If You Can't Name All These NBA Players You Should Follow Curling Instead
- by Will Morgan
- – on
- in Sports
Okay people, now we are all in agreement that basketball is the greatest sport in the world, right? I mean it doesn't even come close. Sure, pro wrestling is great and football can have its moments occasionally and golf is a fun game, but nothing comes close to capturing the fantasticalness of the NBA. There is the speed, the strategy, the skill, other stuff that begins with the letter 's', and its glorious evolving nature. The face of the NBA and the game itself is constantly changing. The game that was played in the 90s is not the game that was played in the 2000s is not the game that was played in the 2010s is not the game that is played today. And that is awesome!
With the way the game evolves and the way offenses and defenses live, die, and go in and out of style, there is a necessary revolving door of players. Sure there are always a few superstars, but if you step away from following the game for a few years and then come and pick it back up, be prepared to see a lot of new faces and learn a lot of new names. Yesterdays role player is todays star, and vice versa. That is just the beauty of the game. Do you follow today's NBA? If so, did you follow yesterday's game? If you really think you are a true NBA fan, then prove it and see how many of these NBA stars you can name!
What's the name of this scrappy point guard that came to the Clippers from the Rockets?
This dude is one of the hardest working point guards in the game. He is mostly know for his defensive tenacity and his ability to bother the heck out of opponents and get under opposing fans skin, he could also be counted on for offensive spurts coming off the bench as James Harden's back up for a few seasons with the Houston Rockets. It is super unfortunate that he had a season ending injury earlier this year, but he is sure to be a fan favorite for the Clippers for years to come.
What's the name of this PG quietly having a season for the Pacers?
This dude right here has been bouncing all over the league since 2009 and finally may be settling down on the Indiana Pacers. This point guard played for the Pacer before, back in the 2010 through 2012, before merrily galivanting off to another eleventy dozen teams all over the United States. Indiana was not expected to do that much this season, and to be honest, they haven't. But they've been more competitive than expected. And a lot of that is due to this gentleman.
Who is the future of the Knicks?
The Knicks have been a franchise that has been on a slow decline for about 27 years or so now. They have a knack for looking at a situation and then making the least effective solution possible. But in one of their best moves they got rid of both Carmelo Anthony and the most overrated basketball mind of all time in Phil Jackson, all while keeping this star player of the future that they can build around. A surprising, and very good decision.
What new addition to the Thunder is on the Laker's radar?
This dude here was the star of the Pacers for years on end. He played several very good to freaking great years in the wasteland known as Indiana. He made his intentions known last year that he did not intend to resign, so a sweepstakes to sign him started up. For some reason, any time a good player becomes available, or may be available someday in the future, Los Angeles and Boston assume that they will be the chosen team.
Who is the Swiss center for the Rockets?
This dude right here has come a long way in his short time in the league. Just a few short years ago, he was a back up to the great Dwight Howard. Now he is the pick and roll machine, starting center for the best team in the league, the Houston Rockets. This skinny dude from Switzerland has slowly been putting on muscle and working on his free throw shooting, which was the weakest aspect of his game by far.
What's the name of the center that is the glue man on the Celtics?
The Boston Celtics, or as they are known locally tha Bawstan Freakin' Celtics, came into this season with extraordinarily high expectations, with server key off season additions. Those playoff and possible championship dreams were shattered in the first game when Gordon Hayward went down with an absolutely horrific injury. But a funny thing happened, they won games. And then they kept on winning. Kyrie Irving is not the best player in the world, but he played well. And this dude held the team together.
Who is this player on the Clippers?
In 2010 this player committed to Duke and that is when we really started to take a notice to him, when he made a game winning 3-pointer to help Duke win against their rivals North Carolina. He played 3 seasons for the Hornets before being traded to the Clippers. With the trade in 2015 he became the first ever player to be coached by his own father, coach for the LA Clippers. The Shooting guard was injured back in January, but is, luckily, back in action.
Who is this star still fighting to be recognized as a star on the Hornets?
This guy right here is a star, okay? Let's just get that right on out of the way and establish that. He has been in the league since the year 2011 and every year we have a conversation concerning whether or not we can call this dude a star. The Charlotte Hornets are very much his team. Not just Dwight's team. He is the reason that they beat the pants off the Grizzlies by 61 points. He's a star, baby!
