Remember the only factor you’re accounting for is their defense, not them as a complete player. Because Jrue and Derrick would take that pretty easily imo.
Can’t believe we’ve been blessed to see two different eras of recent Celtics teams that had the best defensive backcourt in the league.
by ECviews
12 Comments
If it’s a single possession, I’d go Smart/Bradley. If it’s over the course of a whole game and season, I’d go Holiday/White. Their veteran leadership is what this team needed
DWhite + Jrue are the better defensive duo overall, but if I need to create a turnover gimme Smart and AB
Derrick White and whoever. As long as White is on the floor good things are gonna happen.
Depends if the refs are calling a lot or not
I feel like Jrue has the best fundamentals, Smart is the best playmaker on defense (forcing turnovers/charges), Bradley was the best on ball, and White has second best fundamentals + best blocking ability
Avery was overrated defensively while he was here in Boston. He was a good defender, not elite like the fan base claimed he was.
Jrue, DWhite. Pretty easy.
Current duo has more defensive value, old duo has more “we’re gonna shut our matchups down” energy
2017 guards were better point of attack defenders and better at dealing with quick guards
2024 guards are better at switching onto bigger players and protecting the rim
I put a lot of weight on the opinion of other NBA players in this respect. Bradley and Smart were both obviously high end defenders. But in support of Holiday, I’d point to that poll from last year where %40 of players chose Jrue (by far the highest percentage in the league) as the toughest perimeter defender in the league. Then more recently, I saw Paul George on a podcast asked the same question and he didn’t hesitate to pick Jrue. Basically, he said his strength, instincts, and tape study made him the defensive player that gave him the most trouble.
So based on Holiday being #1 in most players opinions, combined w White being the best shot blocking guard in the league/a dogged overall defender, I’m gonna go with those two. Definitely no disrespect to Avery and Smart though.
Not even close. Holiday and White.
the top for physical jail, bottom for metaphorical jail
What is this Sophie’s Choice?
Why make me choose?!?