Sat Nov 08 09:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Darvin Ham Reveals Key Trait Shared by Basketball’s All-Time Greats: Embrace Responsibility and Teamwork

MILWAUKEE, WI – Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach and current Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham has shared his insights into what separates the truly legendary basketball players from the rest. Speaking on the Hoop Genius podcast, Ham, who has coached iconic players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard, emphasized that a shared dedication to hard work, film study, and understanding the nuances of the game is the foundation of their greatness.

“The common denominator in all of those guys, they’ve embraced the responsibility to be great through their work ethic, through their film study, through understanding the details of the game,” Ham explained.

However, Ham stressed that individual brilliance is not enough to achieve championship success. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and the willingness of superstars to rely on their teammates.

“Being an individual great player comes with a lot of responsibility,” Ham said. “Those great players that go on to put banners up, to have those rings, they understand that they need help.”

Ham cited examples like Kobe Bryant needing Pau Gasol and Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James needing Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo relying on Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday during the Bucks’ 2021 championship run.

Even Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest of all time, understood the importance of his supporting cast. Ham recalled Jordan’s trust in Steve Kerr, which led to a crucial game-winning shot, and the contributions of Scottie Pippen and John Paxson.

Ham emphasized that while ego is necessary for achieving individual greatness, the ability to put it aside and recognize the value of teamwork is what truly elevates players to legendary status. He pointed to examples throughout basketball history, such as Magic Johnson’s Lakers, Larry Bird’s Celtics, and Tim Duncan’s Spurs, as evidence of the power of team effort.

“He was very good, but he only got great when his team got great.” Ham said, referring to Michael Jordan.

As the current NBA season unfolds, Ham’s insights serve as a reminder that while individual brilliance may capture headlines, championship success requires a collective effort and a willingness to embrace the responsibility of greatness together.

This article originally appeared on The SportsRush and is used with permission.

Read More