Is current Kobe a better defender than Durant?

[Biagas]

2k insider thinks so

[SPRINGS03]

For most of his career he was a WAY better defender than KD. But considering that KD has improved his defense some and kobe seems to have slacked some on defense recently i'd say it's a tossup this year.

[Optik]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPRINGS03

For most of his career he was a WAY better defender than KD. But considering that KD has improved his defense some and kobe seems to have slacked some on defense recently i'd say it's a tossup this year.

No it isn't. Kobe is a good 1 on 1 defender, when FOCUSED, but as a help defender he is ACTIVELY HORRIFIC. Durant is easily a better 1 on 1 defender than Bryant because of his huge wingspan, and is a better help defender by default, seeing as he doesn't just watch the ball and hardly move off the ball, or constantly gamble.

Did you see the Lakers @ Spurs game a few games ago? That was one of the worst defensive performances of Kobe's career.

[2_headedmonster]

Yes, actually he is...

On-ball Kobe is a damn good defender. Durant has definately improved, but still mostly relies on giving space and using his length ( which is smart). If he was a really good on ball defender who was great as shuffling his feet, given his length, he would be a MONSTER.

off-ball, Kobe ball watches....

[KillerHog471]

Quote: Originally Posted by 2_headedmonster

Yes, actually he is... On-ball Kobe is a damn good defender. Durant has definately improved, but still mostly relies on giving space and using his length ( which is smart). If he was a really good on ball defender who was great as shuffling his feet, given his length, he would be a MONSTER. off-ball, Kobe ball watches....

Have you watched either player lately? Last year definitely if you were to compare them but now Kobe doesn't play defense.

[Thunder Storm]

Kobe is great at man defense... but only when he wants. I haven't seen him try since last years playoffs. Seems like he is trying to reserve energy for offense.

[SPRINGS03]

Quote: Originally Posted by Optik

No it isn't. Kobe is a good 1 on 1 defender, when FOCUSED, but as a help defender he is ACTIVELY HORRIFIC. Durant is easily a better 1 on 1 defender than Bryant because of his huge wingspan, and is a better help defender by default, seeing as he doesn't just watch the ball and hardly move off the ball, or constantly gamble. Did you see the Lakers @ Spurs game a few games ago? That was one of the worst defensive performances of Kobe's career.

Eh, i say it's still a tossup because when kobe is focused as you said he is a good defender. Durant is just now improving his defensive game, before he had very little defense, with or without his wingspan. I would say you could argue that durant is better off ball while kobe is better on ball. Did you forget about him holding kyrie irving to 15 points when he guarded him last time against the cavs?

[Rockie_Fresh88]

nah not this year. I think early 2000s Kobe was not now. He really save energy for Offense I think.

But he can still defend here and there pretty good. Not 48 minutes tho