NBA Defenses for Dummies

[@bovedli]

Truly Humble Under God

[@whatslaps]

that's the mantra

[@lusususu]

Every week this guy casually changes my perspective on basketball.

[@whatslaps]

thanks for tuning in 🫶

[@bennyfromdevs]

Something that was kind of cool in this video was when you referenced the video from last week (no point in guarding the weak side). I don’t know how it would be implemented, or if it’s too complex, but it could fun to make a couple videos that build off each other. That way you get everyone watching all the videos and you can break down a more complex topic in a digestible form. Like maybe “how _____ won a championship” and a couple videos touching on their offense, defense, etc.. I don’t know if that makes sense or not, maybe I’m just waffling.

[@whatslaps]

yeah, that'd be cool. I'd definitely watch a video on that. I feel like I don't have the expertise to break something down like that, but maybe I'm underestimating myself.

[@bennyfromdevs]

@ you definitely have the expertise, might just take more time to research and all. Even if you don’t know it, you present the information you know/learned well. Anyways, I’ll go eat a corn dog or whatever

[@8teenOfficial]

i love the brat color reference my g

[@whatslaps]

I think I actually needed to lighten it up a bit. Next week though.

[@waltermymala9654]

thanks for the video I been watching for a hella long time and didn't know until now

[@whatslaps]

same here man

[@alfrink1c]

Great video, I definitely watched the whole video before commenting

[@whatslaps]

you watchin it in 5x times speed ;)

[@Fred-nl8hk]

Great vid keep up the good work!

[@whatslaps]

thanks! glad you're enjoying the vids!

[@Jojo-ue6ub]

Player archetypes next? Spot up shooters , 2 way players etc. great video btw !!

[@whatslaps]

brilliant. I've done similar things, but presented this way is perfect.

[@craigglean]

I love your channel and your videos. I was wondering if you could do a video analysing the different roles in a team (3 and D guy, a defensive anchor, playmaker etc.) and what roles are the most common amongst championship teams. Like last year with the phoenix suns having 3 on-ball scorers didn't work and now it does. I would love to see your analysis on this. Also love your mother and eat a corn dog

[@whatslaps]

so I've done a bit of it but in different videos. I've done the positions video, terminology video which I think covers them. The "for dummies" playlist might be helpful. Glad you like the channel!

[@Dimezprod]

Hot take: Rudy Gobert deserves his DPOY’s and is routinely one of the best defenders. His job isn’t to play on-ball D

[@whatslaps]

I agree. I think that's a common sentiment amongst Rudy stans.

[@bealu9459]

hell nah robbed wemby

[@chicabu67]

That is one of worst hot takes i had listen in ages Just making clear what i mean you aren't wrong but i can't agree with saying that ocean is blue is a hot take

[@Dimezprod]

@chicabu67 I personally think it's a hot take because SO MANY fans try and disrespect him, and every single team he gets beat in coverage social media makes a huge deal put of it.

[@ewgrosslmao]

So if a smaller defender who isn't is good at post/inside defense does that mean they could win too? How can you be the best if you can only effectively guard 1 out of the 2

[@jonasketch7495]

Great vid! I really enjoy this style of content that doesn't assume that the viewer grew up playing organized basketball. Can you do a video about the evolution of point guards? It seems that the slashing point guard has started to phase out (eg. Russell Westbrook, John Wall, D Rose) in favor of the shoot first point guard, at least on teams where the point guard is a primary offensive option. Of course there are super quick slashing PGs still like DeAaron Fox and Ja Morant, but they're not as common today. Would you say that that's just a part of the evolution of the NBA game as a whole that prioritizes shooting more?

[@whatslaps]

That'd be good. Sort of like what I've done with centers in the past. I definitely beat that dead horse long enough haha

[@ddavis2947]

So happy you brought up JJJ’s rebounding I always wondered why it is so poor!

[@whatslaps]

I really don't know. Maybe because he's played next to good rebounders his whole career?

