Is this the modern Dennis Rodman?

What would a strong defender and offensive rebounder look like today? What if they lacked shooting and scoring moves? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report explores how today's game would change things for Rodman, and how Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt is a close modern analogue in style, and to some degree, impact.
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com...
Podcast: player.fm/seri... or at www.stitcher.c...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball...
stats.nba.com
-----
Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Didekbeats (Nemesis)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@TheHiddenNarrative]

I think the best quality Vando shares with Rodman is how they both fit perfectly playing next to multiple superstars. Not only do they not take away possessions from star players, they actually add some back with their hustle, rebounds, steals, and blocks.

[@BlueGrovyle]

@Cedric Lewis Chan Vando is definitely more of a factor on offense than Rodman though. He has a shot that'll go in at a decent clip if you dare him to shoot, he can pass decently, and he has a respectable handle too. Not someone you'd run your offense through in a million years, but he'll get a few buckets even if he's not looking for them.

[@noobestofdamall]

@@callmecatalyst Yes, offensive rebounds and running passing lanes are called defenese sometimes, oh wait.

[@khashmoney6985]

His defense makes it for the Lakers

[@victorgratacap8785]

N Anna a

[@philipwolper1339]

Vando defending KD if that happens in the playoffs will be great to watch🔜

[@Fahronaces]

It's crazy to think Vanderbilt and McDaniels were on the same team last year, we missed out on a potentially all time great defensive wing duo.

[@jdelgado216]

McDaniels, Vando and Gobert would make a defensive nightmare for team but their team offense would be average

[@imrealtrustme3116]

Hypothetically they could’ve had Walker Kessler too instead of Gobert….

[@Treck533]

Wolves giving up Walker Kessler, Vanderbilt, Beasley and 5 first for Rudy is insane.

[@Cyantist13]

@@imrealtrustme3116 oh my goodness... stars would rather sit out then play the twolves😭

[@raushanminor970]

Sheesh, Ant Edwards McDaniels and Vanderbilt would have the whole league on clamps

[@switchfliptrix]

I love Vando so much, just a workhorse. I was so sad when my Timberwolves traded him, he was the one I can’t believe we gave up for Gobert. Hoping for a great career for him!

[@tj5180]

I'm a big fan of defense and like watching Vando shutting down the opposing offensive player and his ability to guard all positions, also a good help defender.

[@adamshabaneh9706]

Bro Im a lakers and timberwolves fan we could have really had mcdanies, kessler, and vando on defense we would literally clamp everybody

[@itsstrex8508]

Thank you for Vando 🤝💜💛

[@ZayCold]

yall have jaden mcdaniels. hes better

[@Ra4758]

So people love Vando but hate Pat Bev? They're basically the same thing just different height. Too many soyboy turning basketball into a clown show. California is the worst state ever.

[@coulsonthurgood2840]

Giving Vanderbilt that official thinking basketball KZbin love

[@Plague_Doc22]

I felt like getting Vanderbilt in the trade was bigger than Deangelo Russell. The guy just does everything with 100%. And his contract is really good. Love his abillity to slip screens, very similar to Jrue Holiday.

[@itzwakk335]

we got dlo for free which was crazy

[@woah7609]

@@itzwakk335 the only valuable thing we gave away was our 1st and even then it’s top 4 protected we basically got all those guys for free

[@yuhhtempo]

Honestly I can agree to an extent. D’Lo just BARELY takes it for me, he replaced the atrocious PG selection we had to deal with earlier this year, he’s obviously a better shooter than Westbrook. And a better offensive player than Vando, hes a Great passer. Part of the reason he’s not reaching his potential is because Darvin Ham is a rookie head coach, he doesn’t always put Vanderbilt on the best player, he doesn’t value taller defenders in general. Vanderbilt also has some pretty good IQ, He’s an excellent rebounder and just does all the thing you can’t see on a scoreboard. (Reminds me of Lamar Odom/Rodman) Hopefully we see how good he is defensively in the playoffs, him and AD’s duo led us to a Top 10 Rebounding Team (with no real Center), & a top 5 Defense since the deadline.

