D-E-F-E-N-S-E by OLive

[Reep]

OLive

Aldridge said a defensive light went on for him this summer, when he was part of a select team that practiced against the U.S. Olympic team. In those workouts, Aldridge said, it quickly became apparent to him that stars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were intent on playing defense, and how that commitment carried over to the rest of the team.

"After that, I knew that if those guys can put defense first - I mean, they are best in league - then in order for us to win, we have to be a better defensive team," Aldridge said.

Another great reason to have LMA and Bayless on the select team.

Roy said he considers the following Blazers to be above average defenders: center Joel Przybilla, Aldridge, himself, and guards Steve Blake and Jerryd Bayless.

Interesting, no mention of Martel, Outlaw, (Oden?).

Nice to see Bayless on that list considering I've never thought of him as defensive player.

 

[maxiep]

OLive



Interesting, no mention of Martel, Outlaw, (Oden?).

Nice to see Bayless on that list considering I've never thought of him as defensive player.

Did you see his defense in Summer League? I was impressed. His fundamentals were solid (good crouch position, head up, arms out) and his feet were quick enough to stay in front of his defenders. He's also strong enough to body his man.

 

[Reep]

Did you see his defense in Summer League? I was impressed. His fundamentals were solid (good crouch position, head up, arms out) and his feet were quick enough to stay in front of his defenders. He's also strong enough to body his man.

It's always hard to tell in Summer league if the guy is really a good defender, or he is just using a lot of energy moving around on defense. Sounds like Bayless is real.

 

[maxiep]

It's always hard to tell in Summer league if the guy is really a good defender, or he is just using a lot of energy moving around on defense. Sounds like Bayless is real.

He also seems to care about playing defense, which is most of the battle with players.

 

[maxiep]

It's always hard to tell in Summer league if the guy is really a good defender, or he is just using a lot of energy moving around on defense. Sounds like Bayless is real.

Interestingly enough there was an article about him today in the Trib

http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=122289619931346000

Bayless made his reputation at Arizona as a scorer, but Blazer guard Brandon Roy says he likes his work at the other end of the court.

“A lot of people underrate how good Jerryd is defensively, because he scored so many points in summer league,” Roy says. “But he’s picking up the ball fullcourt on defense. He’s strong, stocky.

“His chances of getting on the floor early this season will depend on how well he defends and how he takes the opponent’s point guard out of the game. He has that capability. I think he’s going to be good for us.”

“I can play defense,” Bayless says. “It’s something Coach (Nate) McMillan stresses. For me to even see the court, I know I have to play defense. So I’m trying to pick up everybody fullcourt and get better at doing it.”