I admit I do not watch as much NBA basketball as I would like, as I spend most nights in the gym training young players, nor do I dedicate as much time to deciphering the stats like the guys at 82 games.com.
However, somehow, I find it hard to believe that three Pistons are among the top eleven defenders in the NBA and none is named Rasheed Wallace.
I know Sheed has a bad rap and his rants and rages often obstruct his talent. However, voters managed to find a place on the team for Ron Artest, and after climbing into the stands, cursing an official or three is mere child's play.
Rasheed Wallace is a great all-around defender. While Larry Brown pined for and accepted most of the credit when the Pistons won the title, the biggest difference between the Champion Pistons and the previous season was Rasheed Wallace, not Larry Brown.
Wallace defends on the all and off the ball, blocks shots, contests shots, etc. Tim Duncan is on-record saying Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace are the two toughest defenders he faces; that's good enough for me.
As for some other names that deserve some recognition, if not inclusion on the first or second teams: Quinton Ross (LAC), Chris Duhon (Bulls) and Gerald Wallace (Bobcats).
Friday, May 12, 2006
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