Potential Lebron/KD Stoppers

[mr. dee]

We all know that the road to championship all leads to the Cavs and Warriors. The only way to beat them is to slow their best player in KD/Lebron. The Warriors without Durant is beatable, even with the current iteration of the Celtics. Now, who's the player who have All-Defensive potential that might slow down KD or Lebron down the road? Whether the Celtics have to trade or draft for those is up in the air.

They don't need to be stars but someone who has the potential and tools to be All-NBA defenders. See guys like Tayshawn Prince, Bruce Bowen and Tony Allen.

Criteria:
- 25 years old or less
- Wasn't drafted prior to 2012
- Plays or can play Lebron/KD's position
- Have actually shown defensive flashes
- Size and length
- Versatile defender

So here are my candidates:

Michael Kidd Gilchrist  (23 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgq5comSHKg

Drafted as the #2 overall pick in the 2012 draft. So far, he haven't lived up to the expectation of being a top 3 pick talent. But he is still a very good defender despite his shortcomings. His injury is something to be wary though as he haven't been able to have a consistent healthy season the past few years.

Harrison Barnes (25 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS-YKGvY2eE

Already 1-1 against Lebron in the Finals but Iggy has been guarding him most of the time. Could potentially be a Paul Pierce role on a championship team. Paul held his own against a much younger Lebron. Would need to surround him with elite talent though.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (24 y/o, 6'5")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEo6S4YukUg

Bound to get paid by the Pistons as he were having a very solid season with them. More suited to guard smaller players, but he have shown very good defense against elite offensive players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (22 y/o, 7'0")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luUewcy9Q4Q

At 22 years old, he already established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the league. With elite size, length and athleticism, he's the perfect foil for Durant and Lebron. Although he's pretty much unavailable at this point.

Andre Roberson (25 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MuWnNo4oQc

Part of the reason why OKC is still a solid team despite losing KD. Westbrook carries the huge chunk of the offense, but Roberson is the one bailing Russell out for his lack of commitment on defensive end.

Andrew Wiggins (21 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhKpQj1mT_A

Originally drafted by Cavs, sent to the Wolves for Kevin Love. Wiggins is very capable as an on-ball defender. But his off-ball awareness and overall defensive focus needs improvement. His inconsistencies are the only thing holding him back to become the next big thing.

Aaron Gordon (21 y/o, 6'9")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0pcg4nt6HU&t=104s

While his offensive game needs more refinement, but he's already a great defensive presence. He's a good rebounder for his position and work with hustles. I would be more than happy to have him on the Celtics but I doubt the Magic would give him away for cheap.

Bruno Caboclo (21 y/o, 6'9")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBcJWkg4fUs

Drafted by the Raptors in 2014 as a long-term project and still is at this point. Haven't been on the main team much often, but he lead their D-League affiliates to their first Championship this season. Have the athleticism and length to become an elite defender in the league.

Mario Hezonja (22 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekJGOeL4uHI

The most disappointing top 5 prospect in the last 3 years. Only averaged  5.5 PPG in the last two season, but the potential is still there. Not as a star or franchise player, but as a solid defender. He's actually quick on his feet and have the size and length to bother ball handlers.

Stanley Johnson (20 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juTihbkzJnc

Actually did a great job against Lebron back in 2016 playoffs. All of the games, despite being as sweep were close. Probably missed this season's playoffs due to the absence of Reggie Jackson. Remains to be seen if he can further improves his game.

Justise Winslow (21 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqMdmvIHBH0

We all know Danny tried to trade for this guy back in the 2015 draft. Like others on this list, he haven't lived up in his draft spot's hype. But the defense is there. Unfortunately, he got hurt and was shut down for the majority of 2017 season. Whether he comes back healthy is undetermined.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (22 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS-YKGvY2eE

The guy that I really wanted back in the 2015 draft at the 16th spot. Pretty satisfied with Rozier but RHJ was pretty solid on his own even if he's playing on a terrible BKN squad. Have and elite wingspan and quickness to be one of the best defenders in the league.

Ben Simmons (20 y/o, 6'10")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQAwDojUXOs

The supposedly prized prospect of the 2016 draft. Haven't played a single NBA game due to a season-ending injury during the Sixers training camp. Projected as the next-Lebron, Simmons is also a very capable defender when motivated despite the short wingspan.

Brandon Ingram (19 y/o, 6'9")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5QzHD7Ik6I

Haven't found an offensive consistency yet, but is already a solid defender. Laker nation apparently were pretty satisfied with his season but he needs to add more muscle and improve his strength.

