Kevin McHale had KG/AD-level defensive versatility (guarded MJ, Hakeem, Barkley, Dominique, Dr. J, Isiah, Moses, Kareem)

[Bad-Thoma]

In the eighties, McHale was one of my favorite players to watch (after Bird of course). One thing he did so incredibly well was he'd get a rebound, and never bring the ball down, before putting it back in. Sounds obvious, but he did it better than almost anybody else ever has. He also had some amazing footwork to normally find a way to get around whoever was guarding him.
His arms really were so long. We used to joke that he could scratch his ankles without having to bend over. It's funny because I am the exact opposite. My family often refers to my T-rex arms.

I remember when Boston got Vin Baker and Tommy Heinsohn would always complain how he brought the ball down so low after snagging an offensive rebound. Drove him crazy lol.

He used to get pretty irate about Perk doing that too, though Perk brought the ball all the way down to his waist before making a move.

[FrodoBaggins]

4 new Dr. J GIFs & a couple of Cousy quotes on the commentary from '81 and '82 ECFs.

McHale did a pretty good job defensively on J last night.

I'll tell you, J is working hard, but he's not getting that much accomplished. McHale is making it tough for him.

[Yinwest]

One thing he did so incredibly well was he'd get a rebound, and never bring the ball down, before putting it back in. Sounds obvious, but he did it better than almost anybody else ever has. He also had some amazing footwork to normally find a way to get around whoever was guarding him.
His arms really were so long. We used to joke that he could scratch his ankles without having to bend over. It's funny because I am the exact opposite. My family often refers to my T-rex arms.

Pau does that very well too.

[FrodoBaggins]

New GIFs vs. Dominique from G5 ECSF 1986:








And G4:






And G3:






And a pre-game Cousy quote:

The key piece of strategy on KC's part in this entire playoffs up till now: changing the matchup, putting Kevin McHale on Dominique. I don't think Dominique's recovered from the shock yet, and hopefully he won't start tonight. But it's completely neutralized the NBA's leading scorer in Dominique. He averaged 30 a game during the season; he's averaging 16.

[cupcakesnake]

I agree with OP's assertion about McHale's defense. He doesn't quite have KG/AD-level foot speed, but he had enough mobility to guard wings. He didn't have their vertical jumping ability, but his absurd, outlier length made up for that. That length made up for basically any way he wasn't elite. Those arms are simply always in the way, if McHale is even remotely close to the play.

His role in Boston's defense was often guarding primary frontcourt scorers (Dennis Johnson was an elite backcourt defender), while being a secondary rim protector. The Celtics were a massive wall in the paint, with McHale playing in between the 6'10" Larry Bird and 7'1" Parish. Bill Walton even joined them for a last hurrah.

When McHale was the 6th man, he gave the Celtics ridiculous lineup flexibility. He could share the frontcourt with either Bird or Parish (or even Cedric Maxwell earlier on), and the Celtics wouldn't skip a beat. They liked to stay jumbo at almost all times in that era. McHale could have been even more valuable on a team that wanted to build a defense around his unique skills. Sometimes he did feel like a luxury rather than an anchor.

[FrodoBaggins]

4 Barkley GIFs and 2 Dr. J GIFs from PHI @ BOS 20th Jan, 1985 and G1 ECF, 1985.

Dr. J:




Barkley:






And a Heinsohn quote:

McHale with the long arms and terrific leaping ability, he goes right up there and knocks the ball away from Dr. J. Dr. J normally gets that shot off against anybody he wants, but not against McHale.

[FrodoBaggins]

A stop at the rim against Barkley from a November 1984 game - the one Dr. J and Bird threw hands in:

[FrodoBaggins]

Good clip of McHale switching onto PG Derek Harper from BOS @ DAL, November 27th, 1984:



The full clip also includes an immediate follow-up transition dunk. Great two-way play:

[G R E Y]

Can't believe McHale played the 1987 playoffs on a broken foot. Played all the games. Got to the finals. Averaged 21.1/9.2 throughout. 39.4 minutes per game. **** incredible.