For a brief period in the mid-2010s, Hassan Whiteside was one of the most prolific blockers and boarders in the NBA. As we see often with Centers in the modern era, that doesn’t last long.

A one-and-done player at Marshall, where he won the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, Whiteside was drafted by Sacramento (33rd Overall) but barely made it out of the G-League, only playing 19 Games for the Kings, seeing little-to-no action on the hardwood.  Waived by Sacramento two years after he was drafted, he briefly went to the Lebanese League, and then Sichuan of the Chinese League, where he thrived and won the Finals MVP, the DPOY and a league title. He returned to North America, but failed to latch on with Memphis and then Toronto before the Miami Heat gave him a shot.  This time, it stuck.

Whiteside played 48 Games for Miami in 2014-15, averaging a double-double (11.8 Points and 10.0 Rebounds) with 2.6 Blocks. The Center then became a full-time starter, was third in DPOY voting, and was a Second-Team All-Defensive Selection in 2015-16. Whiteside also won his first Blocking Title (3.7) and led the league in Defensive Rating.  He was arguably better in 2016-17, winning the Rebounding Title (14.1) and setting personal bests in Points (17.0).  From 2014-15 to 2019-20, Whiteside never had a PER under 22, and he secured a second Blocking Title in 2019-20, though this time he was in his only year in Portland.

Whiteside played two more seasons, one each with Sacramento and Utah, and though he was never an All-Star, he is in a small group of players that can say that once led the NBA in Rebounds and Blocks.

Whether you are running around the tight corridors of Dust II or securing the bomb site on Inferno, every CS player knows that focus, adrenaline, strategy, and of course, skins, are the keys to winning the game.

Of course, using a unique skin like m4a4 howl is a surefire way to take your gameplay to the next level. However, you can also boost your morale and the quality of your game with the right soundtrack. Hey, music is more than an accompaniment to dancing; it is imperative to your gaming experience. Here is your ultimate playlist, which will keep you awake, full of energy, and pumping.

Music to Get You in the Zone

Preparation is a crucial step, and creating the appropriate mental environment before you even begin can have a great impact on your game. To get in the zone and get ready for the competition, you want tracks that are not too intense but rather immersive so you can tune into the tactical mindset.

• “Weightless” by Marconi Union: Often cited as one of the most relaxing tracks, it’s perfect for clearing your mind before a match.
• “Intro” by The xx: With its gradual buildup and mellow tones, this track is great for getting mentally aligned.
• “Midnight City” by M83: The driving beat and soaring synths set a determined yet calm stage for the gameplay ahead.

High-Energy Tracks for Intense Matches

During high-tension rounds where every second counts, you’ll want something that keeps your adrenaline pumping and your reactions lightning-fast. High-energy tracks can push you to maintain peak alertness and agility.

• “Invincible” by Muse: Its powerful, relentless tempo is perfect for fast-paced, aggressive play.
• “Till I Collapse” by Eminem ft. Nate Dogg: This song's constant rhythm and hard-hitting lyrics fuel the perseverance needed in tight situations.
• “Bangarang” by Skrillex: This dubstep track's chaotic energy is ideal for keeping energy levels high during critical clutch moments.

Victory Tunes

Nothing feels better than winning a crucial round or the entire match. Celebrate these moments with tracks that enhance the euphoria and satisfaction of a game well played.

• “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: An iconic victory anthem that’s perfect for celebrating your win.
• “We Are The Champions” by Queen: Let Freddie Mercury’s triumphant vocals amplify your success.
• “Victory” by Puff Daddy & The Family: A song that’ll make you swagger and revel in your victory.

Cool Down Beats

At the end of each match, whether it is a win or a loss, cooling down is a must. You want to lower your heart rate and calm your mind to reflect on the game and de-stress.

• “Sunset Lover” by Petit Biscuit: This chill, melodic track helps bring a soothing end to your gaming session.
• “Can’t Do Without You” by Caribou: Its hypnotic beats are perfect for unwinding.
• “Electric Feel” by MGMT: End your session on a light, upbeat note to keep the good vibes going.

