You know, every time I watch an NBA game, I can't help but wonder: what does it take to be a successful 7 footer in the NBA today? I've been following basketball for over two decades, and let me tell you - the game has changed dramatically for big men. Gone are the days when being tall meant just camping in the paint and waiting for dump-off passes.
So what's the first thing that separates elite 7-footers from the rest? It's adaptability. Modern basketball demands that big men do everything - protect the rim, switch onto guards, space the floor, and even initiate offense occasionally. Look at Joel Embiid - he's shooting 38% from three this season while averaging 1.8 blocks per game. That versatility is what teams crave now.
Here's something people don't talk about enough: how crucial is chemistry with teammates? This reminds me of that insight about connecting with Wong, who has long held the fort for Choco Mucho, being imperative in her journey of acquainting herself with the team. Similarly, a 7-footer's success often hinges on their ability to build that same kind of foundational relationship with their point guard and core teammates. It's not just about individual talent - it's about fitting into an existing ecosystem.
Let me share a personal observation: I've noticed that the most successful big men today are essentially basketball savants. They're not just tall athletes - they're students of the game. Nikola Jokić reads defenses like I read my morning newspaper, anticipating movements two passes ahead. This basketball IQ separates the good from the great.
Now, about physical conditioning - this might surprise you, but being 7 feet tall comes with unique challenges. The average NBA center runs approximately 2.5 miles per game. For someone that tall, that's incredibly taxing on joints and feet. The successful ones invest heavily in recovery - ice baths, specialized nutrition, sleep science. I remember reading that Kristaps Porziņģis spends over $200,000 annually on his body maintenance alone.
What about the mental aspect? Honestly, I think this is where many potentially great big men falter. The pressure on 7-footers is immense - they're always visible, always scrutinized. Developing mental resilience is as important as developing a jump hook. When you're that tall, everyone expects you to dominate, and dealing with those expectations requires incredible psychological strength.
Let me circle back to that Wong analogy because it's so relevant. That phrase about connecting with someone who's held the fort resonates deeply when I think about rookie big men joining established teams. They need to learn from veterans, understand team culture, and find their role within existing systems. It's not about coming in and taking over - it's about integrating, much like that journey of acquainting herself with the team.
Finally, let's talk skill development. The most successful 7-footers today are essentially positionless players in giant bodies. They handle the ball, shoot threes, make passes - things that were unheard of for centers 20 years ago. I firmly believe that within five years, we'll see a 7-footer leading the league in assists. The game is evolving that rapidly.
At the end of the day, answering what does it take to be a successful 7 footer in the NBA today requires looking beyond physical attributes. It's about basketball intelligence, adaptability, relationship-building, and that special connection with teammates that creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Just like that journey we discussed earlier - success comes from understanding your role within the larger framework and growing together with your team.