Both are equally important and it is not farfetched to say that they are two sides of the coin and both sides cover for each other. Poor perimeter defense allows for easy penetration by opposing wing SF and guards, which puts enormous pressure on interior D. Considering how pathetic our interior D is with Scola and Miller, penetration by wing players are typically devastating. On the flip side, poor perimeter D can be compensated by great interior D, because penetrating wings are unable to shoot over (Yao) or are afraid to get blocked (Hakeem) when they take it to the rim. Between Brooks and Martin, opposing guards are generally treated to a deluxe buffet line of penetration methods. Considering our starting PF is Scola, who is equally inept, that means huge defensive disaster for us. Chuck Hayes is a great defender, but due to his short stature, he is more of a situational defender since anyone can simply shoot over him. For bigs with consistent range like Dirk or Aldridge, Hayes would be less useful. Against players like Bynum (assuming Hayes does not let him near the rim) or Dwight who are less than accurate from farther out, he is great.
I think we traded our pick for a reason even though it has the potential to be a better pick than the NYKs. The Knicks really want that 2012 pick back for various reasons. If we trade it to the Nets, we lose "hand" with the Knicks. Now that the Nets have a decent war chest to get Melo, I think NY will have even more pressure to get that pick back to stay in the "game". AR is not enough for Morey. He thinks it worth more. How high will NY go to get their pick? Either that or since it's not lotto protected he wanted to increase his odds should we both end up in the lotto.
Looks like he hasn't learned anything despite his demotion to the D-League. NJ did the right thing,and he is saying he should have been fined instead. If he brings this attitude here,he won't be around for long. Shane,Chuck,and Luis can't change him. A 13 year old ball boy told him not to blow his chances away.
I've heard of players being fined for being late before. I've never heard of them being sent down to the D-League for it though.
So what? NJ didn't do anything illegal. In fact,they gave him a chance to improve his attitude and play. He has no reason to gripe about it.
Way to blow things out of proportions... The guy didn't do anything illegal and according to him, he wants to right the ship. Who are you to judge him before he does anything? Are you perfect?
You're the one telling me he hasn't learned his lesson because he wasn't happy by being punished via being sent down. I was just pointing out that he's right -- he's the first guy I can remember that was 'punished' by a D-League stint instead of being fined.
Avery Johnson also was heavily criticized for this decision as well, since the D-League is there to help young basketball players develop their skills or confidence in their game, not a punitive center for players. By doing this, Johnson actually cheapened the purpose of the D-League and also set a dangerous precedent for other teams. Clearly, Williams did not belong in the D-League.
Comparing perimeter defense in general to interior is kind of unfair. There are basically 3-4 perimeter defenders. And 1-2 interior defenders. So even if you consider them equally, it doesn't really come out that way when valuing individual players. This is why Dwight Howard alone almost negate the entire sucktitude of the likes of Rashard Lewis, Hedo/VC, etc. that surrounds him in Orlando. Because he alone covers 50% of the defense. While even the best perimeter defenders can cover at most one person. And you can always cover up each other. That's why the NBA places such a premium on big man. And why tall stiffs usually has a place in the rotation even though fans think they suck. I definitely like that Williams is capable of being a great defender. But I'd be much more excited about defense of a Jordan Hill or an Anthony Randolph.
I want him to succeed. Actions are more important than words. I never claim to be perfect.I've learnt a lot of good things from many members here. I respect you too.
