Lebron defense on Howard(WOW)

[arifgokcen]

After seeing today's game,even though it was couple of possessions lebron defended howard better than joel.Considering he is stronger than joel it is normal but why dont spo use lebron on howard more.
BTW i think lebron is the most versatile defender of all time again one of the best defenders of all time too.

[Derka]

Okay well...he's neither of those things.

However, the times he had to guard Howard in the post he did okay fighting over Dwight and trying to move him out of position.

[arifgokcen]

Okay well...he's neither of those things.

However, the times he had to guard Howard in the post he did okay fighting over Dwight and trying to move him out of position.

Compared to joel,he was much better.Actually considering he weighs around 270lbs almost as much as howard,it would be better to use him against howard.
Thats your opinion,but i genuinely think he is the most versatile defender of all time and certainly one of the best defenders of all time.Only other player that can deny howard the position with his strength and than shut down elite pg's would be prime Rodman.Maybe him but no other player.

[Lebron23]

LeBron is taller, more athletic, and has a higher defensive IQ than Joel Anthony. Bruce Bowen also called LBJ the best overall defender in the NBA last week.


Bruce Bowen, defensive master, just said on NBA Tonight that LeBron James is the best "overall defender" in the league right now.

Some of his other selections he just stated:

Best one on one defender: Tony Allen

Best Team Defender: Kevin Garnett

Best Help Defender: Nick Collison

Do you agree or disagree with his opinions?


Will post link as soon as one is available. Was just on live TV then.

[inclinerator]

cuz he would get more fouls

[Pointguard]

LeBron is taller, more athletic, and has a higher defensive IQ than Joel Anthony. Bruce Bowen also called LBJ the best overall defender in the NBA last week.
I didn't know Lebron was taller. Joel is definitely longer tho. But as Arifgokcen said, Lebron played him smart and effective.

[Lebron23]

I didn't know Lebron was taller. Joel is definitely longer tho. But as Arifgokcen said, Lebron played him smart and effective.


Joel Anthony is 6'7". LeBron looks like a legit 6'8" with 6'3 3/4" Dwayne Wade.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dwyane-wade-and-lebron-james-of-the-miami-heat-poses-for-news-photo/138100882?esource=linkconn&aid=39902&asid=94532

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dwyane-wade-and-lebron-james-of-the-miami-heat-poses-for-news-photo/138100881?esource=linkconn&aid=39902&asid=94532

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dwyane-wade-and-lebron-james-of-the-miami-heat-poses-for-news-photo/138100888?esource=linkconn&aid=39902&asid=94532

[PHILA]

Compared to joel,he was much better.Actually considering he weighs around 270lbs almost as much as howard,it would be better to use him against howard.

Thats your opinion,but i genuinely think he is the most versatile defender of all time and certainly one of the best defenders of all time.Only other player that can deny howard the position with his strength and than shut down elite pg's would be prime Rodman.Maybe him but no other player.
+ Gus Johnson. He would guard everyone from Big O to Debusschere to Jerry West to even Chamberlain, jumping at center for the tip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDEVzU6Qpu0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFrhKI63e80#t=1m46s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFrhKI63e80#t=1m46s)



Aug 5 2010

He'd go night after night against the toughest big guys, power forwards and centers in the league, and then he'd switch off and guard Oscar and Jerry West when he ran into their teams.

"He really was a one-of-a-kind physical specimen," Monroe said. "The only one I could compare him to with the size, strength, speed and the hops is LeBron James."






http://i.imgur.com/6jiGu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/jJrZE.jpg

[DropStep]

Which is why Lebron is considered the best player in the league. They are players that are better than Lebron at certain aspects. But Lebron pretty much does everything on the court very well. His only really weak aspect is his footwork and post game.

[CLTHornets4eva]

Dwight is a puzzy. Lebron is a defensive beast. A big defensive game against Dwight is great but not enough to call him the best defensive player ever.

[tmacattack33]

I didn't see Lebron guarding Howard (i only watched a little bit of the end of the game here and there), but that's no surprise that he could defend Howard straight up.