Music can affect our emotions and behavior. Customizing your music for each part of your gaming period will improve your experience and boost your productivity. Keep in mind that the right track at the right time is what will transform a good player into an excellent one. Hence, get in, game on, and let the beats lead you to the first position in Counter-Strike!

Goran Dragic, a Slovenian basketball player, rose to fame by leading his club, Union Olimpjia, to the 2008 league title. This propelled him into draft consideration, and he was selected by San Antonio. However, he began his career with Phoenix as Steve Nash's understudy after his rights were traded.

He was later traded to Houston during the 2010-11 season, where he worked his way into a starter for a third of their games in 2011-12. He proved himself to be a starting Point Guard in the National Basketball Association and returned to Phoenix, where the Suns wanted him to replace the departed Nash.

While filling the shoes of the first-ballot Hall of Fame entrant was daunting, Dragic was solid in his new role. His best season in the NBA was 2013-14 when he averaged 20.3 Points per Game. He won the Most Improved Player of the Year award and was a Third-Team All-NBA Selection. However, this peak in Phoenix was short-lived, and Dragic was traded to the Miami Heat the following February as the Suns began rebuilding.

Dragic resigned with Miami, and he had his second 20-plus PPG year (20.3 in 2016-17) and went to his only All-Star Game the following season. In between those two NBA campaigns, Dragic led Slovenia to a EuroBasket Championship and was named the tournament MVP, which was the best moment of his basketball career.

Towards the end of his career, Dragic returned to the bench and finished with stops in Toronto, Brooklyn, Chicago, and Milwaukee. While he is unlikely to enter the Basketball Hall through the main channel, an International selection is not off the table.

Carmelo Anthony has the statistical resume and trophy case of a first-ballot Hall of Fame entry, yet he has many detractors who would oppose that. We’ll get there, but let’s take a look at the beginning.

Melo was a one-and-done player in college, but it was an incredible year.  Anthony led the Syracuse Orange to the National Championship in 2003, where he was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player.  He entered the most loaded draft in NBA history, where he was taken Third Overall by the Denver Nuggets, and he was poised to become a scoring machine on the highest level of professional basketball.

Anthony was the runner-up to LeBron James for the Rookie of the Year and it began a 16-year run where the Forward had at least 20 Points per Game.  In his third season, Anthony was a Third-Team All-NBA Selection and was an All-Star for the first time the year after.  Melo was an All-Star twice more and added a Second Team All-NBA player in 2009-10.  The Nuggets made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2009, but Denver and Anthony never made it past that level.   In the 2010-11 Season, Anthony was frustrated and wanted a trade, specifically to his hometown of New York, which he got, and the Melo/Knicks era began.

New York was the best, and arguably most tumultuous era for Anthony.  The Forward remained an NBA star, but his profile expanded, as did the pressure.  Anthony brought New York to the playoffs regularly but never to the Finals.  He was still elite and had his best year on the court with a third-place MVP finish in 2012-13, where he was named to the Second Team All-NBA.  Anthony remained a perennial All-Star, but Melo could not will his squad to the highest rung, and that plagued the reputation of Anthony.   The superstar, and the Knicks for that matter, were frustrated, and he sought a trade.  Anthony was traded to Oklahoma City in 2017 but that was it for his top-tier period.

Anthony’s play fell off, and for the first time in his career, he averaged less than 20 Points per Game. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, who bought out his contract, and Melo signed with the Houston Rockets with the intent of recreating his greatness.  Instead, his career almost came to an unceremonious end.  Anthony’s run with the Rockets lasted 10 Games and was a healthy scratch in three Games.  He was traded to Chicago who waived him, but there were no takers the rest of the season until Portland pulled the trigger the following year.

Anthony had a reduced role with the Trail Blazers but at least he was playing in the NBA again.  He was there for two years and joined LeBron James and the Lakers for one last chance at the NBA Title.  It didn’t happen, But he left Basketball with over 28,000 Points.  He also left behind three Olympic Gold Medals, putting him in rare company.