can a franchise player be their best version by playing with limited contribution on defense? Some unexpected names appear on the NBA defensive rating list.
What kind of teammate is the player? For example, Celtics rave about Al Horford as a teammate.
By way of projection, do we have a comparison for the player? When discussing a high school player with a college coach, she may see the patient more favorably with a good 'comp'.
What are the speed and quality of the player's decisions? The ability to process the game at a high level separates excellent from lesser players. Poor decisions show up in shot selection, turnovers, and defensive mistakes.
Does the player fill needs as a "possession ender?" Does she score, assist, rebound, get deflections, blocks, and steals? Some teams value passing more than others.
Is the player more of an "off-ball" or "on-ball" player? A European scout discussing Hugo Gonzalez says that on Real Madrid his opportunity came as an off-ball player. The scout didn't project a development arc as a potential on-ball player.
Does the player have an "ascending arc" or in the words of former UNC Soccer coach Anson Dorrance, "continual ascension?"
Do we envision a player as an eventual starter, rotational player, or a marginal contributor?
I've 'seen' players on my teams as potential lottery picks, first rounders, second rounders, and street free agents. Committed players sometimes can move up a class. I've not seen any "second rounders" (developmental) become lottery picks. The Jokic-type player is a unicorn.
In addition to seeing players 'statistically', see them in the context of potential and inhabiting roles.
Lagniappe. Divide practice and conquer.
Why am I mixing her spot up shot with a dribble move?
— Chris Oliver (@BBallImmersion) June 25, 2025
Contextual Interference:
➡️ The disruption of automatic movements as the player adapts to changing situations, promoting deeper learning and improved performance.
➡️ This interference forces the player to problem-solve. pic.twitter.com/CgemnSUqDa
Lagniappe 2. Better players thirst for coaching.
"You can easily separate 'team guys' from 'me guys' by how they accept coaching. The guys that accept it are about winning."-Parcells
— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) October 20, 2022
Average players push back when being coached.
Great players want to be pushed by a coach.
Don't allow ego to prevent improvement. pic.twitter.com/o1FMl0S2cV