Jaylen Brown (20 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwcxUfXCt50

It has been a roller-coaster ride for our rookie, but he made a stride where it matters most. Im not worried about his defense as he earned playing time through it. He needs to improve his handles though he is working on it already this off season.

Thon Maker (20 y/o, 7'1")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm6fll50Lb4

Mostly play as 4 but is very capable of playing 3 as he have the ball-handling and speed like Giannis. Seems to have KG's tenacity on him. Whether he is 20 or 25 doesn't matter as long as he show his full potential.

Taurean Prince (23 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqJU1d9-6p0

Hawks found a nice replacement for Demarre Carroll as their Dreadlock 3&D player. But is his potential much better than Carroll?

[hodgy03038]

It is a good list and you put a lot of effort into it. I think RHJ and Jaylen do have that potential. I mean obviously the top choice would be the freak. TP for your efforts.

[hpantazo]

Jaylen showed a lot of potential as a Lebron stopper this year.

As for a KD stopper, there is no such thing. Maybe a guy like Dragan Bender if he develops

[RodyTur10]

How about Jonathan Isaac or OG Anunoby. Isaac has the length and athletism to bother Durant and Anunoby has the strength and speed to cover James.

[ederson]

The same for  both of them.... Father Time

[celticsclay]

We all know that the road to championship all leads to the Cavs and Warriors. The only way to beat them is to slow their best player in KD/Lebron. The Warriors without Durant is beatable, even with the current iteration of the Celtics. Now, who's the player who have All-Defensive potential that might slow down KD or Lebron down the road? Whether the Celtics have to trade or draft for those is up in the air.

They don't need to be stars but someone who has the potential and tools to be All-NBA defenders. See guys like Tayshawn Prince, Bruce Bowen and Tony Allen.

Criteria:
- 25 years old or less
- Wasn't drafted prior to 2012
- Plays or can play Lebron/KD's position
- Have actually shown defensive flashes
- Size and length
- Versatile defender

So here are my candidates:

Michael Kidd Gilchrist  (23 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgq5comSHKg

Drafted as the #2 overall pick in the 2012 draft. So far, he haven't lived up to the expectation of being a top 3 pick talent. But he is still a very good defender despite his shortcomings. His injury is something to be wary though as he haven't been able to have a consistent healthy season the past few years.

Harrison Barnes (25 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS-YKGvY2eE

Already 1-1 against Lebron in the Finals but Iggy has been guarding him most of the time. Could potentially be a Paul Pierce role on a championship team. Paul held his own against a much younger Lebron. Would need to surround him with elite talent though.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (24 y/o, 6'5")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEo6S4YukUg

Bound to get paid by the Pistons as he were having a very solid season with them. More suited to guard smaller players, but he have shown very good defense against elite offensive players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (22 y/o, 7'0")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luUewcy9Q4Q

At 22 years old, he already established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the league. With elite size, length and athleticism, he's the perfect foil for Durant and Lebron. Although he's pretty much unavailable at this point.

Andre Roberson (25 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MuWnNo4oQc

Part of the reason why OKC is still a solid team despite losing KD. Westbrook carries the huge chunk of the offense, but Roberson is the one bailing Russell out for his lack of commitment on defensive end.

Andrew Wiggins (21 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhKpQj1mT_A

Originally drafted by Cavs, sent to the Wolves for Kevin Love. Wiggins is very capable as an on-ball defender. But his off-ball awareness and overall defensive focus needs improvement. His inconsistencies are the only thing holding him back to become the next big thing.

Aaron Gordon (21 y/o, 6'9")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0pcg4nt6HU&t=104s

While his offensive game needs more refinement, but he's already a great defensive presence. He's a good rebounder for his position and work with hustles. I would be more than happy to have him on the Celtics but I doubt the Magic would give him away for cheap.

Bruno Caboclo (21 y/o, 6'9")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBcJWkg4fUs

Drafted by the Raptors in 2014 as a long-term project and still is at this point. Haven't been on the main team much often, but he lead their D-League affiliates to their first Championship this season. Have the athleticism and length to become an elite defender in the league.

Mario Hezonja (22 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekJGOeL4uHI

The most disappointing top 5 prospect in the last 3 years. Only averaged  5.5 PPG in the last two season, but the potential is still there. Not as a star or franchise player, but as a solid defender. He's actually quick on his feet and have the size and length to bother ball handlers.

Stanley Johnson (20 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juTihbkzJnc

Actually did a great job against Lebron back in 2016 playoffs. All of the games, despite being as sweep were close. Probably missed this season's playoffs due to the absence of Reggie Jackson. Remains to be seen if he can further improves his game.

