Luol Deng vs. Andre Igoudala: Why Deng Is the Better Player

Why compare Luol Deng and Andre Igoudala?  Because they are the two most underrated players in basketball.  Both are elite defenders who can create offensively and lead their teams to victory.  

Yet neither Deng nor Igoudala get the credit they deserve as linchpin players for their franchises.   

But who is the better player?

Deng Is the Better All Around Scorer

Two years ago, Igoudala looked like a much better scorer than Deng.  He looked like a player capable of putting up 20 points per game off a mix of shot creation, mid-range shooting and slashing to the basket while serving as Philadelphia's best defensive wing.

Now, Igoudala has redefined himself as the game's best one-on-one defender but his offensive game has regressed.  He can still create, slash when necessary, and hit crucial mid-range shots but his scoring average has now dipped to less than 13 points per game.

Part of that is coach Doug Collins' desire for him to defensive captain and an all-time stopper so he expends tremendous energy on that end.  But his regression is still evident: he is not a great shooter, often looks more static in offensive sets where he used to let his natural point forward instincts take over, and is no-longer a go-to scorer for the 76ers.

By comparison, Deng has made himself a nearly All-Star level offensive player while improving his defensive intensity.  He is one of the game's best slashers, which is a crucial weapon on a Bulls team where Rose is the only other gifted penetrator. He is also now a good three point and mid-range shooter, another crucial skill on a team that has a starting lineup lacking in shooting.  And all the while he is unquestionably the defensive captain and locker room leader.

So, Igoudala is still a very good player and scorer but Deng has molded himself into the team's second most reliable scorer and their go-to guy for wing slashing and mid-range shooting, which makes him absolutely critical to Chicago's offense.  

Igoudala Is the Better Individual Defender but Deng Is the Best System Defender

Trying to compare Igoudala and Deng defensively is splitting hairs: they are both amazing on that end of the floor.  Only LeBron James rivals either one of them as a wing defender.

Igoudala is the better individual defender.  He can shut any single player down on any given night, much like Ron Artest in his prime (without the antics and team-killing).  But Deng is almost his equal in this category and gains particular recognition for guarding LeBron James very well in the Bulls' regular season games versus the Miami Heat the past two seasons.

Deng is also crucial to the Bulls' defensive system: he is the best man defender in a system defense.  Deng is often called upon to shut down the opponent's best offensive player while the system handles the rest.

So, Deng and Igoudala are equally accomplished, all-time defenders.  But Deng gets the edge as a player because he is now the better offensive player and the locker room leader of the NBA's best team.