But physical makeup and overall athleticism are just a couple qualities to consider. Mental toughness is another. Watch the NBA playoffs and you'll quickly understand the vast majority of players are exceptional athletically and tough mentally. To wit: A reserve player, Evan Turner, calmly swished two critical free throws in the final moments Sunday to help the Portland Trail Blazers reach the Western Conference finals for the first time in 19 years.
A 70.8-percent free throw shooter on the season, Turner faced an inordinate amount of pressure, but still shot the ball as if he were at a family cookout.