Image via WikipediaThe Los Angeles Lakers are favored to capture their fourth Western Conference championship in as many years, and look to compete for their third NBA championship in a row. And if they reach those peaks, it will be on the back of their defense.The Lakers have always been known for their precision-based triangle offense, but the addition of free agent Matt Barnes gives the Lakers a defensive element that few teams can boast.
Barnes, Ron Artest, and Kobe Bryant just might be the NBA's best trio of perimeter defenders, and their versatility allows them to impact the game in a variety of ways.
Artest is a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and although he doesn't possess the same quickness as when he won the award, he's still one of the more physical defenders in the league.
Size and strength are Artest's best weapons, and it doesn't hurt that his reputation as one of the more unpredictable players in the league gives him an aura of intimidation.
Artest is still vulnerable to players who are quicker, but Barnes has more quickness and while he may not be as strong as Artest, he does have quite a bit of power in his 6'7" frame.
Barnes could end up being the Lakers' most significant addition in the last few seasons besides Artest, because he blends seamlessly with Los Angeles' goal to get tougher defensively.
Barnes is equally adept at either wing position, and the Lakers' shouldn't suffer any significant drop-off defensively when Bryant leaves the game.
Speaking of Bryant, Barnes will allow him even more defensive freedom than he experienced last season playing alongside Artest, and he should be available to jump passing lanes more often.
Bryant is one of the most intellectual and instinctive defensive players in the NBA, and with Barnes and Artest backing him up, Bryant should be able to take more gambles in the open court.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/428615-are-kobe-bryant-ron-artest-matt-barnes-the-nbas-top-defensive-trio
No comments:
Post a Comment