Hopefully CJ and Damian look at their stats (and a 2nd straight all star snub for Damian) and take this summer to work on their defense, because it is actually just learning tricks and not some magic athletic skillset that they don't have. While the rules in the NBA has changed a bit (hand checking, etc) giving the advantage to the offensive player, that isn't why CJ and Damian are both sub par defenders (nor why the team as a whole is). I would gladly give up some of Damians offense for improved defense.
I never said I didn't want a good defensive HOF PG to work with our guys. Just not this one. Why waste your time with Zeke when there are better options available? BNM
I'm reminded in this conversation of all the "bring in Hakeem/McHale to teach LaMarcus and our bigs how to score!" talk. In principle I'm ok with it, and there's a time when those guys (at least Hakeem) has done it, but I think you have to make sure said coach WANTS to be a skills-teaching assistant. Similar to GP's quote above--he's not teaching anyone where to put their hands or how to improve footwork--I'd wonder how it would work. But I'm not averse, I guess.
Defense in the NBA to me has always seemed to be about two things: 1. Effort/energy/motor Sure, things like anticipation and stance and hand positioning is all important, but if you don't put in effort and energy, your defense will be weak. It takes a lot of energy to be a good defender, which is why someone like Dame is probably lazy on the other end. He exerts a lot of energy on offense so I think he slacks on defense to compensate. 2. The refs Someone like Chris Paul can get away with highway fucking robbery because he's seen as a "good" defender. Seriously, I watched him in the playoffs and the reason why he's such a "good" defender is because he mugs people. He slaps and holds and bodies. For anyone else that would be a foul.
