As the NBA playoffs heat up, the Dallas Mavericks prepare to face a bolstered opposition with Kristaps Porzingis making his anticipated return in Game 1. However, the spotlight isn’t solely on Kristaps Porzingis’s comeback. The defense strategy debates, particularly involving Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, are stirring up as much attention, if not more.
Jalen Brunson, the dynamic guard from the New York Knicks, recently came to Rudy Gobert’s defense amidst the ongoing critiques about his suitability for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) title.
Gobert has faced significant backlash for his performance in key playoff games, especially after a critical moment against Luka Dončić of the Mavericks. Despite this, Brunson offers a different perspective on the true demands and expectations placed on defensive players in the league.
Jrue Holiday: The Unsung Hero of Defense
During an episode of “The Roommates Show,” Brunson shed light on an alternative candidate for the DPOY—Jrue Holiday. “Jrue has never won Defensive Player of the Year. Think about how many game-winning stops he’s had,” Brunson stated, highlighting Holiday’s versatility.
“He ends up switching the pick-and-rolls and doing all that stuff,” Brunson added, emphasizing Holiday’s capability to guard multiple positions effectively, a critical aspect in today’s switch-heavy NBA.
Rudy Gobert’s Defense: A Subject of Harsh Criticism
The criticism of Rudy Gobert peaked when Dončić landed a game-winning three-pointer during the second game of their series. Brunson, alongside his teammate Josh Hart, argued that blaming Gobert for such moments is unjust. Hart commented on the physical mismatch Gobert faces against agile guards: “You’re leaving him on an isle against guards like Luka and Kyrie. It’s just unfair.”
Brunson further defended Gobert, acknowledging his impact in altering opponents’ approaches: “You drive past your defender, and you see Rudy back there; you don’t just lay it in, you’re thinking of what I have to do to get this ball into the basket.”
The Complexity of NBA Defense
The debate over Rudy Gobert’s defensive role underscores a larger conversation about the complexity of NBA defences. Hart pointed out that expecting Gobert to consistently handle quicker guards through switches might be misjudging his primary strengths, which lie in paint defence.
“If you had him do that for a season, I don’t know if he would make 8th [All-]Defensive Team. But that’s not why you get him. That’s not the situation you try to put him in,” Hart explained.
Kristaps Porzingis: Public Perception and the Weight of Past Actions
The discourse around Rudy Gobert also touches on how public perception can amplify criticism, particularly following his controversial actions during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. “People’s hate for Rudy Gobert has grown so much now it’s like everything he does is going to be criticized,” Hart noted, reflecting on the harsher scrutiny that Gobert faces.
As the playoffs advance and Kristaps Porzingis steps back onto the court, the debates around defensive strategies and player effectiveness continue to engage fans and analysts alike. With players like Gobert and Holiday at the centre of these discussions, the NBA’s defensive narrative remains as compelling as ever.
