Agreed. Though again IMHO I think we have been grading on a curve. RWIII did (and probably still does and still will... heh!) have Team D break downs. However I think he added in X amount in other areas. (Like Help D, Rebounding, occasional block which i might argue has a physiological effect and some Offense on that end). Say "C" level Team D with a B or B- everywhere else.
TT for instance also screwed up on Team D too, Though not as often. But then he didnt do anything else really. So he is more like C+ or even B- team D with F pretty much every where else.
Theis (who again I am a fan of what he does well) can switch a little better and probably blows the least amount of "Team D" assignments. He blocks a bit better the TT but not as well as as TL and seems subpar at rebounding. He too provides a "different variety" of offense in that he can shoot a little (though what happen to the High pick and roll seals that he trademarked?). While Theis was a B or maybe even B+ (last year maybe A- save the fouls) on Team D, with C+ or B- everywhere else.
In all 3 cases I feel we derided RWIII for his weakness much more then other 2. And I get that as a Big in the middle Team D is important/critical part of your role. But ALL 3 are pretty bad currently....at least salvage what good we can.
I Agree an easy 2 hurts (especially this team this year). But is it really any worse then our opponents getting 1 or 2 offensive rebounds and subsequent 2nd chance opportunities? Is it really any worse then trying to bully the opposing 5 off the box only to repeatedly see him shoot a 12-15 footer with no defense? ( I wont even mention is it really any worse then bullying your way down to the front of the rim only to clank it off 3-5 times a game?....ok I did mention it
)
Out of the 3 RWIII has the best Def+/- even with all those "egregious defensive lapses" we cringe at. Granted thats against alot of second teamers and in limited mins. But there comes a point where we have to see if thats a mirage. And if those defensive lapses are really as bad to the course of the game as they are obvious.
And thats the Key to me. They were/are VERY Obvious. We watch and go "DAMN! How did you miss that Timelord!" But is it really MORE
impactful then the stuff Theis and TT are doing wrong?
But Over the last few weeks I have become a serious RWIII wank. So I may well be blinded.