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Portland Post Moves | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

The content from the webpage "https://wgme.com/sports/post-moves" focuses on the evolving landscape of basketball, particularly emphasizing the significance of post moves in the modern game. While the specific article content is not directly accessible without visiting the URL, the title and context suggest a deep dive into the strategies, techniques, and relevance of post play in basketball. As a research journalist, I will provide an extensive summary and analysis based on the likely themes and topics covered under such a title, expanding on the importance of post moves, their historical context, their adaptation in today’s game, and the players who have mastered this art. This summary will aim to reflect the depth and nuance that a sports feature on WGME, a Maine-based news outlet, might offer to its audience, focusing on both local and national basketball narratives.

Post moves, a fundamental aspect of basketball, refer to the offensive maneuvers executed by players, typically centers or power forwards, in the low post area near the basket. This region of the court, often called the "paint," is where physicality, footwork, and finesse converge to create scoring opportunities against defenders. Historically, the post game has been the domain of dominant big men who use their size, strength, and skill to score close-range shots, draw fouls, or set up teammates. The article likely explores how these moves have been a cornerstone of basketball strategy for decades, serving as a reliable way to generate high-percentage shots in an era before the three-point revolution reshaped the sport.

In the early days of basketball, from the mid-20th century through the 1990s, the game was heavily centered around the post. Legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated with their ability to control the paint. Abdul-Jabbar’s signature skyhook, for instance, became an unstoppable weapon, blending precision with an almost unguardable release point. The post was not just a place for scoring but also a hub for playmaking, as big men often faced double-teams, forcing them to develop passing skills to find open teammates. The article might highlight how these foundational skills shaped the expectations for post players, emphasizing the importance of footwork, positioning, and patience in mastering the low post.

However, the modern game of basketball has seen a dramatic shift away from traditional post play. With the rise of analytics and the emphasis on three-point shooting and spacing, many teams have moved toward a faster, perimeter-oriented style of play. The "small ball" era, popularized by teams like the Golden State Warriors, prioritizes versatility and shooting over size and interior dominance. In this context, the relevance of post moves might seem diminished, as centers are often asked to stretch the floor by shooting from beyond the arc or to focus on defense and rebounding rather than scoring in the paint. The WGME article likely addresses this tension, exploring whether post moves are becoming a lost art or if they still hold a critical place in the sport.

Despite the shift in playing styles, post moves remain an essential tool for certain players and teams. Superstars like Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers have demonstrated that a refined post game can still be a game-changer. Jokić, in particular, combines old-school post moves with exceptional vision and passing, making him a unique offensive threat. Embiid, on the other hand, uses his physicality and array of moves—drop steps, up-and-unders, and fadeaways—to dominate defenders in the paint. The article might delve into how these players have adapted traditional post play to fit the modern game, using their skills not just to score but to create space and opportunities for their teammates. This adaptability underscores the enduring value of post moves, even in a league increasingly obsessed with perimeter play.

The piece could also touch on the technical aspects of post moves, breaking down the mechanics that make them effective. For instance, a successful post player must master the art of sealing their defender, using their body to create space while maintaining legal positioning to avoid offensive fouls. Footwork is paramount, as players pivot, spin, and step to gain an advantage over their opponent. Classic moves like the drop step, where a player steps toward the baseline to power through for a layup, or the up-and-under, where a fake shot transitions into a layup, are likely highlighted as examples of the creativity and skill required in the post. Additionally, the mental aspect of post play—reading the defender’s positioning, anticipating help defense, and knowing when to pass versus score—might be discussed as a critical component of success in this area of the game.

From a local perspective, given WGME’s Maine focus, the article might connect the concept of post moves to high school or college basketball in the region. It could feature insights from local coaches or players who emphasize the importance of teaching post play to young athletes, even as the game trends toward guard-dominated offenses. For example, a high school coach might stress that learning post moves builds a foundation of physicality and basketball IQ that translates to other positions on the court. Alternatively, the piece could spotlight a local standout player known for their dominance in the paint, drawing parallels to professional stars and illustrating how post moves can be a differentiator at any level of competition.

The cultural significance of post play might also be a theme in the article. In basketball lore, the post has often been associated with grit, toughness, and blue-collar work ethic—qualities that resonate with fans who appreciate the physical nature of the game. While flashy dunks and long-range shots often steal the headlines, there’s a certain artistry to a well-executed post move, whether it’s a subtle fake that sends a defender flying or a powerful finish through contact. The WGME piece might argue that preserving and celebrating post play is essential to maintaining the diversity of skills and styles that make basketball such a dynamic sport.

Furthermore, the article could explore how post moves are taught and developed in today’s game. With fewer players specializing as traditional big men, training for post play might be less common at the youth level, where the focus often shifts to ball-handling and shooting. However, some programs and camps still prioritize these skills, recognizing that versatility is key to a player’s long-term development. Interviews with trainers or former players might reveal how post moves are being reimagined for the modern era, incorporating elements of speed and agility to complement the traditional emphasis on strength and size.

In conclusion, the WGME article on post moves likely serves as both a nostalgic tribute to a classic aspect of basketball and a forward-looking analysis of its place in the contemporary game. By examining the historical importance of the post, the challenges posed by modern trends, and the players and strategies keeping this style alive, the piece underscores the enduring relevance of these skills. Whether through the lens of professional superstars or local Maine talent, the narrative emphasizes that post moves are not just a relic of the past but a vital component of a well-rounded basketball arsenal. As the sport continues to evolve, the ability to score and create in the paint remains a valuable asset, ensuring that the art of the post will never fully disappear from the game. This comprehensive exploration likely resonates with readers who appreciate the nuances of basketball strategy and the timeless appeal of a perfectly executed move in the low post.

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[ https://wgme.com/sports/post-moves ]