(11-05-2019, 02:45 PM)Kammrath Wrote: I'm just going to say it again for the record:
Boban is NOT the defensive liability people make him out to be.
His defensive toolbox is not full. Despite being tall, (and long), he doesn't block shots. He doesn't posses quickness - lateral or otherwise. He is bad in the pick/roll and wouldn't be considered a good close-out defender. Those are severe deficiencies in a player's defensive game.
He does take up space and is an imposing figure at the rim - especially when paired with an actual shot blocker. He also clogs the paint with his size - limiting movement through the paint and is a dominant rebounder - individual and team.
Again, if he is a 30 minute player, you are going to be complaining about his D. He is going to get game planned and exposed. He is a talented matchup player. Celebrate that. I love the dude... but there is a reason he was available below room exception. Doesn't mean he can't be a difference maker!
The preseason game that gave me the most hope for him was against the Bucks. I thought he played a solid game against a 4-out team. Like you mentioned above, in that game, when he was in, they went to work WITH him. A lot of Luka/Bobi pick/rolls. So that is certainly part of the equation. It will be part of the fun this season seeing how his role develops, for sure! This team is so fun and has so many different possible storylines. Going to be amazing!
I just went back and watched that game again, (thanks youtube tv and your beautiful unlimited dvr!), and Boban's success came against Robin Lopez. When they took him out and went back to one non-shooter (Giannis), the advantage was quickly over. But yeah, he dominated sideshow bob. The next time they put him in, they took Lopez out for Bender and he chased him from the game.
This is similar to the advantage he enjoyed against Cle the other night. He is going to crush the R. Lopez/T. Thompson's of the NBA. Funny he didn't get run against NO and Favors/Okafor. Seems like that is his kind of matchup. Will look for that next time.