Two years ago, Cleveland had Illguaskas and their other center (was it Shaq that year?) injured . Lebron had to play Center for 25 minutes a game twice. One of those times was on Tyson Chandler and he held his own.

[LamarOdom]

Joel Anthony is 6'7". LeBron looks like a legit 6'8" with 6'3 3/4" Dwayne Wade.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dwyane-wade-and-lebron-james-of-the-miami-heat-poses-for-news-photo/138100882?esource=linkconn&aid=39902&asid=94532

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dwyane-wade-and-lebron-james-of-the-miami-heat-poses-for-news-photo/138100881?esource=linkconn&aid=39902&asid=94532

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/dwyane-wade-and-lebron-james-of-the-miami-heat-poses-for-news-photo/138100888?esource=linkconn&aid=39902&asid=94532

Joel is 6'9 if i am not mistaken.

[Mr. Jabbar]

Which is why Lebron is considered the best player in the league. They are players that are better than Lebron at certain aspects. But Lebron pretty much does everything on the court very well. His only really weak aspect is his footwork and post game.

and 4th quarters.

[La Frescobaldi]

After seeing today's game,even though it was couple of possessions lebron defended howard better than joel.Considering he is stronger than joel it is normal but why dont spo use lebron on howard more.
BTW i think lebron is the most versatile defender of all time again one of the best defenders of all time too.

he's great on D no question........ it's a pretty bold statement to say he's best of all time tho

Rodman, Bill Russell, Jerry West & Walt Frazier, Michael Cooper, Chamberlain, Glove come to mind without even thinking bout it. LeBron defense is better than those guys?

He might be up there top 15 tho. The guy can rock

[Kblaze8855]

If you can guard both Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard you are a monster.

Though I suspect Rodman towards the end of his pistons run could do both as well.

And Shawn Marion guarded both Tmac and Yao Ming in the same game at times.

[Yao Ming's Foot]

:bowdown:

except in the playoffs vs Rondo, Dwight and Dirk

[I<3NBA]

as a coach, it would be a stupid move to put Lebron on Howard FULL TIME. you want your best player to expend his energy on offense, not on defense. and you want him to avoid fouls as much as possible. if Joel Anthony can do the job just as well, let him do it, pick up the fouls and use his energy on defense. Let Lebron save his energy for offense.

[gyu]

as a coach, it would be a stupid move to put Lebron on Howard FULL TIME. you want your best player to expend his energy on offense, not on defense. and you want him to avoid fouls as much as possible. if Joel Anthony can do the job just as well, let him do it, pick up the fouls and use his energy on defense. Let Lebron save his energy for offense.
but but but defense wins championships

[Aidz]

Why would you use your best offensive player to guard the other team's best offensive player?

He's just going to get into foul trouble - especially against a guy 3 inches taller than him.

Guarding Howard will also limit fast break chances because he'll be boxing out in the key instead of waiting for an outlet on the perimeter.

[Whoah10115]

I knew someone would post this. Looked pretty cool.



He is one of the most versatile, but I would chill on calling him the most. He's definitely not the best defender in the league (this guy he's guarding has that on lock), and there are a few others I would take over him. But he is terrific.

[dunksby]

After seeing today's game,even though it was couple of possessions lebron defended howard better than joel.Considering he is stronger than joel it is normal but why dont spo use lebron on howard more.
BTW i think lebron is the most versatile defender of all time again one of the best defenders of all time too.
:applause: :applause: :applause:

[Clippersfan86]

Anybody that's strong as Dwight (or close to) can pretty much lock him up. Hell Griffin shut him down too in overtime vs the Clippers. Pretty much if you can body up Dwight without giving up much strength... he's going to be neutralized.

[dunksby]

Anybody that's strong as Dwight (or close to) can pretty much lock him up. Hell Griffin shut him down too in overtime vs the Clippers. Pretty much if you can body up Dwight without giving up much strength... he's going to be neutralized.
Dude has no post moves for the best Center in the league, its really sad.

[I.R.Beast]

Overrated defender this guy has become......what games do u people watch?

[Clippersfan86]

Dude has no post moves for the best Center in the league, its really sad.

