jsmee2000
06-08-2011, 06:16 AM
I saw this article and thought about this interesting question. I know this was debated in the past but a few years have gone by and their careers are pretty much defined. Who is the best defender? (Note: the question is not asking who you would want on your team nor is it asking who is the best player)
The Best Defender: Artest or Battier?
http://www.mirosport.net/2011/basketball/27503/the-best-defender-artest-or-battier/
http://www.mirosport.net/wp-content/uploads/ron-artest.jpg
Kobe Bryant is surely a pain for the opposing teams. He knocks down shots from behind the arc so easily, he can drive to the hoop and do a lay up or posterize his defender with a dunk. He is truly unstoppable when he gets to his rhythm. LeBron James is very aggresive offensively and he is just like a force that can’t be stopped.
Talking about how to prevent their offensive drive, there are two defenders who can truly shut Bryant or LeBron or limit their effectivity on the court.
1. Shane Battier
Former Houston Rockets veteran Shane Battier who is now playing with the Grizzlies punished Bryant with his hand in the face defense.
Battier 32-years old born in Michigan is currently playing his eleventh year in the NBA. In this season he helped the Grizzlies to reach playoffs and also made it to the second round before being thrown out by the Oklahoma City Thunders.
Battier started his NBA career as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and he was known for his defensive capabilities. He is a hustle player on the defensive end where he defends three positions, the shooting guard, power and small forward. With a high level of defensive skills he nets a good number of blocks, steals and draws offensive fould from his opponents.
ron art 150x150 The Best Defender: Artest or Battier?
http://www.mirosport.net/wp-content/uploads/ron-art-150x150.jpg
Battier defends Artest
He studies the player which he will be guarding before the start of the game and plans strategies ahead to prevent a poor performancce.
“I try to prepare for my opponent as thoroughly as possible. I want to know every angle on the man I am guarding to give me an edge. I read many, many pages and go over strengths and weaknesses many times before a game. ‘Proper preparation prevents poor performance.’ That is a motto I like.”–Battier.
2. Ronald “Ron” Artest, Jr.
One of the bad boys in the court, the main reason why the Pacers-Pistons brawled occured, Ron Artest is known for his eccentric and outspoken behavior but can truly hold off the likes of Kobe and LeBron when playing basketball.
He won the NBA defensive player of the year award in 2004. He is considered a thief because he is best in steals.
After doing a great job in Texas he was then traded from the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Lakers last 2009. He helped Kobe and Pau Gasol grab their second consecutive champuionship. It was alos the first time he had a championship ring when he was with Lakers.
He was playing a solid game both offensively and defensively especially their playoff game against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
Both of these players can be considered a glue man because of their defensive abilities. They have skills that can stop and cool down a burning superstar like Kobe and LeBron.
Six out of Ten chose Battier to be the best defender. What are your thoughts about it?
The Best Defender: Artest or Battier?
http://www.mirosport.net/2011/basketball/27503/the-best-defender-artest-or-battier/
http://www.mirosport.net/wp-content/uploads/ron-artest.jpg
Kobe Bryant is surely a pain for the opposing teams. He knocks down shots from behind the arc so easily, he can drive to the hoop and do a lay up or posterize his defender with a dunk. He is truly unstoppable when he gets to his rhythm. LeBron James is very aggresive offensively and he is just like a force that can’t be stopped.
Talking about how to prevent their offensive drive, there are two defenders who can truly shut Bryant or LeBron or limit their effectivity on the court.
1. Shane Battier
Former Houston Rockets veteran Shane Battier who is now playing with the Grizzlies punished Bryant with his hand in the face defense.
Battier 32-years old born in Michigan is currently playing his eleventh year in the NBA. In this season he helped the Grizzlies to reach playoffs and also made it to the second round before being thrown out by the Oklahoma City Thunders.
Battier started his NBA career as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and he was known for his defensive capabilities. He is a hustle player on the defensive end where he defends three positions, the shooting guard, power and small forward. With a high level of defensive skills he nets a good number of blocks, steals and draws offensive fould from his opponents.
ron art 150x150 The Best Defender: Artest or Battier?
http://www.mirosport.net/wp-content/uploads/ron-art-150x150.jpg
Battier defends Artest
He studies the player which he will be guarding before the start of the game and plans strategies ahead to prevent a poor performancce.
“I try to prepare for my opponent as thoroughly as possible. I want to know every angle on the man I am guarding to give me an edge. I read many, many pages and go over strengths and weaknesses many times before a game. ‘Proper preparation prevents poor performance.’ That is a motto I like.”–Battier.
2. Ronald “Ron” Artest, Jr.
One of the bad boys in the court, the main reason why the Pacers-Pistons brawled occured, Ron Artest is known for his eccentric and outspoken behavior but can truly hold off the likes of Kobe and LeBron when playing basketball.
He won the NBA defensive player of the year award in 2004. He is considered a thief because he is best in steals.
After doing a great job in Texas he was then traded from the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Lakers last 2009. He helped Kobe and Pau Gasol grab their second consecutive champuionship. It was alos the first time he had a championship ring when he was with Lakers.
He was playing a solid game both offensively and defensively especially their playoff game against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals.
Both of these players can be considered a glue man because of their defensive abilities. They have skills that can stop and cool down a burning superstar like Kobe and LeBron.
Six out of Ten chose Battier to be the best defender. What are your thoughts about it?