Thabo Sefolosha Earning Respect

Shapecity · Nov 19, 2009

Speaking of Miami, how about a shout-out to one of the league's rising defensive stoppers, Thabo Sefolosha, who held Dwyane Wade to a season-low 22 points on 6-of-19 shooting and induced six turnovers in Oklahoma City's impressive road win over the Heat on Tuesday?

That was no accident, either. He's already harassed Kobe Bryant (9-of-22, seven turnovers), Brandon Roy (5-of-17) and Kevin Martin (5-of-19) into rough nights, helping explain why the Thunder rank a healthy fifth in defensive efficiency. It also explains why the Thunder were so willing to ink their long-armed Swiss stopper rather than let him test restricted free agency in the summer of 2010.

As certain members (ahem) of the Swiss diaspora revel in his success, Sefolosha has a chance to earn another milestone for his continent. For all the talk of the rise of the European payer, nearly all the achievements have come at the offensive end. Only one European, Andrei Kirilenko, has made the league's All-Defense team, and none has won the defensive player of the year award. Sefolosha is a long, long way from the latter honor, but the former seems within range -- perhaps as soon as this season.
Click to expand...

Source: ESPN

Log in or Sign up

Thabo Sefolosha Earning Respect

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Thabo Sefolosha Earning Respect

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

Share This Page

Useful Searches