Who has stepped up to carry the Wizards after they got bit by the injury bug?
The Washington Wizards are just one of those franchises that historically when you think of them, they just seem like they are always a mess. From their days as the Bullets and losing Chris Webbers to their freak show Manute Bol days, they always are on the outside looking in on the NBA elite. But as a welcome surprise to the D.C. faithful they have been good since they landed John Wall. When Wall went down, this dude has stepped up and is looking to keep them strong in the playoffs.
Who is this lane slashing and three point splashing guard for the Houston Rockets?
This dude was going to be a superstar. And he was for a while. He was supposed to be the best player on his team and take them to the promised land. He was the high flying, lane driving, fearless ball launcher for the Los Angeles Clippers and then the New Orleans Hornets. Eventually he got traded to Houston and has settled into his role coming off the bench and being part of the fearsome three headed point guard the team employs.
Who is this Kiwi center for the Thunder?
Back in the day, every team would make it a point to have a really strong, big, tough dude that would knock the crap out of anyone on the other team that dared to get out of line. These days, those body bruising centers are few and far between, but the Oklahoma City Thunder employ one of the best. This guy came to the NBA from the mythical land of New Zealand, which it turns out is a real place.
What's the name of the Bosnian big man of the Trailblazers?
The past decade saw the invasion of the Euro player on USA soil, as European players brought their strong fundamentals and stupid soccer style flopping to the US game. The most recent trend is awkwardly athletic, amazing passing big men from the former Soviet bloc. This dude is a very big part of why the Portland Trailblazers are making a super strong run and a late playoff push. He can score or find a Blazer scorer or shooter in a pinch.
Who is the Serbian star on the Nuggets?
Bless those the hearts of those poor poor Denver Nuggets. They have been right there for the past couple of seasons but they just can not seem to get over that proverbial hump and join the elite teams of the Western Conference. They are good. Sometimes they are very good. But sometimes, you can see them give up. This elite passing big man is a very bright spot and should esure them success in the future. Hopefully they can put it together.
Who is this point guard on the Timberwolves?
This fella has been in the league since 2009 playing most of his career for the Atlanta Hawks before going to the Indiana Pacers in 2016 and finally ending up in Minnesota, playing on the Timberwolves this year. He has been on the verge of breaking through for a couple of years now, but just seemed to float below the radar. This dude instantly became one of my favorite players the second he threw Ricky Rubio to the ground in a game against the Jazz.
Who is the least bad rookie on the Lakers?
The Lakers are a funny team with a freaking hilarious fan base. They got lucky a couple of seasons and won a title, and they benefitted in a few other seasons from some dubious calls, in their favor. They are in LA and their fans are probably some of the most loyal and proud fans, so we know they are there, and there to stay. But I mean, they did have Kobe, who did some amazing things for the team, and the sport, and they have this guy!
Who's this dude putting in time on the Mavericks?
This dude was such a key contributor for the dastardly Golden State Warriors on their championship team and their record setting season where they blew a 3-1 series lead in the finals. But then a weird thing happened. Being the small forward power forward that he is, his style of play suddenly became a lot less valuable all over the entire NBA. Now the Dallas Mavericks are stuck overpaying him and haven't figured out a way to use his strengths to their benefit.
Who is this recent addition to the Cavs?
The Cleveland Cavs recent history seem to point to them having up and down seasons and then pulling it together in the playoffs. After all, no team that has LeBron James on it is ever completely out of the picture, he is one of the finest players that NBA has ever had the pleasure of producing. But, unfortunately, this year, they didn't do as well as they should have. So they went shopping. They tricked the Lakers into giving them this dude.
Who is this point guard on the Hawks?
Okay, so anyone that has watched the NBA with a little more than a passing interest in the last few years and has caught an Atlanta Hawks game knows exactly who this guy is. But, did you know that he actually has a name? I know, right? He's not just called that guy with the hair thing! Also, you can totally be forgiven if you have no idea who this guy even is. Half the people on the Atlanta Hawks sometimes forget the Atlanta Hawks exist.
Who's this big dude on the Warriors?
