Find inspiration for better questions. George Gervin named his toughest defenders. What makes superior defenders?
Tangibles
- Elite conditioning
- Contain the ball
- Challenge shots without fouling
- CARE - concentration - anticipation - reaction - execution
- Active hands without fouling
- Cover 1.5 (responsible for your player and help)
- Measurables - opponent EFG, turnovers forced, steals, deflections, opponent points per possession
- Usually have >= two of three among size, athleticism, and skill
Intangibles
- Attitude "I have to stop this guy"
- Toughness - fight through screens, take charges
- Relentlessness
- Attention to detail - study opponents to anticipate
- "Hard to play against"
- "Team first"
- "You know it when you see it."
Excellent defenders force their way onto the floor through contributions to winning.
Lagniappe. Great defenders are "possession enders" who get stops.
