Sixerscan wrote:john248 wrote:YouMustBeJoakim wrote:
It doesn't. But it allows the defender to get more deflections, rebounds, blocks, etc.
Imo, wingspan is just as important as height, and hugely important for NBA players - of all positions
For a PG, I don't care as much about wingspan as much as I do IQ, speed, and PG skills/ability (dribbling, taking care of the ball, passing, great shot, first step). It'd be nice if he could disrupt passing lanes or do more big man things like rebounding and shot blocks, but not all that important. I'd much rather have a PG who has the ability to blow by the defender, get to any part of the floor without giving up the dribble (to either attack the basket or draw in defenders), and has a reliable midrange and 3 point shot.
Well yeah if you're just gonna ignore if they can D up wingspan isn't that important. many people would disagree with you on how important that side of the floor is
Still the span plays a role in some of the stuff you listed
While yes, a wingspan can help a PG keep the opposing ball handler in front of him, it's not to as great of a degree as it was in the past when handchecking was allowed. A PG who had quick feet has a better chance of staying in front of his man which at least limits early rotations/help defense and keeps everything 5 on 5. With that said, it's tough to stay in front of guys like CP3, Rose, Westbrook, and TP in the first place.
I get that you want to have a long wingspan on any perimeter defender to be able to poke the ball, deflect passes, and alter shots ... but I don't place as much importance on this on my PG as I just want him to stay in front of his man as best as he can. After this, you can reply on your big man to protect the paint, help defense/rotations/schemes to have good overall team defense at which point I'd say the biggest difference in defense between a guy like Nash and Parker is the fact that Duncan stands in the paint versus Stat. When Westbrook brings the ball up court, do you think he's worried about Rondo's wingspan or do you think he's looking past him trying to see what KG is going to do?
I place great importance on wingspan for a big as they have to protect the paint/alter shots. It's why I don't think a guy like Blake will ever be an elite defender. Wing defenders have an importance for wingspan as well to play those passing lanes and disrupt a team's volume scorer. This isn't to say I think defense isn't important for PGs which isn't what I'm trying to say at all.
