How do we improve the defense?

[MBunge]

I think it's clear that unless this team massively upgrades its talent level (add Butler AND George or Hayward AND Griffin), we've got to have an elite defense to even pretend to be a title contender.  Under Stevens, the defense went from terrible to average to elite and back to average, and that's with a decent core of defenders.

Our personnel deficiencies are easy to diagnose.  Poor rim protection, IT, lack of size and athleticism
overall, too many young players.  But especially in the wake of the Cavs humiliating us repeatedly on our home floor, it's fair to question how much of Stevens'  basketball genius applies to the defensive side of the court.

What do you think can be done?  Is it worth sacrifing some offensive flow to get bigger, better defenders?  Are there schematic changes that need to be made?

Mike

[wdleehi]

I still think the biggest move to help the defense is improve the defensive rebounding.  Two many 2nd, 3rd.... shots after playing good defense on the first shot. 

[Donoghus]

Definitely a personnel thing.   Front court could certainly use an upgrade with an emphasis on rebounding and defense.  You can't look at that front court during the playoffs and be happy about the way they played.

[Jvalin]

- trade IT
- sign a stretch four with the ability to defend the pick n roll/pick n pop (+ rebound the ball)


for instance :
- trade IT to the Mavs for the 9th pick
- use the pick to draft Isaac (hopefully he is still on the board)

problem solved

[Who]

Need a PF who can defend the perimeter and rebound. A glue guy.

Not many of those around who can also shoot the ball and space the floor on the other end.

[saltlover]

Need a PF who can defend the perimeter and rebound. A glue guy.

Not many of those around who can also shoot the ball and space the floor on the other end.

Yeah, after Hayward my personal biggest FA target is Jamychal Green.

[td450]

The free agent who would make the biggest difference for our defense would be James Johnson. He can block shots and is quick enough to guard wings. He's also a solid offensive player who can shoot with range. He made a huge difference to Miami last year.

I'm not really sure why he isn't getting more interest here.

[saltlover]

The free agent who would make the biggest difference for our defense would be James Johnson. He can block shots and is quick enough to guard wings. He's also a solid offensive player who can shoot with range. He made a huge difference to Miami last year.

I'm not really sure why he isn't getting more interest here.

I also like James Johnson.  Prefer Jamychal Green, but either would be great, especially if Johnson could be head for the Room Exception (probably not enough, but maybe.)

[Darío SpanishFan]

- trade IT
- sign a stretch four with the ability to defend the pick n roll/pick n pop (+ rebound the ball)


for instance :
- trade IT to the Mavs for the 9th pick
- use the pick to draft Isaac (hopefully he is still on the board)

problem solved

I came to say more or less that. TP for saving my time.

Also, if we can't land Hayward or Griffin, Nenê or a veteran like that in a 1+1 contract would be nice. And not trading Bradley or Smart would help a lot.

[LilRip]

Its weird that our guys are terrific individual defenders but we don't have terrific defense. Is IT that big of a detriment? Perhaps.

Another thing, we switch everything which creates mismatches when the other team has a particularly talented ball handler/shot creator. I wonder why we don't ice picks more? Or is that passé especially with all the shooting these days?

[Jvalin]

The free agent who would make the biggest difference for our defense would be James Johnson. He can block shots and is quick enough to guard wings. He's also a solid offensive player who can shoot with range. He made a huge difference to Miami last year.

I'm not really sure why he isn't getting more interest here.

He is a below average rebounder though.


By the way, Cam Oliver looks like a guy who could do a decent job for us at the PF position as well.

- long
- athletic
- defends the perimeter
- good rebounder
- can shoot the three

Draftexpress has him at #52. I guess there is a chance he is still available at #53.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Max out IT.

If we keep Fultz, make him earn mins on the defensive end.  Brown is getting there.

Build a frontcourt. Defense should be a priority for the PF.  I'm on board with J. Green.

[Jvalin]

Max out IT.

Build a frontcourt. Defense should be a priority for the PF.  I'm on board with J. Green.

Problem with J. Green is, if we go after Hayward we won't have enough cap space to sign him unless he signs for the room exception. Do you guys see J. Green being available for the room exception?

[tarheelsxxiii]

Max out IT.

Build a frontcourt. Defense should be a priority for the PF.  I'm on board with J. Green.

Problem with J. Green is, if we go after Hayward we won't have enough cap space to sign him unless he signs for the room exception. Do you guys see J. Green being available for the room exception?

Probably not. And yeah, if Hayward signs the frontcourt will likely continue to struggle. Trade off, either way.

[saltlover]

Max out IT.

Build a frontcourt. Defense should be a priority for the PF.  I'm on board with J. Green.

Problem with J. Green is, if we go after Hayward we won't have enough cap space to sign him unless he signs for the room exception. Do you guys see J. Green being available for the room exception?

I do not see him being available for the room exception.  He's restricted, and Memphis would match that in a minute.  I do see him being available in a sign-and-trade.  It'd be tricky to work out, and would depend on how we made room for Hayward, but not completely impossible.