Should we try to have 5 good defensive starters?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by SharpesTriumph, Jun 16, 2025 at 10:15 PM.

  1. SharpesTriumph

    SharpesTriumph Well-Known Member

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    Seeing the way OKC is dominating with defenders, how much better the Pacers are when defending well, and how good the Celtics were defensively to win the title last year has me reevaluating the ideal offensive defensive balance of an NBA contender.

    On the flip side the Knicks seem like they really struggle with KAT/Brunson defense and how to set their lineups to be balanced on both ends.

    Do you think the Blazers should build a roster to have all the starters be good defenders?
     
  2. Fez Hammersticks

    Fez Hammersticks スーパーバッド Zero Cool

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  3. Phatguysrule

    Phatguysrule Well-Known Member

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    Absolutely.

    My theory has always been play the best defenders and then figure out an offense they can play in.

    If you have a superstar offensive player who isn't a great defender then you count your blessings that you are lucky enough to have a player like that and you make sure you play good enough defenders around them that your talented offensive player can play their best defense as long as they're in the game.

    We haven't had a player like that since Dame. Nobody else is even close.
     
  4. BIG Q

    BIG Q Well-Known Member

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    Not to be rude, but yes, you would love to have the best defensive player at every position if you could, but you still have to put the ball in the hoop. I believe the same as many here do, you can't have your best player be your worst defender. I find it interesting that many here are looking for the next Draymond Green in this draft. If you find him that makes Camara redundant. And both are pretty equivalent offensively. Portland needs talent, period. Scoring, rebounding, assisting and defending. Just make sure the best player is also a decent, willing defender. They have to set the bar. Teams have specialists, microwaves, lock down defenders and what not. Gotta get lucky finding the right balance, but nobody wants to see a starting five winning games 78-76 like years past.
     
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  5. JFizzleRaider

    JFizzleRaider Yeast Lords Global Moderator

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    I think most will say no.

    We could have drafted Amen over Scoot and Dyson over Sharpe. Making 4 out of our 5 starters elite level defensive players.

    Our offense might suck but that defense would be interesting.

    Mention that and people bring out pitchforks.
     
  6. Strenuus

    Strenuus Global Moderator Staff Member Global Moderator

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    Whatever we have aint it so fuck it.
     
  7. STOMP

    STOMP mere fan

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    completely disagree. Camara is a top on ball defender doggedly chasing the oppositions top threat around. Green is a top back line & help defender who is excellent at team D. They play very different roles on that end of the court and would be excellent together. During the W's peak, Klay was their version of Camara on D

    STOMP
     
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