Anthony Davis, bodily proportions, standing reach, and overrated defense?

[FrodoBaggins]

Anthony Davis is one of the best defenders in the NBA and of his generation. His unique combination of size, mobility, and basketball intelligence has allowed him to impact the game defensively in a way few others can match. His strengths are his paint protection, court coverage, versatility, defensive playmaking, and general defensive efficiency.

No one has been able to cover more space on defense over the last decade. No one aside from perhaps Draymond has been as versatile, able to defend in the paint, out on the perimeter, on-ball, off-ball, any pick-and-roll coverage, or any position. Davis boasts impressive steal and block rates, a comparatively low personal foul rate, and recovers possession of shot contests better than anyone currently.

He has made the All-Defensive 1st team three times and the All-Defensive 2nd team twice. He has also finished fourth (2015), third (2018), second (2020), and fourth (2024) in DPOY.

But for a guy who rightfully got Bill Russell comparisons in college, his defense has been somewhat of a disappointment. His team's defenses have been unremarkable for the most part:

New Orleans Pelicans

2012-13: 110.1 DRtg (28th/30); +4.2 rDRtg
2013-14: 110.1 DRtg (27th/30); +3.4 rDRtg
2014-15: 107.3 DRtg (22nd/30; +1.7 rDRtg
2015-16: 109.5 DRtg (27th/30); +3.1 rDRtg
2016-17: 107.4 DRtg (9th/30); -1.4 rDRtg
2017-18: 108.3 DRtg (14th/30); -0.3 rDRtg
2018-19: 112.6 DRtg (23rd/30); +2.2 rDRtg

Los Angeles Lakers

2019-20: 106.3 DRtg (3rd/30); -4.3 rDRtg
2020-21: 107.1 DRtg (1st/30); -5.2 rDRtg
2021-22: 113.3 DRtg (21st/30); +1.3 rDRtg
2022-23: 113.9 DRtg (11th/30); -0.9 rDRtg
2023-24: 115.3 DRtg (16th/30); +0.0 rDRtg

I'm sure there are many ways we can contextualize these team defense results. Injuries, supporting cast, coaching, lineups, scheme, role. But even accounting for these factors I'm still left feeling underwhelmed. His vanilla career defensive RAPM including playoffs is -2.3 per 100 possessions. He ranks 98th in the 28-year ('97 to Feb '24) database, way behind many of his contemporaries. A number of his teammates rank higher also:

Draymond: -5.2 per 100 possessions (5th)
Gobert: -5.1 per 100 possessions (7th)
Embiid: -4.6 per 100 possessions (11th)
Bogut: -4.4 per 100 possessions (15th)
Mobley: -3.3 per 100 possessions (34th)
Nurkic: -3.2 per 100 possessions (35th)
J. Isaac: -3.1 per 100 possessions (41st)
WCJ: -3.0 per 100 possessions (49th)
Covington: -2.9 per 100 possessions (51st)
T. Chandler: -2.9 per 100 possessions (53rd)
B. Adebayo: -2.9 per 100 possessions (54th)
T. Splitter: -2.9 per 100 possessions (55th)
LeBron: -2.8 per 100 possessions (58th)
J. Tatum: -2.8 per 100 possessions (59th)
D. White: -2.8 per 100 possessions (60th)
Ginobili: -2.7 per 100 possessions (65th)
O. Asik: -2.7 per 100 possessions (68th)
Jrue: -2.6 per 100 possessions (73rd)
M. Gasol: -2.6 per 100 possessions (74th)
D. Howard: -2.5 per 100 possessions (83rd)
T. Gibson: -2.5 per 100 possessions (84th)
Nance Jr: -2.5 per 100 possessions (85th)
Thybulle: -2.5 per 100 possessions (87th)
Giannis: -2.4 per 100 possessions (88th)
P. Beverley: -2.4 per 100 possessions (89th)
Battier: -2.4 per 100 possessions (90th)
M. Turner: -2.4 per 100 possessions (94th)

A. Davis: -2.3 per 100 possessions (98th)

This is a vanilla, unadjusted career RAPM sample, so it gives an advantage to early bloomers and players with more prime seasons and fewer post-prime ones. It also doesn't account for the number of possessions played or a player's role on offense and defense. Many of the players above him have significantly smaller roles on both ends. Still, he lags heavily compared to comparable players.

