The True Value Of Shotblockers! Is there anything better in the NBA then a greatly timed blocked shot?? Is there anything better then seeing someone get his shot launched straight back in his face, with menace?? The reason why I am posting this, is that I believe that a blocked shot can have a huge impact on the game. It can reduce the shooter to dust. A prime example was when Marcus Camby was playing against the Bulls one game and proceeded to block 12 shots in that game, with about 7 coming from Toni Kukoc, who proceeded to have no impact on that game and was reduced to shooting long range jump shots, as he was afraid to drive and get it blocked again. Who can forget Hakeem Olajuwon, sending a David Robinson layup in the 1995 Western Conference Finals into the front row?? As you know, the key in NBA basketball is to stop penetration any way you can and by having a big man capable of blocking shots, is one deterent to stopping easy and cheap buckets at any time.You see defense is all about stopping the ball being put into the basket. The defense is heightened to the max, when the shot is sent flying in the other direction. Another game that I remember was when LaPhonso Ellis, then with the Nuggets blocked a guard in mid air, stole the ball away then looked at the camera. Who can forget Hakeem Olajuwon's dying seconds block on John Starks in game 6 of the 1994 Finals, that took the series into a seventh game decider, stopping the Knicks from winning a championship. My tip for the guy who is going to lead the NBA in blocks this year is Theo Ratliff, for a second year running. Remember a few years ago when he was with the 76ers, he led the league with 3.74 blocks per game and led the league in blocks last year. The reason why I believe he is going to lead the NBA in blocks again, is because I feel that the Hawks are a suspect defensive team. So, the chances of easy layups and cuts through penetration will be increased. Therefore, the chances of Ratliff racking up the blocks will be greatly increased.He likes to stay down low and cover up the defensive mistakes of his teammates.He will get alot of chances this year.He will not be traded,as without him the Hawks are are a complete mess defensively. He is also the quickest centre off his feet in the NBA, no doubt about this. He is also not prone to the usual pump fakes that many centres often bite on. The great shotblockers like Russell, etc can keep the ball in play and get possession ball after generating a blocked shot.Ratliff, is also good at this aspect of the game. Remember, defense is about reducing the effectiveness of the offense. Getting the defensive rebound means that you have allowed the offense to still put up a shot. Blocking a shot, means that you have stifled the offense in its tracks.That is pure defense. When making your decision, think about the teams structure and defensive mentality and how that will impact on the number of blocks that particular player will get. Remember, never underestimate what a blocked shot can mean to a team. It can also win you championships, ie in 1994.So, who is going to lead the NBA in blocks and why?? Candidates: Ratliff Chandler Hilario Ben Wallace Kirilenko Swift Gasol LaFrentz Duncan Mutombo Mourning Magloire Foyle Dampier Ming Griffin Jermaine O'Neal Shaq Brand Kandi Nesterovic Garnett Ilgauskas Amare Just some names that I brought up from the top of my head.Is someone going to come from left field and come from nowhere to really rack up the blocks??
Lets not forget Olajuwon blocking Kevin Johnson and Rod Strickland as they were going for layups/dunks. How does a 7 footer catch a speedy point guard like that and send their stuff into the 3rd row? The Dream was awesome.
One of the most memorable blocks I can remember was when the Bulls faced the Knicks in the playoffs. This was the beginning of the Chicago Era, and the Bulls swatted Charles Smith 4 or 5 times to seal the game. The list you have is very complete, an underrated shotblocker is Vince Carter, but he will not be leading the league. There are a few players who do a great job of shotblocking from the perimeter, for example, Kirilenko, but he will not get as many opportunities as the big men in the league. My vote will be for Adonal Foyle, assuming the Golden State Warriors trade Dampier to get Foyle into the starting lineup. He makes blocking shots look effortless. His lack of height is compensated by his quick leaping and great anticipation. A lot of taller players try to attack him with their height, but they don't realize how long Foyle's arms are and his ability to get them up quicker. Ben Wallace and Theo Ratliff will get be around their averages as usual. The only other player on the list who could surprise is KG. With a better defensive unit I see him being able to play free safety for the TWolves and swat a lot of shots from the weakside. If KG has free range on the defensive end he will have a monster year in block categorie.
