Howard Beck Joins 'Real Ones,' Damian Lillard’s Bucks Preseason Debut, and What Wemby’s Hybrid Play Style Means for the NBA Big Man | Real Ones
Oct 16, 2023
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Howard Beck joins 'Real Ones' to discuss Damian Lillard's Bucks preseason debut and the importance of chemistry with Giannis. They explore star player empowerment, Victor Wembanyama's hybrid play style, and the evolution of big men in the NBA. They also share initiation stories and discuss media dynamics in the NBA locker room.
Wemby Nyam's unique skills and the changing NBA landscape allow him to break free from traditional big man expectations and make a substantial impact.
The San Antonio Spurs organization provides a supportive environment for Wemby Nyam's development, emphasizing player nurture and insulation from media pressure.
In covering the NBA, developing relationships, gaining trust, and understanding players' lives beyond basketball are crucial for reporters.
Deep dives
Wemby Nyam shows tremendous potential as an evolutionary big
Wemby Nyam, the highly anticipated rookie, has shown tremendous potential as an evolutionary big man. Unlike previous bigs such as Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Kevin Durant, who had to go through some growing pains and face resistance in defining their roles, Nyam enters the league at the perfect time. With his unique combination of size, skill, and guard-like abilities, Nyam is not being forced into a traditional big man box. He is allowed to be himself, and the San Antonio Spurs organization, known for insulating players from excessive attention, will help nurture his development. Nyam's comfort in his own skin and the changing landscape of the NBA set the stage for an exciting future for the rookie.
The advantages of being drafted in 2023
Being drafted in 2023 gives Wemby Nyam a significant advantage over previous generation players like Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Kevin Durant. Nyam doesn't have to conform to traditional big man expectations and can fully embrace his unique skill set. With the San Antonio Spurs, an organization renowned for its player development and insulation from media pressure, Nyam has a supportive environment to grow and flourish. Additionally, the current NBA landscape allows for more freedom and creativity, enabling Nyam to be himself and fully utilize his talents. Overall, Nyam's timing is impeccable, allowing him to make a substantial impact in the league.
Approaching Wemby Nyam as a veteran player
As a veteran player, the approach to Wemby Nyam would involve getting to know him on a personal level and understanding his priorities and preferences. Offering guidance by emphasizing the fleeting nature of a basketball career and the importance of enjoying the game would be important. Letting him know that he has a support system in the team and can rely on his fellow players would also be essential. Providing the perspective that while basketball is significant, it is ultimately a game and not to be overwhelmed by the external pressures. Ultimately, the goal would be to make him feel supported, a valued part of the team, and someone he can turn to when needed.
Lockout Ramifications and Negotiations
The podcast discusses the 2011 NBA lockout, which was the longest in league history. Players went from receiving 57% of basketball-related income to around 50%. The league's argument was that a smaller percentage of a larger revenue would benefit everyone, and it seems to have worked as the league grew significantly, player salaries increased, and even lower-end players are earning more.
Initiation into the NBA Beat
The hosts share their experiences of being initiated into the NBA beat and the challenges of covering the league as a reporter. They recall intimidating moments in locker rooms, where players would assert their dominance and make it clear that they were there to perform at the highest level. They emphasize the importance of developing relationships and trust with the players and gaining a deeper understanding of their lives beyond basketball.
Logan and Raja are joined by The Ringer’s Howard Beck to give their first impressions of Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks preseason debut and discuss why building on-court chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo is so important (2:00). Along the way, the guys discuss this new era of star player empowerment and how it’s impacting the rest of the league. Later, they talk about the arrival of San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and what his hybrid play style means for the NBA big man (37:00).
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