[@Skinslyfe]

@@whatslapsseems he’s improved this year

[@driss6208]

Might not be the most popular idea but I think a video about college or g league basketball would be interesting

[@whatslaps]

I think so too, but I've done videos in the past about both that'd didn't do well. currently they're set to unlisted

[@raymondphillipfanara9271]

This is an awesome series. You explain it really well. I know all this but still learned something. Please make this an ongoing thing past defense and offense. Maybe go into financial stuff like contract and the trade deadline.

[@whatslaps]

I've got a bunch! checkout the for dummies playlist!

[@raymondphillipfanara9271]

@ sick! More content to enjoy! Cheers broski!

[@babystacks]

I watch every video and learn something new every time, thanks!

[@whatslaps]

Awesome, man! love to hear that!

[@justingallant648]

I'm glad you made this video! I saw you mention it in the comments of your video on NBA offense and I've been waiting for it!

[@whatslaps]

the people have spoken!

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

I find the Celtics defence fascinating. When Kristaps is out (which is most games) they don't really have a true rim protector, but they sort of do rim protection by committee (I mean sometimes they play Queta but the less I say the better). You see Horford, Tatum and White all getting blocks at different points

[@whatslaps]

From what I've seen of Boston Queta is the weak link out there. It's on sight when Kristaps comes back.

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

@@whatslaps Queta is an ok defensive piece but he's just useless offensively

[@marissagarcia7684]

please do types of screens🙏

[@whatslaps]

I wonder if I could do an 8 minute video on screens 🤔

[@marissagarcia7684]

@@whatslapsi believe in you

[@Dante-sm4vs]

Honey, wake up! The GOAT uploaded

[@whatslaps]

honey is a better pet name than babe imho

[@chicomdelatorre]

sometimes watching nba with my dad or friends that are casuals i will say one of these nba twitter terms and they look at me like i am a complete freak

[@whatslaps]

I think they have a test you can take to find out.

[@idkkkkkkkk_]

playing defense is definitely my favorite part in playing basketball tbhh!!!

[@whatslaps]

same.

[@idkkkkkkkk_]

@@whatslaps you know ball!!!

[@noapoleon1]

do you ever see yourself doing a seperate series, like breaking down 1 game a week that stood out to you in the NBA / Kinda like thinking Basketball or Awful Coaching?

[@whatslaps]

actually I don't. I want to broaden the channel into a more sports culture and business channel. I like the details of games, but there are channels that do it better. Like the two you mentioned.

[@leojamesquiambao1047]

Hmm, suggestion for video. How important is teamwork/team chemistry in the NBA? Like, why do some teams filled with All-stars still can't scrape up a win?

[@whatslaps]

I've done a video on Bad vibe teams and one on super teams. I think the super team one covers some of that. Lakers 04, Lakers 2012, Current Suns, Etc

[@sandervalentine3490]

You got a new sub! Keep it up!

[@whatslaps]

Sweet! thanks for the sub, man!

[@gigio4real]

dellavedova was legendary guarding steph in 2016

[@whatslaps]

that's true. Could have used him as the example too

[@balance4141]

Good analysis of on-ball D, made the proper points of things to consider when guarding the guy with the ball IMO. Didn't know FVV guarded Steph up good like that. Box and 1 is an interesting zone D, kinda feel bad for the "1" in a way, has a bigger job than everyone else kinda, but I guess that's all part of the challenge of doing your job well. Surprising for triple J to be such a good rim protector but not good defensive rebounder, I can't really think of anybody else who had that discrepancy between the two. Love Caruso's defense, can't believe Lakers and Bulls let him go. Not sure I exactly knew what drop coverage was, thought I understood the idea but was not 100%. You're good at this always, but very much noticed for this vid particularly, you use such great clips to show what you are describing for any given thing. I think I might have mentioned that a while ago but I want to re-state it because I'm sure a considerable amount to time/effort has to go into that being so well done and want to let you know that it doesn't go unnoticed, super great job at that man, you're awesome. I'll let the glazing continue a bit more and say that the info and presentation that you give is also so good. So I guess basically what I'm saying is that the entirety of your content and what you give is great and that's why I have enjoyed watching EACH AND EVERY one of your vids that you've put out. Haven't properly said this so explicitly in a while so I'm glad to do it again and let you know how much what you do is appreciated. Dude your stuff is so good, thank you and thank you again. Sorry if I seem over the top but I'm really just feeling how much I like watching what you give and want to let you know. Anyway, you are the *frickin* man, and thank you again, and I look forward to the next one again as always/usual. 🫡🫡🫡

