23 July 2022
Streetball and the NBA have similarities and differences, but when you see the flashy moves and insane skill of streetball players, it can be baffling to understand why they haven’t gone pro yet. Why are there so few streetballers in the NBA?
Table of Contents
Streetballers primarily focus on 1v1 interactions, have lengthy setup times, aren’t bound by the same rules as the NBA, and may not have the biological profile to be efficient on defense, making them poor picks for the NBA.
It may seem odd that the players with the best handles wouldn’t make good pro players, but the truth is that NBA and streetball are a lot different than you might think. This article will discuss why there aren’t more streetballers in the NBA.
Height Requirements
In a vertically-oriented game like basketball, height is crucial for making plays, both on offense and on defense. Of course, legends like Muggsy Bogues, Earl Boykins, and Nate Robinson have all had successful stints in the NBA despite all being under 6’0,’’ with the average height of a point guard being 6’3.’’
While it’s certainly possible (and perhaps even advantageous) for shorter streetball players to make explosive offensive plays due to being able to maneuver the ball closer to the ground, shorter players often have a much harder time on defense. While there are some exceptions, as a general rule, shorter players are a liability, not an asset on defense.
Skill Level
One of the biggest distinctions that separate streetball players from NBA players are how they approach the game.
Streetballers are built for the 1v1 interactions, making explosive and flashy plays to score a point, but NBA players are trained for adaptability on defense and have significant experience in reading and reacting to flashy handles. Additionally, NBA players are more competent in playing as a team, while streetballers are more inclined towards a solo game.
Rules of the Game
Another important factor in why there aren’t more streetballers in the NBA is that the rules of the NBA work differently than in streetball. NBA basketball is all about smooth and clean movement, while streetball is a combination of smoke and mirrors with flashy movement.
Streetball has no shot clock, and fancy streetball players can spend a lot of time setting up their tricks—something you just don’t have time for in the NBA.
Another important factor that negatively impacts how streetball players would perform against NBA players is overdribbling. To put it simply, it’s a lot easier to pull the wool over the eyes of the local hotshot in the concrete jungle than it is to fool the guards in the NBA.
Guard’s hands are lightning fast, and overdribbling will tend towards a quick turnover every time; moreover, some of the flashiest streetball moves would be quickly fouled as a carry in the NBA.
Prejudice Against Streetballers
Streetballers are legends in their own right, but when scouts are looking for fresh NBA talent, streetballers are the last thing on their mind. In addition to the downsides above of streetball—less height, more 1v1 focus, overdribbling—coaches have been writing off many streetballers for one simple reason: they’re not team players.
Streetballers spend a lot of time showboating and hogging the ball. It’s just what they’re good at; however, pro streetballers would have a tough time transitioning to a more team-based style of play.
Crowd-pleasing plays and flashy handles are amazing and can excite the crowd, but no NBA coach wants a ball hog taking up a spot on the roster. The NBA relies on smooth, clean handling and shot execution, not fancy footwork.
Final Thoughts
Both streetball players and NBA players have incredible skills, but the main reason that we don’t see more streetball players in the NBA is that their skillsets are oriented towards different styles of play.
NBA players are trained to work in tandem as a team, while streetballers are always looking for the flashiest plays and the most impressive handles. While it’s certainly possible that a streetballer can adapt to play in the NBA, most streetballers are content ruling their own private concrete jungles around the world.
