The role of defense in the NBA

NBA games tend to be high scoring. Teams routinely score over 100 points. The players are so athletic and talented that they are difficult to stop from scoring. Some wonder if the players are too talented to defend or if NBA players give lackluster effort on defense.

Playing defense involves pride and effort. A good defensive player takes pride in stopping another player from scoring. A good defensive player denies the inbounds pass and tries to prevent another player from getting open for a pass. A good defensive player tries to shut down the man he is covering.

Playing offense seems more exciting. It can be exciting to score or make a great pass. It can be exciting to make a good pass that leads to a basket. Offense seems more natural, whereas playing defense seems more unnatural. Playing defense seems to require more work and dedication. The crowd roars when a player scores, but the crowd does not necessarily show appreciation for a stellar defensive effort.

The offense sets the tone for the game. The point guard knows what he wants to do with the basketball. He knows whether he wants to pass, dribble or shoot. He knows what play he wants to call. So, the defense must respond to the offense. The defense cannot set the tone for the play unless the defense presses or tries to trap the offense. The offense's ability to set the tone puts the defense in a tough position.

However, a good defense can lead to a good offense. A steal or a blocked shot can lead to a fast break opportunity. A steal or a blocked shot can lead to a numerical advantage during transition. A 3 on 2 or a 2 on 1 fast break should lead to a basket. So, a good defense leads to points in transition. Therefore, offense and defense can work together.

Often times a defensive player has to keep their hands up and keep their feet moving. A good defensive player needs quick lateral movement and balance. Sometimes a defensive player has to distract the offensive player and create a turnover or a steal. Then when the shot is up, a player needs to box someone out and grab a rebound. A good defense limits second chance opportunities for the opposition.

Danny Chau, of the ringer.com, says "Defense is inherently reactive. Players can influence where an offense takes a shot, but ultimately, a defense can guard only what is in front of it. If a high screen is set 30 feet away from the basket, that creates a ripple effect for the rest of personnel on the floor." So, the defensive players respond to what the offensive players are doing. They must respond to the decisions that the offensive players make or the plan that the offensive players inact.

Playing defense requires maturity, focus and effort. The defensive player needs to concentrate on what the offensive players are doing. Chau says "It requires so much discipline, pattern recognition, and preparation that something as foolish as the youthful Suns offense forgetting how to run a set and just winging it can throw an elite defense for a loop." So, even when the offense makes a mistake, the defense may be caught off guard.

Offenses also have an advantage because they can be more creative. Defensive players must cover their assigned player or cover an area in a zone. Chau says "While an offense like the Warriors can occasionally survive in a free-flowing, unorganized environment over the course of a game, defenses cannot." Defenses cannot be unorganized and effective at the same time. An unorganized defense where players miss their assignments results in the offense scoring easy baskets. Defense requires mental toughness and hard work. Defenses must be efficient and consistent in their approach.

A good defensive player can make a big difference in the outcome of a game. Chau refers to Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs to make this point. Chau says "No other defensive player exudes the air of inevitability that Kawhi does- the shot clock becomes a countdown to how quickly he can force the ball out of his counterparts hands, one way or another." Chau adds that "Leonard's ability to make an offensive player disappear (and his cross-platform Peanut Punch) makes him one of the most visually compelling defenders ever." Leonard can neutralize a good offensive player. Leonard can take away an offensive player's ability to impact the game. Such defensive ability is rare and valuable.

So Leonard has the rare ability to be a shut down defensive player. He has the ability to limit what the offensive player can do. He can take away an offensive player's options. This kind of player is very valuable. One wonders how NBA teams can train more players to be like this. Leonard serves as an example of what NBA players could become on defense.

Chau also cites Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert as excellent defensive players. Chau says that Green helps the Warriors' defense in a couple of ways. Chau says Green is "the chief communications officer of the Warriors backline while also covering for his teammates all over the court." So, Green is a defensive leader who excels at helping his teammates. Chau says "And while his self confidence is brimming, Draymond really does give off a sense that he's internalized not only the Warriors' unique defensive principles, but the entire league's." Green understands the different elements of sound defense, and he applies himself on the defensive end.