[@jaycarr444]

@@yuhhtempoad at this point is a pretty real center but yes agreed

[@sergeynazaro1768]

I was screaming this when the trade happened. Giving lakers and Lebron VANDO is alll the protection and hustle they were asking for

[@MoralesCorner]

Vanderbilt is the type of player everyone loves to watch. Nothing but hard, smart work up and down the court. Absolute unit.

[@imrealtrustme3116]

As a Lakers fan I actually couldn’t believe we nabbed him at the deadline. One of my favorite trades of all time for the team.

[@BayAreaHoops415]

Lakers are the #1 defense since the trade... mind blowing people aren't waking up about them yet

[@recotruesdale2829]

same man, I couldn't believe it.

[@ThanosDidTheRightThing]

@@BayAreaHoops415 Westbrook since leaving the Lakers: 49% FG, 32% 3pt, 56% 2pt.

[@BayAreaHoops415]

@@ThanosDidTheRightThing Sounds like his career averages maybe slightly improved from FG% why'd you bring those up? 😂 What was it before last nights game?

[@jhtv5757]

Bigass fleece, UTA gave him away

[@davidrummel133]

Keep in mind Vando is still only 23, while Dennis didn't even start his career until he was 25! JV is really unique and his ball handling skills are something Rodman never has. Vando is definitely one of my favorite players and I'm looking forward to seeing where his career goes from here!

[@t4d0W]

Rodman was a late bloomer but an athletic specimen/gifted physical defender despite having a late growth spurt. Rodman was a better/willing passer and even though he didn't put the ball on the floor often, he could still be a connective passer and find his teammates in the half court. His court vision was also sharp since he was drawing a buckton of charges. Lets not set high bars for a 23 yr old guy who hasn't earned shit to a HoF player who cleaned up the glass against the best of giants.

[@ZeitGeist_TV]

Lakers did good keeping him, Rui, DLo and Reeves for sure.

[@tonytooshort]

Vanderbilt has been such a blessing to this team. It's truly remarkable how big of a 180 Rob Pelinka was able to pull off. 👏🏽

[@dusk6159]

His presence and defense graze invaluable levels. And to think that he and McDaniels were on the same team!

[@moneymoney3235]

LeGM pulled this off

[@CJBAR29]

#InRobWeTrust

[@ridass.7137]

Don’t forget that he pulled this off without giving away ANYTHING.

[@greenkidd529]

@@moneymoney3235 naa Lebron almsot killed this team getting HIS guys like Pat bev , Westbrook and the other mercenaries he tried to bring Rob took back control and fixed this shit

[@squill1am]

With the prevalence of big forwards who have the quickness and shiftiness of guards, it was only a matter of time until guys like Herb and Vanderbilt brought that same speed and quickness to the defensive side of the floor

[@behindthearcyt]

vanderbilt has always been one of the more underrated players in the league glad everyone is noticing now because he is on the lakers and there are definitely some similarities with him and rodman

[@leungsz]

I always thought it's asinine that Vanderbilt was basically a throw-in in BOTH trades out of Minny and then out of Utah to the Lakers. I know he's limited offensively, but he's just such a great defender and rebounder at his size, AND his contract is extremely friendly ($4M for this and next year).

[@Jenkees7]

I cannot believe how fast Vanderbilt is in some of these clips. It's like he has the perfect combination of mental anticipation and physical speed. The play at 06:08 with him not even bothering to look as he is turning really shows how much basketball imagination takes place in his mind.

[@travisheldreth5021]

Vando and Reaves on the floor at the same time is crazy good.

[@Ryuken_Hunter]

The lakers were the 13th seed and down 6 games from .500 but after the trade the lakers have ranked as the second best defense in the entire league while being the 8th seed and a possibility of being 7th if they beat the wolves tmr, Vando’s impact has been otherworldly for this lakers squad.

[@PC-qe4rl]

Going for that 6th but we going to need help. With that said we gotta win out.

[@marcelthejay]

Could b 5th if they win out

[@Ryuken_Hunter]

@@marcelthejay it’s actually disgusting how good the lakers have become.

