Are there some examples of big men who were below average defenders...

why do you ask?

 

bol bol.

 

Your dedication is magnificent..

 

Christian Wood /s

 

I wouldn't consider Sengun a bigman

 

It’s not just them becoming good, it’s about if they have the tools. A lot of young players in general are bad defenders. Example… Jabari is a bad defender, but he has the tools to become an all nba caliber defender. He’s also PF, not a center. Sengun will always be a disaster on that end

 

Both Gasol brothers.
Brook Lopez
Jokic

 

does ben simmons count

 

Harden

 

Wemby.

He currently has zero blocks, steals and rebounds but I hear within a year he'll surpass Hakeem's all-time block record and be the GOAT

 

But they had tools! Jokic is not a good defender.. the Gasol brothers have like 7’5” wingspans and Brook’s is longer than that. Standing reach is also a factor. Sengun’s shoulders are really low for his height, which a lot of it comes from his long ass neck

 

Did you mean to say another name instead of Jokic?

 

Most big men are .

there are actually very few 6’10+ guys that come in as “good” nba defenders .

think about how many years it took Hassan whiteside to finally “get it” and play with effort.

even guys who were good defenders in college like Al horford took years to get their D up to nba level

Dmo was pretty bad his first year and the broke out the second.. It seemed he had that extra mental step that year , still picked up too many fouls . Then 3rd year he got PT from injuries and really found confidence .

idk how good he would have been , but he was bad early on and then was pretty good especially considering the circumstances.

I hope sengun takes a step forward this year. I don’t care if he starts or if he begins off the bench . He will get an opportunity. Needs to bring another step on defense and defensive communication.

I don’t know if he ends up a 4 or a 5 on D . He is pretty quick , but he’s also strong. But he’s definitely a bit of an issue in tight pick and roll with a lob threat .

that’s a very common / available tactic .

he’s flexible . Gotta keep workin on them hips .

he’s pretty long . Think he can do OK on perimeter in some matchups . But is toast in others .

Hey , Jabari , tari , and green have all gotten cooked . Everyone has . But when the other guy “knows” …. It’s a problem .

I like jock for him . We need a bit more weight on the roster . Maybe cam will grow to 6’10” haha

 

ESPN got a new ass to kiss, it's going to be insufferable. It won't matter if it takes him 5 years to be a good player we're going to hear about every time he squeaks a fart out anyway.

 

Dirk Nowitzki.

He was a terrible defender at one point and over a five you span he improved to being an average defender.

Jokic was a horrible defender who also improved overtime to become close to average overall defensively.

Charles Barkley was bad defensively and at his peak was average.

Karl Malone was bad defensively early in his career.

I am sure there are many others I am forgetting…. The key is to become adequate to average. If a player does that and can bring it on the offensive end, they won’t be a try all time great - but they can be a multiple all star and HOF type.