The interesting thing about Novak is one of the first things I noticed this season is his fundamental defense had improved substantially from last year. His footwork is far improved, he's more intelligent in his body positioning, and he's even gotten a few blocks and steals this year (length can offset speed to some degree). The only real legitimate gripe I've seen on Synergy defensive stats is it doesn't account for the difficulty of the match ups. It's common practice to see the worse defenders not only matched up with non scoring threats, but for team defense to be specifically adjusted to compensate for that player's defensive weaknesses. However, I don't feel that argument is compelling in terms of Lin's defensive stats. At most his match ups are a wash in terms of overall statistical impact. Not only is he placed on many of the most explosive scorers in the NBA (point guards), he is rarely if ever asked to guard scoring big men. For example, he'll be asked to face up Russell Westbrook, but you won't see him asked to guard Durant very often (poor length match up). This isn't a knock on Lin, Dwight Howard may be an elite defender at the rim but don't expect him to stop a fast PG from the perimeter either. So yes, there is always some context to Synergy defensive stats, on the other hand that context doesn't always undermine the legitimacy of those stats. In Lin's case, I believe the stats are actually reflective of his performance.
Context is key. Kyrie Irving for example more often than not guards the opponents worst player. Kyrie is ranked 140th overall based on synergy. Synergy is definitely the best when looking at D but a little bit of context is key.
I am surprised because like you said TD fouls a lot, when he is screened he runs into them like he was hit by a snipper & when he gets beat he doesn't even try to recover. I just remember the games where Lin was guarding Parker & Kyrie & then Tony would come in & they would start to go off against him. That is why I am surprised.
My eye test says that Lin and TD are both above average defenders. I agree that Lin is a better team defender and TD is a better individual defender, but I think both do a great job. This is one of the big reasons that the LIN/TD lineup is so effective since both guards are actively defending. Harden is a below average defender, but I guess he kind of gets a pass since he is the primary scorer. The thing about elite defenders though is that I would not even consider Rondo an elite defender. He is the best PG defensively but the truth is that most PG just aren't equipped to be elite defenders. There is a reason most teams pair up a big SG with their PG or use their SF as their main perimeter defender. To be elite you need the size and length. At a minimum you need to be 6'4" and have the right combination of long arms and athleticism to be elite. Dwane Wade was an elite defender at 6"4" because he has freakishly long arms, great athleticism, and the desire to D up. OKC pairs R. Westbrook with Thabo Sefolosha. Luol Deng, N. Batum, Lebron James these are the elite defenders. I also watch a lot of Derick Rose. Rondo does a good job against him, but it was Lebron with his freakish athleticism and size that shut him down in the playoffs. This is the main reason we signed James Anderson because at 6"6" he has the prototypical size to be a stopper. Lin noticeably overhelped in the beginning of the season, but I am liking what I see now a lot. Try watching some other teams play and you will see what I mean. Most PG barely try to play an acceptable level of D.
If you've done this to Drose, if safe to say he's capable. http://youtu.be/Z0C0rrW8Fcw He's always hustling. Some pgs are quicker than him but he is able to anticipate(basketball iq)therefore compensating his lack of speed. Tony Douglas is definitely faster than Jeremy but you can see with how sometimes his own speed throws him off making his defense not as effective as Jeremy. He seems to be a total reactor. TD is a perfect compliment to Jeremy right now since his Threes love going in.
I might or might not blame some of TD's inability to contain Parker on the help defender on court at that time (probably PPatt or Smith? Parker can finish around Asik or Patterson anyway while Smith isn't a great help defender yet - he's slow or just doesn't come to help). Even so, once Duncan sets that pick, Parker is around the corner in the blink of an eye - not much TD can do there except try to poke the ball out from behind.
Pointless thread. At least elaborate a bit on your original post. And Douglas is a decent back up PG so I don't understand why he would go "bye bye".
Couldn't stand his constant helping earlier in the season. I think the coaching staff have more faith in his defensive ability now, he did a good job staying in front of Irving even when he went hero-iso mode.
I think his constant helping has a lot to do with trust... trusting your front court to do a good job in D....
Well know it wasn't even that. Earlier in the season Synergy stats said Tony's D was very poor his numbers have gone up.
Lin's problem isn't defence. He hustles, knows positioning well and plays with a great feel on D, has a nose for the ball as they might say. His biggest plus on D, is that he gives great effort, the guy actually plays defence, I found it quite annoying when people criticise it, when say for example Nate torched him. Erm, Nate when on can torch anyone.....never mind on Jeremy. Positives: Effort Excellent hands. Positioning Quickness Good size for PG Negatives: Lack of vert Lateral quickness
Totally agree, it really didn't help that his man then hits a shot, which made the coaches think Jeremy's D was terrible. Just mark your own man!!!!