[@jokimbuenafe13]

the fact that you guys gave him his own video is high praise indeed 🎉❤

[@OmariiOneall]

I noticed his play in Minnesota last year and thought that he was a good player then, but now he’s turning into a star because he’s THAT impactful to the game. Very fun to watch

[@poly_g6068]

The way this guy quickly spins his hips when he's beaten... Never seen that before.

[@chuchuchuchia]

Forget skill or status, just seeing a player work this hard, and be in good enough shape to do so is so refreshing and inspiring

[@xenocide1307]

Jarred is the type of player every gm wants. Adds so much to the roster when offensive threats are abundant.

[@pinobluevogel6458]

I would not describe the Lakers team as a team where offensive threats are abundant. However, with Davis at center, their defense stacks up really well. Especially without LeBron, the offense relies heavily on people like Reaves or D-Lo to create something out of nothing, otherwise its just a low percentage AD shot from the perimeter.

[@xenocide1307]

@@pinobluevogel6458 What I mean is that offensive threats are readily available across the league, not in regards to any particular roster. If you were theory crafting a roster from the ground up, to me there are a lot more relevant offensive threats than defensive ones to choose from.

[@pinobluevogel6458]

@@xenocide1307 While this might be true, having a defender that can provide value on offense is still what you want. Vando can bring some, since he is a great offensive rebounder, cutter and passer. Other players, like OG, provide more scoring for themselves. Being a really good defender might be preferred or more rare in the league, but you cannot be a non-factor on offense either, people will just ignore you for the most part and double team the scorers.

[@pmn_K]

And this is why Vando is one of my favourite players to watch

[@nikolasdiallo]

His feet movement for that defense on that corner-3 attempt for Donte Divenczo was absolutely crazy and entertaining to watch

[@Courtside-Stories]

Absolutely

[@yccmzimmy]

Thank a lot you for this! Players like JV are rarely seen in action in the modern recap that tend to show just throws, eventually some block done by well known player. Your essay give him the right attention! I really appreciated that!

[@TheCriminalViolin]

I love how these videos have helped me put a term to my favorite defensive situation as a very old school physical defender. And that is "Peeling". I adore that kind of adaptive help defense, as it isn't in any way too close to a double team (which as a diehard passionate defensive minded guy I cannot stand for any reason whatsoever), and allows for a truly quick and for me easy switchability when it comes to playing man to man (my favorite overall defense), to playing help defense on one or even two players when your teammates slip out of position. Its by far the most common and effective from the sides (corners). From inside all the way out to three. When my teammates in pickup games trust me in that "peeling", I could not be more energized, motivated, driven & enthused playing basketball.

[@Lakerbeatmaker]

Most impactful trade the Lakers made this season. He and AD cover the perimeter and interior masterfully, making the Lakers' overall defense the best in the league. If he's hitting the 3 ball, good luck to the competition.

[@djmaniac2k]

Vando is one of the reasons Lakers have turned their season around since being traded to the Lakers. The guy hustles and makes plays ends of the floor to help the Lakers be in playoff contention. The comparison with Rodman is pretty spot on, even though Vando is not the physical rebounder Rodman was but he is more skilled offensively than Rodman IMO. Kudos to the creator of this channel. Very professional in both video production and voice over. I thought I was listening to Dan Patrick talking about basketball. The pace is perfect. Keep up the great work, and I've hit the subscribed button due to the great content.

[@zackthomas1031]

It's funny to me how Rodman was one of the most unique players of all time, now people are saying there are two "next Dennis'" Vanderbilt and Sochan!? Idk, I don't understand comparisons to old players, everyone is so unique, it never makes sense to me. Awesome video tho and Vanderbilt has been playing well and definitely deserves the attention.

[@dutchmilk]

Cause thinking basketball need to publish something. Sometime his contents are utterly nonsense and situational. Just like how BBallbreakdown is. Some of the analysis are so ridiculous anecdote, it seems so stupid they are trying to pass it off as real analysis.

