Defense Only: Larry Nance Sr. vs Andrei Kirilenko

[AStark1991]

Arguably the two greatest non Center shot blockers in league history. Both guys were also very athletic/versatile and able to guard the 3, 4, and 5 positions at a high level. All in all, who do you think was the more impactful defender?

[Bad Bart]

Peak Kirilenko, career Nance. Voted Nance because of longevity.

[The Master]

I don't know, really, they played in different eras, and I see their defensive impact as very similar, maybe with a slight edge to Nance. What I do believe in is that I think both would thrive even more in today’s game, Kirilenko as a small-ball center or Nance as a modern center / stretch 5 / providing vertical threat would’ve been crazy.

[penbeast0]

If he's playing and healthy, I'd go with Kirilenko. He was more of a disruptive difference maker. Nance played a lot more and was a lot more consistent though. Nance had more trouble defending in the post despite playing more of an inside game.

[Cavsfansince84]

McHale deserves a mention too in this convo of shot blocking pf's.

[migya]

Nance was great but AK is one of the only PFs that may be better than him defensively. AK only lasted some three years at his prime and big effectiveness though.

McHale is certainly a good call for PF shotblockers. One of the best of his era.