AK 04-06 compared to alltime greats defense

[migya]

How Ak47's peak was from 02/03-05/06. He was an amazing defender in that time period. How does this three year peak compare to the greatest three year peaks on defense alltime?

Among the top 10 alltime best defensive peaks is Russell (many years), Olajuwon (also many years but likely 93-95 might be his best three), Robinson 92, 94, 95 might his best), Garnett (02-04 might be his best) etc.


Also, AK added to Utah from 1992-95, would that team be a real contender and how far would they go in each year?

[kcktiny]

He was an amazing defender in that time period.

On a per minute basis yes he certainly was.

How does this three year peak compare to the greatest three year peaks on defense alltime?

He never played the heavy minutes the greatest defenders did. Only twice played 2300+ minutes in a season, played 2000+ minutes in a season just 7 times.

Ak47's peak was from 02/03-05/06

Even these 4 seasons he averaged playing less than 2300 minutes per season.

[penbeast0]

That and although shotblocking was his strongest (but not only) defensive tool, playing further from the basket on that end limited its utility compared to a big like DRob or Hakeem. Top end comparable to Bobby Jones in the NBA (a bit less than peak ABA Bobby Jones) in terms of limited minutes and strong defensive impact I would say; not comparable to one of the dominant defensive bigs.

[One_and_Done]

Definitely better than people remember. He declined fast though.

[migya]

That and although shotblocking was his strongest (but not only) defensive tool, playing further from the basket on that end limited its utility compared to a big like DRob or Hakeem. Top end comparable to Bobby Jones in the NBA (a bit less than peak ABA Bobby Jones) in terms of limited minutes and strong defensive impact I would say; not comparable to one of the dominant defensive bigs.

This would apply to Garnett? At least until about 2000, where he was playing some SF and perimeter, he played similar.

[penbeast0]

To some extent. Garnett played more minutes so he doesn't lose value compared to the great rim protecting centers there but his top end value isn't as high as the top end value of a DRob or Hakeem.

[Ancalagon]

AK + 92-95 Utah becomes close to a favorite. He’s not a great add like Hornacek from a fit perspective, but those teams were so good with so little firepower that even a slight improvement might tip them over the top to high tier championship contender.

[migya]

AK + 92-95 Utah becomes close to a favorite. He’s not a great add like Hornacek from a fit perspective, but those teams were so good with so little firepower that even a slight improvement might tip them over the top to high tier championship contender.

As SF, AK is a huge upgrade, on both ends. Defensively, the Jazz would close to the best, AK was that defensively impactful.

[BusywithBball]

The second Best wing defender I have seen for me. Artest is first.

[Verticality]

Andrei was a stout a defender at Sf. Lockdown

[OhayoKD]

AK does get a goat defensive wing" shouts here and in other places I frequent. Might be worth tracking though I'm all ears on what games/series people think I should start with.