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**spongyfungy** · 11-16-2005, 04:13 PM

Pierce says Prince's D is overrated

Pierce said in a Boston Globe article this week that the only reason he's not on the all-defensive team is the Celtics' lack of a top-five shot-blocker, citing the Pistons small forward as an example. "Even Tayshaun Prince," Pierce said in the Globe. "I don't think he plays great defense. He has two of the best shot-blockers in the game (Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace). If a guy blows by you, then the shot-blockers block the shot and you call that great defense."

Original article

Quote:

More interesting than Pierce's assessment of Bowen was his contention that he should be considered for All-Defensive first-team honors. Pierce theorized all that stood between him and some defensive recognition was the absence of a top shot blocker on the Celtics. He figures Bowen has Tim Duncan, Tayshaun Prince has Ben Wallace, and Dwyane Wade has Shaquille O'Neal.

''I don't know why I'm not on the All-Defensive team every year," said Pierce. ''I think I'm a pretty good defender. The only reason I'm not on the All-Defensive team year in and year out is because I don't have a top-five shot blocker on my team. If you look at all the top perimeter defenders in the league, they all have top-five shot blockers in the league [on their team]. Kobe [Bryant] fell out of first team All-Defensive when Shaq got traded last year. Think about it. Every team that has an All-Defensive team wing player has a shot blocker on their team. I think that's the only thing that's holding me back.

''Even Tayshaun Prince. I don't think he plays great defense. He has two of the best shot blockers in the game [Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace]. If a guy blows by you, then the shot blockers block the shot and you call that great defense."

Pierce can take comfort in the fact that the Celtics' shot blocking is much improved. Although they don't have a top-five shot blocker, Boston entered last night ranked fourth in the league in team shot blocking -- 7.25 per game.

**Brian** · 11-16-2005, 04:53 PM

I would agree that prince isn't a great defender he isn't on the same level as Artest and Bowen. He is in that next tier of defenders though. He has great length and decent speed and he can definetly be a little more agressive as a defender because of Ben Wallace behind him. Even without Wallace though Prince would still be considered a good defender.

Foulzilla · 11-16-2005, 05:18 PM

I do agree with his point that those designated "great perimiter defenders" almost always have a good defensive big man on their team. It's part of the way the game works, it's a team sport. I don't think that takes away from their skill, part of that skill involves knowing when you can for example gamble and be covered by teammates and when you can't.

All that being said, Prince is a good defender.

casebeck22 · 11-16-2005, 06:47 PM

I disagree. This is nuts.

Pierce is talking that crazy ****!

ian · 11-16-2005, 07:28 PM

Tay can guard some players great, others not so well. It's painful watching RJ take him to the hoop.

Copper · 11-16-2005, 08:17 PM

Tay is long and he plays solid D with his feet, he isnt an upper tier defender...he is probably at the upper 70%. But to Tays credit he plays his man towards 2 great defenders ( Ben and Sheed) against quick players Tay has problems keeping them infront of him.

**ChrisWoj** · 11-16-2005, 09:45 PM

Tay has issues with speed guys... He has long arms and can really contest the shots of the Kobes, T-Macs, etc. of the world who live very comfortably on their mid-range games, going to the hoop for monstrous athletic dunks mostly when the right opportunity presents itself (basically, they play very smart). Prince takes away their jumpers, forcing them into Ben and Rasheed, which kills their games. Against Dwyane Wade or RJ... those guys can just go by him with their lateral speed anytime, thus negating Prince's ability to funnel them in when he needs to and contest their jumpers for the most part.

-Chris.

**cpawfan** · 11-16-2005, 10:27 PM

PP's defense must have been great last night. Rashard Lewis only scored 22 points with 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

casebeck22 · 11-17-2005, 05:08 AM

Yea Pierce is really a great defender and has a lot of room to talk...haha

**STUCKEY!** · 11-18-2005, 03:42 PM

Pierce is a punk

casebeck22 · 11-18-2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHEED!

Pierce is a punk and thinks hes great but he sucks monkey butt.

Sheed...

**STUCKEY!** · 11-18-2005, 03:54 PM

i fixed it alittle bit but i dont like him at all

casebeck22 · 11-18-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHEED!

i fixed it alittle bit but i dont like him at all

Thank Sheed, always remember to make your posts as high quality as possible.

**STUCKEY!** · 11-18-2005, 03:58 PM

sorry

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