Best projected defenders (2020)?

[clyde21]

best PG defender is clearly Tre Jones but he's pretty much a 1 position defender at this point

[clyde21]

Vassell and Bolmaro are very obvious to me, so is Avdija, yeah meh length but he is very good in terms of awareness and plays physical, he is going to be a plus

There is no stud defender in this class, Okongwu and Wiseman are probably the closest in terms of impacts because they are bigs, but there is no real big wing stud sadly, Deni is the closest

Tyler Bey

[The-Power]

I think Josh Green has the chance to be really good but he's probably going to be at his best against Guards.

[King Ken]

Wiseman can be a really impactful defender but only in a specific scheme (dropping in PnRs)

I don't see him being able to switch/hedge/show/blitz really well. Kind of like Whiteside in Portlands drop scheme was a big defensive positive in the regular season (+2.19 DPIPM)

But you do sacrifice some defensive versatility, which would matter more in a playoff setting.

Indeed, how he'll be able to defend further out on the perimeter will determine how great he can be. And there's no doubt that this remains a question mark to some extent. I do believe there are many less mobile bigs out there who can be effective defensively, but Wiseman doesn't scream switchable big.

Capela has had stretches in which he was quite effective on switches and various coverages that had him defend further away from the rim and against smaller players. Maybe Wiseman can get there at some point depending on what he focuses on when working on his body and defensive game – that would help tremendously in the playoffs.

Capela might be the best center at lateral quickness in the NBA outside of Adebayo and Horford now that he's old. Do you really want to put that pressure on Wiseman who doesn't show us the awareness, instincts, thinks too much in space and can have heavy feet on the perimeter with that responsibility?

[Stillwater]

Wiseman can be a really impactful defender but only in a specific scheme (dropping in PnRs)

I don't see him being able to switch/hedge/show/blitz really well. Kind of like Whiteside in Portlands drop scheme was a big defensive positive in the regular season (+2.19 DPIPM)

But you do sacrifice some defensive versatility, which would matter more in a playoff setting.

Indeed, how he'll be able to defend further out on the perimeter will determine how great he can be. And there's no doubt that this remains a question mark to some extent. I do believe there are many less mobile bigs out there who can be effective defensively, but Wiseman doesn't scream switchable big.

Capela has had stretches in which he was quite effective on switches and various coverages that had him defend further away from the rim and against smaller players. Maybe Wiseman can get there at some point depending on what he focuses on when working on his body and defensive game – that would help tremendously in the playoffs.

Capela might be the best center at lateral quickness in the NBA outside of Adebayo and Horford now that he's old. Do you really want to put that pressure on Wiseman who doesn't show us the awareness, instincts, thinks too much in space and can have heavy feet on the perimeter with that responsibility?

Cmon you are hating on Wiseman cause you know this draft is loaded with guards your org doesnt think they need and bigs they will pass on after getting capela. Outside of Okoro or Vassel to help cover traes ineptitude defensively your looking at overpicking Maxey as a microwave.
Or worse youll see your org pick the we can play him anywhere Avdija

[King Ken]

Indeed, how he'll be able to defend further out on the perimeter will determine how great he can be. And there's no doubt that this remains a question mark to some extent. I do believe there are many less mobile bigs out there who can be effective defensively, but Wiseman doesn't scream switchable big.

Capela has had stretches in which he was quite effective on switches and various coverages that had him defend further away from the rim and against smaller players. Maybe Wiseman can get there at some point depending on what he focuses on when working on his body and defensive game – that would help tremendously in the playoffs.

Capela might be the best center at lateral quickness in the NBA outside of Adebayo and Horford now that he's old. Do you really want to put that pressure on Wiseman who doesn't show us the awareness, instincts, thinks too much in space and can have heavy feet on the perimeter with that responsibility?

Cmon you are hating on Wiseman cause you know this draft is loaded with guards your org doesnt think they need and bigs they will pass on after getting capela. Outside of Okoro or Vassel to help cover traes ineptitude defensively your looking at overpicking Maxey as a microwave.
Or worse youll see your org pick the we can play him anywhere Avdija

I don't even rate these players based on ANY NBA SQUAD at this stage. I rate them based on where they are and where I think they could be in time.

