Summer Reminiscing: Standout Playmakers
At the end of the game you want the ball in the hands of the player that’s going to make a great play. Having the ability to make plays when the game is on the line is clutch. This summer…
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Continue ReadingAt the end of the game you want the ball in the hands of the player that’s going to make a great play. Having the ability to make plays when the game is on the line is clutch. This summer I had the opportunity to watch some serious playmakers dominate the hardwood.
Playmakers thrive off pressure. They lead their team with confidence and separate themselves from their competitors. Players such as Carmelo Johnson, Kaleb Taylor and Da’King Smith fit this description.
The attributes that make Carmelo Johnson, 2023 6’0 small forward a playmaker is his explosive style of play. Johnson is a motor that keeps his team going. He has a scorers mentality and can attack the rim. Constantly looking for openings in the defense, he creates plays for himself and his teammates. Johnson’s game is fearless, which makes him difficult to guard. He does everything he can to win the game.
Kaleb Taylor, 2020 6’6 shooting guard is a threat beyond the arc. Taylor can shoot the three ball just as well as he can penetrate and get to the rim. He doesn’t make guarding him easy for his defenders. Taylor attacks the rim aggressively and can slam dunk the ball hard enough to make the gym go bonkers. He’s a playmaker because he contributes on both ends of the floor. Taylor is a guard with physical advantages.
Why is Da’King Smith a playmaker? The 5’11 point guard controls the style and tempo of the game. He leads his team with confidence. Smith plays with passion and heart. He puts hard work into every possession. He’s hard to guard because of his ability to maintain body control to stop on a drive and pull up for a jumper. Once he gets in rhythm with his game he is a dangerous player. Smith is a playmaker because he gets others involved in the offense, outworks everyone on the hardwood and plays his game under any circumstances.