Top Defenses of 2016-17

[MalonesElbows]

Gobert was #1 in rim protection 2 years ago, by a large amount. I expect him to return to that with Exum back to help.

[drone3]

Bucks will regain their defensive prowess , expect to see them in the top 8.

[zimpy27]

Jazz are the best defense if healthy. That team is going to be scary this year.

[yoyoboy]

Magic has the best front court defense. Ibaka and Biyombo is gonna be scary

I agree. Though their offense is also scary for the wrong reasons. I have no idea who's going to score on that team. Who's their number one option? Heck, who on the Magic is even capable of being a decent second banana scoring threat?

[primopastalove2]

This ranking of defences is irrelevant the only defensive stats that matter now, are those that are against GSW/Cavs.

[Baddy Chuck]

Gobert was #1 in rim protection 2 years ago, by a large amount. I expect him to return to that with Exum back to help.

He was still #1 in rim protection last season by a pretty decent amount as well.

[Ball4life32]

Oh no doubt y'all are top 5 defense all day, I could def see top 3 this year. I don't expect the Hawks to be as good defensively as last year but the homer in me is optimistic for top 5/7.

Why do you see the Hawks talking a step back defensively? I think Howard is an upgrade over Horford on the defensive end and Schroder is for sure a better defender than Teague.

I think people look at the top player on the depth chart too much and not the big picture. They are essentially replacing Teague/Schroeder with Schroeder/Jack, which sounds like a hit. And Howard is good but I think people generally overrate rim defense over versatility and perimeter defense. People have under rated the Celtics defense going into the season three years running since they were so weak inside. But they have versatile guys and ATL is trading some versatility for rim protection which I think at best is a wash. So combine some small downgrades with some roster turnover and I think they slip a bit. Plus Korver is getting older and they are likely relying on more on some younger players as well.

I agree with what you're saying but I don't think Schroder-Jack is taking a hit defensively. Teague has never been a great defender and Schroder is clearly better in that regard. Also to answer your question from before that Hill is a better defender than Teague though Teague is a much better scorer/facilitator.

[AddiFB]

Magic has the best front court defense. Ibaka and Biyombo is gonna be scary

I agree. Though their offense is also scary for the wrong reasons. I have no idea who's going to score on that team. Who's their number one option? Heck, who on the Magic is even capable of being a decent second banana scoring threat?

Serge Ibaka
Evan Fournier
Aaron Gordon*
Elfrid payton*
Nik Vucevic
Mario Hezonja*
*Hoping for big improvements next season

All these guys are capable of going 20+ points. Not saying all can average 20ppg. Then you add guys who can give you points here and there, even break the 15-20 point barrier every now and then:

Jodie Meeks
DJ Augustin
Jeff Green
CJ Watson
CJ Wilcox

I think the scoring will be fine. At least I'm not going to worry about it for now