What is cherry picking in basketball?

Cherry picking in basketball refers to a strategy in which a player intentionally stays near the opponent's basket on the offensive end, with the goal of being the first player to receive an outlet pass and score an easy basket. This strategy can be perceived as unsportsmanlike and lazy, as the player is not fully committing to playing defense and is instead focused on scoring easy points.

Cherry picking is generally discouraged in organized basketball as it goes against the principles of teamwork and fair play. Many leagues and coaches have rules in place to penalize players who consistently engage in cherry picking. The strategy is also seen as ineffective in higher levels of competition, as opponents will quickly adjust and prevent easy scoring opportunities.

Overall, cherry picking is viewed as a negative tactic in basketball that undermines the integrity of the game and the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.