One Player, One Defensive Stop
Kevin Garnett, Dime #30It probably started with an e-mail exchange during one of Dwyane Wade’s latest 40-point explosions, or when Brandon Roy was coming out of the huddle for another game-winning shot opportunity. However it started, one of the toughest arguments circulating in the Dime office has been:
If you had to take one guy to get one defensive stop with everything on the line, who would it be?
Almost by instinct, names like Ron Artest, Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier were immediately put in play. After a while, though, it seemed the majority was leaning toward Kobe, still with the Beijing Olympics fresh in their minds.
But at the end of the day, given the choice, the one guy I’d go with is Kevin Garnett.
While KG may not be the pound-for-pound best 1-on-1 defender in the game, he’s at least in the starting five. He might not be the NBA’s best shot-blocker, but he’s an intimidating presence near the rim nonetheless. He might not collect steals with the regularity of a Chris Paul, but you still don’t want to be lazy with the ball around him. And he might not be as technically proficient as Battier, but he’s definitely got the basketball IQ and instincts to know where to be in any situation.
For me, what gives KG the edge is his versatility. In this hypothetical scenario, we don’t know who is taking this crunch-time shot. But whether it’s LeBron bringing the ball up, Baron Davis going coast-to-coast, Hedo Turkoglu starting as the inbound passer, Ray Allen running around multiple screens, Yao looking for a lob with 0.2 left, Dirk Nowitzki setting up in the high post, Tim Duncan setting up in the low post, or Kobe getting the ball wherever he wants, Garnett is the only man in the League who can conceivably guard — and deny — them all.
Who is your pick?
December 10th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Mr. K1X says:
Ron Ron, Kg is too slow now adays and relies on help D like crazy
December 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Don Mega says:
if crawling , clapping and pointing in someone’s face , and yelling commands respect , KG sure is a respectable guy .
December 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
isotope says:
If the game depended on it and I knew the player would go “all out” on D, i’m going with Kobe.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Dime Magazine says:
other than KG, the only 2 guys you can make a real case for are Kobe and Ron.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
karizmatic says:
That’s a good argument, but I’m going with Kobe.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
I’d go with KG, only because on top of physical defense, he’ll be able to taunt the CRAP out of the guy without getting T’d up! OH!
December 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
JCARR says:
KG just intimidates players and gets into their heads… other than that he doesnt know how to play physical D, he plays more mind games than actual D.NOt saying that his tactics dont work, but they arent respectable to the game of basketball.
Going with Ron… harasser. Can guard anyone… anytime.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
jeremy says:
deshawn stevenson…just playin
December 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
JCARR says:
larry hughes…back in the day with the wizards.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
SayItAintSo says:
I don’t think KG is that great of an individual defender. I mean, above average, hand’s down but he isn’t this prolific man to man defender by any means.
Should this be about team defense and adding one person…KG, no problem.
If you told someone that all they needed to do was get one stop on one guy to win, as long as they’re not a traditional center I think Kobe is the only logical answer.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Duke says:
Steve Nash.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ian says:
kg lol
dime gtfoh
kobe is gonna get by him and score
duncan is gonna back his ass down and score
hedo will shoot a three in his face and hit that shit
so please lets stop this bs that he can guard anyone
sayitaintso said it best.
if its a pg sg or sf give me bowen artest or kobe if its a big man give me duncan.
December 10th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Ian says:
duke how about iverson or calderon in fact u forgot this dude that looks like josh barlett the hits a lot of three and plays for utah ….. ah yeah korver
December 10th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Blue says:
if you’re talking about defending anyone in the league…from PGs to Centers, there aren’t too many guys who can do that. even with KG…if he were defending on the perimeter, his ass would get blown by if he were on someone smaller and faster.
i like the matrix because of his speed and length. like SayItAintSo said about Kobe, the same can be said about the Matrix. as long as it’s not Shaq or Dwight posting him up, he can handle it. and James Posey too…he was able to keep up with Kobe and Lebron in the playoffs and finals last year.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Austin Burton says:
Didn’t KG just win DPOY in a landslide?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
JCARR says:
@AB
KG won because of the WHOLE TEAMS effor to play D, not just his effort. Also, the fact that it was a good story for the NBA helped him win DPOY. Its like Ben Wallace when he was in the pistons, he contributed more to D than KG ever could. Ben is much better defender than KG at the forward spot and impacts games without taunting. Ben earned his DPOY trophys. It was because of him that they won a championship.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
@ Austin:
Yes he did. But I think what cats are saying is that he’s such a celebrated defender based on reputation alone?
