2004 Pistons - In Depth Defensive Breakdown

[dankok8]

From Thinking Basketball:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R61MHsTfrF4

[Im Still Ballin]

Great stuff.

The bench of that team is oft-forgotten. Lindsey Hunter despite only being listed at 6'2" could check bigger guards and even forwards. What a beast.

The rule changes/re-interpretations/points of emphasis starting in 2004-05 weren't the only reason Detroit's defense statistically declined. Losing some of those rotation guys played a factor as well.

[Im Still Ballin]

I wish the league would give something back to the defense. Remove defensive three seconds. Implement the FIBA-style basket interference. Those would be my two rule change ideas.

I think they'd empower defense without too negatively affecting the offensive style of play. Especially the second one.

[dankok8]

I wish the league would give something back to the defense. Remove defensive three seconds. Implement the FIBA-style basket interference. Those would be my two rule change ideas.

I think they'd empower defense without too negatively affecting the offensive style of play. Especially the second one.

Honestly I'm with you. They gotta do something. Remove defensive three seconds. That allows bigs to camp in the paint and will make rim finishes tougher. But still I'm actually not sure it makes that much of a difference these days because many teams play with shooting bigs. As a defensive big you can't camp in the paint if your assignment is Porzingis or Embiid or Jokic or... Because those guys will take and make enough threes to make you pay if they're wide open.

I actually think with today's NBA that reinstating perimeter hand-checking makes more of a difference. Just allow guys to be more physical. That will make drives more difficult and hinder perimeter players who have a completely free reign currently.