We can also look at an age curve-adjusted version of this 28-year RAPM sample:

https://www.nbarapm.com/?28y

28 year Lifetime RAPM
"How good a player was relative to their age across their career starting in 1997"

EXPLANATION:

28-year Lifetime RAPM incorporates an age curve to adjust for players improving and declining with age. How good a player was relative to their age across their career starting in 1997? Everyone is then normalized to expected peak value at Age 27 -- even younger players. Players who are younger are given a bump in this model because they are expected to improve.

DISCLAIMER: Caution looking at players who's career started way before 1997.

Garnett: -6.4 per 100 possessions (1st)
Dikembe: -5.6 per 100 possessions (2nd)
Gobert: -5.3 per 100 possessions (3rd)
Draymond: -5.3 per 100 possessions (4th)
B. Wallace: -4.6 per 100 possessions (6th)
T. Duncan: -4.6 per 100 possessions (7th)
Bogut: -4.5 per 100 possessions (8th)
Embiid: -4.7 per 100 possessions (9th)
S. Bradley: -4.6 per 100 possessions (10th)
A. Mourning: -4.4 per 100 possessions (11th)
D. Robinson: -4.4 per 100 possessions (12th)

Y. Ming: -3.8 per 100 possessions (21st)

Giannis: -3.0 per 100 possessions (39th)

LeBron: -2.8 per 100 possessions (50th)

Bam: -2.4 per 100 possessions (70th)
M. Turner: -2.4 per 100 possessions (74th)
WCJ: -2.3 per 100 possessions (79th)

M. Gasol: -2.3 per 100 possessions (84th)
Kawhi: -2.3 per 100 possessions (86th)
T. Chandler: -2.2 per 100 possessions (89th)

Shaq: -2.1 per 100 possessions (96th)
A. Davis: -2.1 per 100 possessions (97th)
J. Jackson Jr: -2.1 per 100 possessions (99th)

Jokic: -2.0 per 100 possessions (106th)

Sabonis: -1.2 per 100 possessions

The cool thing about this RAPM sample is that it includes a regularized four-factor breakdown. This can help identify and understand what is driving a player's value on defense.

EXPLANATION + EXAMPLE:

Additionally, regularized four factors are provided for each player, which help tell you what is driving their impact. EFG = Effective Field Goal Percentage, TOV = Turnover%, OREB = Offensive Rebound%, FTR = Freethrow Rate.

...

The regularized four factors do help you figure out what's driving their impact. For instance, Alex Caruso ranks top 5 in DRAPM. He also happens to be rank 1 in DTOV. The lineup data suggests he increases the opponent's turnover rate more than anyone else in the modern era, which straightforwardly lowers the amount of points the opponents score. It should be noted Alex Caruso does not have as many minutes as many of these top guys so I'm expecting there's higher variance associated with his numbers.

Here's how AD's defensive regularized four-factors look compared to others:

