Can we finally stop saying Luka is the worst defender in the league?
Post-Up-DEFENDERS holding opponents to the LOWEST efficiency (min 30 post-ups defended—87 qualifiers)
1. Okongwu: 0.66 ppp
2. Doncic: 0.69
3. FVV: 0.70
4. PJ Washington: 0.71
5. Anunoby: 0.72
6. Nembhard: 0.73
7. Horford: 0.74
8. J. Murray: 0.75
9. Hart: 0.762
10. Tucker: 0.763 pic.twitter.com/cnZQK8KcwQ— NBA University (@NBA_University) February 18, 2023
by Theocran3
11 Comments
Nobody says that
Nobody says that. In fact, we make fun of Trae for that.
Interesting stat. I think Luka is a good defender and often the toughest guy defending the rim which he shouldnt have to be. The only complaint I have is when he doesnt get back due to moaning at refs/theatrics. We have a giant sized issue at C though. By the playoffs it wouldnt surprise me if Maxi and McGhee get all of the mins.
He isn’t the worst.
However, on ball defence is a MASSIVE weakness of his. Also, he can sleep on some important rotations.
For anyone not wanting to open the link:
Post-Up-DEFENDERS holding opponents to the LOWEST efficiency (min 30 post-ups defended—87 qualifiers)
1. Okongwu: 0.66 ppp
2. Doncic: 0.69
3. FVV: 0.70
4. PJ Washington: 0.71
5. Anunoby: 0.72
6. Nembhard: 0.73
7. Horford: 0.74
8. J. Murray: 0.75
9. Hart: 0.762
10. Tucker: 0.763
by @NBA_University
Yes Luka gets beaten fairly often by quick guards, which makes perfect sense as he’s 6’7 220 lbs. But he’s been clearly a decent defender on players his own size, he will not lock up anyone, that’s for sure but the eye tests and stats both show that he’s not a complete blackhole on defense like he was in his first 2 years in the League.
No, and any attempt to do so will get you downvoted to oblivion in r/NBA. I know from experience 🤷
Definitely not worst in the league and this is an impressive stat, he also gets a good amount of steals. But he’s not good in other ways you see when you watch the games. Still, I agree he gets too much shit for his defense, I don’t think he is the main issue, it’s more that we have poor rim protection and rebounding as a team.
I remember Luka making some really decent stops against George in the bubble. He was way more slimmer then though.
Who the hell was saying he’s the worst? He’s actually been getting better year over year.
Statistically speaking, Keldon Johnson, Anfernee Simons and Trae Young have been the worst defensive players in the league for a few years now.
Given what he proceeded on offensive end, I cannot blame him for having a bit of off time on d
He had to carry offense al by himself so it makes sense he lacks energy to also put a lot of effort on defence. ( I even want to ignore stereotypes about athleticism and his body type compared to black players)
Hopefully Kidd can find a way to involve him more on that end now that kyrie can take his share in the offense .
Same for kyrie btw. The offensive brilliance is talent that God has given them. But D is something everyone can learn.