Originally Posted by
SoCalPat
I like this discussion. I wouldn't say it's athleticism above all, although your most extremely gifted athletes who can play will get a shot. I would say the NBA deals in extremes -- you've got to possess either extreme size (Mark Eaton), shot-making ability (Jeff Hornacek) or ball-handling/court vision (John Stockton) to get a shot. Guys like LeBron and Kobe were very athletic AND possessed extreme skills, and over time, both learned how to play the game while evolving their own. That's why they've won titles and will be in the HOF, while equally talented/athletic players like Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady remain a clear step below, for example.
Ultimately, I think getting off your own shot and making your fair share is the single-most valuable asset an NBA player can have. There are players of all shapes and sizes in the league that fit this description. They are the all-stars. Everything else you'll either never have (extreme size) or can never develop (ball handling). The game is so fast and played by such athletic freaks, you can get by on low hoops IQ as long as your instincts are pure and mostly reliable. You mention Noel as a low-hoops IQ, but freak shot-blockers like him are obviously doing something right, or at least within the college game.