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I'm in an argument about how good Buddy is, and the knock on him is always his defense. Is he really a bad defender?

-G- wrote:I'm in an argument about how good Buddy is, and the knock on him is always his defense. Is he really a bad defender?

Short answer: yes.

Longer answer, Buddy tries, but doesn't have plus length nor plus quickness to be a league average defender at the two spot. Also doesn't have the spatial awareness (i.e, hoops IQ) to be a good team defender (thus far). So I wouldn't die on the hill you're trying to die in.

He is a better rebounder than most would give him credit for. So that might be something you can justify in addition to his one elite tool, which is his shooting.

-G- wrote:I'm in an argument about how good Buddy is, and the knock on him is always his defense. Is he really a bad defender?

He gets some sneaky steals on inbound passes after made baskets which inflate his steal numbers a bit, but generally Hield is not a good defender. Not good in man defense situations, guarding the pick and roll or in off the ball defense. He gives effort but just doesn't have the ability.

Damn, this makes me sad. Appreciate the replies!

With his motor/work ethic, I’m still hopeful his technique will improve with time.