Post by djmyte on May 3, 2005 21:49:42 GMT -5
Don't get so "defensive"
by ScoutingCentral
This weeks addition is dedicated to those who excel in the defensive aspects of the game. We take a look at who we feel are the best defensive players at each position.
At Center, Ben Wallace.
Even though "Big Ben" is really more of a power forward he mans the Center position wherever he plays. Built like a line backer Wallace inspires fear in opposing players and coaches throughout the league. What makes him such an outstanding defender? First he possesses great awareness in his man to man and help defense. He's an explosive leaper which is what allows him to be patient and to wait until the very last second before challenging a would-be bucket. This is also the reason he rarely falls for pumps and fakes as he knows he doesn't have to take chances with his hops. Not only does he have great timing for shot blocking but he has it for rebounding as well. The same attributes that make him arguably the top shot blocker in the league make him arguably the best rebounder too. Wallace also possesses outstanding toughness and heart. He never gives up on a play and is always there to backup his teammates. Perhaps the most amazing stat is that Wallace is also among league leaders in steals every year. Definitely a rare combination of abilities to say the least.
While his offense leaves something to be desired Big Ben is certainly in a league of his own when it comes to other less "media friendly" aspects of the game. This ultra-aggressive and tireless player has and will continue to dominate games with his defensive abilities for years to come.
At power forward, Kevin Garnett.
The "Big Ticket" doesn't just score, grab tons of boards and give tasty dishes to his teammates, but he is also one of, if not the best, defenders in the league. Where to start? KG possesses great height and length that allows him to challenge many shots even without jumping. His exceptional quickness and freakish leaping ability enable him to cover pretty much any position and make him an excellent help defender who can cover up for most mistakes, even his own. He uses his quickness against bigger, stronger players and his length against smaller, quicker ones. He spends hours upon hours studying opponents and trying to improve his game which has propelled his basketball IQ to an unmatched level. Kevin is extremely aggressive and will sacrifice for the benefit of the team. His conditioning is top notch which is the reason he is a relentless defender and rebounder. He never seems to tire and continues to put up obscene stats year after year.
Sorry Tim. Sorry Big Aristotle. KG is the best player in the league, period. He is complete in every aspect of the game and is destined to become one of the best players of all time. Every team wants him, but only one is lucky enough to call him there own.
At small forward, Andrei Kirilenko.
Ak47 is very unique player. At 6'9, he has the skills to play 3 or even 4 positions on most nights. Like KG he has an excellent length and height combination that allows him to be extremely versatile. He also has very good mobility and hops that allow him to cover a great deal of space in a small amount of time. Like Big Ben, Andrei is both an accomplished shot blocker and pick pocket. He is noted for being a hard worker and a team player that has a motor that never quits. Even with his slight build he is able to guard bigger and stronger players and never backs down from a challenge. His coachability and desire to succeed has allowed him to progress from a late pick to a great all around player.
Ak47 is a true team player and certainly someone you'd want to have on your side. His physical abilities and never say die attitude have propelled him to be among the elite defenders in the game.
At shooting guard, Ron Artest.
Watch what you say around Ron, he is a loose cannon that can explode at any time. His "explosive" personality is actually a big reason he has become a special player in the league and a top defender. It's like he want's to destroy you're confidence every trip down the court. Ron has a special mindset that allows him to focus on the task at hand, which usually involves guarding the best wing players in the league on a nightly basis. He gets great pleasure in shutting you down and wants you to know it. At 6'7, 246lbs Artest is one of the bigger, stronger wing players out there. His strength and size allows him to bully people in to taking bad perimeter shots and keeps people out of the lane consistantly. His excellent lateral quickness also goes along way in allowing him to force those ugly shots. His hands are extremely quick and they enable him to be among the league leaders in steals every year. Artest is also a solid rebounder that attacks the boards without hesitation.
It may not surprise you to know that Artest is a very tough individual that is relentless in his efforts. His ability to guard top small forwards as well as shooting guards makes him a commodity worth having.
At point guard, Jason Kidd.
J-Kidd is a natural leader and one of the smartest basketball players around. A trouple double waiting to happen, Kidd always contributes across the board. At 6'4, 212lbs Kidd is one of the biggest and strongest point guards in the league. Most opposing guards don't even think about posting him up. Not only does he possess great size he also features excellent lateral quickness that allows him to keep most opponents infront of him and out of the lane. He rarely sacrifices good position or gambles defensively. He is also not afraid to guard bigger players and is often called upon to lock down opposing shooting guards late in games. He has a pair of the quickest hands in the league that have caused many turnovers throughout the years and should continue to do so for some time. With his combination of size and effort Kidd is also one of the best rebounding point guards in the league, consistantly grabbing more than 6 boards a contest.
