RealGM

Who’s better?

In my opinion Valanciunas is the worst defensive center in the NBA and by far and also the worst defensive player overall in the whole NBA.

He is an elite offensive rebounder and a good offensive player but it's not enough to offset his awful defense.

If locked in, it's Ayton. But that's the big if with Ayton

I mean, obviously Ayton is better. But looking at how much each team is going to have to depend on respective player, Denver is probably in the better situation.

A quick glance at several advanced metric will tell you that JV is a fair bit better…that said I think Ayton has the capability to be better.

Bronny's teammate

Who's the better individual player? Ayton.

What situation would I rather have?

Ayton as my starter vs Jonas as my backup to Jokic? Jonas without much hesitation

Pels were 6th in defense the last two years with Jonas as a starting center, and I believe Memphis was #1. Not saying that was all because of Jonas, but I certainly don’t think you can say he’s a bad defender. In particular, his size and ability to rebound and end possessions is huge.

Valanciunas has an enigma career. He has better offence, and the people eye test says his defence is bad. However, his defensive stats throughout his career say he is at least decent. He has been the center of plenty of team lineups, and they dont do bad defensively.

So on paper, he is supposed to be better then Ayton.

Bankai wrote:Valanciunas has an enigma career. He has better offence, and the people eye test says his defence is bad. However, his defensive stats throughout his career say he is at least decent. He has been the center of plenty of team lineups, and they dont do bad defensively.

So on paper, he is supposed to be better then Ayton.

That’s because most of defense is “in theory” for people, or they watch with confirmation bias. Every 6’8 guy that is slightly athletic is considered a 3-D guy that can guard 1-5, even when they suck at it. Likewise, floor bound, slow C’s are always considered some hige defensive liability even when it doesn’t play out that way.

Duke4life831 wrote:Who's the better individual player? Ayton.

What situation would I rather have?

Ayton as my starter vs Jonas as my backup to Jokic? Jonas without much hesitation

I too would rather have Jokic and JV than Ayton.

I'll take Jonas all day. At least you can count on him not to mentally check out 3/4ths of the time.

Jonas has lead feet. The man cannot move. I know we all hate and despise Ayton but Ayton is superior at everything.

Jonas because we can't measure potential and "ifs" in a debate like this. Give me the player that brings it every night and has a similar skillset - neither of them are anything to write home about on the defensive end with Ayton being better but his motor has always been questionable, as well as his work ethic and passion for the game in general.

It’s JV.

Ayton is a moron.

As someone who just had to deal with Ayton on the team I root for...I'd take Val 100% of the time.

We really need Basketball back

JRoy wrote:It’s JV.

Ayton is a moron.

I can't wait for first match up, between Lakers and your team, his going to torch you guys

Dacost wrote:In my opinion Valanciunas is the worst defensive center in the NBA and by far and also the worst defensive player overall in the whole NBA.

He is an elite offensive rebounder and a good offensive player but it's not enough to offset his awful defense.

He is not close to being the worst defensive player in the NBA.