[@zackthomas1031]

@@dutchmilk I wouldn't say all that, I thought the analysis of his play and the examples used as well as the overall video were great, and I like Bball breakdown too, just player comparisons confuse me, the only players that really remind me of each other are the Morris twins, and they have differences in their game too.

[@dutchmilk]

@@zackthomas1031 thinking basketball started with good analysis. This cannot be taken away from him, however if you notice his recent contents, sometime some of the contents are just pure anecdote. Bball breakdown is even worse. One moment the same players are said to be like this, and on the next videos, it is completely opposite. I find it amusing that people actually take BBall content's as analysis. If there is anything it is, it is mostly entertainment + recent observation. His video on Kobe was stupid. He claim Kobe take good shots despite the fact Kobe often make very bad shot selection. But because he is so good, he was able to make it. Thinking basketball is slowly but certainly falling into that category.

[@recotruesdale2829]

Great video! I love Vando as a Lakers fan, and even before he became a Laker, I always loved his game. High motor, dirty work player that is a sneaky good passer. Hope he's a Laker for a long time.

[@snowman_oven]

fun fact , do you know that he was seen as a point forward and compare to odom in high school?

[@GOATexp]

@@snowman_oven honestly I can kinda see that fr. He runs the floor really well for a primarily defensive player

[@briankunkel2754]

Haven't been paying much attention to basketball this season. But, I will be watching this dude from now on for sure.

[@KimWe-a-xler]

THE VANDALORIAN! Thank you Ben for making the Vando love and appreciation official. ❤ You always mention him in the pod but now people can see his impact. Much love. #LakerNation

[@pzarollfiend]

Defensive analysis is probably my favorite flavor of basketball videos. The number 1 complaint I hear from 90's diehards is that there is not much defensive skill in todays game. The only reason they say this is because they don't realize that the speed of defense is evolving just like the speed of offense. They're so focused on trying to keep up with the offense that they miss so many good defensive plays. To sum it up, old people's eyes are slow 🤷‍♂

[@Mr.XY3]

A defensive player who doesn't trash talk. Unlike drymond and brooks. And even dennis rodman.

[@Daniel-qn9rw]

I've noticed this too

[@sergeynazaro1768]

@@Daniel-qn9rwwow VANDO is seriously just diffferent

[@scofieId10]

Brooks is not even a good defensive player lol

[@iplayboiirob_6370]

@@scofieId10 but he is tho if you don’t like him just say that😂

[@pinobluevogel6458]

This is a huge plus in my book. Keeping it clean, but still have great intensity and work attitude.

[@prfatal]

Love watching Vanderbilt play the game. He is one of my top 5 favorite players. He plays with intense defense, rebounds and reminds me of Rodman.

[@jadenboisrond]

Vando is such a unit bro. Thinking basketball is dope for making a vid on him.

[@jadenx9225]

calipari said it first!!! vando is so underrated

[@TruthJX]

That clip at 6:07 is crazy, how fast he stops and changes direction

[@jokimbuenafe13]

wow that was crazy he basically knew where to go to keep on his man😮

[@guiilty368]

ya im a lakers fan and ill be honest i knew vanderbilt but i didnt know his game, so when we got him I heard he was known as a defender yada yada. But when i first watched him play there's never been a player so fast to become one of my favorite players. Alex Caruso was my fav player just because i love his game play and Vando is similar just with a higher motor and verstatilty. Ive never seen a player like Vando in my lifetime, his abilty to change direction is wild. this video does a great job showing exactl what i saw and the reason why hes one of my fav players today

[@DonLee1980]

it is much more difficult to play effective defense in this current era. the kid is doing really well, playing very hard and very smart. love the guy!!

[@acegalaxygamers4514]

@7:18 DUDE REALLY OUT HERE TRYING TO DEFEND ALL 5 GUYS IN A POSSESION WHAT A DAWG!!

[@arp_909]

Loved Vando when he was on the Jazz. High energy player, maximum effort. Does all the things that help the team to win without grabbing much if any of the spotlight. Sad to see him get traded!

[@-13eNnY-]

Lakers haters are capping when I say Vanderbilt is good enough to be on an all-defensive team. He's so good at just filling all of the gaps on defense and has such good defensive IQ and reactions.