Man, those Warriors of the Golden State have had quite the lucky run as of late, haven't they? I mean, who doesn't like the Warriors? Well, every single person outside of the Bay Area might not. This dude was basically signed to the Warriors just to keep him from going to other teams in what amounts to a multi-million dollar possessive strategic move. But those types of moves are just a part of one of the best sports in the world.
Who is this power forward on the Raptors?
This guy used to be on the Oklahoma City Thunder back before they traded away their future and forever doomed themselves to mediocrity and everyone figured out the franchise was cursed and would never wash the stink of its loser Seattle fan base off of it. Now he's on the Raptors, another team that hasn't had the best of luck in the league. Him, DeRozan, and Lowry are very cute building a good regular season record, only to sadly get taken down in the playoffs year after year.
Who is this guy having a decent season in his first year with the Spurs?
The Spurs are one of the most consistent franchises, not just in the NBA, but in all types of sports. The steady hand of their coach Greg Popovich has steered their ship for the past two decades and their veteran leadership has lead them deep in the playoffs year after year. But now Kawhi has gone crazy and all bets are off. Timmy Duncan, an incredible player, and one of the best of their generation has since retired, so it's up to this guy now!
What's the name of this Detroit seven footer?
Detroit has been in limbo for a couple of years now, and man that is a crappy place to be. They have been too bad to do anything of note in the playoffs and too good to get anything good in the draft. This is a place franchise can get stuck seemingly forever. At least this guy is improving. Suddenly this season, he can shoot free throws and has become an amazing passer. It's always cool to see great players getting better.
Who is the Dragon of the Miami Heat?
This guy gave himself the nickname "The Dragon" because he was born with a green tail and one time a British knight stabbed him to death. That is probably not true. But it is certainly an explanation to the name, it could also be the name (hint, hint). This guy has run the point for Houston and for Phoenix and seems to have found a long term home in South Beach, dropping dimes for the Heat. Dude has a pretty sweet gig, and seems to bring his brother along wherever he goes.
Who is the Bull's punchy power forward?
Look at this dude. Doesn't he just look angry? He looks like he's trying to be mean. It almost looks like he's just straight up growling. Like he's going, "I'm tough. Grrrrr." Anyway, he tried to show off how tough he was by sucker punching one of his own teammates in a preseason scrimmage because, you know, they couldn't just play the game. And then his teammates backed him and the other dude ended up getting traded and it's hard to really stand behind the decision.
What is the name of this exciting rookie on the Utah Jazz?
The Utah Jazz have had some absolutely fantastic teams. They even had one that should have won a title, but alas, for one reason or another, they just couldn't lock it down. John Stockton has a bajillion steals and assists and Karl Malone is number two all time in points scored in NBA history. But this is the first time that the Jazz have had a truly exciting player like this one picture here. Yes, that's counting Pistol Pete Maravich.
Who is this number one pick?
You can totally be forgiven if this dude's face does not look very familiar to you. You probably have not seen him on the floor much this season. That is not too unusual for a rookie. Guys get signed then get sent down to the developmental leagues all of the time. This guy's story is a little different though. This guy was the number one pick of last year's draft. Something went crazy with his shot and he has been hiding.
Who is this former Laker?
If the Lakers are really good at one thing it is trading away good players so that they can get marginally worse players. This guy was the dude they were going to build around, but then there was that weird Nick Young snitching thing. Then when Lonzo Ball started getting hyped up without the ability to back it up, everyone knew he was going to Laker Land and they got rid of this dude. He has been doing pretty great on the Nets.
Who is this player?
Unfortunately this foreign player is out injured with a sprained left MCL, but that didn't stop him for being quite a notable player before his unfortunate injury. The saddest part about it is he may not recover soon enough from the injury to be able to finish out the season in April. But we're certain that when he makes a full recovery he will be back scoring and winning games for the Orland Magic next season. After all, he's only 25.
You have to know this guy, right? Who is he?
Alright, here we are. We are officially at the gimme of the bunch. This is the easiest one. If you don't get this one, again, maybe Curling is more your style, or maybe Golf. This dude was a Jail blazer, then was the face of the hard working Grizzlies for like a decade, and now he's on the Kings for some reason. He is still out there playing, even though he recently turned one billion years old, we're not complaining though.