A. Davis: DEFG: +0.79; DTOV: +0.04; DREB: +2.33; DFTR: +1.2
J. Jackson Jr: DEFG: +1.12; DTOV: -0.2; DREB: +1.23; DFTR: -0.48
M. Gasol: DEFG: +0.74; DTOV: +0.41; DREB: +2.39; DFTR: +1.98
WCJ: DEFG: +0.73; DTOV: +0.22; DREB: +2.69; DFTR: +1.55
Jokic: DEFG: +0.25; DTOV: -0.32; DREB: +5.16; DFTR: +3.55
Whiteside: DEFG: +1.16; DTOV: -1.36; DREB: +2.75; DFTR: +3.32
D. Sabonis: DEFG: -0.01; DTOV: +0.34; DREB: +3.43; DFTR: +2.51
Embiid: DEFG: +2.99; DTOV: -0.83; DREB: +2.14; DFTR: +2.51
Gobert: DEFG: +2.86; DTOV: -0.71; DREB: +3.23; DFTR: +3.88
Draymond: DEFG: +2.42; DTOV: +1.0; DREB: +1.25; DFTR: +1.22
Giannis: DEFG: +1.49; DTOV: +0.51; DREB: +1.07; DFTR: +1.05
Mobley: DEFG: +1.49; DTOV: +0.65; DREB: -0.35; DFTR: +0.9
M. Turner: DEFG: +1.47; DTOV: -0.07; DREB: +1.66; DFTR: +2.22
Bogut: DEFG: +2.05; DTOV: -0.01; DREB: +4.74; DFTR: +3.46
Garnett: DEFG: +2.91; DTOV: +0.77; DREB: +2.94; DFTR: +2.7
Duncan: DEFG: +2.74; DTOV: -1.16; DREB: +4.34; DFTR: +4.37
Yao: DEFG: +2.35; DTOV: -0.93; DREB: +3.97; DFTR: +4.41
D. Robinson: DEFG: +1.95; DTOV: +0.62; DREB: +2.02; DFTR: +3.97
A. Mourning: DEFG: +3.15; DTOV: -0.77; DREB: +1.81; DFTR: +3.3
Dikembe: DEFG: +3.07; DTOV: -1.28; DREB: +4.29; DFTR: +7.47
Hibbert: DEFG: +1.84; DTOV: -1.39; DREB: +2.68; DFTR: +3.24
B. Wallace: DEFG: +1.69; DTOV: +1.26; DREB: +2.65; DFTR: +4.87
Shaq: DEFG: +1.65; DTOV: -1.28; DREB: +3.9; DFTR: +4.29

Although Davis has an above-average DTOV for a big and solid DREB and DFTR, it's his DEFG that's really lacking. He's not affecting opponent effective field goal percentage to nearly the same degree as guys like Gobert, Draymond, Embiid, and Bogut. Even more comparable PF/Cs like JJJ and Giannis comfortably beat him. AD's most similar four-factor comparisons are WCJ and Marc Gasol.

So why is AD's DEFG subpar? I think it's because of his good-but-not-great rim protection numbers. Davis' DFG% within 6 feet has always lacked compared to the best of the best. He has a year or two there where he's great but his numbers lag compared to the NBA's top rim protectors:

Anthony Davis defense within 6 feet:

2013-14: 5.7 DFGA; 53% DFG; -7.1 differential
2014-15: 6.1 DFGA; 54.9% DFG; -4.6 differential
2015-16: 5.4 DFGA; 55.8% DFG; -3.9 differential
2016-17: 5.7 DFGA; 54.1% DFG; -7.8 differential
2017-18: 6.7 DFGA; 51.7% DFG; -9.2 differential
2018-19: 6.8 DFGA; 61.4% DFG; -0.9 differential
2019-20: 5.1 DFGA; 50.6% DFG; -11.4 differential
2020-21: N/A
2021-22: 7.0 DFGA; 56.6% DFG; -6.9 differential
2022-23: 7.0 DFGA; 58.9% DFG; -6.6 differential
2023-24: 7.6 DFGA; 56.4% DFG; -7.4 differential

Giannis Antetokoumpo defense within 6 feet:

2013-14: 3.0 DFGA; 50.9% DFG; -8.3 differential
2014-15: 3.7 DFGA; 55.2% DFG; -3.5 differential
2015-16: 4.9 DFGA; 53.7% DFG; -6.3 differential
2016-17: 4.7 DFGA; 50.7% DFG; -10.7 differential
2017-18: 5.0 DFGA; 52.5% DFG; -8.3 differential
2018-19: 4.2 DFGA; 50.7% DFG; -10.8 differential
2019-20: 4.1 DFGA; 41.3% DFG; -20.4 differential
2020-21: 3.8 DFGA; 52.0% DFG; -11.1 differential
2021-22: 5.1 DFGA; 52.9% DFG; -11.2 differential
2022-23: 4.7 DFGA; 48.0% DFG; -16.7 differential
2023-24: 4.9 DFGA; 53.6% DFG; -9.4 differential

