Yes, but you'll also notice that Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton don't make the "best" lists either.

What I'm saying is: there's hope for Marbury and Crawford to improve under Brown, and they're clearly not quite as bad as everyone makes them out to be.

I showed as much of the list as the writer showed. He's not giving away his research for free. I think he intends to publish this somewhere.


But, again, my point is: if Marbury and Crawford don't show up on the horrible defender list, can they really be that bad? Perhaps with a good team concept on D we will be fine. I don't consider myself a raging optimist or "homer" but this improved defense thing seems plausible to me.

Also, one thing no one has mentioned (that I've seen) is that one of the team's MAJOR problems last season was a lack of shotblocking. Yes, Marbury and Jamal got beat off the dribble, but almost everyone in the NBA gets beaten off the dribble...it happens. The test for the defense is how the team responds/rotates.

With Frye and James manning the paint, taking up space and looming as shotblockers, I think the defense will improve GREATLY. Just the threat of a shotblocker causes guys to pull up when they would drive or hesitate for a split second that allows their defender to recover. I think the two added shotblockers will greatly aid Marbury and Crawford. I think added minutes for Ariza will also improve everyone's defense. Tim Thomas is one of the worst defenders I have ever seen. He doesn't help, doesn't rotate, doesn't rebound, gets beat off the dribble. Ariza is almost the exact opposite. If Ariza starts and either James or Frye is on the court, I think the defense will be vastly improved.

It's funny how Miles is in the top but Van Exel and Stoudamire are at the bottom...who was playing point during the game when Miles was playing? But this also takes in previous years I suppose...

Posted by Knight:

It's funny how Miles is in the top but Van Exel and Stoudamire are at the bottom...who was playing point during the game when Miles was playing? But this also takes in previous years I suppose...

towards the end of the year, Miles was playing a lot with Telfair and Van Exel didn't even get off the bench. I think Miles was really boosted by the Blazers improved play in March and April.

i think there is flaw to this, but it doesnt take away from what I believe, darius miles is a vastly under-rated two-way player who shoots for a high%. Its all about getting him on the right team and giving him a consistent 35 minutes. thats why I said in a post, id like to get ariza and miles on the court at the same time f or periods of the game.

Posted by crzymdups:

Posted by Knight:

Posted by crzymdups:

He actually talks about Raja Bell in the article (which I did link, BTW), apparently, Bell has had a poor rating for the last three years on three different teams. So it would seem Bell's reputation is inflated.

It depends on your teammates too--if your team sucks defensively you're getting grouped in too.

It's not a straight plus/minus though. It is adjusted for various factors. It's not a straight ranking, but it is interesting.

But one of those factors is not how good your teammates are defensively...

I always knew Shandon Anderson was underrated...

No Marbs on the "top 5 PGs" List? Right there, the analysis was suspect.

Also I agree with those who don't thin Raja Bell should have made the "Bottom Seven PGs" List. As much as his D is revered, you'd think that would make a difference.

I guess none of these "analysts" can write an unbiased piece...

Posted by gunsnewing:

I really like duhon. I think he's Brown's ideal PG he's a leader, good 3pts shooter and plays great defense. He's going to breakout somewhere

I compare Duhon to an upgraded Charlie Ward.