Sunday, April 23, 2023

What Makes Excellent Defenders Excellent?

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.