[@nassiromar]

Been waiting for someone to shed some light on this brothas defensive ability

[@injusticeanywherethreatens265]

Same! And Ill still waiting on videos about Immanuel Quickry, Jose Alvarado, and more videos on Lonzo.

[@stargazer8g2]

@@injusticeanywherethreatens265 not much to say about lonzo tho

[@injusticeanywherethreatens265]

@@stargazer8g2 you dont watch basketball...

[@stargazer8g2]

@@injusticeanywherethreatens265 he's always injured and hasn't played a game this season wdym

[@stargazer8g2]

@@injusticeanywherethreatens265 he's always injured and hasn't played a game this season wdym

[@davidbixenman2485]

I loved him on 2k when he was in Denver.. used to use him all the time tbh I'm happy he's getting covered cuz i love his game

[@Grebuez]

Thank you!! Discovered your channel through your last Austin Reaves video and subscribed with the hope of catching some other Lakers vids and here you are!! Back to back great (Lakers-related) content.

[@sessahme]

You should do a video on how great a defender Jordan was. The fact that he was arguably the best defensive and best offensive player in the league during his prime is probably why he gets so much praise.

[@MattHawkesPurdy]

This Vando dude must be special. 2 videos on him in 1 day

[@choward5430]

Rodman was a quick jumper and knew where the ball was going and understood rim trajectory. Plus he could defend every position on the floor. A very unique athlete and one of a kind player.

[@nellyville69]

Rodman wasn't athletic dude was just a very hardworking tough gritty physical basketball player that out hustle the opposition as for Vanderbilt he a unique athlete his energy and endurance combined with his quickness is insane dude doesn't stop moving.

[@walidklm]

As a Warriors fan it pains me how much of these highlights are against us

[@wisdomseeker3132]

We have GP 2 don't worry 😅🔥💪

[@MarkelScott100]

​@@wisdomseeker3132 gp2 is good but its going to take a min for him to be good as last yr

[@t4d0W]

Cmon now Warriors fans. You know the regular gets rocky but come playoffs, if the other 7 teams aren't at the same level defensively as the Dubs, they clearly can't hang and it shows. Grizz know it best when they got that one game they shut out the Warriors in the middle of the series. Then the Grizz got their backs blown out as they lost games and ultimately the series.

[@MrReese]

Really great to see that some players actually still play proper defense in this league :D.

[@cyrillesu]

Sheesh, imagine this Lakers team next season when they finally gel with one another and they manage to keep this core intact. Barring injury, it's within the realm of possibility that they can get back to being title contenders.

[@erenjager4698]

Yeah they have really looked to be getting back on track since the Westbrook trade. Still a lot of competition out west tho and bron will be a year older so we will have to wait and see

[@t4d0W]

'Barring injury' LMAO. AD is lucky to get to 65 games played this season and the last time he got as close as a full season played was in 2018 with 75. He's also not shaking off those injuries being in the wrong side 30 either.

[@DanielSong39]

Let's not give up on this season I mean if Vanderbilt plays like Dennis Rodman in the playoffs the Lakers are winning the title

[@benjaminawokumaka5366]

When I saw the video titled I was initially concerned about the comparison, but I see your very insightful point. Great video

[@macnsteez3938]

I was wondering if you'd bring up those pels games, I'm a fan and BI has been unstoppable in most games this year, but Vanderbilt was giving him (and every pels fan watching) fits. Such a great defender in the pick and roll, he's gonna be essential to any Lakers success in these playoffs

[@londonwontstopcalling]

both McDaniels brothers, Vando, Bball Paul, there are quit a few of these types in the league, all are - joy to watch!

[@walter942]

As a wolves fan I really miss him, I know we’ve been good this year regardless but he’s honestly such a good player and I’m really pissed we lost him in the Gobert deal

[@chauvintookaknee4blm268]

Reid is great

[@walter942]

@@chauvintookaknee4blm268 Naz Reid.

[@chauvintookaknee4blm268]

@@walter942 no I meant Ed Reid bro...

