#ballhandling

[hooperfiko]

Score Big From Home with our Virtual Online Basketball Training Tips! Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, our training solutions are designed to enhance your skills on the court right from the comfort of your home. With us, enjoy the convenience, accessibility to top-notch coaches, and cost-saving benefits of virtual online basketball training.

Learn how to select the appropriate program, get insights into the necessary equipment, and discover strategies for optimizing your training. Explore why virtual basketball training is gaining popularity - from its convenience and flexibility to personalized coaching and cost-effectiveness.

Join us as we delve into the benefits of this innovative method of training, from personalized training and flexibility to improved skills and injury prevention.

Don't miss the chance to elevate your game without leaving your home. Read more on our website!

#youtube #basketballdrills #basketballmotivation #basketballtips #basketballskills #basketballtraining #sportstraining #basketballtutorial #basketballcommunity #ballhandling #hooperfiko #hooperfikocom #onlinebasketballcoaching

[freshthoughts2020]

"WHO GOT QUESTIONS?" socks

2 Store Reviews

$23.00

Sports & Culture Icon Took on the Army of the Media, Without Breaking a Sweat (can’t say the same for his opponent’s ankles though..

#alleniverson #ers #nba #iverson #philadelphia #ai #theanswer #basketball #sixers #sixersnation #allen #kyrieirving #crossover #philadelphiasixers #ballhandling #philly #jamorant #basketballislife #basketballvideos #anklebreaker #nbanews #nbajam #legacy #sportsmemorabilia #gosixers #nbacrossover #killercrossover #shammgod #jamalcrawford #dribbling

[tjcrumpton]

Tarik Crumpton's Guide to Innovative Drills for Enhancing Basketball Skills

In the realm of basketball coaching, the quest for excellence never ceases. To hone players' skills and elevate team performance, coaches often turn to innovative drills that push boundaries and foster growth. In this comprehensive guide, inspired by the coaching wisdom of Tarik Crumpton, we delve into a curated selection of drills designed to enhance fundamental skills and elevate gameplay to new heights.

Dynamic Ball Handling Drills 

Mastering ball handling is fundamental for every basketball player. Tarik Crumpton advocates for dynamic drills that simulate game scenarios, emphasizing quick decision-making and agility. From dribbling through cones to navigating through defenders, these drills challenge players to enhance their ball control skills under pressure.

Shooting Precision and Consistency

He emphasizes the importance of shooting precision and consistency as game-changers on the court. Through innovative shooting drills such as "Around the World" variations and game-simulated shooting competitions, players refine their shooting mechanics, develop muscle memory, and cultivate the confidence to score in clutch moments.

Defensive Intensity and Awareness 

A formidable defense is the cornerstone of championship-caliber teams. With TJ Crumpton's emphasis on defensive intensity and awareness, coaches can implement drills that sharpen players' defensive instincts and foster cohesive team defense. From closeout drills to shell defense simulations, these exercises cultivate a relentless defensive mindset.

Fast Break and Transition Excellence

In the fast-paced world of basketball, the ability to capitalize on fast break opportunities can turn the tide of a game. Tarik Crumpton advocates for drills that emphasize quick decision-making, crisp passing, and seamless transitions from defense to offense. Through structured fast-break drills and transition scrimmages, players learn to exploit open lanes and execute precision plays in the blink of an eye.

Team Cohesion and Communication 

Effective communication and seamless teamwork are non-negotiables for success on the basketball court. He emphasizes the importance of drills that foster team cohesion and communication, ensuring players operate as a cohesive unit. From communication exercises to team-building challenges, these drills cultivate trust, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose among teammates.

#tarikcrumpton #tjcrumpton #basketballcoaching #skillenhancement #innovativedrills #ballhandling #shootingprecision

[basketballtrainer]

Ball Handling Tips

Mastering ball handling skills is crucial for any athlete looking to excel in sports such as basketball, soccer, or tennis. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, enhancing your ball control abilities can significantly elevate your performance on the field or court. This summary provides essential tips and techniques to improve your ball handling skills and take your game to the next level.

