Yes to basically all your points. Hakeem had better range than Duncan and shut down the paint better than Duncan. I'd take Jordan over Payton for the same reason. One quibble I have is I wouldn't take away from Pippen just because he couldn't stop Kobe when he was already old. In his prime, Pippen was a beast. And I think we have to put Lebron on the list somewhere in the top 10 given his ability to guard so many positions at an elite level and cover so much ground. And basically be able to shut down anyone in the 1-3 positions.
I think Bill Russell is number 1. Pretty definitively. Since big men generally have more of an impact defensively I'll pick 4 other big men. Hakeem, Duncan, Garnett, Ben Wallace really stand out to me. Theses are anchors of great defenses so I give them the credit. Perimeter wise you could take Payton, Alvin Robertson, Pippen, Rodman and yeah Lebron.
I also vividly remember Riley saying after Game 3, "We didn't realize he was this good. We are going to have to make a different plan." Spurs fans are the dumbest fans in all sports. Did I tell you that the Spurs newspaper site conducted a poll, in like 2008. "Who is the most important person to the franchise" Try to guess where the San Antonio fans ranked Duncan?
I'm not saying Lebron can't shut down 3 positions...but Artest, Garnett, Rodman and Pippen could too. I'm a little surprised no one is really backing me on Artest. Talk about the beast on the wing.
lols at the Celtics in Bill Russell's era being the best defense. That's like saying Hakeem's Rockets in 94 and 95 were the best defense. I'm calling you a Spurs fan because you just made another very stupid comment. Spurs fans are the dumbest fans in the NBA. Thanks again for proving my point. Do you actually believe the Spurs defense was better than the 76'ers, the Bad Boy Pistons or any Riley or JVG Knicks team, or the Bulls in MJs second run. And the Bulls Tom Thibadeaux teams. now. You are so crazy to say the Spurs had the best defenses ever. Spurs defense isn't even top 5 in history. The Fo' Fo' Fo' 76ers and the Bad Boys control the conversation.
I am not even going to include guards. Guards don't nearly have enough impact as Centers defensively. 1) Russell 2) Hakeem 3) DRob 4) KG 5) Duncan
I agree...but the ability to guard 3 positions is very useful to a Coach. That's why wing defenders who can disrupt multiple non center stars deserve to be in the discussion.
Ben Wallace shouldn't be in the discussion. Mutombo, Camby, Mourning and Robinson were all far superior defenders. Wallace really struggled against big, strong post players.
Possibly the most frustrating Rockets season I've ever watched. Hate that Pippen. I recall that Pippen actually suggested to Rudy T to give the last shot to Cuttino, b/c Pippen was too big of a sissy to take on the challenge under the guise that he was "not an iso player."
You also have to realize how inferior the post players Duncan has guarded were compared to Hakeem's. I remember seeing Duncan get toasted by David West in the playoffs. Hakeem would NEVER get beat by David West...... One question I have is how was Deke on the pick and roll back in his prime (I was young). I don't recall him having the lateral quickness Hakeem and Robinson had. Seemed like Deke was all knees and elbows for some reason. I would think prime Zo would go ahead of any perimeter defender, just because center position is so much more valuable.
Robertson deserves to be mentioned in a thread on great defenders. So do... Nate McMillan Joe Dumars Maurice Cheeks Dennis Johnson Michael Cooper Sidney Moncrief Kevin McHale Bobby Jones Nate Thurmond Bobby Jones was always one of my favorites. White boy could jump... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0NxCr-3L8J4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Don't get me wrong but I think Duncan is a better offensive player than defensive one... but he is good at that too
