Defending the Post: Why Guards Don't Constantly Steal from Impactful Big Men
The NBA is witnessing a resurgence of impactful big men who are changing the game with their scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. In today's Blazer's Edge Mailbag, a reader named Joshua raises an interesting question about why guards don't constantly steal the ball from these bigs when they dribble high in the post. The answer lies in the diverse playing styles and positions of players like Jokic, Wembanyama, Davis, and Embiid, making it challenging to apply a one-size-fits-all defensive strategy against them.
Teams do strategize for star centers, but during the regular season, they often stick to conventional defenses. Surrounding these big men with good shooters is a common tactic, making it risky for guards to leave their assignments to double-team the center. The low probability of successfully stealing the ball compared to the high likelihood of giving up open three-point shots to shooters on the perimeter makes it an inefficient defensive move.
Even if a defense manages to get steals, the offensive advantage gained from kick-out passes to open shooters outweighs the benefits of stealing the ball. In today's fast-paced game with emphasis on three-point shooting, offenses exploit defensive lapses by moving the ball quickly and finding open shooters. Teams that prioritize staying connected to their assignments and closing out effectively tend to be more successful defensively.
In conclusion, the evolution of the NBA game has shifted defensive strategies away from double-teaming big men in the post towards a more connected and versatile defensive approach. While occasional surprises in defensive coverage may still be effective, modern offenses thrive on creating open shooting opportunities and exploiting defensive breakdowns. Stay tuned for more insights and questions in the Blazer's Edge Mailbag! Feel free to send your questions to [email protected] for a chance to have them answered.