Posted by OldFan:

Posted by gunsnewing:

look at a game like today, look at the number these guards put up on Marbury, Crawford & TT compared to what Jamison and their frontcourt is doing so far at halftime:

Dixon: 13pts
Hughes: 12pts
Arenas: 12pts
Jeffries: 8pts
---------------
Jamison: 2pts
Etan: 2pts
Kwame 4pts


I think its at least fair to say we have just as big a problem with our perimeter defense as our atrcious frontline which lacks shotblocking as well as defense. Our perimeter defense may be even more of a problem.

So those looking forward to Crawford starting at SG next year when he should be the backup PG/SG for a solid 30mins a game next year don't know anything about what it takes to win basketball games. WE NEED A SG/PG OR SF WHO CAN DEFEND THE PERIMETER!!! THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS!!!!!



[Edited by - gunsnewing on 04/20/2005 20:45:59]

I'm with you on our peremeter defense problem. But if you're going to play Craw a solid 30 off the bench he is still gonna have plenty of time to kill us on D. If Craw doesn't improve on D there is no way I'd want him playing 30 minutes.

not really because he would hopefully be playing alongside a perimeter defender who can contain the best perimeter player on the opposing team.

We need to break up that Marbury/Crawford "defensive duo"

Posted by crzymdups:

I have to say, if we had a shotblocker, it would allow our perimeter guys to play tighter D outside. Now, Jamal and Steph have to play back a step or so, because they know if they get beat on the drive, it's a dunk or layup. With the protection a shotblocker gives, you can guard the J and then funnel the drive to the shotblocker. I really think a shotblocker is the best thing we could ask for on D. Seeing Dikembe in his brief Knicks stint was so much fun for me.

agreed. its too bad the usual suspects were to focused on his slow feet. When Mutombo went to the doghouse our D was never the same.

Posted by fishmike:

just for the record Marbury and Crawford combined for 56 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists and 6 TOs. Not for nothing but Arenas and Hughes are pretty bad defenders also. Hughes gets steals but he gambles constantly and if you watched last nights game you can see how/why it hurts the team.

Again... this comes down to style of play. If we commit to pushing the ball, unselfish play and attacking the basket early in the shotclock you live with defensive lapses. The Wizards run you death, score a ton and work the glass. Thats their formula. Thats their style of play. Notice they have a roster build around 3 excellent uptempo scorers and a bunch of big bodies that crash the boards. Look what happens when you put the right pieces together.

I am glad you mentioned that fish, it is funny how bad our guards play defense but other teams guards are great defenders and yet they will surrender big numbers to both craw and marbury, I have seen this happen all season, yet our guards can't defend....

A shot blocker would certainly make a world of difference. But the guards defense still needs to improve. Harper, Doc Rivers, Starks etc. had Ewing behind them - but with or without Ewing they were much better defenders then these guys.

When you run your defense is going to give up some easy shots because you leave yourself open for teams to run back at you. But your defensive effort still has to be there (and some ability). LA in the magic era was a great running team - but they could play D too. I think no matter what style of offense you play and no matter who is on your front line to win consistently you need better defense from you perimeter guys. The Knicks when good have always won with D and in my lfetime I haven't seen many teams that could contend without good D.

Posted by gunsnewing:

don't forget spree, childs and ward. Right now we have no one except a 19yr old Ariza who plays 5mins a game under herb! while crawford and marbury play 45mins a piece and give up 50-60pts night in night out versus opposing backcourts.

Yep!