Pelicans Defensive Potential

[HornetGuru]

This is under the assumption that we sign pj tucker. Pheonix is trying to land a big free agent small forward so I assume they wont retain him and he seems like a perfect monty type of player. Plus I think hes a good fit.

PG Jrue Holiday. One of the best defensive point guards. He has that same quickness of smaller guards but is stronger, taller and longer. An incredible on ball and PNR defender.

SG Tyreke Evans. I think evans is actually underrated as a defender. His best position to guard is shooting guard. He has the same advantages as jrue. He is just as quick but much bigger, longer and stronger, plus hes a natural at timing passes and disrupting passing lanes. If he starts at SG I expect a big jump in his defense. When he doesnt have to carry a team offensively and not tire himself out ive seen him dialed in and just cause havoc defensively. Both on and off ball.

SF PJ Tucker. Great on ball defender and post defender. Has above average length and strength plus he has that pitbull temperament and wont back down attitude.

PF Anthony Davis. One of the best shot blockers and help defenders in the league. Also a very good rim protector either blocking or altering shots. His increased size and strength from the offseason should improve his post D.

C Omer Asik. One of the best overall defensive bigs in the nba. He doesn't have any holes, he is exceptional at protecting the rim like a junkyard dog, has quick fluid feet for PNR and is big and strong for post D. Not to mention his defensive rebounding is incredible. You could say he doesn't get a lot of blocks but that doesnt equate to being a bad defender. This guy is top notch and the only guy I would put over him is noah, and MAYBE marc gasol.

So my question, as a group of 5 starters, what team has a better starting 5 defense than this lineup?

[Mythrol]

If it were to be Tucker, I don't know that I can think of a team that has as much defensive potential 1-5. The weakest line would be Tyreke and against SGs he has great length to make up for some of his mistakes.

Of course the biggest IF is actually getting Tucker. We'll see.

[HornetGuru]

If it were to be Tucker, I don't know that I can think of a team that has as much defensive potential 1-5. The weakest line would be Tyreke and against SGs he has great length to make up for some of his mistakes.

Of course the biggest IF is actually getting Tucker. We'll see.

Agree, if we get tucker, which is a big if, I have a hard time naming a better defensive starting 5

[HornetGuru]

If it were to be Tucker, I don't know that I can think of a team that has as much defensive potential 1-5. The weakest line would be Tyreke and against SGs he has great length to make up for some of his mistakes.

Of course the biggest IF is actually getting Tucker. We'll see.

Agree, if we get tucker, which is a big if, I have a hard time naming a better defensive starting 5

[RUFshreve]

If it were to be Tucker, I don't know that I can think of a team that has as much defensive potential 1-5. The weakest line would be Tyreke and against SGs he has great length to make up for some of his mistakes.

Of course the biggest IF is actually getting Tucker. We'll see.

I agree 100%, but already penciling in Tucker as our starting SF is a huge assumption. I hope we can get him though.

[Sleeper]

If it were to be Tucker, I don't know that I can think of a team that has as much defensive potential 1-5. The weakest line would be Tyreke and against SGs he has great length to make up for some of his mistakes.

Of course the biggest IF is actually getting Tucker. We'll see.

The big IF is huge after seeing some of the contracts so far.

Thanks for setting the tone Detroit!


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[Mr. West]

Well, I wouldn't work under the assumption that we sign Tucker until atleast a single rumor claiming interest comes out

[HornetGuru]

It's not a matter of if we sign, in the case we did could you pick a better 5

[HornetGuru]

Hypothetical guys, I'm not saying we deff sign him

[RUFshreve]

It's not a matter of if we sign, in the case we did could you pick a better 5

If we did sign Tucker, I think we would have the best starting 5 defensively.

[pelicanchamp]

Is there one rumor out there that says the pelicans are interested in Tucker?????????

He'd be great for this team but seems like the new thing is to overpay players.... So what would be a fair deal for him?


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[pelicanchamp]

I will say this.... I truly believe Asik is going to dramatically improve this team. Asik and Davis should compliment each other and with Davis putting his weight to almost 240 and Asik being 7 feet 255 I think our interior will be tough as hell.

Also, don't overlook Russ Smith. If he makes an impact his defense will be awesome. His transition defense in particular is great.


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[Topdawg26]

I will say this.... I truly believe Asik is going to dramatically improve this team. Asik and Davis should compliment each other and with Davis putting his weight to almost 240 and Asik being 7 feet 255 I think our interior will be tough as hell.

Also, don't overlook Russ Smith. If he makes an impact his defense will be awesome. His transition defense in particular is great.


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Agreed. Also, if either Young and Withey become the back-up bigs behind Ryno, AD, and Asik we will be looking pretty good down low.

[pelicanchamp]

Agreed. Also, if either Young and Withey become the back-up bigs behind Ryno, AD, and Asik we will be looking pretty good down low.

Yes. I gotta say I like Withey. I hope Young can transition to the NBA. If he does I will be very excited because he can help us.


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[HornetGuru]

So can anyone think of a better 5? Nope me neither.

[MichaelMcNamara]

So can anyone think of a better 5? Nope me neither.

For 2K15? No.

But, just like on offense, defense takes time to gel. Defense is about communication and trust. Takes time.

[HornetGuru]

For 2K15? No.

But, just like on offense, defense takes time to gel. Defense is about communication and trust. Takes time.

Ok can you pick a starting give with more defensive potential?

[MichaelMcNamara]

Ok can you pick a starting give with more defensive potential?

I would need to know what the rosters would look like. I mean, if you can assume PJ on NOLA, can I assume Deng on Miami or Tucker on the Bulls?

That said, I think you are looking at it too simplistically. Defense is a team game. Guys have been in that Memphis system or Chicago system or Indy system with each other for years. Even if our starting 5 had more individual talent, we wouldn't be as good right away

[Trell]

Ok can you pick a starting give with more defensive potential?

Yea, still have Indiana(with Lance), Memphis & Chicago. Could throw in Charlotte who I think will make some improvements this upcoming season.

[Eman5805]

Indeed. It isn't like individual defenders would suddenly make us able to shutdown the Spurs. Though, having two great defensive bigs sure won't hurt...

[MichaelMcNamara]

Indeed. It isn't like individual defenders would suddenly make us able to shutdown the Spurs. Though, having two great defensive bigs sure won't hurt...

Exactly. Spurs have two above average individual defenders on their team, but they are fantastic because they move as one flawless unit. That takes time. Talent only gets you so far. Need time too

[HornetGuru]

That's why I said potentially. Chemistry aside. My answer would be yes. And I might be looking at it simplistic but that's the way I wanted the question viewed. On paper could you think of a better 5. And sure you can put deng on Miami, but that wouldn't do study unless you assume that LeBron, wade and bosh resign

[MichaelMcNamara]

Yes, they would have the most potential.

Thread over?

[HornetGuru]

Yea, still have Indiana(with Lance), Memphis & Chicago. Could throw in Charlotte who I think will make some improvements this upcoming season.

As far as Charlotte i dont think kemba nor jefferson are great defenders

[HornetGuru]

Yes, they would have the most potential.

Thread over?

Negative, I would like others opinions as well, but I apprecIate your input as well, thank you.