[@whatslaps]

Dang, man! thanks for noticing the details. I enjoy doing it. These videos are a little more time consuming because you gotta find the clips then you gotta slow them down. I'm grateful for other youtubes who make compilations on this stuff that I can bite. The more videos I make the more I realize everyone is sampling everyone's videos. It helps a lot. Not sure how people are recording games on league pass though. Quicktime blocks it. 🧐 No shame in appreciating the work, brother. Glad we're still here!

[@BigBoyDanny123]

The GOAT back with another banger

[@whatslaps]

my privilege to bang

[@lucashowell7653]

Could you make a video guiding me through all the ways a pick and roll can go? Maybe not literally all the ways but at least the major outcome categories that they plan for. Thanks!

[@ShannoWhamo]

I was going to suggest an explanation of going over or under screens which would maybe fit into this...but maybe not because I don't yet understand what it means!

[@lucashowell7653]

@ I know a little about screens but I think I would get cooked if I tried to run a pick and roll because I wouldn’t know what to do once the defender made a choice…

[@whatslaps]

I probably should. I need to learn how people make those graphics that go underneath the player.

[@whatslaps]

@ShannoWhamo might do a whole video on pick and rolls. I think over means fighting to get in front of the screener vs under means going behind. (I think)

[@lucashowell7653]

@whatslaps exactly, there’s the over/under and then sometimes I hear them “slipping” the screen, which I think means just chasing in whatever direction the ball handler goes? I don’t really know so 🤞 hoping for a video P.S. replying to whatslaps directly doesn’t work

[@rileymcphee9429]

As a newer basketball fan, the learning curve for terminology is very steep. In the paint, in the post, off the board, pick n roll, pick n pop, the 1, the 2, the 3, the 4, the 5, 6th man, and-1, zone, swing, lottery team, tweener, etc. And explanatory videos like this are few and far between 😅

[@whatslaps]

these are great ideas for new videos. I haven't explained a few of those yet!

[@ShannoWhamo]

Whenever I try to find an explanation of basic but new-to -me basketball terminology, it's a video by a high school basketball coach and it's just not really the explanation I need so these videos are invaluable!

[@DanielTaylor-tz1rf]

buddy needs to stick to dungeons and dragons

[@rileymcphee9429]

@@DanielTaylor-tz1rf why not both? 🤷‍♂️

[@idkkkkkkkk_]

fire as usual 🔥

[@whatslaps]

expect my best.

[@idkkkkkkkk_]

@whatslaps keep doing it

[@imeankinda5629]

Who are some of the most underrated players of all time in your opinion? Could be international prospects or player who were really good in college

[@whatslaps]

I might do that on this channel @whatshorts one of these weeks.

[@whatslaps]

Not sure if I replied to this one. It says one reply, but I don't remember what I said. Andrei Kirilenko doesn't get enough respect though

[@tomatoactual1340]

I think the biggest defensive dichotomy is Brunson/Mcbride both 6’2 PGs who play the opposite defenses very well also Deuce Mcbride had his career game against curry and was weaving around screens and denying currys breathing room

[@whatslaps]

I gotta keep an eye on Mcbride. I hadn't noticed him, but I'll be looking out 👀

[@LosersRus_2]

Am I still supposed to eat a corn dog?

[@whatslaps]

take a week off. I hear the double chunk chocolate chip cookie at Costco is pretty good.