Also, just being a DPOY doesn’t mean you could guard ANYONE. If he did get that award by being a spectacular defender, then it was ONLY his spectacular defense in the PAINT. What about his perimeter defense?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
dk says:
@8 laugh out f’n loud!
December 10th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Austin Burton says:
That’s why I didn’t use the DPOY as part of my argument, ’cause it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best on-ball defender. Still, I think it’s strange how everyone loved KG a year ago, but he wins a chip, yells at a Raptor and taunts a rookie, and now he’s a goon who everyone hates.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
hahns says:
kobe is a good defender when he wants to be…but his defense is WAY overrated because of the lack of effort he gives.
rudy’s dunk over dwight in the gold medal game was all kobe’s fault. the effort just wasnt there- but if you go back to the america’s touranement, where he locked up the opposing plyaers best player, you can tell hes got legit d.
kobe’s defense is overrated bc of his lack of effort- and we all know defense is a lot about heart and effort.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
@ Austin again…
I was thinking about that the other day…like, I used to LOVE KG. For real. Like, that was my DAWG. But ever since he got with the Celts (and yes I’m a Lakers Fan but I’m trying not to base anything on that), he started coming off as kind of….a jerk? Has he always been like that and now I’m just hatin’? Maybe, but I think he’s kinda getting worse, no?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Ian says:
austin well bwallace has 3 of those awards and he has never been a better low post defender than duncan that has 0 of those. same goes for kobe or bowen so personally i think that the award means shit since the 00 season.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Ian says:
btw yes austin im a kg hater i admit it so i might be a bit biased hes the second player i hate the most ever (malone wins this easy).
December 10th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Yeah KG is dropping down the list of likeable people QUICK. I think he walked a fine line for so long…being so intense it was awesome but he was always flirting with that ‘too intense, kind of crazy and just straight up annoying’ line. When he was on a bad team, you had to simpathize with him and love him since it was completely necessary.
Now, he’s been polarized, pushed over that line and I’m sorry but there is NO situation where you need to taunt a rookie PG in the last minute of a game when the victory has been secured. The kid only plays like 10 minutes a month anyways. Best part though…was when Bayless took it STRAIGHT at him and drained the J.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Kermit — I can see that, but I think part of the problem is he’s in the spotlight more. Really, how often were the Wolves on national TV? How often was somebody posting frame-by-frame Zapruder-ish films of Minnesota KG doing something unsavory on YouTube five minutes after it happened?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
@ Austin
true true true….maybe the spotlight is making him more amp’d too, cause he’s got something to back up all the trash talk and he’s finally considered among the elite players in history.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
And LOL at the Zapruder film reference….nice!
December 10th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Duke says:
I was never a fan of KG. IMHO, I always thought he was overrated.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
JCARR says:
@Austin Burton
KG won because of the WHOLE TEAMS effor to play D, not just his effort. Also, the fact that it was a good story for the NBA helped him win DPOY. Its like Ben Wallace when he was in the pistons, he contributed more to D than KG ever could. Ben is much better defender than KG at the forward spot and impacts games without taunting. Ben earned his DPOY trophys. It was because of him that they won a championship.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Detroit Dave says:
Sorry dime but the only thing stopping LeBron with a full head of steam, is Ray Lewis
December 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Jim McNeil says:
No one out there can guard 1-5. That said imo Ron Ron, Matrix and tayshaun prince, with possibly shane battier would be my choices
December 10th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
that's whats up says:
Shane Battier can only guard fans from getting to their courtside seats, while wearing that red jacket
December 10th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Heckler says:
1 player, 1 stop….end of game?
Tayshaun Prince.
he has some of the best defensive principles. He doesn’t leave his feet on pump fakes. Long enough to handle any player in the league. And although home boy is skinnier than somalian….you NEVER seem him getting backed down in the post.
He can defend in the post or on the perimeter. He can defend guards and fowards.
