At this stage of his career he's not quick enough or strong enough to guard these players. His footwork really fell off and his defensive stance is horrendous. Seriously. On a good shooter you have your hand in his face AT ALL TIMES. Not after he shoots.
He did a pretty solid job, most of "Melo's shots were tough. He's not what he used to be, but I think he's still very much a +defender.
Shane is the white Ryan Bowen never was great at keeping his man in front of him, but he always tries his best
Anthony is a great player. Made some tough shots while I was watching, and Battier played good defense on that 3 that the refs called a foul on.
LOL find me ONE player that plays this defense. That defense is how Martin used to get 20 FTA per game.
No. His defense is not overrated. His defense is more focused on the cerebral parts of defense at this point in his career. His physical aspect of defense is starting to decline rapidly, but he studies his opponent well enough to play good defense. He admitted it himself: sometimes, you just can't stop great players...
Battier doesn't play physical defense like Lebron or Chandler since he isn't as physically gifted as those two. Rather he plays smart and consistent defense by always sticking to his man and putting a hand in their face. He's also one of the best charge-takers of all-time. The media always talk about how underrated he is since sports media doesn't talk much about the tangibles he brings to the team but I hardly think he is over-rated. Being over-rated is putting him consistently in defense first teams and winning a few DPOY awards. So far, he has won none, which I think is fair.
Isn't a big part of it due to the fact that Lebron is often on the floor when Battier is off? Miami is has good defenders and a good defensive system.
His decline was happening last year in Houston. This year he has been even worse. That's why he got traded. But now he's in Miami where everything is magnified.
Yeah but he is talked about as one of the best defenders in todays NBA which he isn't. He's a clear step below Lebron, Iggy, Deng, Tony Allen IMO.