That's the problem with guys like Dwight and on a lesser level Griffin right now. If they can't physically overpower you.. they have no impact on offense really. It's sad that big men aren't being taught a proper post game anymore.

[donald_trump]

Overrated defender this guy has become......what games do u people watch?

the one today where he did a fantastic job on howard. that one.

[Lebron23]

Overrated defender this guy has become......what games do u people watch?


We watch his game with our eyes wide open.

[I.R.Beast]

That's the problem with guys like Dwight and on a lesser level Griffin right now. If they can't physically overpower you.. they have no impact on offense really. It's sad that big men aren't being taught a proper post game anymore.
blake has moves tho...good footwork and can take his guy off the dribble....Blake is fine.

[Collie]

I remember watching a game tape where Kevin McHale defended Andrew Toney, Dr. J and Moses Malone for lengthy portions.

[Clippersfan86]

blake has moves tho...good footwork and can take his guy off the dribble....Blake is fine.

Compared to Dwight sure.. and he's still young... but in general guys like that who depend on overpowering defenders are easier to stop usually is all I was saying.

[Stern]

That's the problem with guys like Dwight and on a lesser level Griffin right now. If they can't physically overpower you.. they have no impact on offense really. It's sad that big men aren't being taught a proper post game anymore.
I suggest you watch Dwight play more. This no post game crap is getting old. Half time he has his man pinned under the basket but no one on the magic recognize it and go on with chucking threes.

Andlol at all this lebron talk about best defender. I didnt get to see this defense against Terry and Barea :lol

[k0kakw0rld]

If you can guard both Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard you are a monster.

Though I suspect Rodman towards the end of his pistons run could do both as well.

And Shawn Marion guarded both Tmac and Yao Ming in the same game at times.
Yea but we talking about Derrick Rose & Dwight Howard.

Rose is quicker than T-mac Dwight is tougher than Yao. Nothing against Shawn Marion he is no where LeBron's caliber

[josh99]

Dude has no post moves for the best Center in the league, its really sad.
:facepalm do you even watch the Magic play?? And I'm not talking about the highlight reel on NBA.com either, I'm talking about full length games.

[Whoah10115]

Nothing against Shawn Marion he is no where LeBron's caliber



Yea...not true, but yea.

[dunksby]

:facepalm do you even watch the Magic play?? And I'm not talking about the highlight reel on NBA.com either, I'm talking about full length games.
Honestly I have caught like 6 games of Magic this year, but what I meant was, as the best Center in the NBA, D12 gotta have a wide arsenal at his disposal, currently on a basis of 1-Hakeem he is like 5.

[LakersReign]

After seeing today's game,even though it was couple of possessions lebron defended howard better than joel.Considering he is stronger than joel it is normal but why dont spo use lebron on howard more.
BTW i think lebron is the most versatile defender of all time again one of the best defenders of all time too.


Lebron has shown very little interest in playing C or posting up on a consistent basis. he's not the kind of player to "hang and bang" in the post. Just cuz he looked good vs Howard, doesn't make him a defensive stopper, or anything like that. Let's see what happens when he does that every game.

[Derivative]

If you can guard both Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard you are a monster.

Though I suspect Rodman towards the end of his pistons run could do both as well.

And Shawn Marion guarded both Tmac and Yao Ming in the same game at times.

lebron is a beast

[Haymaker]

That's the problem with guys like Dwight and on a lesser level Griffin right now. If they can't physically overpower you.. they have no impact on offense really. It's sad that big men aren't being taught a proper post game anymore. Very true. These new guys tend to rush their development years in a hurry just to get the big contract. The HS/College years are there to provide them with the fundamentals that would take their games to another level in the long run, and they don't appreciate that.

[Clippersfan86]

Very true. These new guys tend to rush their development years in a hurry just to get the big contract. The HS/College years are there to provide them with the fundamentals that would take their games to another level in the long run, and they don't appreciate that.

Definitely true. LOL at Magic fans getting defensive over this. If it takes you 8 seasons to develop a moderately reliable hook shot... and not have any other post moves outside of that... YOU DON'T HAVE A POST GAME. It's that simple. Griffin for example relies on athleticism and strength too much also.. but he's a 2nd year player AND already has more of an arsenal than Dwight in the paint.