KG can get beat with the game on the line. Artest will commit a flagrant. Kobe will only D-up if the game is being nationally televised. And Battier is overrated as a defender. Bruce Bowen has lost 2 steps..and has never been that good on the ball (he’s an off the ball defender)
Nah you clowns. If you want a stop….Tayshaun Prince
and to Ian (#12)…
since you brought up Hedo…lol…ask Hedo…HA!
December 10th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Ian says:
hehehe i remember the block
but comon hedo is the shit hitting those game winning threes
December 10th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
I would have to go with Tayshaun and Lebron.
Obviously, stats are not being used since KG’s not the best at anything defensively, so I say Tayshaun lanky ass and also Lebron.
Lebron is too physical, big, intimadating and has the quickgfeet to stop guards. And he’s fast enough and strong enough to take on the big guys also. Some have said that when Lebron wants to play D, he’s scarier than he is with the ball in his hands.
And Prince is Prince, how many times have we seen this guy give the other team PROBLEMS when they have the ball.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
fake fantasy doc says:
KG? Give me a break. He coudn’t stop Rick Rickert one-on-one back in the day. He is good at yelling and being a help defender though.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
WOW @ Heckler…
I didn’t even THINK of Tayshaun Prince…as far as needing one player, one stop, end of game with everything on the line, he’s probably the only player that’s actually DONE it more than once. I’m with you on that one.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Heckler says:
Ian–
Yeah. No one can deny Hedo shooting deep in the clutch. Celts know…Heat know…and even Blazers now know.
But Hedo better stick to the jimmies; cause Tayshaun ain’t trying to hear that driving the lane shit
December 10th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
This really is comical.
I mean Shaq’s not in the league no more, the 30 ppg + 14 rbg Shaq, is that why yall asking this question?
How in the hell could KG’s skinny ass ever guard in-his-prime Shaq? please tell me.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
isaiah says:
Depends on the player, if it’s a Ray Allen/Rip Hamilton running through screens i’m going with Shane Battier.
If it’s a player that’s a little bit more physical and the referees aren’t calling it too close i’m going with
Artest.
If it’s a 4 or 5 posting up, Tim Duncan would be a good choice.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
JCARR says:
Last year LBJ vs. Prince in the Playoffs!!!
Where was Prince then?????
December 10th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
isotope says:
All y’all got it wrong. Here’s the the person you need playing that D:
http://www.nba.com/media/rmccants_400_080226.jpg
December 10th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Rafa23 says:
how about prince vs. wade in 06…
or vs. lebron in 07…
or vs. pierce in 08…
he is a good defender, but isn’t he getting a bit overrated on that end and still living of the 04 finals when kobe was horrible?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
@ JCARR:
Last year in the playoffs, it didn’t come down to LBJ vs. Prince. First of all, the Pistons didn’t even PLAY the Cavs in the playoffs last year, and second of all, when was the situation where Detroit needed “one stop, with everything on the line”?
There aren’t that many situations…but in the couple times that I can think of, where the Pistons needed one stop with everything on the line, Tayshaun blocked a go-ahead layup
December 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
that's whats up says:
I think Korver saw a mouse running along the baseline
December 10th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
JCARR says:
My bad Kermit in 07′… helps me prove my point even better as prince was younger.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Heckler says:
i’m still going with taayshaun prince.
hell…there is no shame in getting beat by wade, lebron or paul pierce (all went to the finals and 2 of 3 finals mvp)
shit….you name a player who could have stop them then?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
JCARR says:
Prince blocked a 50 year old Reggie Miller…. that doesnt count.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Vinny says:
I’m going with Artest over prince becasue his combination of strength and good lateral movement allow him to play anyone- anywhere. more so than prince
December 10th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
fake fantasy doc says:
Michael Cooper
December 10th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
Dag I think cats are trying to turn this into a “who’s a better defender” joint…I think it’s more of a “who’s a better CLUTCH defender”. I gotta stick with Heckler on this one and say Tayshaun Prince.
December 10th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Heckler says:
rafa23
check out #5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azS7_e-lfFk
December 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Rafa23 says:
this is like the argument calling prince one of the best shotblockers in the league… a guy who has never averaged more than 1 bpg…just the impression of one or two plays…
December 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Heckler says:
jcarr
post #52 is for you too
December 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Vinny says:
@HECKLER- THE QUESTION IS NOT WHO’S THE BEST SHOT BLOCKER, if times running out and you want 1 guy to cover whoever one-on one artest is better. A lot of those blocks(actually almost all) are prince helping out!
