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Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 12:24 pm**

Than people made it out to be. From what I heard about his Sonics days was that he is a defensive liability. But he has done an outstanding job in my opinion. Maybe defending PF's suits him better because he's still tall and doesn't have to be as quick as when defending SF. But still credit where credit is due.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 12:28 pm**

Andrea Bargnani, PF was 2-11 shooting for 6 points. That's a good defensive line for Lewis.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 12:33 pm**

true, he can at least hold his own. But then again he WILL eventually move back to SF when we get another big in there next season. So the question will become whether or not he can guard SFs or not.

However it's worth pointing out he does well when matched up against tall lanky PFs like himself, but against bangers he has a tough time because they can push him around. Bargnani for instance is light and likes to float outside, so it's easier for Rashard to defend him.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 12:37 pm**

he's good but he's not amazing..

we need a lockdown guy like kobew

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:01 pm**

Honestly I have been wanting to discuss this for a while now. It didn't have anything to do with Bargs as Jameer could've defended him last night and he still would've shot 2-11.. Actually on my trip to Otown last month I noticed him playing some good D.

Also I'm not so sure that we;ll have Rashard back at SF next year. I did expect a trade at the deadline too but that didn't happen. I guess it pretty much depends on what we'll do in the playoffs.. We'll probably match up with either Toronto or Washington, both though opponents for us. Washington will have Arenas back and Toronto is just a tough opponent for us.. We'll see!

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:02 pm**

His defense is anywhere near as bad as some people made it out to be (because they are not happy unless they are complaining about something). Hes actually leading our team in steals.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:07 pm**

MagicNolesFSU wrote:His defense is anywhere near as bad as some people made it out to be (because they are not happy unless they are complaining about something). Hes actually leading our team in steals.

Didn't know that but it doesn't surprise me either.. He get's a lot of deflections. Many of Dwight's steals come after a tip by Rashard..

Also Rashard boxes his man out pretty decent. He leaves Dwight a lot of boards..

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:39 pm**

he is an okay man to man but a horrible help defender when dwight actually has to guard someone that draws him away from the paint like a chris bosh or mcydess.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:54 pm**

He's been decent, not outstanding by any means. Also, the most dangerous teams have "bangers" at PF not tall, lanky guys like Bargs, who is in a slump and can't shoot straight right now.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 1:58 pm**

my friend and i were just talking about this after last nights game... shard looks like he at least puts forth the effort... i remember reading i think hollingers report on shard at it was talking like he was the worst defender in the nba, he's definately not the worst.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 2:11 pm**

Didn't Otis also knock his defense last year? I seem to recall someone emailing Otis with a question about bringing in Rashard and Otis mentioning his poor defense.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 2:22 pm**

MagicalMan wrote:Didn't Otis also knock his defense last year? I seem to recall someone emailing Otis with a question about bringing in Rashard and Otis mentioning his poor defense.

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/OtisSmithOn.html

From Matthew (9/18 ): What are you going to do about the Magic's perimeter defense? With both JJ Reddik and Hedo Turkolu at 2 and 3, don't you think that opens a serious gap in the defense? Wouldn't it make sense to trade Hedo Turkolu and some other insentives for a guy more defensive minded, like a Rashard Lewis type. Hedo Turkolu already takes more shots a game then Dwight Howard, and I think with all the offensive fire power it would be beneficial in getting Dwight more shots.

Otis: Matthew, Thanks for your interest in Orlando Magic basketball. You sound like you have a pretty good basketball IQ. With that said, I know you know that basketball is a team game on both sides of the ball and coaches help coach players on their strengths and weaknesses.

Turk and J.J. are not the worst defenders I have seen on this team or in this league. They will work well with our defensive plans for the future. They both bring something to the table to help you win a championship. To Win a championship on any level in any sport, you have to have players to fit a role and understand the importance of the role to help his or her team win.

If you've noticed, the teams that win it all are not the teams that have the perfect player at every position. It's the team that figures out the definition of the world 'team' and have players that decide to play the role. Even that last man on a championship team has a role that's very important to the winning of that championship.

What I found most interesting about your comment is the player you selected to compare them to. How is his defense?

I always enjoy getting fan emails, so don't stop writing!

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 2:27 pm**

Rashard is finally getting his timing down on snatching steals from PFs, and his speed and long reach help immensely.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 2:33 pm**

drsd wrote:Andrea Bargnani, PF was 2-11 shooting for 6 points. That's a good defensive line for Lewis.

he's been struggling though

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 2:46 pm**

It hasn't been said yet in this thread and I think it deserves a mention:

Ra$hard i$ overpaid!!!!

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 3:39 pm**

Defence isn't about talent, you don't need to be a talented guy to play D. As long as you have some BB IQ and you put up the effort you can defend. Shard is a great defender, WHEN HE WANTS TO BE. Like Hedo, they sometimes don't give 100%. When they do they are PRETTY GOOD.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 4:20 pm**

It is clear that when Lewis needs to matchup with Rasheed Wallace or Kevin Garnett, it will get ugly.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 4:32 pm**

drsd wrote:It is clear that when Lewis needs to matchup with Rasheed Wallace or Kevin Garnett, it will get ugly.

As is the case for a vast majority of PFs in the league.

Unfortunately either player will more than likely be waiting for us in the 2nd round.

I'm with the majority - hopefully we face Boston.

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 5:26 pm**

The Otis quote on Shard's D shows he's prolly watching the WWE or sleeping altogether while signing contracts or doing his job. But hey, he's a great GM nonetheless

Posted: **Wed Mar 5, 2008 6:15 pm**

he isn't great but he's decent, better than expected

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Rashards D is better..

Rashards D is better..