There is no excuse. Dwight has taken the easy road in this regard rather than truly added weapons to his post game. You look at all the greats. You'll see a determination to improve your weakest areas. Dwight has amplified his strengths and weaknesses instead for the most part.

I'm all for playing to your strengths... but gotta shore up weaknesses too!

[josh99]

Definitely true. LOL at Magic fans getting defensive over this. If it takes you 8 seasons to develop a moderately reliable hook shot... and not have any other post moves outside of that... YOU DON'T HAVE A POST GAME. It's that simple. Griffin for example relies on athleticism and strength too much also.. but he's a 2nd year player AND already has more of an arsenal than Dwight in the paint.

There is no excuse. Dwight has taken the easy road in this regard rather than truly added weapons to his post game. You look at all the greats. You'll see a determination to improve your weakest areas. Dwight has amplified his strengths and weaknesses instead for the most part.

I'm all for playing to your strengths... but gotta shore up weaknesses too!
Oh wow :facepalm

[arifgokcen]

he's great on D no question........ it's a pretty bold statement to say he's best of all time tho

Rodman, Bill Russell, Jerry West & Walt Frazier, Michael Cooper, Chamberlain, Glove come to mind without even thinking bout it. LeBron defense is better than those guys?

He might be up there top 15 tho. The guy can rock

I said the most versatile and one of the best of alltime certainly lebron is much more versatile defender from all of those guys except maybe rodman.Rodman in his prime i think has a case too.I think calling him one of the best of all time is not a that much of an understatement.Just see what he does to opposite SFs on a nightly basis and come 4th quarter he switches onto the best wing player on the opposing team and generally shuts him down.I think he at least deserves some recognition for what he has been doing.He may potentially win DOPY award this year too.

[bdreason]

LeBron is a physical specimen, and when he puts in the effort, is certainly one of the best and most versatile defenders in the NBA.

As for Dwight, he isn't considered the best Center in the league because of his post moves. He's considered the best because of his defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring. There are quite a few C's with more diverse set of post moves; Jefferson, Bynum, Lee, Gasol , and Cousins to name a few.

You can argue the same shit about anyone though. I consider LeBron the best player in the game, but there are plenty of guys with better shots, better post moves, better handles, etc.

What matters is how the player APPLIES the tools he has in the game. Dwight may not have a big bag of post tricks, but he scores 20 ppg on 55%, and that's what matters.


I also think people are overlooking how the rule changes have effected the Center position. If Howard tried to do power drop-steps (ala Shaq), he would probably foul out of the game in the first half in todays game. :oldlol:

[pauk]

Lebron, Pippen and Rodman (choose your order) are easily the most versatile players of all time...

...and no, this is not the first time Lebron has guarded (and guarded well) a Center...

[andgar923]

Anybody that's strong as Dwight (or close to) can pretty much lock him up. Hell Griffin shut him down too in overtime vs the Clippers. Pretty much if you can body up Dwight without giving up much strength... he's going to be neutralized.


And people laughed at me when I said he wouldn't be an all star in the 80s or 90s.

I know.. I know... I understand that these were just short moments in a game, but still. I can't picture Howard battling out int he trenches against the more physical power forwards and centers of that era... PERIOD.

Not that he'd be completely neutralized, but he would not be posting the same numbers he does now. Which is why I always state that Howard's numbers and his legacy is one of the most overrated/inflated of all time.

[I<3NBA]

but but but defense wins championships
yeah. that's why Bulls won the Championship last year :facepalm

did you read my post or did you just shat your mind to spew this cliche without understanding the situation?

[shallehalle]

Oh wow :facepalm
:facepalm at you for not admitting that Howard HAS LESS post moves than Griffin.

[bluechox2]

lebron should play center

[arifgokcen]

lebron should play center

His best position i think is roaming around without a certain spot.Because ıf you just play him at only one spot,you wouldnt take advantage of the things he can do on the court.

[Rnbizzle]

Lebron is a serious candidate for DPOY in my book.

[Sakkreth]

Wait, is it the same guy who stopped MVP pg in last playoffs just defended best center in the league successfully ? This is some crazy shit.