December 10th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
GEE...If Shaq eva got burnt would he be "The Big S.T.D."? says:
You got to have a guy as AB made reference to that can guard or play all 5 spots and have a good measure of success (like Magic).
The only guy I could see doing that is LeBron.
Dude can block the shot, steal and he is big enough and could be physical enough on the last shot to not be backed in the post without the center having a turnover.
Not to mention intangibles like the will to win, not intimidated, and he can play the mind games too (see Gil at the Free throw line).
So yea LeBron for me. It would have been Kobe, but against a center Mamba doesn’t have that LeBron stature and size.
A center would straight deal with Prince.
Ron might have some success but there is the potential of him fouling the player or getting a foul called on him off rep. alone.
They not gonna call a foul on the “Golden Child” of the NBA (LeBron).
A quick guard would eat K.G. up from the top of the key driving like Wade or off a pick and roll then drive like Williams.
LeBron folks.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Heckler says:
vinny
i never mentioned nothing about just blocking shots.
re-read post #33 and then get back to me
December 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
Ok, to all the nay-sayers, how about this:
Think of a time where a team needed one defensive stop with everything on the line. They got the defensive stop and win. Now think of who that player was. Can you even think of a specific time where this happened? I can think of 2, and it was Tayshaun Prince both times.
In order for you to argue against that, you have to think of someone who’s done it 3 times, right?
December 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Rafa23 says:
prince has played 7 years of playoffs, of course he has some blocks. but 2 of those were game saving. just like i said…you are underlining my argument…
December 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Vinny says:
I’m talking about post 52-you used that video as proof of his defensive ablity right(prince)? I have seen him get backed down in the post-granted not a lot- but nobody is backing artest down.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Ian says:
heckler yup but if hedo were on your team u know u dont want him doing the driving shit to win a game vs anyone really u want him to shoot that shit
December 10th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Kermit the Washington says:
And we’re not talking about some random regular-season game. It’s the playoffs, with everything on the line.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
JCARR says:
@heckler
Prince is not doing that anymore… Plus he learned from Ben wallace when he was on his defensive prime. Prince is a good defender, but i wouldnt say the best. Artest is a more versatile defender than prince!
December 10th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Vinny says:
@kermit- he is a great help defender- no argument- but those blocks (stops) were on the break and helping out right?
December 10th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Vinny says:
man artest plays defense in the rucker league!!
December 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Ian says:
fake fantasy doc
cooper sure dr j would love that
loved an interview with magic of what he thought of coop bein embarassed. he said when coop went up to challenge the doc he was yelling from across the court “OH COOP NOOOO” thats some funny shit from magic
December 10th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Ian says:
i thinks u guys are overrating prince
December 10th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
isotope says:
Are we talking one on one defense or a weak-side help block. That doesnt always means u get the block, most of the time the best defense forces the offensive player into a bad shot; or forces him to throw the ball away. One on one my money’s still on Kobe. Maybe Artest. Lebron has the size/speed to do positions 1-5 but no way he’s stopping any of the elite centers (no way he can deny a big from getting to the post) or the much quicker PGs (it wouldnt be difficult to create some space and at worst they’ll draw the foul). Most big men need the ball so close to the basket and usually require a player to feed it to them. You’re better off just trying to deny him the ball. That puts it back on the guy defending the guard feeding the post.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Heckler says:
there are clutch shooters you want with the game on the line (closers and such)
…
and by the same token, there are clutch defenders you want guarding the opposing teams best offensive threat with the game on the line.
doesnt mean your the best…just means your clutch.
and for clutch defense, its gotta be tayshaun prince
December 10th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
isotope says:
tayshaun = good weak side defender. Great with steals and blocks. NOT ONE ON ONE DEFENCE.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
JCARR says:
Agree with Ian… Stop overrating Prince.
In the olympics you heard about Kobe’s defense more than Princess defense.
Artest… is the one player, one defender
December 10th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
GEE...If Shaq eva got burnt would he be "The Big S.T.D."? says:
iso LeBron is going to have a better shot than Kobe against an “Elite” center.
