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Originally Posted by 2Times  I want to know how the Nuggets could suck so much on defense when they have Camby's blocks and rebounds anchoring. We all know they can score but they should be so much better on defense. They should be a top 5 western team.
Don't come back at me with the Mavs suck sh**. I know they are sucking right now.
I don't watch the Nuggets that often. So I am really asking you guys who watch them. |
Great question. Marcus Camby is actually a very overrated defender. He won Defensive Player of the Year last year, and might win it again this year, but it was totally based on his numbers. He is currently 2nd in the league in rebounding at 13.3 a game (18.2 per 40 minutes) and leads in the league in block shots at 3.72 per game (3.72 per 40 and is the only player in the league with more blocks than fouls) and those stats along with steals are the only stats you would look at for defensive excellence.
However, if you watch the Nuggets play you realize that Camby is not that good. His block shots come from the opposing players driving the lane and him coming over to block those shots. He is very good at that, but it isn't like he is blocking Tim Duncan's shot or Dirk Nowitski's shot, it is against 6'5" guards. So his stats get overinflated, and he has
nevershut down an opposing big man. Just last night Shaq and Amare combined for 61 points.
The other problem is Denver has no good perimeter defenders. Iverson plays shooting guard which matches him up against a taller opponent and the Nuggets guards rotate so poorly that other teams light it up from outside. Coach George Karl was quoted once about how it seems like every team they play has their best shooting night against Denver. Well, it ain't luck, it's terrible defense. Any time the Nuggets play anyone with a decent shooting guard, you can bet the house he is going to have a huge night.
BTW, the Nuggets gave up 81 points in the 2nd half to Phoenix. I guess we'll see if they can make any adjustments as they rematch tonight in Denver.
