07-11-2023, 10:52 AM
(07-11-2023, 10:40 AM)StrandedOnBeauboisHill Wrote: Denver was actually ranked 15th last year in team defense and I think 4th in the playoffs, just a heads up.
Having said that I don't disagree with most of these comparisons although I would say if this is just defense comparisons you're giving a little too much credit to Jokic and MPJ there. I would also say that Green is capable of becoming the level of defender KCP is, just isn't there yet.
Another thing is that I don't think this board is truly appreciating the level of defender GWill is. I absolutely love Aaron Gordon and think he's a better overall player because of what he brings on offense and believe he's a truly great defender but I also feel GWill is on that level. I think this board sees him as a career bench player without taking into consideration he was playing on a team with 2 all nba wings.
On the hoop collective the other day they dropped a stat that mentioned there were only 11 players last year that logged 750 matchups against all three categories of bigs, wings and guards. The 5 they mentioned were Draymond, Bam, Giannis, JJJ...and GWill. Aaron Gordon was guessed and I was surprised to learn he was not one of those 11 players (I also wished they listed all 11 because I really wanted to learn if DFS was on that list). Just feel the need to point out that we're getting one of the more versatile defenders in the entire league with GWill. The stuff he did on the eastern conference championship run against Giannis and KD is really impressive. Lots of clips out there of him holding his own against Embiid and Jokic.
He doesn't solve all our problems but he's a big step in the right direction.
I can't disagree with anything you've stated. DEN was #1 in DefRtg, which I realize isn't the gold standard. I think G.Will is a really good defender, and yes may have more defensive range than Gordon, but Gordon is superior within his range. Yes, Green has the tools to become KCP. IMO, Jokic is an underrated defender. Also IMO, MPJ is an overrated defender (below average yet doesn't have that rep), but still better than Luka.