I agree, Roy's defense leaves a lot to be desired, but there's also a legitimate reason for it. Teams' number one scoring options almost always conserve energy on the defensive end of the court in the NBA -- There are exceptions like Bryant or James, and it's taken Lebron about 5 or 6 years in the league to finally start playing committed defense for a full game. I do think Roy needs to show a little more effort on the defensive end (especially on weak-side or help defense) but there's a fine balance that has to be struck with expending too much and not enough effort; most of this should improve as he logs more years in the league.
What you say about 'stars' saving it for offense and key defensive plays is true, Nikolokulos. However, a 'leader' cannot expect his teammates to bust their asses on defense without leading by example, especially if he's riding their asses for not doing what he's not doing. The double standard will lead to resentment -- then -- he's not leading anybody.
Hmm, you need to be damn sure that the vet the you bring in walks the walk as well, and I don't see how any of the rumored players at the trade deadline could come in and start calling out their new teammates for their play on defense. Vince Carter doesn't play defense, Jefferson is average, and Gerald Wallace has never experienced any success in the league that would have made him instantly respected by his new teammates.
I think you misunderstood my point. I did say he needs to show more himself -- that's absolutely part of the equation -- but I'm almost certain the rest of the team understands that they are absolutely cooked if Roy wears himself out trying to play defensive stopper all game long and ends up with nothing left in the tank at the end of games. I don't think there's much to 'resent' unless somebody thinks themselves more capable of stepping up and being the number one guy on offense any time soon.
I never said it was anybody rumored at the trade deadline that needs to come in and be that guy and it doesn't necessarily need to be some hard-ass that comes in and starts yelling at guys, it has more to do with the on-court recognition that comes with experience and then being able to pinpoint breakdowns as they happen on the court; whether that is conveyed harshly or softly doesn't matter so much, just as long as the one pointing it out knows what he's talking about and has the ability to execute whatever defensive principle himself. As for Jefferson and Carter you might have a point, but with respect to Gerald Wallace these guys have played against him and seen first hand the kind of player he is, whether or not his team has enjoyed great success is mostly immaterial in their perception of him (I guess?). As crazy as it sounds, I sometimes wonder what what Ron Artest would look like in crimson and black? That's a dude that might be too strong of a personality, but there's no denying that he'd command instant respect (if not fear).
I never insinuated that you did say it. I was commenting on what were widely perceived to be the available options. I happen to agree with you in that none of the players mentioned could walk into that locker room and get instant respect as defensive leaders who call out their teammates. Does Gerald Wallace do that in Charlotte? I honestly don't know what level of leadership he possesses.
I can only comment on Wallace's individual defensive talents which are great man-to-man and pretty good in help and weakside, but I don't watch enough Charlotte games (maybe 4 or 5 a year?) to have seen much on-court interaction between he and his teammates