Gobert's defensive ability comes from his height and his ability to move quickly in a lateral manner. Chau says "Gobert's wingspan, which stretches close to 7 foot 9, and suprising lateral mobility allow him to patrol the paint in ways that his monolithic predecessors couldn't." His wingspan allows him to block shots and his quickness allows him to play help defense. His quickness allows him to get around screens or switch with another defender on a pick and roll play. Height and speed are good attributes for an NBA player. These two attributes help Gobert to be a premiere defender.

Chau points out that the pick and roll creates a two on one advantage for the offense because it forces the inside defender to choose which player to defend, which can leave the other player open. However, Gobert's ability on defense neutralizes the effectiveness of the pick and roll. Chau says "But Gobert, by simply unfurling his arms, can track both the handler and roller, giving his teammates time to recover without leaving their individual assignments." Gobert's ability may force the offense to abandon the pick and roll or use it less. Gobert's ability on defense may force the other team to game plan differently when they play Gobert's team- the Jazz. Additionally, Gobert's ability to neutralize the pick and roll helps his teammates on defense. Like Green and Leonard, Gobert has the ability to have a defensive impact upon the outcome of the game.

How can more NBA players experience similar success on defense that Leonard, Green and Gobert have experienced? How can more NBA players be known for their stellar defensive play? There is no shortcut to success. Each player has to work on developing stronger defensive skills.

Each player has to remember the fundamentals of strong defense. Every NBA player has to stay between his man and the basketball. Each player has to know who has the basketball and know where his man is. Some NBA players have better peripheral vision than other players. Nevertheless, it is necessary that each player knows where his man is and where the ball is. Plays happen quickly in basketball, and if a defender loses sight of the basketball or the man he is covering, the opponent can score quickly. Defenses have to guard against the quick basket.

The player guarding the point guard has to make sure the point guard does not go past him and penetrate into the lane. The defender has to force the point guard into a long shot or an off balanced shot. The player guarding the point guard has to fight through screens or switch quickly on defense. One must guard against the hesitation dribble, which can lull the defender to sleep and allow the point guard to move quickly past a deceived defender. The person guarding the point guard also has to be aware of the passing lanes that the point guard is looking at. The defender has to guard against these passing lanes.

When a player gets the basketball in the corner,the defender has to decide whether to guard against the baseline or guard against the interior. If the defender takes away the baseline, the player may dribble to the inside or pass to an open player. Perhaps, the player may shoot a long jump shot from the corner. If the inside is taken away, the player may try to dribble along the baseline and try and score. Either way, the defender has to guard against the easy basket. It's better to force the player towards the double team or a teammate that is playing help defense. In some cases, it's better to take away every option except the long range jump shot. However, in today's NBA many players can make three point shots or long range shots. Still, it may be preferable to prevent the player from getting closer to the basket.

Defense always requires great effort. It always involves determination and resolve. Max Streng of "Fansided" says "Defense is hard at any level. It takes commitment from all five players, knowledge of personnel and scheme, communication, effort and often times in the NBA the shot still goes in....These are the best players in the world." As Streng says, there are many elements of sound defense. Good defense requires consistent effort and determination. The defensive players have to communicate with each other and anticipate what the offensive players are going to do next. They have to understand what play the offense is running and they have to know how to defend it. No matter how hard they try, the offense is still often successfull. Players must not become discouraged when they play defense. They have to realize that eventually their efforts will be rewarded.

In addition to effort, physical talent is also an important part of good defensive play. Jonathan Tjarks, writing for sbnation.com, emphasizes the importance of foot-speed and wingspan. Tjarks says "Elite NBA defenders all have the same profiles: great athletes with long arms." So, while the effort is important, the physical ability is also necessary.

