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In Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals, J.R. Smith went 0/3 in the fourth quarter. That’s not a ton of shots for a shooting guard…
He then dribbled out the clock… while the game was tied. Then in overtime, the Warriors won. He hadn't touched the ball much before that moment – maybe if he'd been more involved, the outcome could’ve been different.
Great leaders know that disengaged teammates are potential weak links.
Having a disengaged teammate is like subbing in an offensive player who’s been sitting all game for the final shot...
Airball.
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The more connected your teammates feel to the game, the more likely they are to make plays when it counts. Your teammates play their best when they’re engaged.
Your ability to keep others engaged could be the difference between winning and losing. If you can replace their boredom with engagement, that’s a big swing – like – a 4-point swing.
In a basketball game, it’s hard to stay engaged if you’ve gone a few minutes without touching the ball.
Great point guards won’t allow great scorers to go ~5 possessions without touching the ball.
This isn’t just a basketball thing. The G.O.A.T. sees it in football too.
“The last thing you want is your number one receiver to go two and a half quarters into a game and not see a ball because he's going to get discouraged” – Tom Brady.
No wide receiver wants to run 100 routes without getting a target.
As a rule of thumb: the better the player is offensively, the more they should touch the ball. Get your best players the ball most, while keeping everyone engaged.
For a wide receiver who hasn’t seen a pass for a quarter, one target could make the difference of how well they block for the rest of the game!
If Tom Brady tells you, "I'm looking for you," the last thing you're gonna do is half ass a route or a block.
Not a point guard or quarterback? That’s okay. Say, “Let’s get Jake a touch.” Tell your point guard. Tell your QB. Tell your coach.
As leaders, your job is to be a CEO. Chief Engagement Officer.
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Coaches want impact players who are “multipliers.” They elevate those around them. Your teammates play their best when they’re engaged — and their worst when they’re not, just like J.R. in the Finals.
We’ve all been there — ‘UGH, I haven’t touched the ball in forever.’ Remembering that, let’s be the teammate who prevents others from having to share that same feeling.
No one wants to go an entire game without touching the ball. Everyone wants to play with the teammate who gets them the ball.
Elevate through engagement.