Ready to enhance your ball-handling skills and elevate your game? Start practicing these essential techniques today and watch your performance soar on the field or court! Take the first step towards becoming a standout player by implementing these tips and unlocking your full potential. Practice, persistence, and passion will pave the way to success. Get started now!

#ballhandling

[jakearthurdesign]

Checkout @_coachai 🏉 📢 Logo design @jake_arthur_design #sportraining #sportscoach #coachai #strengthtraining #endurance #strengthtraining #logodesigner #flatlogo #sportlogo #2colour #pro #skills #ballskill #ballhandling #ultimatetrainibg #niche #newbrands #footytips #smallbusiness #sportsbusiness #nrl #footballees #youngtalent #juniorsport #juniors #jrl #whistle #athlete #footballplayer #footballer (at Brisbane, Queenland, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChMJRG0hXxF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#sportraining #sportscoach #coachai #strengthtraining #endurance #logodesigner #flatlogo #sportlogo #2colour #pro #skills #ballskill #ballhandling #ultimatetrainibg #niche #newbrands #footytips #smallbusiness #sportsbusiness #nrl #footballees #youngtalent #juniorsport #juniors #jrl #whistle #athlete #footballplayer #footballer

[ballerchattv]

Stephen Curry & Canon SICK Ball Handling Skills

#dribble #dribble moves #ballhandling #nba #basketball #espn #sports center #sports #athletes #celebrities #sports news #athlete #celebrity #nba all stars #basketball memes #nba memes #memes #twitter #youtube #basketball video #golden state warriors #steph curry #stephen curry #nba finals #nba fans #ayesha curry #like father like son

[unmanageably]

im off the thought that most of these warriors losses are due to coaching decisions (wrong lineups) and bad luck (injuries, dray out so no defense, random nba players turning into steph curry on the 3 line— grizzlies 3rd unit hitting TWENTY 3s on them today????) but today’s loss was just so indefensible and bad that its actually hilarious. the silly and stupid and pathetic 18 turnovers, icing out klay completely— just no one at all on the warriors trying to find him i mean 5 attempts until the 4th quarter are you serious— and then sitting steph and trying to run a “save us klay” lineup with 6 minutes left in the 4th when he’s ice cold due to your own offense choices its just very very hilarious. TJD butter fingers and Podz too many attempts not enough shots and a shit ton of fouling lol not their best game but i also think theyre just rookies and honestly have put a lot on their shoulders due to just. everything thats happened this year lol.

there’s things out of our control that we could be mad about (our lack of calls as usual and the 5v8 i mean the amount of FTA the grizzlies got esp considering we got to the paint more than they did so thats just ridiculous lol) but at the end of the day they didnt play hard enough and severely underestimated the grizzlies due to their injuries which was just. so so pathetic like whatever this loss the warriors truly did this to themselves

#when your own team gives u the ick 🕊️ #i think its funny how most people didnt even care to be mad anymore cuz theyre just so over this shit like omg #this team is so ass guys im crying #honestly not a big fan of podz at all and the way he’s playing has irritated me but i can still acknowledge that he’s just a rookie and #they ask way too much of him sometimes with these lineups i understand we’re plagued with injuries but draymond is back please stop giving #him ballhandling and playmaking duties when he cant find anyone for shit its ridic #klay thing really pissed me off but whatever we move #defense was… better but still sucked lol #at this point while i love and care for many of these players deeply this is just so unfixable get rid of everyone rebuild around the core #while theres still time and they still have a chance #i do think its funny how quick people are to point figures at the core being the problem when it is just so so far from the truth #rly just want them to rebuild around them and prove everyone wrong one more time #then i promise ill shut up forever lol. goddd i wont ask for anything else!!!!

