Give Lebron, the 'Rondo Treatment"

[Change]

I would give Lebron the Rondo treatment. Even if his shooting has improved, It still remain the weakest area of his game. He isn't a great shooter. His natural impulse is to drive the ball. When you guard that close, you are at his mercy. He is too fast, and too strong to be guarded one on one. I would dare Lebron to shoot, and simply close out his driving lanes. He knows, we know, and everyone knows Lebron isn't a great shooter. I'd live and die having Lebron shoot 3pointers. Even Lebron James doesn't trust his own shot by passing up game winning shots. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'd give Lebron the Rondo treatment.

[barefacedmonk]

I would give Lebron the Rondo treatment. Even if his shooting has improved, It still remain his weakest area of his game. He isn't a great shooter. His natural impulse is to drive the ball. When you guard that close, you are at his mercy. He is too fast, and too strong to be guarded one on one. I would dare Lebron to shoot, and simply close out his driving lanes. He knows, we know, and everyone knows Lebron isn't a great shooter. I'd live and die having Lebron shoot 3pointers. Even Lebron James doesn't trust his own shot by passing up game winning shots. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'd give Lebron the Rondo treatment.

You have a very valid point. TP.

[Greenbean]

Yeah TP. He also shoots better fading way with someone on him. If he isnt driving too he isnt getting teammates involved as much.

My only concern would be that Lebron is smart enough to still drive if you give him a cushion.

Kind of like what Rondo did last year in the playoffs.

[Change]

Yeah TP. He also shoots better fading way with someone on him. If he isnt driving too he isnt getting teammates involved as much.

My only concern would be that Lebron is smart enough to still drive if you give him a cushion.

Kind of like what Rondo did last year in the playoffs.

Rondo would dominate every game if he was guarded that close. Imagine all the driving lanes it'll open for him and his teammates. Ray would get easier shots, Perk can go any where he wants. The options would be endless. Its a dumb strategy to play Lebron that tightly.

[Steve Weinman]

You think a lot of teams aren't already trying to encourage as many outside shots as possible for him?

Also, best of luck stopping him on his way to the basket after letting him build up a head of steam thanks to the cushion.

-sw

[indeedproceed]

Marquis Daniels is allegedly a decent defender.

I remember a sequence tonight where lebron took two steps and was past him and at the hoop.

Good luck keeping him only a jump shooter.

[pearljammer10]

I dont think it really matters how you guard lebron because he is going to find a way to score or get involved in the game somehow.

[PLamb]

Best LeBron defense, let him have his and shut down everyone else

LeBron's most dangerous when he's scoring 26-32 and dishing out 9-15 dimes

Let him score 40+ and keep him off the boards and from getting his team mates involved and you can beat the hell out of the Cavs in a seven game series

[pearljammer10]

Best LeBron defense, let him have his and shut down everyone else

LeBron's most dangerous when he's scoring 26-32 and dishing out 9-15 dimes

Let him score 40+ and keep him off the boards and from getting his team mates involved and you can beat the hell out of the Cavs in a seven game series

Definitely agree with this. Let him take the shots and try to take over the game. Shutting everyone else down, he cant win the game all by himself.

[Reyquila]

If its so easy to let Lebron have his way and shut  down everybody else, dont you think some average intelligent  coach wouldnt have tried that trick before? Its not like we are reinventing the wheel with that strategy. We dont seem to be able to shut anybody down, to start with.

[Change]

If its so easy to let Lebron have his way and shut  down everybody else, dont you think some average intelligent  coach wouldnt have tried that trick before? Its not like we are reinventing the wheel with that strategy. We dont seem to be able to shut anybody down, to start with.

2 years ago you can beat the Cavs by shutting down everyone else. But this 2010 Cavs team is far superior team. Their depth at each position is scary. No one strategy beats this cavs team. Like I said I'd rather live and die with Lebron shooting 3pointers.

[PLamb]

If its so easy to let Lebron have his way and shut  down everybody else, dont you think some average intelligent  coach wouldnt have tried that trick before? Its not like we are reinventing the wheel with that strategy. We dont seem to be able to shut anybody down, to start with.

You mean like:

Stan Van Gundy in 2009
Doc Rivers in 2008
Greg Popovich in 2007
Flip Saunders in 2006

[Change]

I had to revive this. C's changing strategy and going under the screens. Dare the queen to shoot.

[Witch-King]

Le'Brick' (LeBron)? We have been playing good defense so far...  

it's Maurice 'Moe' Williams that I'm worried about today - if we gave him the 'Rondo Treatment' he'd still be doing just fine...  

[Change]

I'm convinced C's read this blog. Or just doing the obvious. Lebron is an average shooter. Make him shoot jumpers, and keep off the FT line. It's that simple people