Again size and stature. Many centers (even elite) are turnover prone (Yao) and I trust that LeBron is most def. going to take those cookes as soooon as they try to put it on the floor.
Even if they catch it deep enough to where they don’t have to dribble. LeBron has enough in him where he can still contest the shot in a legit way.
Sure Kobe is quicker, but LeBron is quick enough. Give me a more well rounded defender again who can go at positions 1 – 5 than just a defender who is only quick or has height.
I’m tellin you, LeBron is going to be your best bet.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
GEE...If Shaq eva got burnt would he be "The Big S.T.D."? says:
Oh and err one yelling Prince.
Come on he is lighter than Kobe lol.
Prince will get WORKED down lown. Who is Prince going to muscle fa real?
Don’t get me wrong Prince is an excellent defender, in certain situations. We talk any situation though. So again LeBron is going to give your best chance.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Vinny says:
Gee- there is no way you can say right now labron is a better defender than artest-shit he just started playing d this season!
December 10th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Rafa23 says:
heckler:
you are really telling me you would want prince for that one deciding stop in ANY situation?
youz must be joking. clutch defense? come on now. it would be funny if it wasn’t so dumb.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Ian says:
really u guys think lebron or artest (prince and kobe def not they are too skinny) have a shot at guarding
yao duncan howard or any of those guys (bosh they can guard)
December 10th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
KermitTheWashington says:
Who cares if it was help defense? I’m imagining an NBA playoff game, and it’s not “You only have one defender on the FLOOR”, it’s “you can only COUNT on one defender” to get the needed stop. Still waiting for someone to suggest another name who’s got as many season-saving stops as Tayshaun Prince (2). I’ll jump out of Heckler’s Bandwagon and into yours if you come up with a name lol
December 10th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
isotope says:
Gee. No way Lebron is stopping elite centers in the low post. Even Yao would have his way with him. Your best chance at defence is to deny them the ball. If Lebron tries to front the centers its just too easy since he’s not tall enough. Your best shot is to deny the post which brings it back to the perimeter defender.
Artest might have a better shot at it since he does guard PFs in the post a lot.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Rafa23 says:
season saving stops? its gets better with you guys.
i can hardly breath, that shit is so funny.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Vinny says:
@ Ian -i think artest has the physical and mental makeup to challenge any of those big guys-i think he likes those kind of defensive challenges! would i want him guarding them 1 on 1 all game-no. But with the game on the line-yes- he is going to keep them out of there comfort zone-i also think he’s a smart defender-he tries to take away players strengths! and he has quick hands.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
GEE...If Shaq eva got burnt would he be "The Big S.T.D."? says:
Vinny I already trumped the Ron Ron issue just on fouls alone. I don’t want Ron out there cause he is likely going to foul or get a foul called on him just off rep.
Don’t get me wrong Ron is close probably my 1.2 to LeBron’s 1 but naw pimpin Ron ain’t gonna save yo day.
Against LeBron all whistles are muted.
If Fisher is Ron on that shot by Barry. FOUL!
I’m done with the Ron issue.
Ian. Yao is going to turn it over. Trust me I have yelled at the tv enough to know he is.
Bosh would probably be the easiest to guard out the bunch you named.
Howard will get a charge or something called on him.
Duncan is your best bet and out of all the defenders. Mind you I am not saying he will stop Duncan or any of them for that matter, but in giving you your best chance at a stop is LeBron.
We talking about 1 on 1 against great players so yea even in my scenarios they probably wouldn’t happen. Still the best chance at stoppin them cats is what you want.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Heckler says:
lets rephrase this question a bit…(Dime, your welcomed to step in again)
if you (as a coach per say) could have any player in the league take a game winning last second shot for your team….who is the LAST person you would want defending them?
December 10th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Rafa23 says:
phil hellmuth!!!lmao
December 10th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
KermitTheWashington says:
@ Rafa23:
Yes, “season-saving stops”. As in a series-clinching game of the playoffs, under a minute to go, you’re up by one, and you block the go-ahead shot of the other team. Again, Tay’s got 2. Your candidate is who?? And how many of those “season-saving stops” does he have that makes you say he’s more trustworthy in that situation?
December 10th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Vinny says:
@ Heckler-nash
December 10th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Rafa23 says:
but for real now, is the answer to your question prince then? dont think so. he gets blown by to easy.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
GEE...If Shaq eva got burnt would he be "The Big S.T.D."? says:
iso LeBron has the reach and jumping ability and recovery speed to stop the ball from getting there if he fronts or is behind.