[arifgokcen]

Wait, is it the same guy who stopped MVP pg in last playoffs just defended best center in the league successfully ? This is some crazy shit.
Thats what i have been trying to tell everyone

[Jameerthefear]

Lol Griffin shut down Dwight? Please Clippersfan. Lebron did good on denying him the ball. Hut if Dwight did get it, he would shred him.

[TheNaturalWR]

I don't know how you guys can rave about LeBron's defense on Howard and then not notice Howard's post game. The Magic rarely gave him the ball and when they did Howard's running hook through the middle of the lane was money. LeBron guarded Howard on literally ONE play.

[arifgokcen]

Lol Griffin shut down Dwight? Please Clippersfan. Lebron did good on denying him the ball. Hut if Dwight did get it, he would shred him.
Lebron is much stronger than Joel and Howard wasn't able to shred, him. Btw lebron weighs around the 265-270 Joel is around 240 Howard is around 275.

[Whoah10115]

Whether it's taken 8 years or not...whether or not his arsenal is diverse or not...I don't care. Dwight Howard has a post game and it's a very good one. He doesn't have tons of moves, but his footwork is very good. He's got a good spin on the baseline. Flat out, he's a strong post player. And we should get past it. He'd be a great center in any era, as he's the best defensive anchor I've seen outside of David Robinson.

[swi7ch]

Too bad he won't win DPOY because he doesn't have 3+ blocks per game (97% requirement to win DPOY).

[shallehalle]

Whether it's taken 8 years or not...whether or not his arsenal is diverse or not...I don't care. Dwight Howard has a post game and it's a very good one. He doesn't have tons of moves, but his footwork is very good. He's got a good spin on the baseline. Flat out, he's a strong post player. And we should get past it. He'd be a great center in any era, as he's the best defensive anchor I've seen outside of David Robinson.
:facepalm

[Yao Ming's Foot]

Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Rondo shreded the Cavs 08, or Dwight shredded the Cavs in 09 or Dirk humiliated the Heat in 10.

:confusedshrug:

[swi7ch]

Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Rondo shreded the Cavs 08, or Dwight shredded the Cavs in 09 or Dirk humiliated the Heat in 10.

:confusedshrug:

Pippen is the most versatile defender.

[Whoah10115]

:facepalm


Preconceived notions lead to misconceptions.




:blah

[jlip]

Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Rondo shreded the Cavs 08:confusedshrug:
I didn't know that Rondo was that much of a factor in '08. Lebron guarded Pierce, and they both struggled for most of that series. Game 7 they both just went crazy.


Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Dwight shredded the Cavs in 09.
:confusedshrug:

Lebron started off on Rafer Alston in '09 allowing him to play the "roaming" role against the Magic. Later after it was apparent that Hedo and Lewis were major factors, and whichever Cav was guarding either of them was ineffective, Lebron would switch to the player who was killing the Cavs. As long as Lebron was guarding either of those two that player tended to struggle. As long as Mo Williams or D. West was guarding either, because of the matchup problems, that player would dominate. As far as Lebron on Dwight, one player can only guard so many others especially while having one of the best offensive playoff series in recent memory.


Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Dirk humiliated the Heat in 10:confusedshrug:
I think that you mean '11. Dirk actually had one of his worst shooting series of the playoffs against the Heat with Haslem guarding him. He had some of the most dominating clutch moments though. In the 4th quarter, Lebron guarded Terry. He shut him down early in the series. Remember Terry saying something to the effect of, "Let's see if he can do it for 7 games." Terry got hot later on in the series, and Lebron's defense on him was not effective at all.

[arifgokcen]

Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Rondo shreded the Cavs 08, or Dwight shredded the Cavs in 09 or Dirk humiliated the Heat in 10.

:confusedshrug:

Mate he is only one player he can guard only one player you know that right.Actually against magic he was guarding two players at the same time.Hedo and Lewis.Against boston,rondo didnt shred the cavs in 08 and at the time pierce was much better than rondo and dont forget before the final game lebron held pierce to 15ppg and %36 shooting.Dont forget he wasnt even 1st all defense then.His defensive improvement has been historic

[Yao Ming's Foot]

Sorry I meant Rondo in 09, Howard in 10 and Dirk in 11.