[meatculture]

It's not that Adebayo has been the best drop player in the league, it’s that he’s remained one of the best pick-and-roll defenders in the league despite shifting to a coverage that should be the antithesis of his skillset. And that’s on top of him remaining a Top 5 isolation defender, 0.79 points-allowed-per against ballhandlers, No. 5 of 77 qualified players. Of the 136 isolations he’s defended this season, he’s only allowed seven rim attempts. Not to mention he’s allowing less than a point-per-possession in both closeout and drive situations, as the tracking data goes, Top 10 in each category. “To be able to do drop, switch, trap and zone all in the same game and have the best numbers in all of those coverages, and one-on-one, that’s not normal,” Spoelstra says. Adebayo’s wild card in the Defensive Player of the Year race is that he’s had to hold Miami’s defense – Top 10 and the equivalent of No. 2 in Defensive Rating when Adebayo is on the floor – together and keep it on the tracks like Spider-Man after fighting Doc Ock atop the elevated train. Miami is one of only four teams with just a single player over +1.0 in Defensive EPM (via dunksandthrees.com), and the other three are No. 20 (Chicago), 22 (San Antonio) and 28 (Charlotte) on the leaderboards. Miami has used a franchise-record 35 starting lineups, Adebayo’s two most used five-man lineups have combined for 194 minutes compared to 500+ for other Defensive Player of the Year favorites (some of whom have as many as five teammates over 1.0 in Def EPM) and he only has one defensive pick-and-roll combination (Caleb Martin) with whom he’s defended at least 200 screens this season. It’s one thing to change your primary coverage to accommodate an evolving roster, another entirely to not know who on that roster will be playing with you on any given night.

#CAN I GET A DPOY CAMPAIGN #something has to give before the wemby era #sorry the rest of the team is shit bam #bam adebayo #miami heat #bball

[strongislandsuperfan]

Streetball In Motion

An ode to the AND1 Mixtape & Its Legendary Impact

ESPN recently debuted is 30 for 30 Documentary, “The Greatest Mixtape Ever,” on May 31. Directed by Chris Robinson and Set Free Richardson, the documentary examines how 1990s & early 2000s streetball and the And1 Mixtape transformed basketball culture and took the sports world by storm. I remember in middle school and high school when AND1 first hit the streets. Every kid in my neighborhood was trying to imitate the ball-handling styles of guys like Hot Sauce, Escalade, Spyda, "Skip To My Lou" Alston and The Professor. Even I tried to grab a basketball and emulate the crossovers and dribbling styles I was in awe of. Of course, I'd embarrass myself, by giving minimal effort in practice & being drawn to a brief but pathetic stint as a local hoodlum, but mainly because I never had the skillset to be a basketball player. I always admire these guys and wished I could dunk, have the speed and drive to the basket like these guys. I would get excited and root for any one I'd see from AND1 or street ballers in general make it to the NBA, the G-League or any professional league to show their talents. I like rooting for underdogs, especially street ballers.

Call me biased.

In case you are unaware of what the AND1 Mixtape is, let's go down memory lane for a moment.

In the late 90's, a New York DJ named Set Free had an idea to film footage of neighborhood basketball games and streetball tournaments and add background music to it, and sell it on VHS. This came to be known as the AND1 Mixtape.

To further explain, "And 1" is derived from a phrase used by sports broadcasters and announcers to denote a free throw awarded to a player against whom a foul has been committed while scoring a goal.

As Set Free stated in an interview with ESPN, "Basketball and hip hop have a symbiotic relationship like no other combination of music genre and sport. The history of this mixtape – how streetball VHS tapes, a DJ and streetball players changed the culture of basketball – is essential to understanding that relationship. It had to be told!”

Of course, the rest is history.

Once the VHS tapes began circulating, AND1 went beyond showcased tricks and ballhandling. The company, AND1, began as a graduate school project partnership of Jay Coen Gilbert, Seth Berger, and Tom Austin. The brand started by selling T-shirts out of the back of a car, with catchphrases and trash-talk quotes, attracting street ballers all over the nation. If you go into a store like FootLocker or even a resell clothing outlet like TJ Maxx and see slogans on t-shirts from companies like Nike and Reebok, you can thank AND1 for influencing that style.

