spectre
08-16-2009, 06:46 AM
Several readers have complained that virtually every player I mention is a poor defender, which certainly isn't my fault.
It should be noted, however, that in order to survive in the NBA, even the most prolific scorer must be able to play a modicum of defense. Indeed, if everybody played inferior defense, teams would average 150 points per game.
Conversely, numerous other readers — the most recent being Stephen Feetham from Columbia, S.C. — have asked me to compile a list of the players who, in my opinion, actually can and do play outstanding defense.
So it's my distinct pleasure to first turn the spotlight on the NBA's most diligent man-to-man defenders.
Charley Rosen - Fox Sports (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9928972/These-guys-put-some-D-in-the-NBA)
Raja Bell's belligerent, persistent hounding can be counted on to frustrate everybody he guards.
DeSagana Diop can't shoot to save his life, but if he were allowed to commit 10 fouls per game without being disqualified, he'd be the best defensive center in the league.
Gerald Wallace is the rare NBA performer who always plays all-out on both offense and defense.
It should be noted, however, that in order to survive in the NBA, even the most prolific scorer must be able to play a modicum of defense. Indeed, if everybody played inferior defense, teams would average 150 points per game.
Conversely, numerous other readers — the most recent being Stephen Feetham from Columbia, S.C. — have asked me to compile a list of the players who, in my opinion, actually can and do play outstanding defense.
So it's my distinct pleasure to first turn the spotlight on the NBA's most diligent man-to-man defenders.
Charley Rosen - Fox Sports (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9928972/These-guys-put-some-D-in-the-NBA)
Raja Bell's belligerent, persistent hounding can be counted on to frustrate everybody he guards.
DeSagana Diop can't shoot to save his life, but if he were allowed to commit 10 fouls per game without being disqualified, he'd be the best defensive center in the league.
Gerald Wallace is the rare NBA performer who always plays all-out on both offense and defense.