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Anyone can list the best players in the NBA, but basketball is as much about chemistry as it is talent. Within each of the league’s 30 teams is a hierarchy, and how well each of the five players on the court understands and performs his role within that hierarchy is every bit as important as his individual skill.
Ideally, a lineup has its superstar, a deferential co-star, a third star who owns his role, a fourth option and a fifth starter to tie it all together — clear Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. In this series, we rank the five best players from each tier for a broader look across the league. How close does your team come to an ideal lineup?
(Click here to see the NBA’s top No. 1 options.)
No. 2 options: The Deferential Co-Stars
What is a No. 2? He is, generally, the team’s second option on offense. He can be an All-Star. In fact, he better be an All-Star if you want to compete for a championship. Maybe his skill level is a hair below his top teammate. Maybe his skill set is more complementary. Or maybe his personality is more obsequious.
Whatever the case, he understands he is not the No. 1, and that is what is most important. Teams do not reach their potential when the No. 2 believes he is the No. 1. All the greats had a Hall of Fame No. 2, and all of them knew where they stood. Bill Russell had Bob Cousy. Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen. Larry Bird had Kevin McHale. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had Oscar Robertson, then Magic Johnson, and then Magic flipped it. Shaquille O’Neal had Kobe Bryant, who then had Pau Gasol. It has a way of sorting itself out.
Without further ado, your five best No. 2 options …
1. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
There was a time when we thought Davis would be a surefire No. 1. At the age of 24, he finished third in both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year races. He grew up a ball-handling guard and grew into a rim-protecting behemoth, retaining the skill and athleticism that drew him to the sport. He has all the tools, even enough of an outside shot to pose a threat. Few players are more dangerous around the rim.
The New Orleans Pelicans never built…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-the-nbas-no-2-options-lakers-celtics-boast-the-leagues-best-co-stars-160133431.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-09-24 16:01:33
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