Jaren Jackson Jr defense within 6 feet:

2018-19: 5.0 DFGA; 52.2% DFG; -9.7 differential
2019-20: 5.9 DFGA; 54.4% DFG; -7.9 differential
2020-21: N/A
2021-22: 5.1 DFGA; 49.9% DFG; -14.3 differential
2022-23: 6.5 DFGA; 51.1% DFG; -12.9 differential
2023-24: 6.0 DFGA; 55.4% DFG; -8.1 differential

Draymond Green defense within 6 feet:

2014-15: 4.5 DFGA; 52.4% DFG; -5.9 differential
2015-16: 5.6 DFGA; 51.4% DFG; -8.3 differential
2016-17: 6.1 DFGA; 48.8% DFG; -11.6 differential
2017-18: 5.7 DFGA; 55.5% DFG; -5.6 differential
2018-19: 5.3 DFGA; 58.7% DFG; -2.2 differential
2019-20: 4.9 DFGA; 54.2% DFG; -8.4 differential
2020-21: 5.2 DFGA; 50.2% DFG; -12.8 differential
2021-22: 3.9 DFGA; 55.1% DFG; -8.8 differential
2022-23: 5.3 DFGA; 52.7% DFG; -11.5 differential
2023-24: 4.5 DFGA; 61.0% DFG; -2.9 differential

Rudy Gobert defense within 6 feet:

2013-14: 2.7 DFGA; 50% DFG; -8.4 differential
2014-15: 6.7 DFGA; 47.8% DFG; -11.2 differential
2015-16: 6.2 DFGA; 49.1% DFG; -10.4 differential
2016-17: 8.0 DFGA; 46.5% DFG; -14.4 differential
2017-18: 7.4 DFGA; 50.6% DFG; -10.4 differential
2018-19: 8.7 DFGA; 52.3% DFG; -9.6 differential
2019-20: 8.3 DFGA; 50.1% DFG; -12.2 differential
2020-21: 8.3 DFGA; 49.3% DFG; -13.6 differential
2021-22: 7.2 DFGA; 50.6% DFG; -13.1 differential
2022-23: 7.5 DFGA; 56.7% DFG; -7.8 differential
2023-24: 7.8 DFGA; 49.4% DFG; -13.4 differential

Joel Embiid defense within 6 feet:

2016-17: 6.3 DFGA; 43.7% DFG; -17.5 differential
2017-18: 7.0 DFGA; 50.6% DFG; -10.5 differential
2018-19: 9.0 DFGA; 49.9% DFG; -11.1 differential
2019-20: 6.9 DFGA; 57.5% DFG; -5.2 differential
2020-21: 8.1 DFGA; 57.0% DFG; -5.3 differential
2021-22: 8.3 DFGA; 57.5% DFG; -6.6 differential
2022-23: 8.1 DFGA; 63.2% DFG; -1.4 differential
2023-24: 9.0 DFGA; 53.6% DFG; -10.5 differential

Kristaps Porzingis defense within 6 feet:

2015-16: 6.1 DFGA; 50.8% DFG; -9.1 differential
2016-17: 7.3 DFGA; 51.7% DFG; -9.6 differential
2017-18: 6.2 DFGA; 50.7% DFG; -10.8 differential
2018-19: N/A
2019-20: 7.0 DFGA; 50.1% DFG; -11.9 differential
2020-21: 7.5 DFGA; 56.8% DFG; -5.7 differential
2021-22: 6.1 DFGA; 57.1% DFG; -6.8 differential
2022-23: 8.1 DFGA; 53.6% DFG; -10.9 differential
2023-24: 7.8 DFGA; 49.7% DFG; -13.7 differential