Stephon Marbury and Rafer Alston became synonymous with the AND1 brand and brought the brand to a wider audience. Marbury became the companies first spokesman when AND1 came out with its first pair of sneakers. Alston, of course put the basketball world on notice with the legendary, "Skip Tape", referencing his street ball nickname, "Skip to My Lou", showcasing jaw-dropping ballhandling and skillset displays. Both men went on to play in the NBA and oversees, achieving success in their own right.

Other NBA players, such as Jamal Crawford and Latrell Sprewell, were also associated with the brand.

AND1 summer tours even began in 1999, later evolving into the Mixtape Tour with the release of Mixtape 3. Imagine the Harlem Globetrotters, with a street edge. That is the best way I can describe these tours. Notable streetballers such as “Hot Sauce” and “The Professor” would go from court to court challenging other players in one-on-one games. The streetballers who prevailed through the very end of the summer tours would receive endorsement deals from AND1. From 2002 through 2008, the tours were televised live on ESPN. The summer tours began in the United States but soon branched internationally, into more than 30 countries.

They even had their own video game.

Of course, there were those who took exception to this brand and its players. Mostly, the AND1 players, ranging from skepticism to contempt for their arrogance and being "all-flash but no fundamentals" to their superstar mindset and not being team players.

Current and former NBA players dismissed streetball players, saying that the NBA has the best players in the world, and if streetball players were on that level, they would have made it to the league.

Here are some quotes from those NBA players:

Baron Davis: “Are you f*cking kidding me? No way!.”

Lou Williams: “We just trained professionals. We play basketball on days we don’t wanna play basketball.”

Kyrie Irving: “ ‘Yeah we could have played in the league’. No you couldn’t have. You are not taking care of your body. You are not taking the game serious. Everybody jumps high, everybody is fast, everybody thinks that they are the worlds greatest player. There’s only been 5000 something people in the NBA. Total. Ever.”

Iman Shumpert: “I remember Hot Sauce going to the pro-am and getting his a** bust. Hot sauce came down and they was calling that man ketchup by the time he left.”

The question remains, Is there a place for a street baller in a professional league?

Maybe.....if you got the heart, the work ethic, and the mindset to do it. What has been called into question is the mentality, discipline and maturity of its players, going from the street level to the professional level.

This isn't a notion of just, "Shut up and dribble!" rather a reality check. Being amazing at ones craft and cultivating the skillset is one thing, but, to have the heart of a champion and recognizing that this is a team effort, to achieve victory, in a collective manner is something else.

AND1 and its players maybe just mere one-trick ponies to those that have put in the time and effort at tryouts, basketball camps and pushed themselves in front of college scouts during those stressful high school games, but, you cannot deny the amazement, raw talent and showmanship that was on display. Even a scrub like me tried to master Escalade's passing game and that insane crossover by Hot Sauce.

You can dismiss the streetballer all you want, but you can't dismiss its impact on future generations currently playing in the NCAA, NBA and oversees. Presently, over one hundred AND1 High School and AAU teams play across America in various tournaments and leagues.

Its influence is undeniable, even to this day.

That is all.

#basketball #ballislife #nba #and1

[minh-khai]

Thử việc 🤔

-eine Mannschaft bilden / das Spiel eröffnen / kontrollieren

-die Formation ansetzen / gutes pressen / defensiv stark sein

- Ballhandling haben / Pässe anschneiden / eine Spitze werden / die Abwehr durchdringen

- in den Vorrunden zeigen / den Gegner zurückweisen

/ das Spiel beenden

# 300 công đoàn 🗡️🪭🏃🏻‍♂️ # Analyse ermitteln

# vorbereitet sein

- Die Klinge muss genügend Kraft haben, um den Stamm eines Baumes zu spalten (strategisch sein)

[nbalovers]

Phoenix Suns 2023-24 depth chart: Starters and backups The 2023-24 Phoenix Suns posses... #usa #uk

[bostoncelticstore]

#BostonCelticsbuyoutmarketpreview:fourpotentialtargets #CELTICSCLOTHES

[linkmlre2525]

[Highlight] Chris Paul taps one side of the hip, baiting the ballhandler to move the ball to the other side, opening them up for the steal. Signature defensive play.