No he might not stop them but again for the milloneth time, he is going to give you your best chance.
Sure Ron Ron guards some pf’s but his is to physical sometimes and that is where his disadvantage comes in.
Nahhh I can’t get down wit yall on this one. LeBron, and I ain’t even a LeBron dude like that, got this. Logically and any other ically you wanna put on it.
Shiiii convince me. Till then give me LeBron and watch me walk off a winner.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Ian says:
gee
yeah i know bosh is the easiest that why i kinda didnt include him lol
but comon u gonna put your game on the line with bron or ron ron guarding duncan???
December 10th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Rafa23 says:
the game aginst the pacers was a series clinching game?
just check your facts first.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
GEE...If Shaq eva got burnt would he be "The Big S.T.D."? says:
ian for the best chance? Most def. ron ron not so much, but Bron yea.
Again out of all big men I would fear Duncan the most. Cat is just sound, plain and simple. Still LeBron has that ish you can’t teach, that would at least cause Duncan some type of problem.
Against Duncan, Ron IS ABSOLUTELY LOL GOING TO GET A FOUL CALLED ON HIM.
Add to that Duncan probably still hits the shot then you talking a And1 lol.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Rafa23 says:
and only because prince has 2 blocks in GAME deciding situations, does that make him better in those sit. than artest or kobe? so if dirk would block a game winner, would he be better served to defend that than artest who has none?
December 10th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Ian says:
gee
well if we are picking outta the guys we mentioned bron might be the best chance just dont think u walkin out a winner lol but then again none of this is ever goin to happen hehehe.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Ian says:
gee btw duncan to me is the best but he better get that and 1 if he gets fouled cuz then im going to be the one uncomfortable if he has to hit 2 to tie the game lol
December 10th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
KermitTheWashington says:
It was Game 5, no? Maybe not series CLINCHING (bad choice of words perhaps), but 5 is a pivotal game; perhaps series securing? Whatever….still, you gotta admit anyone else mentioned on this board hasn’t done it more than once. I mean, someone correct me if I’m wrong, but state the names and number of times!
December 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Rafa23 says:
it was game 2. trust me. i could have looked it up, but as a pacers fan…
December 10th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Vinny says:
gee- i dont think your foul argument trumps anything! his experience of playing defense would allow him to have an idea of what he can and cant do! what experience does Labron have? man he’s usually in a zone-until this year. Mike Brown used to play zone to protect him. I’m a labron fan- but not for his defense.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Rafa23 says:
jo got injured in game 4 and plyed on one leg the next game. so game 5 was lopsided. one of the many injuries of pistons opponensts during their run…
December 10th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Rafa23 says:
@ kermit
if you want to take prince based on those 2 stops, he is your man, having it done more often than the others.
i just dont think this argument makes sense and dont think that makes him better for deciding stop than kobe or artest or kg.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
AY says:
If it’s just one possession, at the end of the game, and it has to count, i’m going with rasheed wallace. Maybe not for the entire game, maybe not on offense, but rasheed plays great man D as well as help D. He’s a step slow against the super smalls so you can argue prince is better on smaller players; but if you’re rolling out KG for his versatility, i don’t think KG is half as good a man D as rasheed, and ’sheed is his equal on all other situations. Maybe he can’t do it all game long, but i’ll take him in one possession.
I’ll mention kirilenko since no one brought him up; he’s equal to artest if not better.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Taj says:
Scott Pippen! That dude was long and could guard anyone on the floor!
December 10th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Rafa23 says:
kirilenko weighs as much as artests dick. he would get pushed around against stronger guys easy.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Ian says:
LOL @ 101
taj scottie is the best defender ever imo but no he cant guard centers
December 10th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Bermuda Boy says:
Man, it’s MJ all day on Love Lockdown with the 1-3 positions and 4-5, occasionally swatting shots, generally pestering dribbles, and always getting inside your head.
Ask Ewing, Malone, Barkley, Drexler, and Magic…all serious victims at one point.
But if pressed for ‘09? KG
December 10th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
GEE...Nothing like the crib says:
Yea Vinny I am sure you can think back to many situations where a player committed a foul by trying to be to aggressive.