Brook Lopez defense within 6 feet:

2013-14: 6.6 DFGA; 44.6% DFG; -14.3 differential
2014-15: 6.7 DFGA; 55.5% DFG; -3.8 differential
2015-16: 7.9 DFGA; 52.1% DFG; -8.2 differential
2016-17: 4.7 DFGA; 55.3% DFG; -5.8 differential
2017-18: 5.4 DFGA; 55.0% DFG; -6.3 differential
2018-19: 6.6 DFGA; 51.3% DFG; -10.6 differential
2019-20: 6.6 DFGA; 46.0% DFG; -16.6 differential
2020-21: 6.9 DFGA; 50.7% DFG; -11.7 differential
2021-22: 4.6 DFGA; 46.7% DFG; -18.6 differential
2022-23: 8.1 DFGA; 51.7% DFG; -13.2 differential
2023-24: 8.5 DFGA; 55.7% DFG; -8.2 differential

These numbers may surprise many because Davis is such a potent shot-blocker. He's also had some incredible defensive performances in the playoffs, namely '20 and '23. He absolutely locked down the paint in the first two rounds of 2023. But the large sample of data is pretty clear: he's not as good a rim protector as his block totals and general perception suggest.

Role is an interesting thing to consider. He started out in New Orleans as a PF playing alongside centers like Robin Lopez, Omer Asik, and Alexis Ajinca. They tried him at center to good effect but he wasn't sturdy enough at the time to withstand the physical play if I'm not mistaken. He then went to LA, played his best season of defense next to Javale and Dwight, then eventually transitioned to what he is now: a full-time center.

Manning the five, you'd think his rim protection numbers would go up but they haven't. He's gotten stronger but he's still coming up short compared to the top competition.

So what's holding him back? Why aren't his shot contests as effective as the other players listed? I don't think it's his mobility as he is a fluid mover and very quick, both with his feet and with his jump. These are ideal athletic traits for a great defender. He lacked strength in the past but he's quite sturdy now. I don't think it's his basketball IQ. Is he not aggressive enough?

I think his standing reach limits his ability in the vertical plane. His best blocks appear to be ones where he's reaching outwards or coming over from the weak side. I think he's much more suited to playing the weak-side shot-blocker role as opposed to the primary paint protector.

Despite boasting a nearly 7'6" wingspan, Davis' standing reach is only 9'0". This is less than 6'7.75" Carlos Boozer (9'0.5"), 6'7" Montrezl Harrell (9'1"), 6'10.25" long-necked Chris Bosh (9'1"), 6'8" Kevon Looney (9'2"), and 6'8" Brandon Ingram (9'1.5"). It's legitimately below average for a center (9'1.5") and only slightly above average for a PF (8'11").

AD has a long neck, very broad, low-set shoulders, and small hands (8.5" long). The length of his neck is harder to see as he has grown facial hair, put on weight, and aged. Bodily proportions play an interesting role in basketball-related anthropometric measurements and ultimately functional size.

Here's what 9'0" AD looks like versus 9'7" Boban:




For comparison, Wilt has the same wingspan (7'8") and standing reach (9'7" in shoes) as Boban. Here's 6'9.5" to 6'10" barefoot Bill Russell going toe-for-toe with Chamberlain. Russ was known for his freakish standing reach, estimated to be in the 9'5" to 9'7" range. His reach was greater than 7'2" Kareem's, 7'3" Swede Halbrook's, and 7'2" Ralph Sampson's.








Unlike AD, Bill had a short neck and narrow clavicles. All of that wingspan was in his arms and 10.5" long hands:



So what should we make of the information presented in this thread? I think Davis is limited in the more vertical shot-contesting plane by his mediocre standing reach. These are the sorts of contests more commonly associated with the center position, drop coverage, and the primary paint and rim protection role.

