Rivers was trying to find anybody who could play that pathetically horrible defensive concept that he was putting out there. The blitz is a gimmick...Rivers was too lazy to implement anything else.
Banks was a better individual defender than West. Blount was a better defender than Perk period at the time. But Garnett or Jordan wouldn't have been better defenders than Blount or West in that defense.
As for all this "period" business, just look.
In the 05-06 season:
Blount
05-06 23.1 min, 11.5 ppg, fg% .655, 4.8 reb, .6 blocks, 2.75 TO
Perkins
05-06 19.6 min, 5.2 ppg, fg% .515, 5.9 reb, 1.5 blocks, 1.57 TO
in fewer mins, even at the time Perkins was averaging better defensive and rebounding numbers with a totally inadequate supporting bench. Coupled with the fact that the team was getting killed on the glass every night, and Blount was vocaly complaining about "touches" and fancied himself as Tim Duncan light, he was NOT a better option...
Delonte was a fantastic, physical defender at his position from his rookie year. Banks was dumb as a rock and couldn't defend a chair, but got the rep as a quality defender because of his gambling on steals all the time...
Completely disagree with just about every word you wrote there Reggie but you're a good guy and we can agree to disagree. TP for the thoughts though.
Much love Nick, I just don't want to look wrong in front of all these people
TP back at'cha, I think the spirit of both our posts was that Doc is doing his thing, and that it has worked out in the long run. I'm all for that, just wish Lester could be groomed in Marquis's absence by playing NBA ball rather than D-League, once we get healthy we can ship his butt back to Maine for all I care...