Commentary

Rookie Watch: Fix these flaws first

Originally Published: January 6, 2012
By David Thorpe | Scouts Inc.

We're only into the second week of the NBA season, but it seems like the it's been going on for weeks because of the condensed schedule. And no group is suffering more from the fast pace at this point of the season than the rookies, who have so little time to study and learn about their craft, new systems, teammates and opponents.

A trick I like to use for young players who have so much to learn is to get them to clean up just one mistake they are making repeatedly. Then focus on the next one, and so on from there, rather than try to fix multiple issues at the same time. Many of the guys in our top 10 are doing lots of things well, which we'll discuss in depth next week. For now, though, here's a handy to-do list for the rookies that can keep them occupied this week.

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David Thorpe

NBA
  • NBA Analyst for ESPN.com
  • Executive director of Pro Training Center
  • Started coaching career in 1987

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