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[TheBob]

I got this from Raptors.com and found it interesting. Vince Carter was the only rookie to receive a vote for the NBA All-Defensive Team after the 1998-1999 season. Kinda interesting seen as most people go on and on about him not being playing d. Maybe it's just that everyone gets blinded by his amazing offensive skills. People are gonna bring up Kobe obviously but Kobe has shaq behind him so he basically only has to guard the jump shot and Shaq will take care of them when they get in the lane. The all defensive team like many other things is voted on mostly by hype and how much press the player gets the season in question. For example, in 99/00 when Kobe was voted on to the all defensive team he put up 1.61 steals per game, .94 blocks per game in 38 minutes per. Whereas the following season Tmac put up 1.51 steals per game and 1.53 blocks per game yet he failed to make it to either the first or second all d teams (not sure about third couldn't find it). It's also important to note that TMac also had no big man behind him to help out.

[mana]

I get to see almost all raptor game last and this season. I didn't follow all his stats and numbers, but from what I see in the beginning of this season before he went down, he did play better def and go to the hoops a little more. Maybe he's still the same 3pt launching, not driving to the hoop lazy def guy from last season. He seems more forcus this year but too bad he went down again. With all the starters coming in and out, the Raps are not going anywhere. N'aye will be out 4 weeks. After following the Raps since the first day of expansion, this team is cursed.

[TheBob]

I have to agree. From what I saw of Vince early this season he seemed to be playing much better, playing otugh d and going to the basket. Hopefully when he comes back he'll stay healthy and keep the same attitude he had at the begining of the season.

[Boyk]

Its not the stats that they worry about
I mean if they did, then y aint shaq in there???

Its because Kobe can shutdown anyone he wants
T-Mac and Vince, im sad to say cannot
thats what separates kobe from vince and t-mac
they all have great offensive skills and athleticism
but none can compare to kobes defensive skills,
Though at times, T-mac and vince do play solid D but its too inconsistent

[mana]

Nicely said, many would argue that kobe has Shaq behind his back. Some would agree or disagree with it. From the weight he put up during the offseason, kobe's much better guarding other's team two guard/best player, good def doesn't nesscary mean shut down the other, well able to shut down someone is definitly good def or they have a off night. Likewise, good def most of the time has nothing to do with stats, contest shot, make someone to change their shot, force them to give up the shot. The young stars today hopefully can pick it up, Vince and Tracy are not terrible defenders like D. Ham. But they really need to do well on the defensive end if they want to earn their respect. The run and gun not playing D style is going to cost Magic the first round. If Vince can come back, he shouldn't rely too much on alvin william, JYD and Hunter to help him out on D. If energy guys like JYD and Najera can play D this well, I am sure anyone can. Playing D doesn't require god given talent or upside, it only requires somone's will to commit to it.

[TheBob]

It also requires effort which alot of people forget about. That being said, Tmac and Vince are relied on to score first and foremost. In the first few games this season Vince was playing much better defence however his offensive numbers were way down. This makes me wonder if maybe the effort he was using on the defensive end may have taken energy away from his offensive game. So maybe it's a case of stamina more than anything because no one doubts that Vince or Tracy have the tools to play D maybe they just don't have the stamina right now to carry a team on the offensive and defensive ends. I know most will say they should have the stamina to do both and I guess I kinda agree, I'm just stating some facts.

[CMinnifield]

Vince is pretty good defensively. I think he and Wade are the only guards that can block 80+ shots a season.

[Fewrookies-From2kW/Love]

Nobody wants to take anything away fro Kobe, but VC was never a bad deffensive player. Now he is even better.

[Emiliano]

Did you guys notice this thread is from 2002?

[Andrew]

It was bumped up by a troublemaker originally, whose post has since been deleted.