Doctor MJ wrote:FrodoBaggins wrote:stuff I appreciate
I'm mostly with you here. I think anyone dismissing Russell as simply a physical talent relative to his own era is underrating him. I do think he's the best defensive talent we've ever seen (unless Wemby comes and changes my mind).
But:
Doctor MJ wrote:1. They've changed the rules to make what Russell did on defense less devastating. He'd still be good as they come, but I don't believe could impact the game as much in that way.
I agree, which is what I said in the OP. It's obviously a mix of rule changes and the increasing use of the three-point shot that's nerfed his and other similar players' defensive impact.
But as stated in the OP, there are individuals like KG and Rudy who have had extremely impactful defensive seasons in the modern era if you put any weight into RAPM and one-number/all-in-one metrics. These seasons are on par with elite offensive seasons. Looking at career RAPM, Jeremias Englemann's 14-year database (00-14) had KG #1 and his first-ranked defense per 100 impact was greater than LeBron's first-ranked offense per 100 impact. Tim was second-ranked in defense and that would rank 5th on offense, above Dirk.
Obviously, the game has changed a lot from 2000-2014. But many of KG's top-performing defensive seasons occurred in Boston from '08 onwards. Given Rudy has had some wild defensive seasons ('21, '22) in recent years, I feel confident given his defensive abilities Bill could do the same.
And as stated in the OP, the crux of the argument is that whatever absolute value that's lost in defense due to rule changes and increased usage of the three-point would be offset by improvements in offense. And I explained my reasoning as well.
Doctor MJ wrote:2. Said rules also helped offensive stars, who are now capable of more impact on that side of the ball than was possible in the past.
I agree. And Bill would also be a benefactor. It's never been easier for big men who can't shoot to get into the paint and more specifically get to the rim to score. Whether off-ball as a roller or cutter or as a ball handler in transition, isolation, and in the pick-and-roll.
This is due to improved floor spacing which is obviously a result of rule changes and increased usage of the three-point shot and screening, whether on-ball in pick-and-rolls and hand-off actions or off-ball to free-up shooters. The big men who set the screens are benefitting as play finishers. Which is why they're dunking more than ever:
Not to mention how the dribbling, palming, carrying, and travelling interpretations have radically changed. It's never been easier to handle the ball, especially for big men. Bill displayed strong ball handling in the most restrictive era for that skill and that makes him better not worse. Not to mention, like Cousy, he has unique physical attributes that make him suited to ball handling. Namely, his massive, strong, yet soft 10.5" hands and his long arms that hang to his knees and help to keep the dribble low.
Doctor MJ wrote:3. We shouldn't give Russell too much benefit of the doubt when it comes to improving his shooting. While it's absolutely true that he could have put up bigger numbers had he played on a team looking to use him as a scorer, Russell himself was quite clear that he simply did not have the shooting touch that people with a knack do, and this related to why in high school he wasn't a star, and why he ended up focusing more on defense.
An improvement in shooting was never a part of my argument for Bill's improvement on offense in today's NBA. I did give him a slight wiggle room for free-throw shooting improvement (about 3%) due to upgrades in playing equipment and conditions. Standardized rims, backboards, better floorboards, temperature-controlled arenas, etc. Oh, and a better playing ball with a better grip and eight panels.