Who's the new point guard on the Bucks?
The Bucks of Milwaukee have been one of the NBA's teams of the future for a couple of seasons now and the future is creeping closer. This dude is a former Phoenix Sun that was tired of dying out there in the freaking desert and asked for someone to save him and the Bucks came calling. Here he is teamed with and tasked to share the ball with the Greek Freak the future MVP. Great things are expected with the match up!
Who is this big man on the Pels?
Pels? That is such a weird nickname. I get it that the pelican is a big thing in the Big Easy, but hearing people say 'Pels' still throws me off. This 27 year old hails from Montenegro and has unfortunately, been put on the list as 'questionable' for the next few games from an injury. This 6 ft 10 tall power forward is a two-time All-EuroLeague Second Team member and has impressed in the NBA as well. We look forward to having him back.
Who's one of the only people worth knowing on the Suns?
Oh my goodness the Phoenix Suns are painful to watch. It is so sad, too. They are such a storied NBA franchise, so rich with history. After all, they had Dan Majerle and Charles Barkley and... the Gorilla... and that's about it. Oh yeah, the Steve Nash Suns were fun while they lasted, too. Anyway, this dude right here is pretty famous for scoring 70 points in a game and unfortunately, still losing. Which can be quite disheartening for sure.
Who is this Warrior?
Man, if that Zach Randolph question a few questions back was a gimme then this one is like a gift wrapped present that we just placed in your lap with the answer basically on the card. The only way you won't know the answer to this one is if you don't even watch basketball. In which case, why are you even taking this quiz? Unless it's to read these blurbs. Anyway, this guy is one of the dirtiest player in the league. Who is he?
Who is this Cav's sharpshooter?
This dude is famous all over the NBA for sort of looking like Ashton Kutcher. Oh, and he can also nail a lot of 3 pointers. He can be a little streaky sometimes which can be frustrating for whichever team he is on because if he is not actively nailing three's then he is really isn't doing much else. He was a member of the Atlanta Hawks for that super brief time period where they were relevant for the first time in their history.
Who is the point guard of the Raptors?
It is still very funny how the NBA franchise still has a team in Canada, but hey, the Raptors have brought us some great players and it gives us an excuse to head on over to our ever apologetic and kind neighbours for a great game, and a quick poutine. This little guy, who rose to prominence as point guard for the Houston Rockets before being drafted to the red dinosaurs, is a big part of their regular season success.
Who is this hard working Celtic?
The Celtics are a very interesting franchise. They are one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. Their history goes back to the formation of the league. They have won numerous titles and have had some of the greatest players of all time. They may actually have some of the most jolly fans as well, with the Irish heritage and unwavering support. Also, there is just something about the color green, and the shamrock, and oh yeah, their great players. Who is this one?
What is this crazy person's name?
Have you ever had that one friend that you were never sure if you were going to chill and have a good time that night or if they were going to smash a beer bottle over their freaking head and start a bar room brawl with a group of Hell's Angels? That is a lot like this guy. Sometimes he's there, sometimes he isn't. He is probably most known for the one time he decided to blow into LeBron's ear.
Who is this temperamental dude?
This guy would have been super easy to guess a couple of years ago, but he has played his way deep into obscurity. He has a tendency to clash with coaches and any other players on the team that have strong opinions and go against his own. But I mean, this guy is a four-time NBA All-Star, and a four-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, so maybe he walks the walk a little bit. Playing for the Pelicans, who is this defensive player?
Who's this tiny point guard on the Mavs?
This teeny tiny Puerto Rican point guard for the Dallas Mavericks is from a minuscule race of tiny folk that live inside the walls of us normal humans. One day a normal invented a machine that could extract the tiny folk from the wall and enlarge them. But it could only get them as big as a short human. The normal went on Shark Tank and sold the technology to the evil rotten Mark Cuban, and that's how this guy was born.
Who is this guy here?
Oh no! Look out, it's a ghost! What's that? It's not a ghost? It's just the shell of a formerly great player? Oh phew! That was close. As hard as it is to believe for anyone that has seen this gentleman play in the last few seasons, this guy was once an MVP, and it was well deserved! Injuries suck, man. Now, he is doing an end of career tour where he bounces around to every single team before he hangs it up for good.