2023 Black Ops Awards: Chris Brickley Names Jimmy Butler, Tom Brady

Trainer Chris Brickley reveals highlights from his star-studded Black Ops open runs, including impressive performances and viral moments.

Trainer Chris Brickley's highly anticipated Black Ops open runs have become a summer tradition that generates a lot of excitement on social media. Not only do basketball fans get a chance to see their favorite players in action, but they also get to witness thrilling matchups between some of the top names in the game.

The name "Black Ops" was initially chosen by Brickley to maintain a sense of secrecy and exclusivity around the workouts and open runs. In this article, Brickley provides an insider's perspective on another successful year of Black Ops Basketball.

One standout player that Brickley worked with during the off-season was Bones. Every workout session with Bones left Brickley impressed. He was particularly surprised by Bones' exceptional shooting skills and positive attitude. Brickley believes that the Clippers are the perfect fit for Bones and predicts that he will have a breakout year.

Brickley also introduces the Mentor Award, which was previously awarded to Carmelo Anthony during the past few off-seasons. This year, the award goes to Donovan Mitchell. Not only does Mitchell mentor young players in the NBA, but he also extends his guidance to some of the nation's most talented individuals. After workouts, Mitchell would engage in conversations with players like Ian Jackson and Elliot Cadeau, sharing valuable insights on the journey to becoming a professional basketball player.

The Draft Day Award is given to Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, two players who Brickley believes will make an immediate impact in the NBA. Both players excel on both ends of the court and possess a strong desire to improve. Brickley commends the Houston Rockets' scouting department for their excellent choices in the draft.

Brickley identifies Cooper Flagg as a player with exceptional talent and versatility. He describes Flagg as a once-in-a-generation type of player who can finish above the rim with both hands. Flagg poses a constant challenge for opponents on offense and is equally impressive on the defensive end. Brickley praises Flagg's shot-blocking abilities and acknowledges the intangible quality he possesses, often referred to as having that "DOG" mentality.

The Best BlackOps Duo award goes to Klay Thompson and Kevin Love, two childhood friends who had never played together on the same team until this off-season's Black Ops run. Brickley emphasizes the special chemistry between them, as they won five consecutive games, a first in Black Ops history. Their ability to complement each other on the court made it seem as though they had been teammates for years.

Paige Bueckers receives the Shooting Award for her remarkable performance during shooting drills. She impressively hit 29 consecutive three-pointers, the highest streak observed throughout the entire off-season. Brickley expresses his excitement to watch Bueckers play for UConn this year, confident that she will remind everyone of her exceptional skills. He highlights her previous achievement as college basketball's Player of the Year.

The Surprise Player Award goes to Ty Jerome, a player who has been in the NBA for four seasons and will now join the Cleveland Cavaliers as his fourth team. Brickley believes that given the right opportunity, Jerome will surprise many with his elite skill set. Jerome's shooting, ball handling, and decision-making abilities are all top-notch, making him a potential bright spot off the bench for the Cavaliers.

Jimmy Butler receives the Early Bird Award for his unmatched dedication to early morning workouts. Brickley describes Butler's unique energy in the mornings, with country music or heavy metal blasting from the speakers, creating an intense atmosphere reminiscent of a sauna. Brickley fondly recalls the number 78, the temperature set in the gym for Butler's workouts, which left everyone in the gym drenched in sweat. He predicts that Butler is poised to have one of the best seasons of his career after a successful summer of workouts.

The Best Black Ops Matchup features a thrilling showdown between Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young, two of the NBA's most elite guards. Initially, Mitchell was only planning to observe the run, but after Young's arrival, he was convinced to join in. The intense competition between the two resulted in a series that ended with Mitchell's team securing a 3-2 victory.

Brickley highlights the high-flying abilities of Obi Toppin and Jacob Toppin, two brothers who consistently showcased their above-the-rim skills during the Black Ops runs. They posterized numerous players throughout the off-season, leaving spectators in awe. Brickley expresses his anticipation to see Obi Toppin play for the Indiana Pacers.

The Most Viral Picture Award goes to a photo featuring Jan, an intern from Vietnam, who had the challenging task of guarding some of the NBA's best players during the off-season. The particular picture capturing Jan's encounter with Russell Westbrook gained viral attention worldwide. Brickley jokingly mentions that they still tease Jan about it to this day.

Brickley delves into the realm of football players who excel on the basketball court, presenting the Football Player Hooper Award to Tom Brady and Stefon Diggs. He envisions a basketball team composed of NFL players, with Diggs as the point guard and Brady as the shooting guard. Both players possess considerable talent on the basketball court, with Brady excelling in shooting and Diggs displaying exceptional playmaking abilities. Brickley notes that Diggs also possesses impressive athleticism.

The Most Surprising Shooter Award goes to Grammy award-winning artist H.E.R., who has developed a remarkable jump shot. Brickley mentions that in the past, J. Cole was often recognized as the best shooting artist, but H.E.R. has now emerged as a strong contender for that title. He jokingly suggests asking Jimmy Butler for confirmation.

The "He's Next" Award is bestowed upon Kiyan Anthony, who not only experienced a growth spurt during the summer but also made a name for himself on the EYBL Circuit. Brickley highlights Kiyan's development of his father's footwork, which has propelled him to become one of the most elite grassroots players in the country. Brickley believes that the sky's the limit for Kiyan.

The article concludes by highlighting the Most Viral Moment, which features a workout session with Tom Brady. This video garnered an impressive 34 million views across various platforms within the first 48 hours. On Brickley's page alone, it was shared 58,600 times, making it the most shared video of the summer. Brickley acknowledges Brady as the greatest of all time (GOAT) and expresses his excitement for the upcoming season.