[Tyreke JohnsonParticipant]

I have questioned a lot what it really takes to be a legit 1st option on a contending team, what does a player need to have in his game to make him a truly dependable first option to have night and and night out, is it a great offensive repertoire? Cannot be because Bosh and Johnson both have polished offensive games and have great stats but they are nothing more then 2nd and 3rd options, can it be super talented players? it could be but a lot of guys have a great feel for the game and are not 1st options on contending teams such as Magic Johnson who was a pass first guy but did have Kareem as their first option (though Magic was a 2nd option offensively was still their playmaker and gave players a lot of easy shots which makes him such a great player and all time great). All I am saying is what really makes a player a legit first option to have on a team contending for a title I am curious to hear everyone’s opinion.

[bullsfan121212]

the first option on offense. is somebody who can score at a high percentage and not with just garbage baskets. he needs to be able to drive, or shoot, or post up, or create open shots for others.

[Bison 49Participant]

Someone who goes into the locker room at half time when their team is down by 20, does not say a word then goes out and dropps 81 on the Raptors … Koooobbbbeeeeeeee!

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

Well it obviously depends, if you’re on, say, the 2003-04 Pistons, who had dependable guys at every position who could ably score and really bought into playing D and didn’t have someone who really took over consistently, it’s really hard to judge. If you’re starting from scratch, you obviously have to base it off their ability to score, first and foremost; you’d never call Ron Artest or Raja Bell the “first option” on a contender. The scorer should have a dynamic offensive game but SHOULD NOT dominate the ball, like Joe Johnson does; they should have a good feel for the game, and while they don’t necessarily have to be a great passer, they must consistently exercise good judgement in gauging when it’s time to take over and when it’s time to let your supporting cast shoulder some of the load. There are obviously so many other factors that one must consider (performance in crunch time, experience), but I think how a premier playing exercises judgement out on the court and makes the players around him better might be the determining factors for me.

[TRC1991Participant]

close…they were down 14 at half and he had 55 (not 81) in the 2nd half

[Bison 49Participant]

Same general idea… Losing, Kobe jumps into the phone booth, drops 55 lakers win.

[mgreener_34Participant]

First option is someone who can carry a team for a length of time during a game. The reason why players like Durant, LeBron, and even Pierce are first options is because they can consistently get points when your team can’t. Players like Johnson, like shown in the playoffs, aren’t really go to scorers as much as they are just good players.

[bishopm.dotParticipant]

I agree with mgreener.

It has to be a guy that can create his own shot. He has to be a player that doesn’t need to have to work off screens or have a pinpoint pass. He can drive to the bucket, shoot from the midrange or perimeter, and also find the open teammate. Some examples I think of are Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Deron Williams and even Derrik Rose.

[sacphil_08Participant]

I agree… the first option has to be a guy who can create his own shot consistently to the point where he gets the look he wants or gets to the free throw line or makes a pass for an easy look for a teammate. They must be fairly efficient (if they arent they could cost you: see gilbert arenas) they have to be a leader on the floor. someone that will get into his teammates and push them when necessary. It takes alot to be a number one guy for a contender and it takes even more to be that guy and to actually win the championship. I’m hoping tyreke can Be that guy!

[paint intruderParticipant]

A 1st option certainly has to be the player with the most offensive skills, who can score basically everytime it’s needed.
He also has to be extremely reliable because a 1st option is the player you pass the ball first.

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