[@walter942]

@@chauvintookaknee4blm268 Naz Reid.

[@hukkumkhinda497]

the wolves have been good this year??

[@dennisdunker8764]

Im a lakers fan and when i heard they got him i was suuuuper excited. Since the trades the lakers have the best defense in the league and i know thats not a coincidence

[@arbetkwashi]

He’s seriously such a gem. Vando is the real deal

[@pinobluevogel6458]

The long expected loveletter to Vanderbilt. Awesome video and a well deserved look at an incredibly fun and solid player.

[@Courtside-Stories]

Agreed

[@VinceLyle2161]

Great video. I can see the resemblance to Rodman, but what about a comparison to Shane Battier? Battier was a no-stats All-Star. Except for the occasional dagger three, Battier was rebounding, moving without the ball, and good defense. He was a kind of super glue player. Things were just better with him out there, even though you wouldn't be able to tell in the newspaper the next day. Vanderbilt looks like one of those guys. People will complain that he doesn't have a jumper, blah, blah, but he gets rebounds, passes, and plays lockdown D. He makes everyone else just a little better by going 100% when he's out there.

[@Davivd2]

I really want Vando to be the starting center for the Lakers most nights. He can play the free safety defense like Draymond Green does and that lets AD go back to the 4 as a help defender. AD is much better as a help defender. If AD plays the 5 that makes him bang against big bodies like Jokic and Embid which he doesn't like to do. It also makes him the primary rebounder and rim protector. That's pretty hard to do. If you protect the rim that puts you out of position for rebounds on most possessions. If you are boxing out your feet are planted as the shot is going up and you can't contest the shot. Vando opens up AD's defense and takes primary rebounding pressure off of AD's shoulders.

[@solidsnake9574]

He's 3 things away from getting a fat contract. 1 is a respectable corner 3. Even on low volume. 2 is working on his finishing around the rim. He's usually attempting some ridiculous flashy layups or can't tip the ball in. 3 is lowering his turnovers. he turns the ball a lot for a role player. Amazing defender and rebounder with great hustle and versatility.

[@lukeshen1661]

Well said i agree w all points here

[@AtlasAdvice254]

I don’t understand how they felt that Vando was a “throw in piece” to make the Russ deal work. He was the most valuable piece in that trade bar none

[@zhenya7992]

Bro that "defensive euro" at 0:57 was fucking lit

[@Graysondodgeofficial]

Awesome that Vando is getting recognition. Casual laker fans don’t know what they have. They keep putting him into trade packages when they keep asking for Pelinka for defense like these type of players do not grow on trees

[@maxrobbins4835]

YES!! We are all Jarred Vanderbilt fans

[@spencerrubino-finn923]

Great vid! So many people think defense was harder back then but its not even close to as difficult as it today with the space and speed of the game

[@Courtside-Stories]

Plus you can’t touch anyone. Watching great defenders get fake fouls as Harden jumps into them freezes the defender so much because you can’t get into foul trouble

[@badaboum2]

I think one of the things that made Rodman focus on rebounding is he saw a market deficiency of sorts. I'm not sure what that is today.

[@lukeshen1661]

Yeah everything is hyper optimized today - there arent any easily exploitable inefficiencies like that

[@ImTheGibby]

Vando has been hitting the corner 3 at a pretty good rate for the Lakers these last few games too. Which is a nice bonus for LA alongside his defense and rebounding

[@nardnard1204]

I was surprised Lakers manage to get valuable players out of Westbrook. And we didn't lose much except for a draft pick that wouldn't matter. Vando is by far my favorite Laker. Rob definitely outdid the trade deadline. Thanks Utah for Vando!

[@pensarebasketball]

He's incredible. Rob suddenly knows what he's doing. I'm not sure I'd go as far as Rodman.. Precious Achiuwa (when he's dialed in) does remind me of Rodman though.

[@agregs30]

High motor, discipline, and fast processing speeds equals a coach's dream on the defense.

[@OMGFrijoles]

He makes Ben Simmons look like a used Car Salesman.

