KEY TERMS
ALPHA./Alpha DOG (n.)
Top player in the game, top team in the game.
Best In Show! (n.)
Head-to-head matchup pitting two players, teams, coaches, etc. against each other.
COLD. (adj.)
Used to describe players, teams, moves, highlights, etc. – undeniably great
Cool (adj.)
Used to describe players, teams, moves, highlights, etc. – a step above ‘meh’
DIFFERENT BREED (n.)
The game’s most elite talent: Top 12 NBA Superstars.
Think: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden.
DOG Facts (n.)
Random blurbs, accomplishments, “worth mentionings”* of a player.
*featured in Delay of Game’s Original Profiles
Future Top DOG (n.)
Upcoming players (3 yrs. experience or less) who are on the track to stardom in the NBA.
Think: Jayson Tatum.
Future Top DOG of the Night (n.)
Rook or upcoming star (3 yrs. experience or less) with the best performance of the night.
Limited to Rooks & Future Top DOGs.
Hybrid (n.)
Rare veterans (10+ years of exp. or higher) that fall under multiple categories.
Think: Trevor Ariza (Star UnderDOG, Salty DOG).
“Redshirt” Rookie (n.)
A player that sits out their “real” rookie year due to injury.
Ex. Blake Griffin (drafted in 2010, debuted in 2011)
Salty DOG (n.)
From an aging star adjusting to a lessened role or veteran leader with 10+ years experience, Salty DOGs hold everything together.
Think: Vince Carter.
Star UnderDOG (n.)
From a top-notch role player to a borderline star, these key threats always make a difference.
Ex. TJ McConnell, Robert Covington, Zach LaVine.
Star UnderDOG of the Night (n.)
Role player with the greatest impact of the day/game.
Limited to UnderDOGs, Star UnderDOGs, Future Top DOGs, Salty DOGs & select Hybrids.
Swish Mode (n.)
When J.R. Smith catches fire and unleashes a barrage of contested threes.
Top DOG (n.)
Featuring stars like Ben Simmons & Paul George, this category includes go-to players and franchise-level talent.
Top DOG of the Night (n.)
Player with the best performance of the night.
Anyone can achieve it, from an UnderDOG to DIFFERENT BREED.
UnderDOG (n.)
From a 12th man to an undrafted rook to a role player/specialist like Ian Clark, UnderDOGs are key to any squad.
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