There are NBA players who work hard and tirelessly at their craft. They hone their game and, in time, carve themselves out a definitive place in the league. But their ceiling is lower to the ground. They’re role players — which is okay — and don’t do much else on the court. They couldn’t, even if they tried. If you ever wanted to find a classic example of “hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard,” these grinders, these glue guys: They’re Exhibit A.
Then there are the gifted players. The talented studs bestowed with rare, natural ability, who grind and sweat and bleed as much as their less-adept teammates. They are talismans, one of the NBA’s few crown jewels featured in every bit of league marketing, who are discussed, broken down, and seen constantly by every central basketball avenue. Throw in a little physical intimidation and strength, and you have the recipe for an ever-consistent hulkish monster. Talent that works hard and crushes the competition in the process.
