It's tough when you throw Chuck into the mix because they are different positions. Also, Artest is a different kind of defender than Battier. You'd want Battier on the Kobe's, Redd's, and Ray Allen's (more finesse-based jumpshooters) of the league, while you'd want Artest on the LeBron's, Pierce's, (bigger bodies, etc). I really want to go with Chuck but he gets too many fouls and has no offense so he's a liability on the court, especially in the clutch. Then it's a tossup between Artest and Battier. It really depends on the matchup. When he's in the mood, McGrady can be a great defender because of his IQ, length, and athleticism. Too bad he's never in that mood.
I think that if you were to ask the elite scorers in this league - the likes of Kobe, LeBron, Melo, etc. - which single defender they'd hate to play against, most would choose Artest. Both Kobe and Pierce have gone on record saying that Artest is the best defender they've faced.
in open situation ron is a better one on one defender. but battier is better at running through screens and chasing shooters. Ron's huge body gives him difficulty to do that.
I'd have to disagree, mainly because Hayes's offensive liability has nothing to do with his ability to defend.
Yeah I should have clarified. The only reason I won't put Hayes up there is because I'm not considering just ability to defend, but ability to stay on the court.
as much as i like mac, he isn't our best defender. even if he tries, he's still not in the top echelon, not in the league, maybe on our team.
That question makes me think back to game 22 of the win streak last year with Shane's hand in Kobe's face almost every time Kobe took a shot! We need to think of a name for our defensive team . When they all or finally healthy it is going to be fantastic. Remember the STEEL CURTAIN or THE NO NAME DEFENSE of football fame.
i'd vote for chuck but he still collects some stupid fouls sometimes. also, his lack of size hurts him from time to time when bigger players like dirk or garnett can shoot over him without any trouble. so, overall i'd have to go with shane. he's a sensational team defender, great shot blocker, can defend multiple positions, never takes a play off and generally defends very smart. but i also like ron's defense because it's different to chuck's and shane's. he defends with power and aggression. plus, he's always in the passing lanes. my ranking would be: 1. shane battier . . . 2. chuck hayes 3. ron artest
man, if chuck was 6'9" he'd be the better version of the pistons' ben wallace. chuck has good offensive and defensive iq. the problem is he's only 6'6" with little to no hops and athletic ability so it's hard for him to finish in traffic. he would probably be defensive player of the year if he was 6'9" and he'd probably average at least 8 ppg.
alston is a good defender, why do you think he still has his job. 1. ability to run the offense, remarkable handles 2. defense
score at will? i can't even remember the last time someone made two baskets in a row on him, much less score at will. note: everyone he guards is a 'taller player with post moves.'
i don't have the time to look it up, but i know when we get into a playoff series, i don't want chuck guarding the garnetts, dirks, amares. and not everyone he guards has post moves.
and i can't believe ALL the love we're getting for chuck, i mean i like him, but let's face it. he is what he is, and players like that make a difference in whether we win or lose. when you play 5 on 4 on the offensive side of the court, he becomes a liability. when a PF or C is shooting over you, and making them, that's a liability. i understand he has quick hands, i understand his legs are made of steel... but still... we can't trade him away, i don't think many teams would be interested.