I believe AD is more suited to the roaming help defender providing weakside shot-blocking. This utilizes his defensive strengths better. But it's also generally a less valuable role compared to being the primary rim protector. Even though I've criticized the concepts, I think a floor/ceiling analogy might be apt here.

Versatility and mobility are great on defense. But pure paint/rim protection is more valuable. There's a hierarchy of defensive importance, much like on offense regarding shot creation. I don't think Davis can elevate the floor of a team's defense as well as better pure rim protectors. But his unique skillset may grant him greater utility and value on higher-end defensive teams.

[Djoker]

One factor worth noting OP...

Since coming to the Lakers, it looks like AD has started to take Lebron's approach of resting in the regular season.

In the playoffs, the Lakers' rDRtg has been pretty great.

2020: -4.0
2021: -6.7
2023: -5.0
2024: -4.5

[Pelon chingon]

Definitely did not live up to his projected draft hype. Ultimately he's just to physically weak to be a great.

[dockingsched]

He’s the best defender in the league.

[1993Playoffs]

Definitely did not live up to his projected draft hype. Ultimately he's just to physically weak to be a great.

It’s so weird because he’s still a. Really great player. Great defense, really good efficient offense, can give you 25-10 etc. just not a first option

[JJ_PR]

Whenever I see Anthony Davis play, he's a difference maker defensively. He lived up to the hype he had as a prospect on that end, without a doubt. I thought his defense for Team USA was magnificent.

[realball]

Great write-up, OP. So you're telling me that AD's shoulders are so broad and hands are so small that his 7'6" wingspan still leaves him with a below average standing reach? That's wild to me.

One problem with your conclusion is that the weakside shot-blocking PF is a rapidly disappearing position. Sure, you've got guys like Mobley and JJJ, but the majority of PFs now are guys like Zion, Banchero, Siakam, Randle, Lauri... ballhandlers or shooters who would tweeners in previous eras. AD doesn't have the range and passing/ballhandling ability to be a full-time PF anymore. Maybe if you pair him with a C with range, but how likely are you to find a C who can stretch the floor and be the primary shotblocker?

[John Murdoch]

Hes best as a weakside roamer, playing him as the primary rim protector is hit or miss

[Black Jack]

Seems like he is really a power forward, not a center.

[Sign5]

Great write-up, OP. So you're telling me that AD's shoulders are so broad and hands are so small that his 7'6" wingspan still leaves him with a below average standing reach? That's wild to me.

One problem with your conclusion is that the weakside shot-blocking PF is a rapidly disappearing position. Sure, you've got guys like Mobley and JJJ, but the majority of PFs now are guys like Zion, Banchero, Siakam, Randle, Lauri... ballhandlers or shooters who would tweeners in previous eras. AD doesn't have the range and passing/ballhandling ability to be a full-time PF anymore. Maybe if you pair him with a C with range, but how likely are you to find a C who can stretch the floor and be the primary shotblocker?

They should have traded for Myles/Hield when they had the chance, add whatever to get it done. Now there's 0 chance Pacers trade Myles with the recent success of the Pacers.

[HMFFL]

Great write-up, OP. So you're telling me that AD's shoulders are so broad and hands are so small that his 7'6" wingspan still leaves him with a below average standing reach? That's wild to me.

One problem with your conclusion is that the weakside shot-blocking PF is a rapidly disappearing position. Sure, you've got guys like Mobley and JJJ, but the majority of PFs now are guys like Zion, Banchero, Siakam, Randle, Lauri... ballhandlers or shooters who would tweeners in previous eras. AD doesn't have the range and passing/ballhandling ability to be a full-time PF anymore. Maybe if you pair him with a C with range, but how likely are you to find a C who can stretch the floor and be the primary shotblocker?

They should have traded for Myles/Hield when they had the chance, add whatever to get it done. Now there's 0 chance Pacers trade Myles with the recent success of the Pacers.