#nba

[spitonews]

LA Lakers can acquire veteran guard Kemba Walker

The LA Lakers could bring in another ballhandler in Kemba Walker, as they’re rumored to give him a workout before the season ends. Walker is a free agent and could sign with any team after his stint with the Dallas Mavericks. Walker started off as a guard for the Mavs and was waived by the team earlier this year. The four-time All-Star has played only nine games this season and has averaged 8.0…

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[thepakstudio001]

Celtics Show Grit, Depth in Short-Handed Loss To Bucks: 5 Takeaways

Celtics Show Grit, Depth in Short-Handed Loss To Bucks: The Boston Celtics suffered a tough loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, falling 121-125 in a hard-fought battle. Despite playing without several key players, the Celtics showed grit and depth in their performance, giving fans plenty of reasons to be hopeful for the rest of the season. Here are five takeaways from the game: The Celtics' defense remains a work in progress. Despite holding the Bucks to just 42.7% shooting from the field, the Celtics struggled to contain Milwaukee's star players, particularly Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak put up 36 points and 12 rebounds, and the Celtics struggled to find an answer for his physicality and athleticism. While the Celtics have made strides on defense this season, they still have room to improve if they hope to compete with the best teams in the league. Jaylen Brown continues to impress. With star point guard Kemba Walker sidelined, Jaylen Brown stepped up in a big way for the Celtics, putting up a game-high 33 points on 11-of-20 shooting. Brown has been one of the team's most consistent players this season, and his ability to score from all over the floor is a major asset for the team. The Celtics' depth is impressive. Playing without Walker, Marcus Smart, and several other key players, the Celtics relied on their bench to keep them in the game against the Bucks. Players like Semi Ojeleye, Grant Williams, and Payton Pritchard stepped up and played important minutes, showcasing the team's depth and versatility. While the Celtics will be happy to have their full roster back, it's clear that they have plenty of options even when they're short-handed. Turnovers continue to be a problem. The Celtics turned the ball over 16 times against the Bucks, leading to 24 Milwaukee points. While the team has made progress on this front in recent games, turnovers remain a concern, particularly in close games like this one. The Celtics will need to clean up their ballhandling if they hope to compete at the highest level. The Celtics aren't giving up. Despite trailing by double digits in the second half, the Celtics fought back and had a chance to win the game at the buzzer. While the result wasn't what they wanted, the team's resilience and determination were on full display, giving fans reason to be hopeful for the rest of the season. The Celtics have faced plenty of adversity this year, but their performance against the Bucks showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. In conclusion, while the Boston Celtics fell short against the Milwaukee Bucks, their performance showcased their grit and depth, with players stepping up to keep them in the game despite several key absences. With the team's defense and ballhandling still works in progress, the Celtics will need to continue to improve if they hope to compete with the best teams in the league. Nonetheless, the Celtics' resilience and determination bode well for the rest of the season, and fans will be eager to see what the team can accomplish as they get healthy and continue to improve.

Celtics Show Grit, Depth in Short-Handed Loss To Bucks: 5 Takeaways

  Read the full article

[nbatrades]

Denver Nuggets Add Bol Bol in Draft Night Deal With Miami Heat

On June 21st, 2019, the Miami Heat traded the draft rights of forward-center Bol Bol to the Denver Nuggets for $1.2 million in cash considerations and a 2022 second round draft pick.

It seems like every year in the NBA Draft there’s a player whose draft stock falls down as the draft approaches.

2019′s player falling down the draft charts was Bol Bol. A projected lottery pick and the fourth ranked high school basketball prospect in the country, Bol ended up being selected 44th in the NBA Draft. 

