06-04-2021, 03:46 PM
(06-04-2021, 02:34 PM)mvossman Wrote: That team has no chance to compete due to defensive limitations. I don't think you can start 3 below average backcourt folks, and DoDo at the 4 is not above average either. I recognize that the frontcourt is more important from a defensive standpoint, but Holmes is not going to make up for all of that.
I hear you, but I'm really starting to re-evaluate how I look at defense. I haven't really put a firm finger on it, but it's like .... this Clippers series ... I've been hearing how great Patrick Beverley and Zubac are on defense for years, and they're absolutely unplayable in this series specifically because of their defense. And that's mostly due to the greatness of Luka and what a mismatch nightmare he is .. but every contending team has their freak that can find their mismatch and exploit it. The Clippers were supposed to be the 1 team that can absolutely match up and shut down any team on defense in theory ... they're just loaded with elite defenders and switchable long wings. And ultimately, when the rubber meets the road in the playoffs, it means nothing. The Hardens, Lukas, KDs, etc. that you have to get through to get to a Championship still get the shots they want, when they want. So some of these high level defenders are overrated, or how we think about defense is overrated or re-evaluate how we think about defense. Maybe it's more about having defensive versatility than just being a high level defender for your position. Because Patrick Beverley is (supposed to be) a high level defending point guard, and he's getting lit up like a Christmas Tree because he's having to guard a 6'7" 250 ball handler. To me, offense is the bare minimum requirement, because you got to keep pace with these freaks and match the shot for shot.