kg01 wrote:Branduil wrote:kg01 wrote:
When we talk top 10 defenders, I think we should assess them based on their offensive skillset as well then.
You're being facetious, but this is absolutely true to a degree, especially in terms of actually building a team. It has never been harder to hide guys on offense or defense, and players are asked to do more on both ends than any other time in NBA history. A guy like Tony Allen would not get playing time any more, the "3" in 3&D isn't optional. Teams need at least 4 shooters on the floor, and every guy needs to be able to switch and guard the perimeter, to a certain degree.
So it's quite possible there are Top 10 defenders we just don't know about, because they're not good enough on offense to get playing time.
I hear what you're saying here. The funny thing though is that all I'm hearing from all these other posters is that Trae is not good enough on defense to get playing time.
You're right that I'm being mostly facetious. However I do find it strange that, in a conversation specifically about offense, the same folks go out of their way to inject 'defense' into the discussion. But only when talking about one player and literally no one else. I find it weird.
Because ultimately the point is made that Trae should be 1st team all NBA or an MVP candidate. It never remains 'how good is he on offense'.
Atlanta fans can't make outrageous claims and ignore his defense (consistently) and then get outraged when it's brought up.
