MickyEyez

I was just having an debating with a buddy about Dwight's defense.

He thinks that Dwight is one of the worst defenders because he overpursues and he relies on his athletic ability.

I don't think that he's the best, but I think he is better than a majority of the big men in the NBA. All i see is dwight plugging the paint and making sure that nobody gets by him to the rim (i understand that there are players that will still get to the rim). Isn't this the traditional reason we have centers in the NBA? He may not be all over the court, but he gets boards and blocks, if not he is contesting every shot. He keeps players scared and forces a lot of jump shots... and when players do take it inside... well, i like dwight's chances.

What are your guys' critique on his D? Is he considered a great, good, average, or poor defender?

Chan

I think Dwight Howard is one of the most dominant defenders right now, and will be the most dominant defender in the league once R.Wallace and Duncan decline some more.

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Hairy Midget

He's a 20 year old who doesn't even know what he's doing but he still does a great job. It's just going to be scary how good he's going on both sides of the court in the near future.

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JNice

I'd only rate Dwight as average right now. As said, he relies on his athleticism and gets by, but he gets lost quite often on pick & rolls and covering on defensive rotations.

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Bron_Melo_ROY

Agreed 100%. Once he gets the mental aspect of the game down, its not even going to be fair anymore.

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MickyEyez

you make a good point, but is relying on athletic ability a bad thing? that's the drift i am getting from everyone... and i dont see why that is a bad thing. a player could have all the fundamentals in the world and still not be able to put up the same numbers that dwight does inside. his athleticism is the reason why he should be considered a good defender... not great because he does miss rotations, but with his great physical play, he has a chance of becoming one of the best all around players in the NBA. IMO his defense is better than his offense.