A unique talent with length, seven-foot height, ballhandling ability and the skill of a guard, Bol shined in college at the University of Oregon (21.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG and 2.7 BPG) but he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot after just nine games, cutting what would be his lone college season short.

Bol fell all the way down to the second round of the draft despite receiving a green room invitation, meaning he actually attended the draft. He was taken 44th by the Miami Heat who instantly traded him to the Denver Nuggets in a pre-arranged deal. 

The Heat had already acquired Stanford forward and 32nd overall pick KZ Okpala for three future second round picks and saw an opportunity to replenish future assets by acquiring a second round pick for Bol.

Bol joined a Nuggets roster that had established itself as one of the bright and exciting young teams in the NBA during the 2018-19 season. Led by center Nikola Jokić and guard Jamal Murray, Denver was ready to further its pursuit of becoming a title contender.

The presence of Jokić and backup Mason Plumlee meant there were going to be limited opportunities for Bol. Denver presented an opportunity for the young center time to develop and recover from his foot fracture.

Bol spent much of the year on the sidelines. He did make eight appearances in the NBA G-League with the Windy City Bulls, averaging 12.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG and 2.3 BPG. 

Denver was one of the top teams in the NBA. The team was 43-22 when the NBA season was put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the NBA season resumed in the summer with a bubble format based in Orlando, Florida, the Nuggets went 3-5 over a span of eight games to finish out the regular season. Bol was given a chance to play during the bubble exhibition  and regular season games due to injuries and Nuggets players having delayed arrivals due to positive COVID tests.

Bol played in seven bubble regular season games, averaging 5.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 APG and 0.9 BPG in 12.4 MPG. In the limited time, the seven-footer showed flashes of major talent such as his athleticism, ability to pass and handle the ball.

Denver finished the season as the third seed in the West with a 46-27 record. The Nuggets qualified for the postseason and matched up with the Utah Jazz in the first round. Jazz star Donovan Mitchell had 57 in the series opener but Jokić and Jamal combined for 65 points as the Nuggets pulled away late for a 135-125 overtime win.

The second game saw the Jazz lead by as much as 31 points as they comfortably won 124-105. The third game was similar as the Jazz built an early double digit lead. Utah led by 39 and annihilated the Nuggets 124-87.

Game Four was action-packed as Mitchell (51 points) and Murray (50) dueled back and forth. Mitchell scored 18 in the fourth quarter to help Utah withstand  a Denver rally and win 129-127.

Facing a 3-1 series deficit, the duo of Murray and Jokić combined for 73 points and the Nuggets used a 35-21 fourth quarter to take Game Five 117-107. Murray and Mitchell’s fireworks display continued into Game Six. The Nuggets guard crossed 50 again and Denver forced a Game Seven with a 119-107 victory.

The seventh and final game was ugly. Both teams shot under 40% and failed to reach 100 points. The game was tight but a Jokić hook shot gave Denver an 80-78 lead with 27 seconds left. Utah had two chances to the or take the lead but Mitchell turned the ball over with eight seconds left and Mike Conley missed a three at the buzzer as Denver held on for the 4-3 series win.

Denver went on to the second round where it was a heavy underdog against the Los Angeles Clippers. In the opener, the Clippers used a 49-24 run from the first to third quarter to take control in a 120-97 rout. 

The Nuggets came out like gangbusters in the second game, jumping out to a 44-25 first quarter lead. The Clippers managed to get within five points but Jokić had 26 points and 18 rebounds as Denver held on for a 110-101 win.

The third game saw Clippers star Paul George score 32 points. the Clippers rallied in the fourth quarter and outscored Denver 29-19 in a 113-107 win. In Game Four, the Clippers had an early 18-point lead before the Nuggets tied the game early in the third quarter. A 21-5 Clippers run contributed to Los Angeles’ 96-85 win.

The victory gave the Clippers a 3-1 series lead. Facing the deficit, the Nuggets looked dead in the water early on in Game Five, trailing by 16 points in the first half. 35-year old veteran Paul Millsap sparked a run in the third quarter and Jamal Murray had 26 points in a 111-105 comeback victory to keep Denver alive.