Your rambling at this point. Have a good day sir. I am not even sure why you decided to go the direction you went. We are talking about Wiseman.

[azcatz11]

Okoro is a SF and the best perimeter defender in this draft by a mile. The one improvement area I would like to see from you is watching more film. That's what I would like to see you do more. Too much of your takes involve analytics and unless the player is Zion where the tape just agrees with the data, I strongly believe we should focus on both and I say that as an analytics guy myself.

area you would like to see from him? dude take a break, this aint a job

He's literally one of the worst talent evaluators on this draft board. That's why I ignored him

[King Ken]

Okoro is a SF and the best perimeter defender in this draft by a mile. The one improvement area I would like to see from you is watching more film. That's what I would like to see you do more. Too much of your takes involve analytics and unless the player is Zion where the tape just agrees with the data, I strongly believe we should focus on both and I say that as an analytics guy myself.

area you would like to see from him? dude take a break, this aint a job

He's literally one of the worst talent evaluators on this draft board. That's why I ignored him

Well, that means a lot coming from you of all people. I'll take that as a compliment

area you would like to see from him? dude take a break, this aint a job

I like the kid's work. He's putting in OT on this board. He's a tad too analytical. Sharpen up his film work, he can be special. I can't say that about everyone on here.

It's clear he has goals like some others on this site who wants to work for an NBA franchise. Not everyone here is just here to give opinions. Some actually really want to do well at this and OP is standing out to me. I enjoy the OP's posts. Giving him tips will only help him.

[getrichordie]

area you would like to see from him? dude take a break, this aint a job

He's literally one of the worst talent evaluators on this draft board. That's why I ignored him

Well, that means a lot coming from you of all people. I'll take that as a compliment

area you would like to see from him? dude take a break, this aint a job

I like the kid's work. He's putting in OT on this board. He's a tad too analytical. Sharpen up his film work, he can be special. I can't say that about everyone on here.

It's clear he has goals like some others on this site who wants to work for an NBA franchise. Not everyone here is just here to give opinions. Some actually really want to do well at this and OP is standing out to me. I enjoy the OP's posts. Giving him tips will only help him.

FWIW, I appreciate the feedback and didn't take it poorly. Constructive criticism is good criticism.

[getrichordie]

best PG defender is clearly Tre Jones but he's pretty much a 1 position defender at this point

I haven't seen much defensive tape on Tre Jones and I know he has a reputation for being a good defender, but is he better than Dosunmu, Hagans, or Maxey here? Haven't seen him really hound the ball like these 3 can.

[King Ken]

best PG defender is clearly Tre Jones but he's pretty much a 1 position defender at this point

I haven't seen much defensive tape on Tre Jones and I know he has a reputation for being a good defender, but is he better than Dosunmu, Hagans, or Maxey here? Haven't seen him really hound the ball like these 3 can.

Yes. His bulk gives him an advantages and he's has an excellent feel for getting steals. His use of leverage is exceptional. Good lateral quickness, it's not Hagans level to me but when you have bulk, it's good enough. Defensively, he's NBA ready as a PG.

He's not a hound which opens you to getting beat being too aggressive. He's like most modern Duke guys who can defend. They play disciplined defense and they know when to strike

[Nazrmohamed]

best PG defender is clearly Tre Jones but he's pretty much a 1 position defender at this point

I haven't seen much defensive tape on Tre Jones and I know he has a reputation for being a good defender, but is he better than Dosunmu, Hagans, or Maxey here? Haven't seen him really hound the ball like these 3 can.

Yes. His bulk gives him an advantages and he's has an excellent feel for getting steals. His use of leverage is exceptional. Good lateral quickness, it's not Hagans level to me but when you have bulk, it's good enough. Defensively, he's NBA ready as a PG.

He's not a hound which opens you to getting beat being too aggressive. He's like most modern Duke guys who can defend. They play disciplined defense and they know when to strike

As a knick fan I'm wondering if there's any scenario where I wouldn't grab a PG in the lottery and choose one later at 27. It's good to know at the very least he's a good defender with some chemistry with RJ but I'd really need to feel comfortable about his shooting. He was total trash the yr before and its hard to forget. I know he shot better but is that something you think is sustainable at the next level?

