Apr 25, 2017

The word GOAT is so watered down around these parts. I remember when it used to mean greatest of all time, not Demar Derozan, McDonald's fries and any new song Kendrick Lamar releases.

Putting the kibosh on the word

 

Apr 25, 2017

Look, just because he can check a 5 for a possession or 2 doesn't make him this godly weapon and gain points as a defender. MJ was lockdown 1-3, 4's not as much since they were built much differently back then compared to today. MJ averaged more steals (led the league in steals for 3 seasons), was all NBA defense 9 times (all 1st team selections), compared to 6 total for Lebron (5 1st team).

Also, you're allowed to play zone defense in today's NBA. No hand checking, but being able to play a man/zone coverage absolutely makes it easier as a 1 on 1 defender.

 

Apr 25, 2017

Who would yall say is a better defender, jordan or kawhi?

Both got those big a--- hands but kawhis a little bigger

 

Apr 25, 2017

me

 

Apr 25, 2017

I'd give it to Mike cause he had more speed. Struggle isn't the right word, but Kawhi has a tough time staying in front of certain 1's for an extended time.

 

Apr 25, 2017

Hard to blame them tbh. I'm 25 so my first basketball memories were watching him at the UC in 97-98. Didn't fully appreciate what I was able to witness until a few years later when I started to hoop and my dad would show me old MJ tapes.

 

Apr 25, 2017

Steals aren't an indicator of a good defender. Monta gets a ton of those and it's mostly because he gambles. And all NBA defensive teams aren't always either. I remember Kobe getting 1st team until 2012.

You're allowed to play zone but who the h--- plays zone in the NBA. Offenses are more complicated nowadays and offensive players are more skilled.

 

Apr 25, 2017

please dont tell me you think kobe wasnt a great defender either lol

 

Apr 25, 2017

Kobe was 2nd team in 2012 but that's ok..he was still a great defender.

So if steals, awards, reputation, and all defensive teams aren't indicators of great defense, what exactly is??

 

Apr 25, 2017

Gotta be the chase down blocks right? Why didn't I think of that already.

 

Apr 25, 2017

Kobe was a great defender but he got a few all NBA defensive teams based if rep.

X player being better than Y player because he has more steals or all NBA defensive teams (esp. when they played in different eras) isn't a good argument.

 

Apr 25, 2017

Here's a 15 minute video of the GOAT guarding bigs. Enjoy.

Here's just an all around defensive one.

So he was a great defender but only got the defensive team selections based on his rep?

There's 4 guards on both defensive teams, if you can name me 4 guards who were better than Kobe when he got his 'undeserved' selections, I'll give that one to you.

Numbers and awards aren't enough to sway an argument, so what is? Your personal eye test? Ask any non Lebron stan who's a better defender and 9/10 will say MJ without blinking.

 

Apr 25, 2017

I love how were having this argument when lebrons having the worst defensive season of his career and is on the worst defensive team hes ever lead by far

 

Apr 25, 2017

I'm convinced the kid is 21 or under and just doesn't know any better. Or a @Mike Tyson alias.

 

Apr 25, 2017

I mean its not that ridiculous of an argument, lebrons definitley not a scrub on defense but i dont know why youd make this argument if you werent watching ball during the jordan era

 

Apr 25, 2017

Poor mans norman powell

 

Apr 25, 2017

Right of the top I won't make any claim but love has been rewarded all NBA selection he hasn't been deserving of and an MVP that he wasn't deserving of. Once I get home I can tell you who was more deserving in 2012.

I'm not interested in watching a highlight real. It's by definition is going to show mj in the best possible light as a defender.

I'm not a Lebron stan. CP3 is by far my favorite player of all time followed by Reggie and mchale. I'd say Lebron is the better defender because he's 3 inches taller, 40 lbs heavier, and just as athletic. So he can defend the perimeter on a comparable level while being able to move into the interior and defend. His size makes him move valuable as a defender. I can put him on multiple positions. I can switch him on pnr without having to worry. If I were a coach I could do more with Lebron as a defender and that makes him better imo.