Anthony Davis is the NBA’s portable rim protector https://t.co/6OXz5mQusT via @sbnation
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 3, 2020
It took me three and a half years, but I now see the kernel of truth in Jackson’s point. Syphoning off a zone of the court, even one as essential as the basket, is important, but limited. Think of a great rim protector like a great home run hitter that strikes out a lot and doesn’t hit for average. On the whole, this player is extremely valuable. Baseball games are decided by runs scored, and the easiest way to score a lot of runs at once is to hit a home run.
But sometimes, the upside that the home run hitter provides (being able to score lots of runs at once with one swing) is counterbalanced by the increased likelihood that he’ll provide the team nothing at all.
In hoops, the basket is the most valuable real estate. Strip away all defense and context, and it’s much easier to score from two feet away than 25 feet away. But basketball isn’t just a zillion mad dashes to that elusive space. There are many more situations where teams need timely singles, especially with teams shooting from so far away.
Imagine, then, that you could transport the qualities of an elite rim protector to anywhere on the court. Imagine if instead of a stationary brick wall in one place, you could pick up that brick wall and put it wherever was most needed at any given time.
Great article by Mike Prada written two years ago about AD’s versatile defense. with the Pelicans. Love the term he invented: Portable Rim Protector. Perfect description of AD’s defense. Worth reading to understand why AD is really the DPOY and most valuable defender because of his versatility. He’s a 7-foor version of Draymond Green at his best.