It seems we have 4 players that could get votes. Lopez: The center and paint protector Matthews: Probably our best perimeter defender Batum: Good help defender, Excellent transition defender Aldridge: Probably our best one on one defender But which player will be the stand out? The one that will be recognized for their defense? My vote is Lopez. I think he's gonna really be the game changer for us. When I watched the game last night, the kid altered so many shots. It reminded me so much of Pryzbilla during his prime days. He may not block the shot, but it has a better chance of not going in.
I think the league decided that it wouldnt be fair for Lillard to become an above average defender. You know, to the rest of the league that is.
There's more to defense than rebounding, but rebounding is what I'm excited about right now. Take a look at the box score from last night: Wesley Matthews had 8 rebounds, we as a team killed them on the boards. So, why did I choose Robin Lopez, was it that sexy 13 rebounds he had? No. Robin Lopez is the new Kevin Duckworth. He blocks out the other team's best rebounder, get some rebounds for himself, and gets more opportunities for his teammates (like Wes) to get rebounds. p.s. Yes I know that Duckworth was a much better offensive rebounder and worse rebounder and defender, but my point is that they both make their teammates better rebounders.
Lopez by far. Batum has the physical tools, but not the drive. Matthews can be a decent defender for sure, but is he banged up yet again?
Somebody best have the mission to get Meyer Leonard into the defensive game or the answer will be Lopez in a long season.
Perhaps nobody on the team will be our "best" defender? But I guess I'd go with Wesley being our least awful.
