On a Scale of 1-10, How bad is Vasquez's Defense?

[new city champ]

This seems the heart of the question on GV. I think everyone likes his moxy and his offensive game has grown a ton this year. Granted he's no blow-by PG, but he's big, tough, crafty with the ball in the lane, and has developed a solid jumper good to beyond the 3-point line.

But the Bees' defense has been suspect all year and I'm interested in how much of that you lay at GV's feet. Is his lack of lateral quickness and inability to stop dribble penetration the principle source of our defensive woes and does it disqualify him from consideration as our future starting PG?

[WhoDatPelican]

so is 1 the best or is 1 the worst? What kinda scale is this?!?!

either way...i'll say 11.

[Flight of the Pelicans]

30,000,000. His defense is awful. So are most things he does
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[AD23forMVP]

I'm not going to rate him, but his opponent can do anything and get anywhere on the court they want. We can't pressure the ball, we can't trap, we can't press, all because he can't do it. Simply doesn't move well enough. The opposing PG is averaging 21 a game over our last 10 games.

[Inner_GI]

1 being the worst, I'd rate Vasquez as a 2. He at least tries... That's about it.

[NOLa.]

Unfortunately the NBA style of offense is unkind to Vasquez. Back when officiating wasn't as tight you would want Vasquez on your team because he's big. Almost every PG he goes up against he usually has a good few inches and 20+ lbs. He can't use his strength and toughness to defend on the perimeter because players get called for that every time out on the 3 point line.

Basically, Vasquez is screwed from lack of allowing physical guard play and his defense is horrible against these speedy guards. I would give him a 3.

[new city champ]

Do Vasquez's defensive liabilities exclude him from consideration as a starting point guard in the NBA? He does a lot of things well...

[Bongzilla]

The only thing he actually does "well" is score. He has terrible vision. He consistently misses open teammates. His defense is clearly a liability. And he is not a great passer. I know his assist totals, but numbers can be inflated.... especially by a near 7 foot 3 pt sharp shooter.

I like GV, but not as a starting PG. Honestly I would rather have EG as a scoring 1, and have GV play the 2. He has looked good in this role and seems to have a nice spot up J.

[AUSSIE_PELICAN]

What I seem to fail to understand is why does Monty insist on playing Vazquez on
the other teams PG? For one game at least mix it up a little.

[Kibner]

Do Vasquez's defensive liabilities exclude him from consideration as a starting point guard in the NBA? He does a lot of things well...

Not really. It is a detriment to the team, to be sure, but PGs have the least impact on defense. Every PG gets beat by nearly every other PG. The question is if you can force the opposing one into your help defense, and Grevis sometimes struggles at that. The rest is on the help defense to rotate and shift over.

He is basically league average starter, imo.

[DirtySouf]

My biggest problem is GV is that he can't even drive by power forwards without a pick...

[DroopyDawg]

My biggest problem with him is his court vision/anticipation. I think I've stopped expecting him to play defense so that doesn't bother me anymore lol! but he could do so much better if he had the point guard IQ of Rickey Rubio. I love that kid's awareness with the ball.

[Eman5805]

Do Vasquez's defensive liabilities exclude him from consideration as a starting point guard in the NBA? He does a lot of things well...

It kinda does. He's flawed but still starter quality. But when your team is more built to run and push tempo and your point is that slow footed? Reality shapes your hand I'm afraid.

[goat gorilla]

He is starter quality. I just don't want him as my starter.

[kclaboy504]

U could do worse.how about that as an answer. You also will not be a serious contender with him running your point either.

[RaisingTheBar]

Yeah the Question should be rank GV's defense on a scale of 1-10. I'd say 3 strictly because of his length at the position he plays.

[DC-Hornet]

I think the negative talk about his defensive play is greatly exaggerated by you guys.

[BallSoHard]

It kinda does. He's flawed but still starter quality. But when your team is more built to run and push tempo and your point is that slow footed? Reality shapes your hand I'm afraid.

I don't think our pace is Vasquez's fault. I don't think Monty wants to push the ball.

[ItsPaulyP]

I think the negative talk about his defensive play is greatly exaggerated by you guys.

Watch an entire game and study his defense closely, he's going to get blown by almost every time someone drives at him and he's going to be slow on his help side rotations.