I have a few Hakeem Olajuwon videos, and let me tell you, this man was a shot blocking machine. Another sweet block he had was while he was in college at the University Of Houston, this guy went for a jump shot just under the fould line, Olajuwon come out of nowhere it seems and towers up into the air, and then sends the shot back off of the poor shooters face, the ball then lands out of bounds - sick. Shape, I remember that Charles Smith moment very well, MJ and Pipp interfered the most...what an exciting moment to end a series.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">I have a few Hakeem Olajuwon videos, and let me tell you, this man was a shot blocking machine. Another sweet block he had was while he was in college at the University Of Houston, this guy went for a jump shot just under the fould line, Olajuwon come out of nowhere it seems and towers up into the air, and then sends the shot back off of the poor shooters face, the ball then lands out of bounds - sick. Shape, I remember that Charles Smith moment very well, MJ and Pipp interfered the most...what an exciting moment to end a series.</div> Yeah, it was definately an exciting finish, I think that moment defined the Bulls, because the entire team was in the mix doing whatever it could to prevent Charles Smith from several chances at a 2 foot shot. Even the bottom of the backboard sent one of his attempts back. Great stuff!
Best shotblockers: 1) Ben Wallace 2) Theo Ratliff 3) Shaq 4) KG 5) Tim Duncan Best shotblocking guards 1) VC 2) Bruce Bowen 3) Kobe
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting the MDE:</div><div class="quote_post">Best shotblockers: 1) Ben Wallace 2) Theo Ratliff 3) Shaq 4) KG 5) Tim Duncan Best shotblocking guards 1) VC 2) Bruce Bowen 3) Kobe</div> T-mac was on that list before last year and I think he is still the best shotblocking guard. I'm pretty sure career stats show he's better than those 3.
You guys are all forgetting one of the best one on one defenders and shot blockers in Elton Brand, he doesnt get his blocks the easy way by coming from the weak side, he just straight up blocks the guy he is guarding, look for him to be one of the top 5 shot blockers every year. (he led the league in shot blocking for a while last year)
I was about to mention him. He's very underrated in that area. I think he's right up there with Ben Wallace. They both lack the height that most big men shot blockers have and still lead the league :thumbsup:
Which is why the Raptors inside defense has struggled at times, after losing Keon Clark. Clark was a good shotblocker. But to luxury tax concerns, they were unable to resign him. And the Bulls player you are referring to was Scottie Pippen, I believe. I am fairly certain he was the one blocking all those shots. If someone could find a video of it, Id appreciate it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Vintage:</div><div class="quote_post"> And the Bulls player you are referring to was Scottie Pippen, I believe. I am fairly certain he was the one blocking all those shots. If someone could find a video of it, Id appreciate it.</div> I think I might have it. I'm not sure where all my Bulls tapes went, though.
A great blocked shot happened a year ago. Not really a blocked shot, but more of a grab. The last game Michael played against the Bulls, and when he raced down court and just took the ball out of the kid's (who was that player?) hands. That was great, I laughed so hard, I alsmost pissed my pants. Also another game last year was when Ben Wallace had six blocked shots on Allen Iverson alone! That was a crazy game, and a sad one to watch for a Sixers fan! Though for this season, I think Theo will take it, him or Ben. They are both monsters inside.
Yeah, it was acturally a game vs Bulls! Ron Artest obviously did something to piss MJ off!!! As Artest was going for a lay- up, MJ pinned the ball on the backboard! Wow.. his elbows were above the rim! LOL [quote name='Love It Live']A great blocked shot happened a year ago. Not really a blocked shot, but more of a grab. The last game Michael played against the Bulls, and when he raced down court and just took the ball out of the kid's (who was that player?) hands. That was great, I laughed so hard, I alsmost pissed my pants.
Well obviously I am going to say Kirienko. But he won't win because he may split blocks with Keon I am saying this because about 45% of teh time Kiri blocks someone who isn't "his man"
How could it be against the Bulls if Artest was in it? I know for a fact it wasn't Indiana, it was the Bulls, I just can't remember the guy's name.
Maybe it was two years ago then? Artest's only been with Indy for about 1 1/2 seasons. I don't remember seeing the game.. I probably didnt.