Ron Ron might have more experience but his experience has also garnered him the rep for being to physical sometimes.
Plus if the coach had LeBron playing that type of D that doesn’t mean LeBron couldn’t play 1 on 1 or otherwise. I mean this year alone between blocks and steals he is doing a very nice job. So it’s not like he can’t D.
He is called on more offensively than D. I am sure if it ever came to it and he just had to do nothing but D a player up. Then he would in my opinion do as well if not better than Ron. Ron just sticks out cause he is counted on more for defense (and a O a nice bit) for his squad.
I will say with Ron I would give him the toss up. Yet what sticks out most is how he is to aggressive and how he gets phantom fouls called on him and it’s not even dealing with a game winning shot. So you can imagine that one would be called on him if it ever was a issue of possibility.
Again others can take who they like I will take LeBron.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
GEE...Nothing like the crib says:
Ian yea if he doesn’t get the and1 then let the prayers begin.
Still Duncan is a good fella in the NBA and more than not the call is going to go his way.
Unless Joey Crawford is the ref. lol
December 10th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Ian says:
dont worry gee
if crawford is the ref we wont be within a game winning shot we be outta it by half time so no worries there
December 10th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Ian says:
duncan prob be tossed in the third for drinking some water
December 10th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
GEE...Nothing like the crib says:
Yea I guess the best defender of all is the ref. they can stop any player lol.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Ian says:
no one mentioned josh smith
December 10th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
OJT says:
Personally I’m surprised no one has really mentioned Lebron…yeah he gets disinterested on D, but if he decided to LOCK DOWN on someone, who’s scoring on him? He’s athletic and fast enough to guard any of the 1-3’s (anyone see him completely shut Granger down?) and he’s strong enough to literally take on almost any 4 or 5’s in the league save maybe Shaq. I can’t say I’m a huge Lebron fan but from a b-ball perspective the guy is a different species. I say Lebron hands down…
December 10th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
SteveNash says:
Dikembe Mutumbo
December 11th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Jah says:
LeBron.
December 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Nora says:
Yeah KG won defensive player of the year by accident and is part of a team with the best defense. But KG had nothing to do with that just ask the players and the media around the NBA. Love the hate still being spewed that some can’t even admit he is a good defender. Pretty sad.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Big Shot BoB says:
Yeah everyone who said MJ or Pip is right on. You don’t think they won all those championships without playing some hard physical D do you? If it’s big guys were talking about the nod goes to Bill Russel hands down.
December 11th, 2008 at 2:10 am
doc says:
Bron out top with KG helping
December 11th, 2008 at 4:11 am
caeubona says:
uh, so the question is who would i want defending the last play, to get a defensive stop with everything on the line?
a lot of players come to mind.
first would be tayshaun prince, based on pure history. (reggie miller… the pacers have not yet recovered).
LeBron actually comes to mind too, since he’s big and quick and can, theoretically, defend all positions.
I would think of Ron Artest but he’d be called for a foul.. and he’d probably be out of the game by then.
For me it would either be Kobe or KG, for sheer desire to get that one defensive stop. It’s nothing against those other players, but these two would get the job done.
Historically though, it’s a toss-up between MJ and my man Michael Cooper.
Oh no wait. I forgot. Bill Russell. He’s the one I want defending the last play.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:01 am
5 it takes says:
lebron! as long as he’s committed to playin D, dude can be a beast on the defensive end.
December 11th, 2008 at 5:47 am
kg??? lol says:
You’re choosing KG because of his reputation which started last year. Get real. When have you actually seen KG as an individual get a stop?
My vote’s on Tayshaun or Lebron.
Really dime? Artest, KOBE, and KG are the onl players worth considering? I find that laughable, especially after you throw in versatility on D in the mix.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
dano says:
what about lebron? hes stronger and faster than kobe and KG. He is just bigger than kobe, and hes only a few inches shorter than KG. I think that if the game is on the line, Lebron can guard anyone in the league.
December 11th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
the scola says:
gotta stick with Timothy Duncan
December 11th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
srb says:
Paul Pierce
December 11th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Mike says:
For pure stoppage, Duncan, Kobe, or Artest.
For stoppage with little time, tie game, but a stop leading to an offensive chance, Kobe, no brainer