Kidd keeps himself in great shape which still allows him to be a menace on defense even at the age of 34. Even though he is getting up there in years, it wouldn't surprise us to see him remain a top defender for at least a few more seasons.
by ScoutingCentral
This weeks addition is dedicated to those who excel in the defensive aspects of the game. We take a look at who we feel are the best defensive players at each position.
At Center, Ben Wallace.
Even though "Big Ben" is really more of a power forward he mans the Center position wherever he plays. Built like a line backer Wallace inspires fear in opposing players and coaches throughout the league. What makes him such an outstanding defender? First he possesses great awareness in his man to man and help defense. He's an explosive leaper which is what allows him to be patient and to wait until the very last second before challenging a would-be bucket. This is also the reason he rarely falls for pumps and fakes as he knows he doesn't have to take chances with his hops. Not only does he have great timing for shot blocking but he has it for rebounding as well. The same attributes that make him arguably the top shot blocker in the league make him arguably the best rebounder too. Wallace also possesses outstanding toughness and heart. He never gives up on a play and is always there to backup his teammates. Perhaps the most amazing stat is that Wallace is also among league leaders in steals every year. Definitely a rare combination of abilities to say the least.
While his offense leaves something to be desired Big Ben is certainly in a league of his own when it comes to other less "media friendly" aspects of the game. This ultra-aggressive and tireless player has and will continue to dominate games with his defensive abilities for years to come.
At power forward, Kevin Garnett.
The "Big Ticket" doesn't just score, grab tons of boards and give tasty dishes to his teammates, but he is also one of, if not the best, defenders in the league. Where to start? KG possesses great height and length that allows him to challenge many shots even without jumping. His exceptional quickness and freakish leaping ability enable him to cover pretty much any position and make him an excellent help defender who can cover up for most mistakes, even his own. He uses his quickness against bigger, stronger players and his length against smaller, quicker ones. He spends hours upon hours studying opponents and trying to improve his game which has propelled his basketball IQ to an unmatched level. Kevin is extremely aggressive and will sacrifice for the benefit of the team. His conditioning is top notch which is the reason he is a relentless defender and rebounder. He never seems to tire and continues to put up obscene stats year after year.
Sorry Tim. Sorry Big Aristotle. KG is the best player in the league, period. He is complete in every aspect of the game and is destined to become one of the best players of all time. Every team wants him, but only one is lucky enough to call him there own.
At small forward, Andrei Kirilenko.
Ak47 is very unique player. At 6'9, he has the skills to play 3 or even 4 positions on most nights. Like KG he has an excellent length and height combination that allows him to be extremely versatile. He also has very good mobility and hops that allow him to cover a great deal of space in a small amount of time. Like Big Ben, Andrei is both an accomplished shot blocker and pick pocket. He is noted for being a hard worker and a team player that has a motor that never quits. Even with his slight build he is able to guard bigger and stronger players and never backs down from a challenge. His coachability and desire to succeed has allowed him to progress from a late pick to a great all around player.
Ak47 is a true team player and certainly someone you'd want to have on your side. His physical abilities and never say die attitude have propelled him to be among the elite defenders in the game.
At shooting guard, Ron Artest.
Watch what you say around Ron, he is a loose cannon that can explode at any time. His "explosive" personality is actually a big reason he has become a special player in the league and a top defender. It's like he want's to destroy you're confidence every trip down the court. Ron has a special mindset that allows him to focus on the task at hand, which usually involves guarding the best wing players in the league on a nightly basis. He gets great pleasure in shutting you down and wants you to know it. At 6'7, 246lbs Artest is one of the bigger, stronger wing players out there. His strength and size allows him to bully people in to taking bad perimeter shots and keeps people out of the lane consistantly. His excellent lateral quickness also goes along way in allowing him to force those ugly shots. His hands are extremely quick and they enable him to be among the league leaders in steals every year. Artest is also a solid rebounder that attacks the boards without hesitation.
It may not surprise you to know that Artest is a very tough individual that is relentless in his efforts. His ability to guard top small forwards as well as shooting guards makes him a commodity worth having.
At point guard, Jason Kidd.
J-Kidd is a natural leader and one of the smartest basketball players around. A trouple double waiting to happen, Kidd always contributes across the board. At 6'4, 212lbs Kidd is one of the biggest and strongest point guards in the league. Most opposing guards don't even think about posting him up. Not only does he possess great size he also features excellent lateral quickness that allows him to keep most opponents infront of him and out of the lane. He rarely sacrifices good position or gambles defensively. He is also not afraid to guard bigger players and is often called upon to lock down opposing shooting guards late in games. He has a pair of the quickest hands in the league that have caused many turnovers throughout the years and should continue to do so for some time. With his combination of size and effort Kidd is also one of the best rebounding point guards in the league, consistantly grabbing more than 6 boards a contest.
Kidd keeps himself in great shape which still allows him to be a menace on defense even at the age of 34. Even though he is getting up there in years, it wouldn't surprise us to see him remain a top defender for at least a few more seasons.
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