He is great when he is vs smaller guards or the average guards, especially with his combination of wingspan, athleticism, strength and defensive mindset.
But vs the supernaturals of the NBA, I am not sold yet, Westbrooks, Wades, Roses, the true monsters but more of a "combo" guard with super natural talent to go with physical gifts from GOD. Like how Andre Iguodala's early years if not his rookie or sophmore year, was praised as one of the top defenders at the wing but when he had to guard Kobe or even superior talent that matched back up with is physical, he looked average at best.
I think its a really hard year for Iman to learn certain things with the lack of practice this year but he also is getting a taste of the NBA x 3 with this tough schedule.
With his work ethic and confidence, he has a very high ceiling. He will come back next year and I hope $, the media attention in NY, and fame doesn't change the development of Iman
in the off season. We won't know for sure but its likely his season, will be a our own Sprewell, to a combination of Westbrook, Wade, Brandon Roy, and Derrick Rose. Those are some high praises and expectations to have such a high ceiling for Iman. After having Lin having all the defenses focused on him, the production of Iman has been under the radar.
Without Melo/Amare in the lineup, Iman took advantage of the opportunity, and benefited from the ball movement, penetration, and spacing that Lin and the 3point shooting of the team.
His ability to penetrate as the 2nd player, with his ability to pull up, finish strong with contact, and Iman's ability to pass has been very successful.
I expect Iman to come back a lot better next year and he will be a top defender for many years to come. However, will he be in the same category as Westbrook at the PG/SG spot, to a lesser extent like Andre Iguodala in another position, or in the class of the above average defender will need time to tell. The possibility of him being a "lock down defender, NBA 1st team defender is certainly there, however, he still has a lot the prove and continue to develop. Currently, TC and Iman, lead our defensive assignments, with Lin, JJ, and Fields
being the 2nd caliber defenders. Iman certainly is our best defender on the G with TC being one of the best defenders at the C position. I think we should really look for another F that compliments TC at the PF, SF position, or/and a PF/C with athleticism, speed, and length. Players like AK47, Camby, and KG would solidify our defenses and take it to another level. While having another G/F or/and SF/PF versatile defender like Ariza, Dunleavey, Wilson Chandler, Pietrus, a younger Tony Allen, would be very infectious, having a player capable of playing 3/4 Marion type of role, would be sick. Acquiring these type of players could make us one of the top defensive teams in the entire league.
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for making the switch.