Just because it is basketball season
- Thread starter PirateDawg
- Start date
This has always been an odd take to me. I've watched a ton of NBA basketball over the past 15+ years, and I can't recall any games where I felt like there was a real lack of effort from either team on the defensive end. Sure, there are bad defenders (as a Grizzlies fan I can say Ja Morant is subpar on most defensive possessions, for example) scattered throughout the league, but I think too many people equate guarding the best players in the world with not playing defense. If low scoring basketball is more your preference, you can find plenty of it in college basketball... along with a plethora of bad passes, poor shooting, ill advised decisions, etc. That being said, I still enjoy both.
If you wanted to criticize the billion 3-point attempts every game (damn you, analytics), I'd be more inclined to agree.
If you wanted to criticize the billion 3-point attempts every game (damn you, analytics), I'd be more inclined to agree.
Exactly go to one end shoot from the time line. Repeat in the opposite direction until the buzzer sounds. Stephen Curry is a great player but he ruined the NBA. 3's used to mean something special. Unlimited free agency destroyed the foundation of the team legacy You don't build a great team... you either buy one or the players reign in their egos enough to win a couple of titles together until they get tired of sharing the spotlight or someone offers more money. Shame that too much money is still not enough.
And I never remember Jordan, Byrd, Chamberlain, Magic or Bryant had to tell everyone who wasn't their sycophant that they were the G.O.A.T.
Super teams are another understandable criticism, although it was encouraging to see a small market team (with a loyal superstar) like the Bucks win it all last year.
Sports evolve over time and shooting more threes is just part of that change. If you’re going to criticize three point attempts in the NBA then you need to do the same for college basketball because the number of attempts has gone up every year.
I hate the super team concept. It’s just lazy GMs with teams with money but those super teams that are out there aren’t doing so hot. Like 87 said, it was nice to see a small market team win it last year and the entertaining teams to watch this season aren’t super teams. The Bulls, Cavs, and Grizzlies just to name a few have a lot of young talent that are just out there balling. The Suns are fun to watch too and of course the Bucks. If you want to be a fan of a player in the NBA just jump on the Greek Freak bandwagon. One of the most humble players in the game and one of the biggest stars. You don’t see that often.
I hate the super team concept. It’s just lazy GMs with teams with money but those super teams that are out there aren’t doing so hot. Like 87 said, it was nice to see a small market team win it last year and the entertaining teams to watch this season aren’t super teams. The Bulls, Cavs, and Grizzlies just to name a few have a lot of young talent that are just out there balling. The Suns are fun to watch too and of course the Bucks. If you want to be a fan of a player in the NBA just jump on the Greek Freak bandwagon. One of the most humble players in the game and one of the biggest stars. You don’t see that often.
He was rightfully lit up for all that.
And his effort on D has changed a lot since then.
Harden still does that from time to time or just gives up. He did it the other night against the Grizzlies.
https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/1478362087512584204?s=21
https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/1478362087512584204?s=21
Yeah, he is by no means perfect, but it is well accepted that his D has improved significantly and was a major storyline a couple seasons ago.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/...tatistically-but-should-we-trust-the-numbers/
https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/features/grading-james-harden-defensive-performance
https://spacecityscoop.com/2019/12/23/houston-rockets-james-harden-improved-skill-defense/
https://bleacherreport.com/articles...ense-keys-houston-rockets-hot-start-no-really
https://in.nba.com/news/james-harde...nse-houston-rockets/9ezd841bvkee1j8qpayl2fjgl
I could care less about the NBA but it's mainly because I don't like basketball. I never played past church league. But I tell my son, who does play, to get good at bombing 3's. To ignore this is pissing into the wind, like ignoring power in hitting baseballs, and the throw-happy version of football.
If I lived in an NBA town I'd probably get into it and go to a game or three. Same with soccer and hockey. Moreso with hockey, good Lord soccer is boring.
If I lived in an NBA town I'd probably get into it and go to a game or three. Same with soccer and hockey. Moreso with hockey, good Lord soccer is boring.
That's the kind of effort Deion always gave in football when it was time to make a tackle. Hell of a cover corner but refused to hit anybody
My friend got some Grizz courtside seats about 5 years ago against the Rockets when Harden was there. That dude never stops talking. Talking to teammates, the ref, the opponents, the crowd. He’s nuts.
An odd take indeed, especially from anyone who has actually been to a NBA game. Most of those guys get after it on the defensive end. But unlike college basketball, they are trying to guard guys who can actually make shots.
You don't remember Larry Bird telling everyone how good he was, basically all the time? In fairness, he was right.
It's insane how good NBA players are at playing defense. What they are doing is so complicated and athletic that a lot of folks just can't comprehend it.
I like the NBA more than most here. I think the "no defense" perception comes from a few things.
1) There are absolutely some players that just do not try on defense, especially in the regular season. To deny this is to deny reality.
2) If a subpar shooter wants to take a midrange jump shot (or sometimes a 3) depending on the player), the defense lets him. This comes across as laziness. In reality, the defender making no attempt to close out on the shooter is strategic, not lazy.
3) Most NBA players make no attempt to grab an offensive rebound. Again, this is strategic because giving NBA-quality guards and wings the opportunity to get out ahead of the defense is giving them a near-automatic open 3 or layup. But it often appears like it's just lack of effort.
Dillon Brooks is one of those guys that you love because he’s on your team and would totally hate if he was on another playing against your team. Dillon the Villain.
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