Since so many people consider Tayshaun Prince, Ron Artest, and Shane Battier to be three of the best wing defenders in the game today, would you discuss what they each do that makes them so effective? And, of course, which of them is best? – Matt, Menlo Park, CA Prince’s effectiveness on defense is a function of his length and his quick feet. The long-limbed 6-9, 215-pound Prince can play a half-step farther off his man than other defenders do, thereby giving him time and space to react to, and interfere with, dribble-drives, while still being able to reach out and challenge set-shots or pull-up jumpers. Because of his leansome physique, however, Prince is susceptible to being overpowered in the paint. Artest’s lateral quickness has diminished as of late to the point where quick-footed opponents can frequently take him off the dribble. Notice how often he’s reduced to trying to tip the ball from behind after his man has gotten past him. But, at 6-7, 255, Artest still has quick hands and is a powerhouse defender -- relentless, eager to accept any challenge and difficult to seal in the low post. Battier’s defensive agenda is just about halfway between Prince and Artest -- strong enough to battle most opponents down low (where he likes to front or three-quarter his man), and quick enough to stay in front of all but the league’s speediest players. Three or four years ago, Artest was head-and-shoulders above both Prince and Battier. But these days, devising an absolute ranking of these three is an exercise in futility since Prince and Artest are essentially specialists, while Battier doesn’t play quick wings as well as the former, and doesn’t play strongmen as well as the latter. However, I’ve never mastered the art of avoiding futility so -- if all unequal things are equalized -- I’d rank Battier at the top because of his versatility, Artest next because of his physicality, and Prince third. Link http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Whos-the-NBAs-top-wing-defender Not normally a big fan of Charley, but have noticed he is starting to appreciate the rockets a bit more this year..
The New York media was split between loving JVG and hating him. Mike Wise of the Washington Post said that the grudge still goes on to this day.
Rosen is a close friend of Phil Jackson and his sour relationship with Van Gundy bled over into Rosen's view of the team.
Thats a good analysis of the three defenders. However, I would take Tayshaun over both Artest and Battier because he's the best perimeter defender out of all of them and has the most efficient offensive game.
"Nenad Krstic -- A post-up game, plus a successful search for the missing vowel. " LOL this really cracked me up. For a cranky old fogey he can be pretty funny :grin: Good find!