In the sixth game, the Clippers led by 16 points at halftime, but the Nuggets outscored them 64-35 in the second half to cruise to a 111-98 win. Game Seven was similar as the Clippers blew another early double digit lead.

Murray had 40 points and Jokić had a triple double (16 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists) as Denver made another miraculous 3-1 series comeback with a 104-89 result.

Denver advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 11 years and faced the Los Angeles Lakers. In the first game, Lakers star Anthony Davis dominated with 37 points and 10 rebounds in a 126-114 Los Angeles win. The second game saw the Lakers build a 10-point lead at halftime, but the Nuggets battled back. 

Late in the game, Jokić and Davis exchanged shots. After a Jokić make with 20 seconds left, Denver had a 103-102 lead. The Lakers missed two shots but retained possession on both misses. Davis converted a three on an inbounds play at the buzzer to give the Lakers a 2-0 series lead.

The third game saw Jokić and Murray combine for 50 points as Denver led by as much as 20 points in a 114-106 win. Los Angeles took a 3-1 series lead after Davis and LeBron James combine for 60 points in a 114-108 Lakers victory. James (38 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists) was phenomenal once again in Game Five as the Lakers prevented a Denver series comeback with a 117-107 victory.

During Denver’s playoff run, Bol played just 21 total minutes, averaging 4.8 PPG and 1.3 RPG.

After his first year in the NBA, Bol agreed to convert his two-way contract with Denver into a standard NBA deal for two years and $4.2 million.

The Nuggets tried to keep its roster together for the 2020-21 season, but lost starting forward Jerami Grant to the Detroit Pistons in free agency. Still, most of the roster came back except for a couple of bench rotation free agents and two first round picks.

Denver looked to continue its winning ways. The Nuggets began the year 1-4 but quickly righted the ship, going 10-3 in the next 13 games to get to 11-7. The team had its share of ups and downs but thanks to the performances of Jokić and Murray, was in the thick of the Western Conference playoff chase.

Positioned in fifth place with a 26-18 record, the Nuggets made a move at the trade deadline. The team dealt Gary Harris, rookie R.J. Hampton and a first round pick to the Orlando Magic for Aaron Gordon and Gary Clark. Denver also acquired center JaVale McGee from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The move gave the Nuggets a bonafide starter at power forward to improve its defense and its starting lineup. After the trades, the Nuggets quickly ran off eight consecutive wins (seven with Gordon in the lineup). The team found its flow and was playing excellent basketball and was starting to look like a title contender.

Those title hopes came to a halt after Murray tore the ACL in his left knee in April, cutting his season short. The Nuggets went 13-5 over their last 18 games to finish the year 47-25. Bol rarely played in his second year. He appeared in 32 contests (two starts) and managed 2.2 PPG and 0.8 RPG in 5.0 MPG.

In the 2021 postseason, the Nuggets faced the Portland Trailblazers in the opening round. Portland got hot in the first game, knocking down 19-of-40 from three. Portland star Damian Lillard led the way with 34 points and 13 assists in a 123-109 victory.

Jokić led the way in Game Two with 38 points as Denver won easily, 128-109. The third game in Portland was a surprise. Jokić was his usual dominant self with 36 points, but guard Austin Rivers came alive in the fourth quarter, nailing four three-pointers and scored 21 points total in a Nuggets 120-115 win.

Portland rebounded in Game Four, leading by as much as 33 points in a 115-95 victory. With the series tied, both teams were set to battle in a competitive Game Five. Lillard was fantastic, recording 55 points and knocking down several long distance triples including two different threes that sent the game to overtime and double overtime.

In the end, Jokić’s 38 points and a clutch three from Michael Porter Jr. helped Denver escape with a 147-140 win. Game Six saw Jokić score 36 points and the Nuggets pulled away late to win 126-115. They won the series 4-2.

