Better Perimeter Defender - Dennis Johnson vs Sidney Moncrief

AStark1993 · Post #1 » by **AStark1993** » Thu Oct 24, 2024 2:57 pm

Two of the greatest perimeter defenders the league has ever seen. Who do you think was better on that side of the ball during the primes of their careers?

Post #2 » by **penbeast0** » Thu Oct 24, 2024 3:12 pm

I think DJ was stronger though both had similar strengths. I'd prefer him in post-up defense or switching onto a big. I'd prefer Sid against a jump shooter or outside; he was quicker and a better positional defender as well as better at forcing his man into traps and playing the zone edges (though a lot of that is Don Nelson being the league's preeminent zone defense coach).

AStark1993 · Post #3 » by **AStark1993** » Thu Oct 24, 2024 4:14 pm

penbeast0 wrote:I think DJ was stronger though both had similar strengths. I'd prefer him in post-up defense or switching onto a big. I'd prefer Sid against a jump shooter or outside; he was quicker and a better positional defender as well as better at forcing his man into traps and playing the zone edges (though a lot of that is Don Nelson being the league's preeminent zone defense coach).

Good points. You absolutely can't go wrong with either. Them together in the backcourt would be a defensive cheat code.

AEnigma · Post #4 » by **AEnigma** » Thu Oct 24, 2024 4:53 pm

Young Dennis Johnson my pick. More dynamic across the court (with Moncrief losing more value closer to the basket), and while I agree Moncrief is better on quick players, I think DJ is better equipped to handle wings.

O_6 · Post #5 » by **O_6** » Fri Oct 25, 2024 1:36 am

Moncrief was better man to man. Before dribbling/carrying got too far, he was limiting them.

DJ was a better free safety and truly a great athlete for his time. I think he probably was more impactful.

DNice68 · Post #6 » by **DNice68** » Sun Oct 27, 2024 9:21 pm

I watched a game on YouTube where George Gervin dropped 50 on mostly Brian Winters but a good number on Moncrief. There aren’t a lot of games from back then, but from what I’ve seen I can’t say I’ve seen Sid really lock down a guy one on one. He seems better at rotating and helping. DJ from what I’ve seen has games as a Sonic and Sun where he clamps guys. David Thompson had one good game against him in the 77-78 playoffs. He clamped him in every other game. DJ is my pick!

kcktiny · Post #7 » by **kcktiny** » Sun Oct 27, 2024 10:30 pm

I watched a game on YouTube where George Gervin dropped 50 on mostly Brian Winters but a good number on Moncrief

Ice scored on everybody.

from what I’ve seen I can’t say I’ve seen Sid really lock down a guy one on one

Squid was the best defender on the league's best defensive team over a long 6 year stretch (1980-81 to 1985-86). Played some 500 regular season and playoff games during that time.

Try watching a few more.

There aren’t a lot of games from back then

Enjoy:

Watch on YouTube