Myles 6.8 rebounds per game is his career average and I doubt he helps the Lakers. He's been on the trading block for several years. His impacts not as great as you may believe. The Lakers need a center that actually rebounds.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Pelon chingon]

Definitely did not live up to his projected draft hype. Ultimately he's just to physically weak to be a great.

It’s so weird because he’s still a. Really great player. Great defense, really good efficient offense, can give you 25-10 etc. just not a first option

Imagine if he played in the late 90s early 2000s era those 4/5's would have banged on him so ugly.

[BodieB]

Idk whenever I watch him he looks like a great defender.

[BlazersBroncos]

Great write-up, OP. So you're telling me that AD's shoulders are so broad and hands are so small that his 7'6" wingspan still leaves him with a below average standing reach? That's wild to me.

One problem with your conclusion is that the weakside shot-blocking PF is a rapidly disappearing position. Sure, you've got guys like Mobley and JJJ, but the majority of PFs now are guys like Zion, Banchero, Siakam, Randle, Lauri... ballhandlers or shooters who would tweeners in previous eras. AD doesn't have the range and passing/ballhandling ability to be a full-time PF anymore. Maybe if you pair him with a C with range, but how likely are you to find a C who can stretch the floor and be the primary shotblocker?

They should have traded for Myles/Hield when they had the chance, add whatever to get it done. Now there's 0 chance Pacers trade Myles with the recent success of the Pacers.

Myles 6.8 rebounds per game is his career average and I doubt he helps the Lakers. He's been on the trading block for several years. His impacts not as great as you may believe. The Lakers need a center that actually rebounds.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using RealGM Forums mobile app

This is wild. Myles and AD would be a near perfect pairing. It would elevate LAL from 1st round fodder to a Top-4 team in the West IMO. No team in the West has close to a PF/C duo with as much 2-way talent as AD and Turner would have.

[KyRo23]

Idk whenever I watch him he looks like a great defender.

He is. Especially last season, from what I saw (which was almost every game) I was pulling hard for him to win DPOY. I think it was one of his strongest defensive seasons from the eye test

[zimpy27]

actually defense is a team game, you can't just have a couple good defenders.

A defensive minded coach always has the most impact. It's no accident that the top defense years came under Vogel.

Davis isn't used effectively in a defense, he really needs a strong defense minded coach to get the most out of him and the Lakers.

[ConSarnit]

One factor worth noting OP...

Since coming to the Lakers, it looks like AD has started to take Lebron's approach of resting in the regular season.

In the playoffs, the Lakers' rDRtg has been pretty great.

2020: -4.0
2021: -6.7
2023: -5.0
2024: -4.5

Definitely seems like it. No one else can provide the same level of rim protection and switching defense he can when he’s locked in. If I were drafting for playoff defense I’d take him first.

[NZB2323]

If you’re looking at a large sample size, he’s not 100% in all of those games. I get the playoffs is a small sample size, but when he’s been healthy in the playoffs he’s been great defensively.

If he’s fighting through an injury and he’s at 80%, he’s not great defensively.

[Bank Shot]

One factor worth noting OP...

Since coming to the Lakers, it looks like AD has started to take Lebron's approach of resting in the regular season.

In the playoffs, the Lakers' rDRtg has been pretty great.

2020: -4.0
2021: -6.7
2023: -5.0
2024: -4.5

Came here looking for this. He's been unbelievable in the playoffs on the defensive end and is just a great playoff performer in general. I thought he was putting together an all-time defensive playoff run in 2023 before running into Jokic.

[Frank Dux]

It’s really weird seeing people call him weak. He's physically imposing, and there’s only a couple matchups in the league that aren’t favorable (Jokic and Embiid).

He’s arguably the best defensive player in the league, especially during the playoffs. If he was in a system like the current Celtics squad or with the Warriors during his prime, he’d have a lot more respect.

AD didn’t really have help in NO. His supporting cast in L.A. sans Lebron hasn’t exactly been great either, yet he’s always been a defensive force.