Consistency: the intangible asset that can take a team from good to contending.

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Every off-season, teams search for the next key piece that will elevate their team: a player, coach or trainer; each team is looking to improve in some area. History has shown that there is no guaranteed way to build a championship contending team. With multiple ways and opportunities to make trades, scout, sign and develop players, teams have many decisions when choosing players to fill out their roster. Talent is valuable, but intangibles like consistency and chemistry are almost necessary to be a true contending team.

The prototype of consistency is the Golden State Warriors; they have made the playoffs every season from 2015-19, only missing the playoffs in 2020-21 because of injuries to their star players Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Every season people expect the Warriors to make the playoffs, and believe they had a bad season if they don’t make it to the finals. The Warriors’ consistency through the regular season and postseason allows them to continue to make deep playoff runs and win championships.

Golden State’s system allows their stars to play on and off the ball moving with screens to get points. This offense allows everyone on the floor the opportunity to score in the flow of the offense. Unlike iso heavy systems, Steve Kerr’s offense requires the defense to account for everyone on the floor.

Around them, they have multiple high effort wing players like Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green who can space the floor on offense and play great defense in the half-court and transition. Through the years, the Warriors have made personnel changes, often at the starting small forward and center position, but have maintained their consistency. 

Players go to Golden State and become more efficient whereas on other teams when players are brought into the system it takes time to adjust, which affects their shooting percentages. Golden State seamlessly plugs new players into their system and continues to produce well-rounded benches and role players to surround their stars. 

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The reason why good teams struggle to become champions is because during the playoffs when you only have seven games instead of 82 you need your players to be consistent. During the regular season guys can get caught in the mindset of going out and doing better next game; however when you’re playing for all the marbles you have to capitalize on every opportunity. 

The 2021-22 Miami Heat team is a great example of a great team losing because of inconsistency. Each game of the Eastern Conference Finals was a blowout and with injuries impacting everyone on the roster including superstar Jimmy Butler and Coach Erik Spoelstra had to rely on his bench players to go in the game and play smart, consistent basketball. 

Miami starting point guard Kyle Lowry never had a game with more than 20 points in the series and started the series incredibly cold scoring 11 points in game three, three points in game four and zero points in game five.

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Despite shooting guard Victor Oladipo playing around 20-30 minutes a game, in the series he also failed to be a consistent scorer for the Heat. Oladipo recorded five points in game three, 23 points in game four, three points in game five, and nine points in games six and seven.

Max Strus and PJ Tucker also struggled with their consistency during the series and with all this talent the Heat fell short to the Celtics. The number one seed, a good offensive, and a great defensive team, the Heat were favorites to win the championship this season, but their lack of consistency and injuries ended their season early.

While searching for that next key piece teams need to be sure they can rely on their player to stay true to themselves on the court. Staying in character and making the shots they normally take while not taking bad shots attempting to take over a game. Consistency is what makes the difference between a team dynasty and a good team. Consistency is needed on all levels in order for a franchise to build a winning culture and be contenders every season.