MAVS NEWS:

[mvossman]

If there has been a complaint about the offseason, it has been the idea that Marshall isn't the POA defender that Jones was.  I like how Iztok differentiates this.  If you define Point of Attack as isolation defense...shutting down your man...then Marshall is your guy.  The eye test agrees with this for me.  I think this will be especially beneficial in the playoffs when more physical play is allowed.  I also think the size of the other teams star matters.  The trend is toward larger isolation scorers.  Other than Curry, Murray and Fox, which smallish quick guard are we worried about in the West.  

Of course, PnR defense is also part of the Point of Attack.  Here Iztok gives Jones Jr. the nod because he can chase from behind and block a shot.  Part of that ability comes from the center that is keeping the PnR ball handler from getting to the hoop.  Dallas had plenty of that between Lively and Gafford.  It was a huge hole for the Pelicans.  Part of it is scheme dependent.  Are we switching or fighting through screens?  Some depends on which player is being brought into the screen.  McCollum is probably a worse defender than Kyrie.  Luka vs. Zion feels like a wash when Luka is engaged.  So, I think our superior center play compared to NO probably neutralizes some of the PnR advantage Iztok gives Jones vs. Marshall.

From the article:

"Compared to Jones Jr., Marshall is a better isolation defender, particularly against stronger wings like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard or players who score by bumping and creating space, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Marshall has a stronger chest that enables him to absorb contact and more disruptive handwork. On the flip side, Jones Jr. is a much more nimble and fluid athlete, making him better at chasing off screens, recovering, and contesting shots from behind in pick-and-roll situations."

I think it helps that Grimes is an upgrade over Green as a POA defender.  I like the balance we have now with PJ and Naji as big wing defenders, and Grimes and Exum as POA defenders.  Honestly, I think the biggest concern is the lack of POA defender in the starting lineup.  As you mentioned, that will be somewhat mitigated by having a legit rim protecting center.  Its one of the reasons I think Lively should start (if not immediately then soon) as I think he will be the most effective at covering this up.