Justise Winslow (21 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqMdmvIHBH0

We all know Danny tried to trade for this guy back in the 2015 draft. Like others on this list, he haven't lived up in his draft spot's hype. But the defense is there. Unfortunately, he got hurt and was shut down for the majority of 2017 season. Whether he comes back healthy is undetermined.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (22 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS-YKGvY2eE

The guy that I really wanted back in the 2015 draft at the 16th spot. Pretty satisfied with Rozier but RHJ was pretty solid on his own even if he's playing on a terrible BKN squad. Have and elite wingspan and quickness to be one of the best defenders in the league.

Ben Simmons (20 y/o, 6'10")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQAwDojUXOs

The supposedly prized prospect of the 2016 draft. Haven't played a single NBA game due to a season-ending injury during the Sixers training camp. Projected as the next-Lebron, Simmons is also a very capable defender when motivated despite the short wingspan.

Brandon Ingram (19 y/o, 6'9")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5QzHD7Ik6I

Haven't found an offensive consistency yet, but is already a solid defender. Laker nation apparently were pretty satisfied with his season but he needs to add more muscle and improve his strength.

Jaylen Brown (20 y/o, 6'7")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwcxUfXCt50

It has been a roller-coaster ride for our rookie, but he made a stride where it matters most. Im not worried about his defense as he earned playing time through it. He needs to improve his handles though he is working on it already this off season.

Thon Maker (20 y/o, 7'1")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm6fll50Lb4

Mostly play as 4 but is very capable of playing 3 as he have the ball-handling and speed like Giannis. Seems to have KG's tenacity on him. Whether he is 20 or 25 doesn't matter as long as he show his full potential.

Taurean Prince (23 y/o, 6'8")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqJU1d9-6p0

Hawks found a nice replacement for Demarre Carroll as their Dreadlock 3&D player. But is his potential much better than Carroll?

I don't really get the premise of a young Lebron stopper. By the time they are in their prime Lebron will be like the 20th best player in the league if not retired (especially the rookies like Jonathan Issaac or OG Anunoby are people not realizing that Lebron turns 33 early next season. For comparison KG was 32 when we won our title with him. 

[droopdog7]

The only way to beat Lebron and KD is to outscore them.

[chilidawg]

The only way to beat Lebron and KD is to outscore them.

The only way to beat anyone is to outscore them.  Out scoring someone has two components, scoring yourself and stopping them from scoring.  You need to be good at both to win. 

Clear enough?

[chiken Green]

You cant stop either one of these guys....   Team defense, keep them out of the paint and hope the jumper is broken...  Stopping someone One on One is nearly impossible in Today's game.

[Celtics4ever]

Josh Jackson could be one down the road perhaps.

[Ilikesports17]

The only way to beat Lebron and KD is to outscore them.

The only way to beat anyone is to outscore them.  Out scoring someone has two components, scoring yourself and stopping them from scoring.  You need to be good at both to win. 

Clear enough?

TP

[gouki88]

Kawhi is the only one who can limit them legitimately. Most amazing thing about him is that he hurts you almost as much as they do down the other end of the floor.

I think Jaylen could, and will, develop into quite a lock down defender on the wing. However, asking anyone to try and stop players like LeBron or KD is pretty rough.

[erisred]

The only way to beat Lebron and KD is to outscore them.

Nobody can stop Lebron or KD. The best you can do is contain them. You win by beating the rest of the team and containing their superstar.

Against the Cavs a fully healthy C's can win by containing LeBron, like in game 3 of the ECF.  The rest of the Cavs team can be beaten, not easy and maybe not in a best of 7...yet, but it can be done. Love and Irving are very good, but not unbeatable.

It's tougher with GS because they have Curry, Thompson and Durant. That's a "big three" and big threes win. We, or any other team, might be able to contain one of them, but good luck beating GS if the other two are healthy and playing. I just don't think GS is going to be able to keep those 3 together due to financials, if they do, though, they're going to be hard to beat for the foreseeable future.

The Cavs, though, are very LeBron centric he'll be 33 next year and no one beats Father Time. James is going to start winding down someday soon. He's also got a wandering eye and may not stay in Cleveland to the end of his career.

[KG Living Legend]

 Believe it or not I was really impressed how Hayward was right there within an inch of Durant shots in the playoffs.

 Durant was still making his shots but Hayward's​ size and athleticism we're on display for sure

[Onslaught]

The only thing that can stop Lebron is father time. And he's going to catch him one of these days.