[@marcuskillingworth3447]

I loved this video & hella appreciate vand man he has changed this defense for sure!! He’s the engine on the defense of end!

[@noyce.]

If Vando really grind it out during the off season and somehow bring his 3P to 0.4 or at least 0.38 He's gonna have heck of a payday.

[@doctajay376]

6:10 that change of direction is superhuman.

[@zackthomas1031]

Speaking of Rebounding, can you do one on how Kevon Looney gets so many boards!???

[@kingghidorah6200]

Rodman is in the HOF bro….he wasn’t just good in his era. He is a legend of the game.

[@HibiscusFlowerFC]

I would love for you to do a deep analysis on how good Rodman was.

[@dimelo58]

Bruh the excitement every time I see a new video lol I’m like a kid on Christmas morning.

[@KindaPolish]

When he said next Dennis Rodman I thought he was talked about Jeremy Sochan

[@alexr2532]

Jeremy is a wannabe Rodman just looking to cash in on an already created character instead of being himself

[@timl9724]

Peak Rodman would be good to great in today's league. In a league where defense is both key and hard to find, a player like Rodman would be a diamond in the rough find. Early Rodman was actually his best version and the best suited to today's game. He actually was a willing scorer in his earlier years. In 88-89 he led the league in FG% while averaging 12 points per 36 minutes. While many of those points came off of offensive rebounds, he was also an excellent off-ball player, constantly moving in for open looks near the basket, where he was an excellent finisher. He also filled the lanes on the break and got out in transition. Often he was the first guy to reach both ends of the court, offensive and defensive. In his first two seasons in the league he scored even more often, managing 16 points per 36 minutes. By the 91-92 season, he reached the peak of his overall powers. He gained some notoriety that season for starting to shoot threes. He managed to hit 32 out of 101 attempts that season, in a league where threes were still pretty rare. Had he continued to practice those corner threes, it seems like he could have been at least a better three point shooter than Draymond has been, maybe even more of a Bruce Bowen type 3 and D player. While he's not considered a "shot blocker" in this video analysis, Rodman did average 1.5 blocks per 36 minutes in his rookie season and 1.2 in his third season, which are pretty solid by today's standards. With so many small centers in today's league, he could easily match up against them, while also could help defend the rim. He was no giant, but he was the same height as Draymond Green, who plays a lot at center in today's game, and Rodman could easily produce the type of paint defense Green has produced over the years. Given a similar role, prime Rodman could easily adapt to that defensive role, accumulating more steals and blocks with slightly less rebounds than his 90's style did. But almost certainly, even in that role, Rodman would be a great rebounder, much better than Draymond. Rodman turned seemingly impossible gets into rebounds on both ends, using those tip techniques briefly mentioned in the video. There's no player in NBA history who mastered that technique anywhere near that level. Guys like Draymond Green, Jeremy Sochan, and Jarred Vanderbilt all exhibit Rodman type skills that demonstrate what prime Rodman could do in today's league. Rodman wouldn't be the total and unusable offensive liability some might imagine, nor would his rebounding be much more limited by the spacing of today's league. Vanderbilt's rebounds per 36 minutes reminds a bit of what Rodman did in his earlier years. But as the video narrative acknowledges, Vando doesn't take it to the level Rodman did. Rodman's quickness and anticipation was elite, and the few extra feet he would need to travel to get to today's rebounds would matter little. If anything, the extra space and reduced competition for boards would make him uniquely in a position to dominate today's rebounders. Remember, Dennis played on the same team as David Robinson, and he outrebounded that 7-footer substantially. Today's giants wouldn't know what to do with Rodman at all.

[@iwishyouwould6937]

Defense is all about effort. Who wants it more. The best defenders will read the play before it happens and will always seem to have incredible recovery defense. See it before it happens. People will have "Rodman Esque" seasons but there is only 1 "Worm". Got to have a competitive fire the burns white hot...just want to compete. Loved playings with these guys, always knew they would bring it every game.

[@TheHuskyK9]

I may be a Laker fan and a bit biased, but Vando should definitely AT LEAST get 2nd-team all-defense. He prides himself by guarding the team's best player in all 5 positions. Hell, Ingram is even on record by saying Vando is the toughest defender to beat for him.

