Who is the best defender in the NBA? You could say Mutombo, Payton, MAYBE Kobe, but that's pushing it. I personally think Garnett is the best. He is a 7 footer who can guard ANYBODY and he plays the point of the 1-3-1 zone that the Wolves run. He disrupts anybody's offense because of his athleticism and long arms. Add that to superior quickness and outstanding defensive instincts, and you've got your NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Agree on the Glove. He is really a defensive specialist. In a few years, Eddie Griffin will be one of the top candidates.
All Defensive NBA Team 2002 Center: Ben Wallace Power Forward: Kevin Garnett Small Forward: Bruce Bowen Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant Point Guard: Gary Payton 2002 Defensive Player of the Year Award: Ben Wallace
Well actually, you have a pretty good point that Shawn Marion should be on the list. I'm probably a little biased since all I see are Spurs games on T.V. (I live in San Antonio, but I hate the Spurs!) But back to the point, Bruce Bowen is one of the best on the ball defenders and is very physical and intense. Did you see that karate kick he did on Wally Sczcerbiak? Eddie Jones - He's more of a shooting guard. Greg Buckner - I don't know what you have seen in him to call him a better defender than Bruce Bowen. He is a small time player.
Shaq is just big. Once players get past that, they can take it in on him. For as tall as he is (7-2) he should be getting like 3-4 blocks a game, instead it's around 2. I definitely agree that Bowen is an awesome defender. I used to think that he was overrated, but after seeing how much he's had an influence on the Spurs (and he has NO offensive game), i think he's definitely a first-teamer All-Defense. The Spurs are, like, 31-9 with him in the lineup.
If I were to pick one, it would be Garnett. The ONLY guy in the league that could guard all 5 positions on the court. As for Mutombo, Shaq exposed him. Dream was the best big man defender I'd seen. Great help defender, and he could shut you down one-on-one. Ask Kemp or Webber.
Well, I live in Dallas and see almost all the Mavs games. Buckner is a really solid defender at the 2 or 3. Also, I'd take Ruben Patterson over Bowen as well. Bowen is capable, but I think he is overhyped.
hey yo...gots to disagree with you there...K-mart is able to guard all 5 positions on the court too...and he is even better at it than KG
ben wallace... top 15 in steals and blocks? ron artest... behind mookie blaylock in steals per 48 min last year... seems on pace this year doug christie...
Shaq exposed him? Shaq exposed him? So now the measure of defensive greatness is if you can guard shaq one on one. I'm pretty sure you won't find anybody out there that can do it. If anything, I thought his matchup with Shaq proved how good he is. He had help sometimes but he went one on one a lot more than other people and held his own while being elbowed and trampeled and knocked down w/o calls.
If you didn't vote for Ben Wallace you obviously haven't seen this dude play. Believe me he's a stud on D.