Rondo was the best Celtics player in the series vs the Cavs, Hedo and Shard are scrubs... Dwight Howard was the backbone of their offense.

[arifgokcen]

Sorry I meant Rondo in 09, Howard in 10 and Dirk in 11.

Rondo was the best Celtics player in the series vs the Cavs, Hedo and Shard are scrubs... Dwight Howard was the backbone of their offense.

Mate are you serious he was defending pierce.There was no other player that could defend pierce especially in the post on that cavs team.I dont think you even watched orlando magic cleveland cavaliers series because both turk and shard were torching cavs.Lebron was guarding one other would hit the shot over the top and vice versa.If you remember they put him on terry(even though in a long time he gave open looks to opposition).Haslem and Joel are capable of slowing down dirk(they did until 4th quarters anyway)

[2LeTTeRS]

Still waiting to hear why the best most versatile defensive player in the league did nothing when Rondo shreded the Cavs 08, or Dwight shredded the Cavs in 09 or Dirk humiliated the Heat in 10.

:confusedshrug:

You do realize that most of the time good offense beats good defense. 99.9% of the time even the best defenders don't take stars out of the game, generally the most you can ask is to make a player work for his points. LeBron does that as good as anybody in this league.

[chips93]

You do realize that most of the time good offense beats good defense. 99.9% of the time even the best defenders don't take stars out of the game, generally the most you can ask is to make a player work for his points. LeBron does that as good as anybody in this league.

this

great offensive players will almost always be able to get theirs, rarely is an elite player shut down.

(inb4 'except bron is da finalz lololololol')

[jrong]

Lebron is a defensive beast.

No, he has defensive strengths, among them versatility. He also has significant weaknesses. Count how many times per game a non-star player blows past him like he's a statue (e.g. Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, JJ Barea). He also goes for defensive head-fakes in the post constantly, and so is very vulnerable to the up-and-under move. In fact, his post-D generally leaves a lot to be desired. His transition defense is poor too, unless he's trailing the play for one of his made-for-ESPN chasedown blocks

Defense is definitely the overrated part of James's game. Commentators love to highlight when he shuts down a Derrick Rose (a Derrick Rose actually plays into James's hands by taking his time and sizing him up mano-a-mano off the dribble which gives James time to get into his defensive crouch; if Rose caught the ball and went straight to the basket without hesitation, he'd leave him in his dust for a lay-up) But, of course, they never focus the replays on the the times when no-namers fly past him again and again.

[FindingTim]

After seeing today's game,even though it was couple of possessions lebron defended howard better than joel.Considering he is stronger than joel it is normal but why dont spo use lebron on howard more.
BTW i think lebron is the most versatile defender of all time again one of the best defenders of all time too.

me too. In fact, I think Lebron has the ability to be a quicker, more athletic Ben Wallace lol. He's got the height of a power forward + the leaping ability of a 2-guard, plus pretty strong and he's damn agile. SOOOO much defensive potential... like, OMG.

[arifgokcen]

No, he has defensive strengths, among them versatility. He also has significant weaknesses. Count how many times per game a non-star player blows past him like he's a statue (e.g. Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, JJ Barea). He also goes for defensive head-fakes in the post constantly, and so is very vulnerable to the up-and-under move. In fact, his post-D generally leaves a lot to be desired. His transition defense is poor too, unless he's trailing the play for one of his made-for-ESPN chasedown blocks

Defense is definitely the overrated part of James's game. Commentators love to highlight when he shuts down a Derrick Rose (a Derrick Rose actually plays into James's hands by taking his time and sizing him up mano-a-mano off the dribble which gives James time to get into his defensive crouch; if Rose caught the ball and went straight to the basket without hesitation, he'd leave him in his dust for a lay-up) But, of course, they never focus the replays on the the times when no-namers fly past him again and again.

