[ESPN] Hollinger Rates Swift Third Best Offseason Signing

Well Malone was a sneaky defender who would strip a lot of players going up for shots resulting in him getting a lot of steals in lieu of blocks. And Otis was a very good on-ball defender who could battle effectively with some of the better PFs in the league on the block. I don't think you can say the same about Juwan.

Blocks and steals are not the only measurements of defensive prowess, but they are A measurement of activity and effectiveness on the defensive end. Certainly one needs to also take into account positional defense, but I don't think I'm far off the mark when I say that Juwan was unspectacular on post defense (except for a couple of notable plays where he fronted to good effect), and rather pedestrian on his perimeter-D.

And since JVG's defense calls for funneling of penetration and rotating of big men, I don't think it's too much to expect the starting PF for most of the year to record more blocks than a kindergartener can count up to with one hand tied behind his back.

 

I wouldn't value the opinion of Hollinger. His insight into the NBA seems to rely a lot on stats. Hence, why he said at the start of the 04-05 season that Manu Ginobili was only an above average NBA player.

 

Why didn't we go after Jason Hart? I would take a gamble with this guy over a 2nd rounder anyday.

 

"If the Heat end up winning their first-ever title this June, this trade is likely to be the reason."

You think?