These guys put some D in the NBA

Several readers have complained that virtually every player I mention is a poor defender, which certainly isn't my fault.




It should be noted, however, that in order to survive in the NBA, even the most prolific scorer must be able to play a modicum of defense. Indeed, if everybody played inferior defense, teams would average 150 points per game.

Conversely, numerous other readers — the most recent being Stephen Feetham from Columbia, S.C. — have asked me to compile a list of the players who, in my opinion, actually can and do play outstanding defense.

So it's my distinct pleasure to first turn the spotlight on the NBA's most diligent man-to-man defenders.

Ron Artest has lost a step laterally but can still bang with anybody and has great hands around the ball. If his team defense leaves much to be desired, the refs let him grab and hold and thereby distinguish himself as a genuine stopper.

Trevor Ariza is a pickpocket defender who relies strictly on quickness and anticipation.

Shane Battier plays outstanding position defense and excellent team defense. Additionally, Battier is Houston's traffic cop on the defensive end — the best one, in fact, since the halcyon days of Scottie Pippen.

Raja Bell's belligerent, persistent hounding can be counted on to frustrate everybody he guards.

Keith Bogans never backs down and has worked hard to become a significant defender.

Ryan Bowen's defense is the only part of his game that keeps him in the league.

DeSagana Diop can't shoot to save his life, but if he were allowed to commit 10 fouls per game without being disqualified, he'd be the best defensive center in the league.

Jeff Foster rarely makes mistakes on defense.