Foot speed and wing span help a defender to contest a jump shot as well. Tjarks says "In the NBA, where the vast majority of players can knock down an open jumper being unable to contest a player's release point is essentially giving away a basket." If a player cannot reach the height of the jump shooter's hands, then it is very difficult for that defender to stop the offensive player from scoring. Foot speed enables a defender to stay in front of the jump shooter, while a good wing span helps a defender to block or contest the shot.

Team defense is also very important. Individual players need to commit themselves to playing defense, but players need to communicate with each other and help each other on the court in order to play good team defense. Players need to fight through screens, communicate when they are switching players and help a teammate to guard a talented offensive player. Teammates have to be willing to sacrifice for the good of the team. Teams that play good defense have a better chance of going deep into the playoffs and winning a championship.

In today's NBA teams are allowed to play zone defense. For many years, the zone was outlawed. Players had to guard a man. They were not allowed to guard an area, which the zone defense allows a player to do. If a player was guarding an area instead of a man, the offensive team was given a technical foul shot.

However, Chris Parker of "The Guardian" points out that in the 1990's coaches implemented offenses that worked against the man to man defense. Parker says "Teams would isolate their best scorer in the post with his teammates as far away on the other side of the court as possible, to make it hard to double." This allowed the player in the post to work against one defender. If it was a mismatch, then the offensive player could score. If it was not a mismatch, then the post player had four other players he could pass the ball to. He could pass the ball to the player who was most open. Or he could pass the ball to the best scorer.

Parker says that this change "has allowed the best defensive minds to develop tough double team schemes, where players rotate their assignments. Led by coaches like Tim Thibideau, teams have developed hybrid man-zones that flood the ball-side and leave two weak -side defenders covering three guys. It bets the defenders can rotate faster than the offense can move the ball." The zone defense fosters creativity and flexibility. It allows players another way to match up with a good team. It gives defenses the opportunity to confuse the offense and upset the rythym of the other team.

In the 2017-18 season, the Boston Celtics have been the best defensive team. Their strong defense has helped them to establish the best record in the NBA. John Schumann of NBA.com points out "The Celtics' No. 1 ranking on defense starts with having the lowest opponent effective field goal percentage. And the key has been on the perimeter. The Celtics rank second in opponent field goal percentage from mid range and fourth in opponent 3 point percentage." So, good perimeter defense has helped the Celtics have a good start to the season.

The Celtics' ability to contest shots and put pressure on opposing guards has helped the, hold opponents to a league low 95.4 points per game. Portland, San Antonio and Oklahoma City are the only other teams to hold opponents to under 100 points per game.

Defense will always be an important part of basketball. Playing good defense requires effort and determination. Wing span and foot speed also help a defensive player to be effective. Teams that play good defense have a better chance of advancing deep into the playoffs and contending for a championship.

Reflecting upon the history of the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL's original francises. The Bears have won 9 NFL championships, including one Super Bowl since 1920. Their history parallels the history of the NFL. It's impossible to appreciate the history of the NFL without appreciating the history of the Bears. Their fans are understandably proud of their team's history.

The Bears were originally known as the Decatur Staley's. George Halas, who would eventually become the team's owner in 1922, was originally a player/coach for the team. In addition to being a good football player and coach, Halas was also a minor league player for the New York Yankees baseball team. In fact, a baseball with Halas' autograph on it resides in a display with other Yankee autographs in Yankee stadium. Despite being a good baseball player, football would be the sport that Halas would make his mark in.Halas was synonymous with the beginning of the Bears and the NFL.

In 1922, Halas moved the team to Chicago. In 1925, Halas signed Red Grange, a star player from the University of Illinois, to a contract worth $100,000.No player had ever been paid that kind of money. The public was stunned that an athlete would be paid such a large sum of money.

Grange was nicknamed the "galloping ghost" by sports writer Warren Brown. Grant land Rice, one of the premier sports writers of the time famously wrote the following of Grange:

"Eluding all who reach and clutch;
A gray ghost thrown into the game
That rival hands may never touch
A rubber bounding, blasting soul
Whose destination is the goal - Red Grange of Illinois."

