NBA Draft 2011: Kyrie Irving and the 5 Best Perimeter Defenders in the Draft
With the focus on guard play in today's NBA, lockdown perimeter defenders are currently at a premium. As vital as it is to possess guards who can score, it may be equally as important to roster players who can prevent explosive guards like Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade from scoring.
While a few of the 2011 draft's top overall guards have solid defensive skills, many of the best perimeter defenders can likely be had in the late first or early second round. Like Dallas' DeShawn Stevenson or Oklahoma City's Thabo Sefolosha, many of these defensive guards are unheralded, but they could be key to the success of their respective NBA teams in the future.
The following players could very well be etched in the nightmares of the NBA's top scoring guards for years to come. Here are the 2011 NBA draft's five best perimeter defenders.
5. PG Kyrie Irving, Duke
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Being tabbed by many as the likely top pick in the upcoming draft, it's understandable why Kyrie Irving's offensive skills are being lauded over. After all, despite missing all but 11 games due to a foot injury, Irving put up excellent per-game averages of 17.5 points and 4.3 assists.
What is being overlooked, however, is Irving's tenacity on the defensive end of the floor. Although it's difficult to get a read on exactly how good Irving is defensively with so few games of collegiate experience, his 1.5 steals per game support the thought that Irving is extremely effective at closing down passing lanes. One reason for that is an impressive wingspan, which is somewhat rare at the point guard position.
At 6'3" and 191 pounds, Irving certainly has the size needed to body up some of the game's most gifted point guards. With that said, Irving's true value on the defensive end, much like Chris Paul, lies more in his ability to steal the ball and get out in transition rather than man-to-man defense. Due to the fact that Irving is a true point guard, his potential as a perimeter defender is a bit limited since he probably won't be able to successfully guard against any other position.
4. PG Brandon Knight, Kentucky
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As perhaps the quickest player in the draft, Brandon Knight should have the ability to stay in front of the NBA's speediest point guards. Much like Irving, Knight is more highly touted due to his offensive skills, but his length allows him to alter and deflect passes at a high rate.
What sets Knight apart from many of his counterparts are his high motor and relentlessness as a defender. This was on full display during the NCAA tournament, when Knight's Kentucky Wildcats went on a magical run to the Final Four. In five tournament games, the Wildcats never gave up more than 69 points, and allowed 60 or less points in three of those games.
Knight had much to do with Kentucky's defensive success as he was able to keep opposing point guards in check, which caused the opposition's offense as a whole to operate out of rhythm. Although Knight played just one season of collegiate basketball, the SEC should have prepared him for the type of elite speed he'll see from NBA point men. Defense may not be his strongest point, but with his superior footwork, Knight is unlikely to get torched at the next level.
3. PG/SG Shelvin Mack, Butler
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At 6'2" and 205 pounds, Shelvin Mack may not sound like a particularly imposing figure, but his incredible strength makes him an excellent perimeter defender. While Mack might be a tweener guard at the next level, he has qualities that will allow him to mark both 1 and 2 guards.
Quickness isn't exactly Mack's strong suit, so it stands to reason that NBA point guards might be able to beat him off the dribble. Mack's wide body and wingspan more than make up for what he lacks in movement, however, as he should be able to physically wear down smaller guards, which will eventually lead to mental mistakes.
In terms of defending shooting guards, Mack will almost always be overmatched in the height department, but his strength and active hands should still make life difficult for bigger guards.
While it can be argued that the transition to the NBA will difficult for Mack due to the fact that he played in a small conference at Butler, his big-game experience cannot be overstated. Mack was among the best players for a Butler program that went to back-to-back national championship games. Mack's ability to shine on the big stage at both ends of the floor will bode well for his NBA future.
2. PG/SG Malcolm Lee, UCLA
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Unlike the three players previously mentioned, Malcolm Lee certainly isn't more well known for his offensive ability. An inconsistent jump shot and penchant for turning the ball over all but ensures that Lee's future as an NBA player will have to be as a defensive stopper.
Lee's tall, but lanky frame is somewhat reminiscent of that of the Dallas Mavericks' Corey Brewer, a former top-10 pick. Lee's combination of length and quickness makes him a very versatile defender who has the ability to defend two, or possibly three different positions. Like most UCLA players who played under Ben Howland's defense-first system, Lee's commitment to defense should be unwavering at the professional level.
In much the same vein as Shelvin Mack, Lee's lack of a defined position could cause him some problems, but they may be more pronounced on the offensive end. If Lee can bulk up a bit while keeping his quickness, he should eventually develop into a player who can lock down the opposition's best perimeter performer, regardless of position.
1. SG Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech
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As a projected late-second round pick, Iman Shumpert has the potential to be the steal of the 2011 NBA Draft. As versatile as Malcolm Lee is, Shumpert takes the word to an entirely different level. At 6'5" and 222 pounds, Shumpert, without question, has the body and strength to defend every perimeter position.
While each of the aforementioned players possess singular qualities that will make them effective defenders in the NBA, Shumpert is the quintessential perimeter defender as he has the perfect combination of skills. Shumpert plays even bigger then his ample frame would suggest, as his wingspan measures more than 6'9".
His anticipation is also fantastic as evidenced by his eye-popping total of 2.7 steals per game last season. Although Shumpert wasn't much of a shot blocker at Georgia Tech, his 42-inch vertical leap suggests that he has room to improve in that area as well.
Shumpert was often called upon by former Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt to defend the opposing team's best perimeter player, which means he should be prepared for that responsibility at the next level. Excelling defensively in the always competitive ACC should also ensure that Shumpert will be able to shadow the NBA's most athletic backcourt players.
