Using one of the league’s few generational defensive bigs was all it took to establish an exceptional defensive squad for much of NBA history. Defensively, the Boston Celtics of Bill Russell often lapped the field. During his first season in 1989-90, David Robinson transformed San Antonio’s defence into a top-three unit; the Spurs wouldn’t fall out of the top 10 until Robinson’s injury limited him to just six games in 1996-97. From 1995-96 to 2001-02, Alonzo Mourning’s Miami Heat never finished lower than ninth in the NBA in per-possession defence.
Behemoths of the Rim’s Past
You may speak about modern spacing and shooting until you’re blue in the face, but one thing stays constant: the most valued shots in the NBA are still made at the rim.
Stoppers at the Point of Attack
Although the rim remains the most crucial spot in basketball, how teams get there has altered considerably in recent decades. In a league where so much offensive production happens off the dribble, defenders who can disrupt the initial play are in great demand.
Modern Hybrids
Tweeners in previous NBA incarnations, these players are now recognized as versatile stoppers who play a variety of positions in their teams’ defence in today’s league. This archetype was essentially developed by Green, and he continues to embody it.
This archetype was essentially developed by Green, and he continues to embody it. He has the oddest combination of strange athleticism (low vertical leaping ability and height, but incredibly long arms and stunning lateral agility) and exceptional basketball IQ in history.