Grange was one of the first football players who fans clamored to see. In fact, his popularity helped to save the New York Giants organization. 1925 was the inaugural season for the Giants. Despite great hopes, the Giants had struggled financially during their first season. The team had lost a lot of money as they prepared to face the visiting Chicago Bears at the Polo Geounds on December 6th, 1925. The game had been billed "Red Grange day", as Red Grange dolls, sweaters and caps were sold at the game. 70,000 fans came to the game, and The Giants were able to make $40,000 that day. It was enough money to pay their debts and to convince the Mara family to bring the Giants back for a second season. Without the success of that day, the Giants may have folded as an organization.


The Bears won their first NFL championship game in 1921 when they were known as the Chicago Staley's. They beat the Buffalo All Americans 10-7. Halas played wide receiver in the game. While it was billed as a championship game, it was also considered an exhibition game. Back then the regular season was considered more important than a championship game. Buffalo was under the impression that the game would not count in the standings. This loss became known in Buffalo , NY as the "curse of the Staley's." It is considered one of the first curses in sports.

John Leo "Paddy" Driscoll quarter backed the Bears from 1926-29. He led the NFL in scoring twice in his career. Driscoll was good at throwing, running and kicking. Driscoll was one of the most versatile players of the early years of the NFL.

The Bears had winning seasons from 1920-1928. In 1929, they stumbled to a 4-9-2 record. They lost the NFL championship to the Giants in 1934 and to the Washington Redskins in 1937 and 1942. Their losses in 1934 and 1942 were proceeded by undefeated seasons. They would then proceed to have 15 straight winning seasons. They won the NFL championship in 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941 and 1947.

In 1932, the The Bears defeated the Portsmouth Spartans 9-0. The game was moved to Wrigley Field to the indoor Chicago Stadium because of the inclement weather. Today, games are rarely moved indoors or postponed because of the weather. The field for this game was only 80 yards as opposed to the normal 100 yards.

In 1933, the Bears defeated the Giants 23-21 in Wrigley Field. The Bears scored the winning touchdown with under two minutes left in regulation. The Giants would gain a measure of revenge the following year as they defeated the Bears 30-13 in the 1934 NFL championship game.

During the 1930's, Bronko Nagurski was the best player that the Bears had. He was one of the best players in The NFL. He was the biggest and probably the strongest running back of the 1930's. He was bigger than some of the lineman of this era. He was a member of the first hall of fame class of 1963. Nagurski was a skilled runner, blocker and tackler. He even threw two touchdown passes in the 1933 championship game. Nagurski not only symbolized the toughness of the Bears during this period, he also represented the ruggedness of the NFL during the 1930's.

The 1940 NFL championship game was memorable for its lopsided score. The Bears defeated the Redskins 73-0 in the most lopsided game in NFL history. Ironically, entering the game the Redskins had the better record: The Redskins were 9-2, while the Bears were 8-3. The game was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasing System, which existed between 1934-1999. It was the first ever NFL game to be broadcast throughout the nation.

The Bears dominated the game from the beginning to the end. The Redskins were unable to stop the Bears use of the "T formation." In this formation 3 running backs line up in back of the quarterback in the shape of a "T". The Bears rushed for 381 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. 6 different players had rushing touchdowns, and 12 players had at least one rushing attempt. The "T" formation probably made it difficult to know which of the three running backs would get the ball. In any event, the Bears implementation of the "T" formation paves the way for their championship win.

In the 1941 NFL championship game, the Bears defeated the Giants 37-9. The game took place two weeks after Pearl Harbor and featured the smallest crowd ever at an NFL championship game. Unfortunately, two players, Young Bussey of the Bears and Jack Lummus of the Giants died in WW II in 1945.

In 1943, the Bears once again defeated the Redskins in the championship game. Though the score was much closer than the 1940 championship game, the Bears won 41-21. The Bears held the Redskins to 45 rushing yards and 182 passing yards.

