orangeblobman wrote:Quality defense at those positions, if a team is able to exert it, is a healthy positive.

But I reject the notion that you need superior defense at a specific position in order to win a championship or even a game against a given opponent.

What matters more, I think, is quality team defense. The overall defense a team plays, five guys as a unit working to stop the other team. If you get that key stop or cause a breakdown at the top of the key, at half court, or in the paint, it's still a stop.

Maybe its just Orlando thats strong at the PG/Center position, and we are weak at those positions....

But you have to admit, those are the most important positions on the floor....Thats why so many PGs and Centers are drafted.

And know, I didn't mean to say elite defense....I wouldn't call TD / Carter or Jefferies elite at anything! Decent is fine.

Personally, I don't trust Billups against quick PGs....This is where TD / Carter will be helpful in a two PG lineup....

joec32033 wrote:It boils down to if you can have perimeter D from a couple guys and post D from a couple guys-regardless of position you are good.

All the good championship teams had at least a few guys who could matchup on the perimeter and the post:

LA - Perimeter- Kobe, Fisher, Ariza/Artest. Post Shaq/Bynum, Gasol

Det- Perimeter- Chauncey, Rip, Tay. Post- The Wallaces.

Miami- Perimeter- Wade, Payton. Post- Haslem, Shaq, Mourning.

Boston- Perimeter- Rondo, Garnett, Powe. Post- Garnett, Perkins.

SA - Perimeter- Bowen, Finley, Manu. Post- Duncan, various defensive guys...

It is also a huge boost of your defensive players are skilled enough to warrant major minutes without much of a drop off in other areas. Specialists like Bowen could hit the 3, Artest is multifaceted, Powe and Perkins had a nose for rebounding.

I think it is more about having a good perimeter/ post defensive combo then needing defense out of any "position".

Well said....