LeBron's Defense

Discussion in 'Cleveland Cavaliers' started by Mamba, May 21, 2006.

  1. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    THIS IS NOT A KNOCK ON HIM, I DON'T WANT TO START A FLAME WAR, but...

    How does he let Tayshaun Prince, who averaged 14.1 PPG and 4.2 RPG during the regular season, average 18 PPG and 5.4 RPG in the series? Did LeBron defend him or what? I think that was a key factor in Cleveland not being able to close the series out when they were up 3-2.

    In game 6, Prince posted 15 and 8. In game 7, he posted 20 and 7. I honestly believe that in Game 6, if LeBron played any bit of defense on Prince, the Cavs could've closed it out then. They only lost by 2 points.

    Again, this is not a knock on LeBron because he's a top player in the league, but what do Cavs fans feel about his defense, or lack of it? Do you feel it was a contributing factor in the series loss, along with the dismal shooting in game 7?

    I'd like some imput, respectful imput.
     
  2. Lostmyluggage

    Lostmyluggage JBB JustBBall Member

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    I think that the bigger question here is why was Prince having to do all the work in game 7? No one else on the Pistons really stepped up except the only starting player that WASN'T named an all star. Prince won the game for them hands down and played like a true pro. Wether or not this was due to LeBron's D is subjective.
     
  3. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    Prince stepped up all series for the Pistons. Almost 20 a game? That's pretty good.

    It was a good series, but I honestly think LeBron should work on his defense over the summer, that coul've secured the series for the Cavs in game 6.
     
  4. Lostmyluggage

    Lostmyluggage JBB JustBBall Member

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    He definately needs to learn how to use his strength as an advantage to defending other players. It might take 2 more years, but he will eventually become one of the primier defenders in the league. He's got the body for it.
     
  5. discolemonade

    discolemonade JBB JustBBall Member

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    If Lebron learns how to D-up like jordan, he, larry and anderson will be ridiculous
     
  6. 50

    50 JBB JustBBall Member

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    Well, everyone has their not so strong points. This is of course, LeBron's weakness. Flip Saunders realized that and moved Tay up to 2-3 scoring person. I mean, he has some work to do and I can't wait to see this guy next year.
     
  7. Brasco

    Brasco JBB JustBBall Member

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    LeBron's defense has improved from his rookie year to last seaosn to this one. he actually recieved some all-defensive team votes. This is obviously something he has to work on. I predict by his fifth season he'll get better, guys like dirk, mcgrady even vince have improved their defence especially at around their 5th year in the league.
     
  8. durvasa

    durvasa JBB Rockets Fan

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    LeBron's "terrible defense" is a bit overstated, in my opinion.

    I wouldn't go so far as to call him a good defender, but he's not terrible like some make him out to be. Of course, if he became an elite defender that would help his team win more ballgames. He doesn't appear to have great lateral quickness, so I don't know if he'll ever be a superior one on one defender at his position.
     
  9. Manhops23

    Manhops23 Hi Rim my name is Lebron!

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    He's not the worst defender it is his weakness but Tayshaun Prince stepped his game up.
     
  10. thekinglbj23

    thekinglbj23 JBB JustBBall Member

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    lebron is definently going to have to work on his defense during the offseason. it is a major hole in his game, if he can get that down, and also not get scared of taking the ball to the hoop after a couple bad drives. <u>he may become unstopable</u>, and then what?
     
  11. Lostmyluggage

    Lostmyluggage JBB JustBBall Member

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    He will become unstopable and then the league will have to change the way the game is played just like they did to Shaq. It's pathetic really to change a sport because someone dominates a certain aspect. I mean, the pistons doubled him wether he was at half court, or anywhere on the court for that matter. Can you guess why they need to double team him?
     
  12. The Dream

    The Dream mama there goes that man!

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    things bron needs to work on

    defense - like durvasa said he's not horrible, but he ain't great either

    shooting - Bron's my dude, but that's one ugly a$$ shot.....lol.

    But he's improved on both of these things since his rookie season so I see no reason why he still can't improve even more.
     

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