In 1946, the Bears would once again defeat the Giants. At the Polo Grounds, before a record breaking crowd of 58,346 the Bears defeated the Giants 24-14. The game was tied at 14 entering the 4th quarter. However, Bears' quarterback Sid Luckman scored on a 19 yard run and the Bears added a field goal later. The Bears outscored the Giants in the decisive 4th quarter.

In addition to winning four championships in the 1940's, the Bears also added the orange "C" to their helmets. They were also given the nickname "The Monsters of the Midway" during this decade. That nickname had previously belonged to the Universiy of Chicago football team.

Luckman was a skilled quarterback for the Bears. He guided the Bears from 1939-1950. He guided the Bears to 4 NFL championships and he was a three time NFL all star. He was the MVP in 1943. Luckman once threw 7 touchdowns in one game. Only 7 other quarterbacks in NFL history have thrown that many touchdowns in a game.

The 1950s were difficult years for the Bears. The did not win a championship during that decade.

Their best player during the 1950s was middle line backer Bill George. George played for the Bears from 1952-1965.The middle line backer position developed during the 1950's , and George was one of the first to play that position. Prior to this, defenses had 5 defensive lineman and two line backers. However, George would often leave his middle defensive guard position to drift back into pass coverage. He would often cover the running back who was going out for a pass. George's transition from defensive guard to linebacker is part of what lead to the development of the 4-3 defense.

The Bears won the 1963 championship over the Giants. They defeated the Giants 14-10. It was their 8th NFL championship.

Dick Butkus was one of the best players of the 1960's. Butkus grew up in Chicago and was happy that his home town team drafted him in 1965. If George helped invent the middle linebacker position, then Butkus helped define the position more precisely. In a way, Butkus is synonymous with the position. Butkus is considered one of the greatest middle linebackers in NFL history. He was a hard nosed player and an excellent tackler. He helped set the tone for the Bears defense from 1965-1972. Butkus was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Gale Sayers, like Butkus, was drafted in the 1965 draft. Sayers had one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history. Sayers had 22 touchdowns his rookie season. He scored running, receiving and returning punts and kicks. He was truly an all purpose performer as a rookie. He had 2,272 all purpose yards - the most ever by a rookie. Additionally, he won the rushing title in 1966. Sayers retired before the 1972 season because of injuries to his knees.

From 1969 to 1982, the Bears struggled. The Bears had losing records for 7 conseutive seasons( 1969-1975) From 1964 to 1983, the Bears made the playoffs only twice. They did not win a playoff game during those years.

However, in 1985, the Bears finally broke through and won their first ever Super Bowl. They defeated the New England Patriots 45-10 in Super Bowl XX. The Bears dominated the game much like they dominated the season. They finished the season with a 15-1 record. Their only loss was on Monday night to a good Miami Dolphins team. The Bears outscored their opponents 456-198. While the defense gets a lot of credit for that season, it was also the most prolific offensive season in Bears' history.

The Bears were coached by Ditka from 1982-1992. Ditka's tough, hard nosed personality personified the Bears during this period. A hall of fame tight end, Ditka's personality helped to give the Bears an identity during these 10 years.

Buddy Ryan, father of coaches Rex and Rob, was the defensive coordinator for the Bears from 1978-1985. Ryan pioneered the 46 defense during that period. The 46 defense helped the Bears to become one of the best defenses in NFL history. This defense moved 6 players ( 4 defensive lineman and 4 linebackers) close to the line of scrimmage.This defense featured 3 defensive backs. The other two players played linebackers, but tdhey were further away from the line of scrimmage.

Hardy Evans, writing for bleacherreport, says that Ryan "designed the 46 defense when he arrived in Chicago in 1978. Ryan inherited a team that was atrocious at stopping the run and rushing the passer. He designed the 46 to essentially be an ultra-aggressive version of the 4-3 defense." So, Ryan tried to make the Bears stronger and more assertive on defense.

Hardy explains that "The 46 essentially put a steel wall of defenders in front of opposing offenses, forcing them to throw the football." The 46 tried to take away the options of the opposing team. Ryan and the Bears tried to make the opposing offense one dimensional and more predictable.