Denver advanced to the second round and battled the Phoenix Suns. Early on, the Suns took control. Four Suns players scored at least 20 points in a 122-105 Phoenix rout. The Suns continued to dominate, winning 123-98 in Game Two.

The Suns backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker combined for 55 points as Phoenix controlled Game Three, 116-102. Denver put up a better fight in Game Four but Booker and Paul combined for 71 points in a 125-118 Suns win and series sweep. Bol played in three games and six minutes during the 2021 playoff run.

After the season, the Nuggets were in a holding pattern. Knowing Murray was likely out for the entire 2021-22 season, Denver kept much of its core together, losing only Paul Millsap from its rotation. The team re-signed free agents Will Barton and JaMychal Green while also adding guard Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland as a draft pick. 

Bol played in Summer League with the Nuggets and was effective. The big man averaged 21.7 PPG on 44.2% from the field, 6.7 RPG and 2.3 BPG in three exhibition games.

Behind the continued MVP efforts from Jokić, Denver began the season well with a 9-4 start. The team soon struggled with a losing streak and the news that Michael Porter, Jr. would be out what would be the rest of the season after a back injury put even more of a damper on the team’s hopes of contending.

Denver continued to hover around .500 and with Bol still behind several other frontcourt players in the rotation, the team decided to move the young seven-footer.

In January, the Nuggets agreed to a trade with the Detroit Pistons. In the deal, Bol went to the Detroit Pistons for Rodney McGruder and a 2022 second round pick. The trade was voided three days after because Bol failed his physical due to a physical that revealed a broken right foot.

Soon after Bol decided to have surgery on the foot. Nearly a week after the voided deal, the Nuggets agreed to send Bol and guard PJ Dozier (also out for the season) to the Boston Celtics in a three-team deal also involving the San Antonio Spurs that brought guard Bryn Forbes to the team.

At the point of the trade, Bol had appeared in 14 games, compiling 2.4 PPG and 1.4 RPG in 5.8 MPG. Bol ended his run in Denver with 53 games played, 2.7 PPG and 1.2 RPG. He shot 48% from the field, 38% from the three-point line and 67% from the free-throw line.

The second rounder Miami acquired was forfeited as part of the NBA’s investigation into the Heat holding early free agent talks with point guard Kyle Lowry.

Bol Bol on his skill (via Nuggets.com):

“My game is pretty unique because for my size, I can dribble pretty well, can shoot from anywhere pretty well, and my passing is pretty good. I can just do a lot of things that people my size can’t do.”

On joining the Nuggets:

“Towards the end of the season, I started watching a lot of [Nikola] Jokić highlights because of his great passing ability, and that's something I want to add to my game. I watched a lot of his highlights and he’s a great, great player. 

“The Nuggets were a great team last season and I’m excited to be a part of the team. Because of how great the team is, that will help me because [I’ll have] great players around me and the great organization. I think that will also help me become a better player.”

On the disappointment of being drafted late (via Denver Post):

“The thing I’ll remember is definitely being drafted late in the second round instead where I thought I was going to be drafted, like somewhere between the middle of the first round or toward the end.”

Denver Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly on adding Bol Bol (via Nuggets.com):

“We’re fortunate to add another young piece, a guy we think highly of. We think his skillset [and] his pedigree, who he is as a guy, will fit in well in the locker room. We started the night with no draft picks and we left with a guy who we think has a real chance to be impactful down the road.”

If the team had any concern with Bol’s injury history:

“We’re not concerned as to why he fell, we feel very fortunate that he fell [to us]. As the night progressed, we got pretty aggressive. He was a guy that we circled much higher on the board. We didn’t have him where we picked, we had him much much higher.”

On finding a steal in the draft (via Denver Post):

“We thought we were going to get a guy that was greatly undervalued as the night progressed. Who knows where we’ll be picking in the future, but when you get a guy with the tools like Bol Bol, it’s hard not to be aggressive. And it’s hard not to be excited.”

Image via Getty Images/Justin Tafoya

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