NBA Players Share the Best Lessons They’ve Learned from Basketball
It is widely known that sports are a microcosm of society. Maybe not as commonly recognized is that the hard work and determination that hoopers put into their game often parallel the steps to success many civilians put into developing their careers. With the National Basketball Association holding its 74th NBA All-Star Weekend this past weekend in San Francisco, I was able to probe some of the best athletes in the world about the best lessons they’ve learned from playing basketball.
By Cameron Buford with Voice of the Fans
It is widely known that sports are a microcosm of society. Maybe not as commonly recognized is that the hard work and determination that hoopers put into their game often parallel the steps to success many civilians put into developing their careers. With the National Basketball Association holding its 74th NBA All-Star Weekend this past weekend in San Francisco, I was able to probe some of the best athletes in the world about the best lessons they’ve learned from playing basketball.
While we all have unique and varying skill sets, developing these skills to become the best we can become takes a certain work ethic and resiliency to accomplish our goals. Along the way, we’ve learned valuable lessons that have stuck with us and we used them as motivation that propels us to achieve magnificent heights. I trust you will find some parallels between the lessons the lessons these world class athletes shared, from their experiences and what it takes to be successful in your roles.
“Never get to high and never get to low,” said Minnesota Timberwolves guard three-time NBA All Star Anthony Edwards about the best lesson he’s learned from basketball. “Not this year, but years ago I would start the game off hot. Come out and make my first couple of shots and start talking crazy to the opponents and to the crowd … and in the second half, I can’t hit a shot. So, never get too high or get to low; just stay even keeled”
“Just the idea of teamwork and fellowship that being a part of the team is extremely special, important, and it’s very rewarding,” Boston Celtics forward and six-time NBA All Star Jayson Tatum said when sharing his thoughts on the best lessons he’s learned from basketball. “There’s nothing you could do by yourself. Even the most successful people have team around them that helped them get to where they’re going.”
“I would say the biggest lesson I learned is what it means to be part of a team. Not just a sports team. My family is like a team; my circle of friends is like a team,” explains Milwaukee Bucks nine-time NBA All Star, guard Damian Lillard. “Playing sports, you learn how to co-exists with other people. You learn how to handle your desires with other people desires and you learn how to figure out a way where it works for everybody.”
“A lot of the things I’ve taken from being a part of a team; showing up for other people, being unselfish and working hard; I feel like they have carried over into my life.” Lillard adds. “There’s a lot of things I understand because I’ve been part of a team.”
Lillard emphasizes how impactful playing team sports has been to his development. Team sports not only boosts our confidence but also helps develop essential leadership skills that will benefit various aspects of our professional life.
An additional theme that recurred throughout my interviews with the players during their media availability was the significance of maintaining a calm and composed demeanor on and off the court.
“Playing with competitive spirit, no matter where you are. No matter who’s on the floor. No matter what environment you are in, it’s all about putting you best foot forward and being the best player you can be every time you step on the court,” the Phoenix Suns 10-time NBA All Star Kevin Durant shared with me. “I learned that growing up in (Washington) D.C.”
“Just keep fighting! Dark days, good days; stay even keeled,” New York Knick center and five-time NBA All Star Karl Anthony Towns said when asked about the best lesson he’s learned from basketball. “Enjoy the process, enjoy your life and stick to the plan; stick to God’s plan.”
“Stay in the moment. Don’t compare yourself to other people,” Detroit Pistons first-time NBA All Star Cade Cunningham shares the best lesson he’s learned playing basketball. “Stay on your path and keep grinding.”
“Will power, is the key to separate space between you and others.” San Antonio Spurs 2nd year French swingman and first-time All-Star Victor Wenbanyama thoughtfully shared.
“There’s going to be up and downs, so I never get to high and never get to low, I stay even keeled” Miami Hin my everyday life like I do in basketball,” first-time All-Star Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro said.
“Don’t let basketball use you, use basketball,” says nine-time All-Star Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. “This business has a way of rewarding you for rewarding us in material ways, but I think this is a more spiritual aspect, for me I have a purpose and calling that’s bigger than just putting a ball in a hoop. This connects me to all walks of life around the world, and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”
Hopefully you’ve found these lessons that some of the most prominent players in the National Basketball League shared with me over the weekend insightful and beneficial. As we all should be working to improve our skillset in our own world, these lessons are meant to provide encouragement and motivation for you to become the best you can be in your chosen field.
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