Wow reading your comment nobody would believe he is the second best statistical defender(only iggy is better,considering iggy doesnt even produce half as much on offense,lebron is even better than iggy) in the league or gets constant praise from his rivals and defensive specialists like Bowen
or constantly shuts down opposing best wing player in close games.
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[arifgokcen]

me too. In fact, I think Lebron has the ability to be a quicker, more athletic Ben Wallace lol. He's got the height of a power forward + the leaping ability of a 2-guard, plus pretty strong and he's damn agile. SOOOO much defensive potential... like, OMG.

Actually i dont think any 2guards vertical is more than 40' maybe shannon brown.:D

[CLTHornets4eva]

No, he has defensive strengths, among them versatility. He also has significant weaknesses. Count how many times per game a non-star player blows past him like he's a statue (e.g. Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, JJ Barea). He also goes for defensive head-fakes in the post constantly, and so is very vulnerable to the up-and-under move. In fact, his post-D generally leaves a lot to be desired. His transition defense is poor too, unless he's trailing the play for one of his made-for-ESPN chasedown blocks

Defense is definitely the overrated part of James's game. Commentators love to highlight when he shuts down a Derrick Rose (a Derrick Rose actually plays into James's hands by taking his time and sizing him up mano-a-mano off the dribble which gives James time to get into his defensive crouch; if Rose caught the ball and went straight to the basket without hesitation, he'd leave him in his dust for a lay-up) But, of course, they never focus the replays on the the times when no-namers fly past him again and again.

You are an idiot. Thanks for chopping my quote out first of all to try to make a point. You failed. :lol

Lebron is the single best full court defender in the league. Period.

I often criticize Lebron especially against all time greats, but Lebron's defense is so good that it is actually underrated. He's the best defender in the league and can guard any position.

[jrong]

Wow reading your comment nobody would believe he is the second best statistical defender(only iggy is better,considering iggy doesnt even produce half as much on offense,lebron is even better than iggy) in the league or gets constant praise from his rivals and defensive specialists like Bowen
or constantly shuts down opposing best wing player in close games.
:roll: :roll: :roll:

Have you ever scouted players? As a coach, I mean? That's how I watch individual basketball players. I try to avoid making blanket categorizations like so-and-so is a bad/good/great defender, passer, rebounder, scorer etc. Instead, I look at what types of defense, passes, rebounds, scores a player is good at and which they aren't.

I alluded to LeBron's strengths defensively, but since this thread contains no shortage of praise for them, I also pointed out his weaknesses. Someone ought to-- it's not like you'll ever get in-depth critical analysis about his game from the "experts" on TV.

If you want me to apply the same critique to my favorite player, Wade is extremely vulnerable to the crossover. Like ankles-constantly-broken vulnerable. If I were an NBA offensive player going at Wade, I would cross him every time.

[jrong]

You are an idiot. Thanks for chopping my quote out first of all to try to make a point. You failed. :lol

Lebron is the single best full court defender in the league. Period.

I often criticize Lebron especially against all time greats, but Lebron's defense is so good that it is actually underrated. He's the best defender in the league and can guard any position.

See my post above. And if you want to try to keep up with me in a discussion of comprehensive player analysis, step up then, son.

[arifgokcen]

Have you ever scouted players? As a coach, I mean? That's how I watch individual basketball players. I try to avoid making blanket categorizations like so-and-so is a bad/good/great defender, passer, rebounder, scorer etc. Instead, I look at what types of defense, passes, rebounds, scores a player is good at and which they aren't.

I alluded to LeBron's strengths defensively, but since this thread contains no shortage of praise for them, I also pointed out his weaknesses. Someone ought to-- it's not like you'll ever get in-depth critical analysis about his game from the "experts" on TV.

If you want me to apply the same critique to my favorite player, Wade is extremely vulnerable to the crossover. Like ankles-constantly-broken vulnerable. If I were an NBA offensive player going at Wade, I would cross him every time.

Mate you comments as i said make him look like an average defender.At least thats what i understand.I may be wrong so where would you rank him among todays defenders

[Clippersfan86]

Lol Griffin shut down Dwight? Please Clippersfan. Lebron did good on denying him the ball. Hut if Dwight did get it, he would shred him.

Love how you conveniently forgot how Griffin got 4 straight stops guarding Dwight to seal the game in OT after our centers fouled out. When he guarded him.. Dwight looked so average and flawed. It's not like Griffin is a great defender either (though he's much improved). It was simply a result that Dwight didn't have the strength to back him down (due to his pencil legs).