[@willhooke]

A running start for a rebound is actually a very good way to out jump the defenders 👍🏻 And to sneak past them 🙂

[@Redino20]

I wanted to say Sochan, but this dude is such a defensive juggernaut. Sochan at least has more offense for the moment

[@DeeKAAM]

Love defense videos

[@unknownlz_]

Nah the Vando Play at 7:02 is crazy . The amount of energy , hustle , speed , control, and discipline and IQ needed for that defensive possession is insane . Honestly his job and the level and skill he executes it at is to me more Impressive and harder than a lot of 15ppg scorers in the league and maybe 1 or 2 low 20 mpg scorers tbh .

[@cheesehead7278]

Thinking back on what could’ve been while he was at Kentucky…Shai, PJ Washington, Kev Knox with a healthy Jarred would’ve been so nasty

[@tetshua_2127]

that defensive eurostep looks like something from a sports anime lmao

[@edwardng5101]

have you guys see the 3s from the corners from Vando? he has been practicing to play within the system with Lebron and AD

[@mag101vlog]

He’s the most hardworking Player in the Lakers lineup right now followed by Dennis S. .. he’s not lazy, you can’t see him wait for the ball

[@Drakeroach]

Can you do a video on Kevon Looney? He leads the league in offensive rebounds. I feel like he should be getting more recognition for most improved player.

[@tarico4436]

Am a huge Dubs fan, so I shoulda seen this earlier, but didn't. Yes, of course Looney has become a force

[@vaibhavchaturvedi9826]

I think Kevon Looney should also be considered a modern Rodman to be honest. Man's grabbing 20 rebs every game these playoffs and always a good rim protector as well. Good screen and rolls too. Such a great compliment to stars like Steph and Klay and Wiggins to score

[@arrowvvd]

yes but he's a center

[@madisonbordenave4869]

I love the podcast and all of your content. You guys talked about outlining the positives each mvp candidate brings to the court and weighing who brings the most value to decide who the mvp should go to. Have u thought about doing a series that does this? It would be nice to actually see some real basketball analysis done when it comes to mvp conversation for a change.

[@Bonesmalone27]

Really wanted the warriors to send Wiseman and a few picks for him but im stoked the lakers are using him properly and he's getting good minutes. Loved watching him play for the jazz since I live in slc. Hope the best for his career. He deserves to be on good teams

[@Courtside-Stories]

Love this comment

[@seancharran3332]

I really really really like Vando. He’s my favorite pickup from the trade deadline for Lakeshow.

[@w.camera1204]

Rodman was definitely far stronger. Vando is great at dealing with smaller players with his speed and agility, but gets muscled around by power players like Julius Randle.

[@snowman_oven]

power player? randle?

[@createdsoicancomment2833]

Love Vando! And I love your page. This is awesome analysis!

[@nikeairjordanfly]

I wouldn’t call him a modern Rodman, he’s just a dude that plays with a lot of passion

[@mrt1640]

Just to let you know he’s been doing this on the timberwolves for quite some time it’s kinda sad to see that DLo and vando were completely under appreciated in that franchise because of there main stars not being able to feed off of there energy and defensive IQ

[@woah7609]

@@mrt1640 trading dlo kinda made sense cause they wanted Ant to handle the ball but trading Vanderbilt made no sense

[@emmanuelpaleyan3405]

exactly like rodman.

[@mrt1640]

And you can credited his passion as having a great motor as said in the vid just like Rodman

[@mrt1640]

@@woah7609 And Ant isn’t a primary ball handler he’s a shooting guard for a reason…..that’s why he’s averaging more points then assist there best passer is an aging Mike Conley that’s kinda concerning

[@WeLikeHer45]

That 7:20 clip is just insaaane! Love this in depth video!

[@3dkazee2004]

You know how to get these clicks, keep pushing Lakeshow Agenda, #18 on the way 💪

[@KidTwisTer]

Haven't heard of him before he came to the lakers. Man this guy is so talented!!!!!