[King Ken]

I haven't seen much defensive tape on Tre Jones and I know he has a reputation for being a good defender, but is he better than Dosunmu, Hagans, or Maxey here? Haven't seen him really hound the ball like these 3 can.

Yes. His bulk gives him an advantages and he's has an excellent feel for getting steals. His use of leverage is exceptional. Good lateral quickness, it's not Hagans level to me but when you have bulk, it's good enough. Defensively, he's NBA ready as a PG.

He's not a hound which opens you to getting beat being too aggressive. He's like most modern Duke guys who can defend. They play disciplined defense and they know when to strike

As a knick fan I'm wondering if there's any scenario where I wouldn't grab a PG in the lottery and choose one later at 27. It's good to know at the very least he's a good defender with some chemistry with RJ but I'd really need to feel comfortable about his shooting. He was total trash the yr before and its hard to forget. I know he shot better but is that something you think is sustainable at the next level?

It's a swing skill for him that he becomes just a decent shooter so let's just say he has a ways to go. I do believe his jumper can be redeemable but his issue is touch for me. That's why I see him more like Blaylock down the road than Lowry but it depends. These guys develop at rates when it comes to shooting. Look at R.J. shot from last year compared to this year. It's much better. It will take Tre time but I do believe none of us know the true answer at this moment.

At this point, you can only buy the player as a person (work ethic, mindset, willingness to improve, skill-set) or sell.

[realEAST]

Vassell and Bolmaro are very obvious to me, so is Avdija, yeah meh length but he is very good in terms of awareness and plays physical, he is going to be a plus

There is no stud defender in this class, Okongwu and Wiseman are probably the closest in terms of impacts because they are bigs, but there is no real big wing stud sadly, Deni is the closest

Tyler Bey

I think McDaniels could be pretty good wing defender as he becomes stronger, his lenght and mobility are really good.

[No-Man]

Tyler Bey is def not a big wing, and he is a bad basketball player

McDaniels is never going to be strong/big enough

[getrichordie]

Tyler Bey is def not a big wing, and he is a bad basketball player

McDaniels is never going to be strong/big enough

Not sure what classifies as "big wing," but Bey could play that Roberson role but I wouldn't say he is as good as Roberson, but he's probably the best perimeter defender in the draft. You can throw Bey on the PGs, Kawhi's, etc. and he could hold his own. Defensively, he's good.

Offensively, he's bad, but there's some areas where he's not useless and coaches could do some stuff with him on that end. He does have more offensive upside than Roberson. He ranks in the 93rd percentile for P&R - ball handler's offense where does well as a roll man and has shown he can hit short Js if paint is clogged. He is best suited playing next to a stretch 5. Minnesota comes to mind, of course.

His potential as a small ball 5 also adds value to draft stock.

[Klomp]

What about Cassius Stanley as a defender?

[Stillwater]

Tyler Bey is def not a big wing, and he is a bad basketball player

McDaniels is never going to be strong/big enough

Wow... that's a terrible take . not only is he the cream of defenders on the perimeter and as a rim protector...he was acknowedged for it by earning defensive POY in PAC . Like Thybulle last season who also won that award, many of the offensive scrutiny is based on his focus as a defender and ltd usage offensively. He aint no 2nd or even 3rd option so I get the take offensively somewhat but to say he is a bad basketball player when the awareness and IQ is a prerequisite to being so efficient as a defender makes that untrue.

[karkinos]

ramsey might not be the best off ball defender, but given how deep the league is, he's one guy who has the potential to shadow and press the opposing team's lead ball handlers. he's strong with a good frame, and i think he could handle assignments to defend multiple positions. will proper development, could be a better marcus smart.

[getrichordie]

ramsey might not be the best off ball defender, but given how deep the league is, he's one guy who has the potential to shadow and press the opposing team's lead ball handlers. he's strong with a good frame, and i think he could handle assignments to defend multiple positions. will proper development, could be a better marcus smart.

Forgot about Ramsey when making this thread. This is a good one. He could lock down a lot of points. Don't think he is a better Marcus Smart, defensively speaking, but could be better offensively. I'd say he is 70% of what Smart is on defense at best. On-ball, Ramsey is good. He's like if Draymond was a SG. Not quite that good, but similar instincts. Just has to keep up with his man a little better off-ball.