Archx wrote:joesha1698 wrote:Archx wrote:
Where did i say that Kyrie is a horrible defender?
You made it seem like its a given that Hardy + THJ are horrible defenders and as if Kyrie needs to survive as a horrible defender. I saw Kyrie guard Steph Curry in the finals several times - aside from running around screens - Kyrie is a better one on one defender than Steph curry and no one ever imitates that Steph needs to survive as a bad defender. Kyrie (been watching him a while) can get aloof at times and over help but aside from that he's fundamentally sound on defense.
Neither of these guys are horrible defenders (Hardy, THJ, or Kyrie). I would say their avg at worst but it comes down to the coach making defense an issue and holding guys accountable...including your stars. I will say that our coaching needs to emphasize and stay on certain guys about certain elements of their defense. For Kyrie its aloofness and gambling too much. For Luka the effort, transition defense, and the whining for calls. For lively its bad positioning, general lack of experience at times on defense. We need a coach that is going to emphasize defense and point out the things each guy does to hold them accountable. But in terms of ability - all of these guys have the ability to be at best avg defenders and at best good to very good. So, I wouldn't call any of them horrible.
Kyrie is not a horrible defender, he's just short. Does best what he can to hold his ground. THJ and Hardy are bad defenders even though they both did decent last night vs LAC.
THJ can't stay infront of anyone, has very bad instincts as off ball defender (though he does take a lot more charges this year, so at least that has improved slightly). Hardy is just weak and inexperienced.
Playing short players means worse defense for the team. Portland team played Lillard, Atlanta played with Trae for their offense in the expense of defense.
This is not a boxing match where you are required to be under a certain weight. NBA does not limit average height on a team. So the only reason to play small/short players is offensive production. Mavs team have Luka to cover up on defense. If you add Kyrie and then THJ, it becomes impossible to defend at a respectable level.
Does the Mavs need 3 backcourt players earning $105m while frontcourt rotation is taking $20m?
I dont think either Kyrie or Brunson or Hardy is good on defense. You need to account how much money they are invested in and their pros and cons. Kyrie's defensive deficiencies with Luka are too much, while his pros with Luka are less impactful as Luka is already great on offense.
Celtics team is f'in tall. OKC guard rotation is solid height and size. Minnesota team have plus-defenders in Gobert-Edwards and 3-4 rotation players to cover Conley. Denver wing players are too big to cover Murray.