Bears running back Walter Payton was one of the most talented football players in the NFL during this period. Payton epitomized the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987. During his stellar career, the reliable Payton missed only one game. He missed this one game because of a coach's decision, not because of injury. Payton played in a remarkable 170 consecutive games.

Payton was the most talented running back that I ever saw play. He possessed a rare combination of speed, power and agility. He ran with acceleration and purpose. He ran with courage and toughness. He embodied the spirit of the Bears during his outstanding playing career.

Payton rushed for 16,726 yards. He retired as the all time leading rusher. He scored a total of 133 touchdowns (110 rushing, 15 receiving and 8 passing). Payton averaged 4.4 yards a carry.

After Ditka left the Bears, the team hired Dallas Cowboy defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt. Hiring Wannstedt made sense for the Bears - a team that had always prioritized defense. Wannstedt coached the Bears from 1993-1998. Despite Wannstedt's effort and dedication, his tenure with the Bears was unsuccessful. The team finished 9-7 twice, and had four losing seasons. After finished 4-12 for the second time in his Bears' tenure, Wannstedt was fired.

Dick Jauron coached the Bears from 1999-2003. Despite Jauron's knowledge of football and his extensive experience, he had four losing seasons with Chicago. However, he lead the Bears to a 13-3 record in 2001, which earned him Coach of the Year honors. The Bears lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional game. The Bears had losing seasons in 2002 and 2003, which lead to Jauron's firing.

Lovie Smith replaced Dick Jauron. Smith would become the most successfull coach since Mike Ditka. Smith went 81-63 in 9 seasons with the Bears. They made the playoffs three times and made it all the way to Super Bowl XLI- their first Super Bowl appearance since 1985. They lost to the Colts 29-17. Additionally, they made it to the NFC championship game in 2010 when they lost to the Green Bay Packers. Overall, Smith 5 winning seasons in Chicago.

Marc Trestman was hired to replace Smith. Trestman had a well deserved reputation as a good quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He had been quarterbacks coach for Steve Young when he was with Tampa Bay and San Francisco. Trestman has a good understanding of the offensive side of football. However,his tenure has head coach of the Bears would only last two seasons.

In 2013, his first season, Trestman lead the Bears to an 8-8 record. The team's mediocrity was due to their inability to play defense at a high level. The Bears gave up a lot of points and finished 30th in defense that season. Conversely, they had a good offensive season. The Bears gained 6,109 yards- the most ever for a Bears team. They scored 445 yards, which was the second best in the NFL that season.

In 2014, the Bears finished 5-11. Defense wa once again the culprit as the Bears once again missed the playoffs. The Bears gave up 478 points- the most in team history. They also gave up a team record 6,313 yards. Historically, a good defense had always been the Bears' trademark. However, for the second straight year, poor defensive play had ruined their season. At the end of the season, both Trestman and general manager Phil Emery were fired.

After Trestman's dismissal, the Bears hired the well traveled John Fox, who had previously served as an assistant coach for eight college teams, a USFL team and four NFL teams. His current job with the Bears is his third head coaching position. As head coach, he has lead the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl appearances. He will attempt to do the same for the Bears.

The Chicago Bears are a part of the history of the NFL. As one of the original franchises, the Bears' history has paralleled the NFL's history.

NFL observers will never forget the tough defensive play of Bill George, Dick Butkus, Bronco Nagurski, Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and Brian Urlacher.

People familiar with the NFL will always remember the talent of Walter Payton, the speed of Willie Gault, the toughness of Mike Ditka and the colorful personality of Jim McMahon.

If Yankee stadium is the house that Ruth built, then the Chicago Bears are the team that George Halas built. That team has seen a rich and memorable history. What began in 1920 continues today. The NFL is different today than it was in 1920. However, the Chicago Bears remain part of the league. They continue to be one of the signature franchises of the NFL. The team that Halas built continues to endure.