Best perimeter defender in 2009 draft?
Ricky Rubio is the best perimeter defender hands-down. He held his own against studs like Kidd, CP3 and D-Will in the olympics and even though he isn't explosive or very strong he is hardly ever out of position. He also plays the passing lanes like John Stockton did. It is uncanny how he can tell what his defender is going to do before the defender knows. Some people don't think he can keep it up in the NBA but I disagree.
From college I think it would be between Danny Green, Jrue Holiday and James Harden. Sam Young and Terrence Williams were good defenders too.
NBA scouts particualry look at offense in the first round unless they're tall and talented(Shaq & Thabeet). Most 2nd rounders are excellent defenders also such as Glen Davis for the Celtics and many others. In this draft though I think its McNeal (as billyk pointed out), Jrue Holiday ( i believe he WILL surprise everyone next year), and DeMarre Carroll ( all around player.
I'm suprised only a couple people mentioned Toney Douglas. Coach K had some fond words on him. I think he could be useful to the Lakers as a defensive players, maybe to TRY and counter a Rondo, Brooks, or any quick guard.
I knew people were going to point out Terrence Williams but I haven't seen him play enough to say whether or not he is a great defender. I've watched every game I could of Rubio and in my opinion he is the best defender. But like I said I haven't really seen a lot of T-Will or Toney Douglas. Tyreke Evans isn't a great defender, he does get steals but he just isn't a great defender yet.
T-Will and Rubio are both solid perimiter defenders, although you must ask yourself is T-Will quick enough to guard 2's and big enough to guard 3's, and no one knows yet if Rubio will be quick enough or strong enough to keep up with guys like C-Paul, D-Will, D-Rose and Rondo, but his performance at the Olympics would seem to indicate that he should fare well against NBA competition.
Tyreke Evans is not yet a good defender on the perimiter, in the interior, in transition or anywhere else.
It's McNeal...Except on this play...
come on guys. i love Terrence Williams, but its not him. He's one of those guys, like D-Wade who gambles a lot and plays like a safety. He gets a lot of steals and creates havoc, but he's not a lock down perimeter defender.
Collison is a fierce on the ball defender he causes havoc. On the ball just guarding the point, I agree Collison is the man. Gman was on that one.










Yeah, most potential NBA first rounders are known for what they can do on the offensive side of the ball, but my question is about defense. I want to know who the BEST PERIMETER DEFENDER is in the draft. (So not a big like Thabeet, he's an interior defender). Who is the best lockup defender on the outside?