Zach Lowe : Patrick Beverley is a 2016 Marc Gasol All-Star

Zach Lowe is cool but he doesn't know as much about baskeball as a lot of people give him credit for.

He says a lot of stupid things that I know are just his options but man a lot of them are flat out wrong.

 

In a time where members of this board are constantly complaining about the lack of respect by the media this team gets, I'll gladly take this compliment no matter how silly.

 

Beverley's defense has been average a lot of times this year if not worse.

 

When we play our best Ariza is guarding the opposing PG. Bev does not always get it done.

 

If you're going to make these types of proclamations, you should at least provide some sort of supporting evidence.

 

wow - his defense has been pretty rough this year. he dials in after we give up a 20 point lead but early on is overplaying the ball so hard it contributes heavily to said 20 pt lead.

 

I like Zach Lowe's options, i'm not really sure what they are, but i really like them, and I'm sure they'll make america great again

 

Does anyone know where I can find the advanced player tracking defensive statistics?

I remember seeing stats like 'opponent fg% change' on a site somewhere.

 

I think you guys have unrealistic expectations for what a good defender is. If Bev's man doesn't get held to 0-12, with 0pts & 0 assists it's "Bev's clearly lost a step". Just like offensive players, you're going to have bad nights as a defender too. The question is does he defend every play the same way regardless of how hot his opponent is, which is absolutely.

Bev is a ELITE defender and has helped win multiple games this year off pure hustle, defense or big shot.

 

For Ariza to guard Dame - when we have "elite" defender in PBev - says enough about his title as Elite

 

he is no longer an elite defender. And thats been true for quite some time now. it actually has regressed gradually since he was named on the 2nd defensive team two years ago. sure the hustle is there. it should always be because thats a big part of why hes in the league. But as an individual defender it isn't anywhere close to where it was before.

 

Beverley has a GREAT attitude.

Beverley is a GREAT teammate.

Beverley is a really good person from what I have been told by those that are around him a lot.

Beverley has worked on his game and quietly modeled his game to let Harden do whatever the hell he wants, without complaint.

Beverley is NOT the defender that he was, he is often times not even a "good defender".

Zach Lowe lets his personal opinions (subjective) about players influence his professional opinions (objective).

 

His tenacity on defense has dipped since he became the only real PG option, but the real decline in his defense, IMO, has been due to the scheme. His role on defense does not look the same to as it did 2 years ago. He seems to funnel his man to certain spaces on the floor instead of hounding them.

I think he still has elite defense in him.

 

What you mean is he's not as aggressive as was. I just don't understand how you say he's not elite lol. Great players score on ANYBODY. The best defenders in the league all are made to look bad guarding the NBA best players night to night. He may not take as many chances, but Bev's defense has been overall outstanding. Again he's won us multiple games with his defense & hustle

 

Never confuse effort with skill

 

He's been notably worse this year than in 13-14, the last time he was really elite. Last season he was flat out bad. He's an overall better player this year and his offensive game has improved. His defense is OK. But he hasn't played elite defense in two years.

 

Team defense needs to improve, all I will say.

 

no he still tries to be aggressive but its definitely overly and unnecessary. he isn't scaring anyone in this league. This contributes to alot of his silly mistakes defensively. Injuries has also played a part in his decline. So no hes definitely not in the elite category. From the looks of things now, he can barely sustain being average on nights these days.

 

Beverley has found a nice balance alongside Harden.

I don't take issue with him, but that doesn't mean we should stop seeking talented players at any position.