If Dwight can't overpower and back you down.. what can he do? NOTHING.

[jrong]

Mate you comments as i said make him look like an average defender.At least thats what i understand.I may be wrong so where would you rank him among todays defenders

One of the better or perhaps even best wing defenders in the league, obviously. But, he has both significant strengths and significant weaknesses. The problem of non-star players blowing past him could easily be fixed if he applied the same focus to guarding them as he does to the D-Roses of the world. But, he gets caught flat-footed because he doesn't seem to consider them offensive threats (in fairness, part of the problem is that the Heat's system relies so much on he and Wade to help-and-recover that their rotations sometimes come too late which gives the man a driving-lane angle. This is also part of Wade's crossover problem, and it's also why both of them give up open 3s at times-- and why the Heat as a team are poor at defending the arc generally).

[Jameerthefear]

Love how you conveniently forgot how Griffin got 4 straight stops guarding Dwight to seal the game in OT after our centers fouled out. When he guarded him.. Dwight looked so average and flawed. It's not like Griffin is a great defender either (though he's much improved). It was simply a result that Dwight didn't have the strength to back him down (due to his pencil legs).

If Dwight can't overpower and back you down.. what can he do? NOTHING.
Wtf are you talking about? The only thing that Dwight did was get fouled by mo in ot. Read the play by play.

[arifgokcen]

One of the better or perhaps even best wing defenders in the league, obviously. But, he has both significant strengths and significant weaknesses. The problem of non-star players blowing past him could easily be fixed if he applied the same focus to guarding them as he does to the D-Roses of the world. But, he gets caught flat-footed because he doesn't seem to consider them offensive threats (in fairness, part of the problem is that the Heat's system relies so much on he and Wade to help-and-recover that their rotations sometimes come too late which gives the man a driving-lane angle. This is also part of Wade's crossover problem, and it's also why both of them give up open 3s at times-- and why the Heat as a team are poor at defending the arc generally).

Fair enough.
However you still didnt rank him among wing defenders.He is obviously one of the best but where do you think he is right now.Dont worry i am not gonna judge or respond just wondering what you think

[jrong]

Fair enough.
However you still didnt rank him among wing defenders.He is obviously one of the best but where do you think he is right now.Dont worry i am gonna judge or respond just wondering what you think

Who are we comparing him to? Starters or defensive specialists off the bench? Also, it's not fair for me to compare him on an analytical level to most other players because I watch LeBron play just about every other day. If I say it's him and Iguodala, all I'm going off is reputation and/or defensive ratings which, in my view, provide a woefully incomplete picture of how a player plays defense. And that is exactly the kind of lazy player evaluation I hate. The fact is I haven't watched Iggy or most of the other wings in the league play nearly enough to assess their defensive tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses, let alone form a composite evaluation.

[arifgokcen]

Who are we comparing him to? Starters or defensive specialists off the bench? Also, it's not fair for me to compare him on an analytical level to most other players because I watch LeBron play just about every other day. If I say it's him and Iguodala, all I'm going off is reputation and/or defensive ratings which, in my view, provide a woefully incomplete picture of how a player plays defense. And that is exactly the kind of lazy player evaluation I hate. The fact is I haven't watched Iggy or most of the other wings in the league play nearly enough to assess their defensive tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses, let alone form a composite evaluation.

Again fair enough.no argument against this argument:D

[Doctor Rivers]

LeBron can guard shaq

[pauk]

LeBron can guard shaq

Yes, but how effectively? :) Dwight is basically 2 inches taller and maybe 5 lbs bigger than Lebron really, he could hold his own... but Shaq... that is a behemoth...

[chazzy]

If Lebron could defend Dwight for a sustained period of time, he would've been in the 09 finals

[mrpibb]

And not a single foul was given that day.

[Spaulding]

Hmmmmmm

Bron prolly could for a quarter or two

[gilalizard]

And not a single foul was given that day.

shhh...

don't want to disrupt the circle jerk

[Fiasco]

And not a single foul was given that day.

Win.