[@DegenerateCases]

Can you make an explainer about fouls and what is legal in the nba? As in what constitutes a reach in vs legal steal, moving screen vs legal screen, etc.

[@whatslaps]

that'd be good. Might be tough, but a good learning experience.

[@DegenerateCases]

@@whatslaps there’s a lot of ref training content out there, condensing it down into a video would be so helpful to fans who haven’t played the game. title idea: “how to see like an nba ref”. Maybe a clickbaity thumbnail of a ref with a seeing eye dog and cane

[@genocidehero9687]

Was Chris Broussard right about James Harden being... "Regarded"?

[@whatslaps]

haha, I'll have to look into this.

[@katlamash1189]

Can you explain to some of us why players like Russell Westbrook fell off ?

[@whatslaps]

that could be a good video.

[@lexkoal8657]

Another interesting video

[@whatslaps]

Glad you enjoyed it, player!

[@buzzerbeater3350]

I noticed that you didn't cover ice defense or double-teams/traps. Are those in another video?

[@whatslaps]

nah not yet. might do a part 2 sometime if this video does well.

[@kf167]

Talk about Dyson Daniels please

[@whatslaps]

I should do a video where I just glaze requested players.

[@DONDAESTALEOMESSI]

Do u think Rudy is a top 10 defender ever? I think hes arguably the best defender of this generation (2010-) so im curiouswhat u think

[@whatslaps]

I think you'd have to say he is right? hard to deny it.

[@DONDAESTALEOMESSI]

@ some argue kahwi and draymond but i just think that 4 dpoys to 3 combined is very impressive

[@williammoreno8107]

This helps me so much

[@whatslaps]

happy to help!

[@camivipla]

Just because he wasn't mentioned: I think Jrue Holiday is a DPOY level defender.

[@whatslaps]

Jrue Holiday > Mockus Smot

[@MrZaku-rh4qt]

Ben Simmons doesn't even drive anymore bro 😭 Straight up scared of the hoop, its crazy

[@whatslaps]

yeah, but I had to say something nice about the guy. He's probably depressed.

[@riowicaksono5544]

It's more about mental for him, but it's also on his own. His problem is that he is REALLY GOOD at one thing only and once leagues figuring it out and just stuffing the paint he basically useless. All of that wouldn't happen if he can shoot at respectable accuracy and volume (which he can totally learn in the past). Now he will never be a star anymore, his best chance is play as a defensive roleplayer to defend smaller guards, or maybe just move to PF

[@pekhos_]

So why do bigger guys get more consideration for dopy than smaller guys? is it really only because they guard the rim? that seems unfair

[@whatslaps]

I think it's the BDE that radiates from them.

[@Max-kw2hp]

​@@whatslaps Greg Oden never got any consideration and we have photo evidence 😂

[@imnotyou4831]

Great video

[@whatslaps]

Thanks! glad you liked it!

[@thelaughingdream]

For star level players, do u think there’s an age limit on a player winning their first championship? I think Dirk is the oldest star to have won his first championship at the age of 32. Anyone older than that has not won their first chip leading their team from what I looked up.

[@whatslaps]

Hmm... I don't know. I'd say probably 29 to 32 is a player's peak.

[@cyrillesu]

Got into an argument with a dude the other day on Twitter. MFer claimed proudly that D-Wade and Harden are "not that far off" defensively because their career steals totals are essentially the same. Might be the most braindead take I've ever encountered in my years as an NBA fan.

[@whatslaps]

don't argue with a fool. they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

[@balance4141]

Thanks!

[@whatslaps]

🙇🙇

[@cannedpineapple2702]

If you're ever in Miami, Arbetters hot dogs has the best corn dogs in the city. Celtics fan owner tho, blegh.

[@whatslaps]

haha, I'll check it. I'm a big portillos guy tbh

[@buzzerbeater3350]

@6:06 Players don't need to have eyes in the back of their head. The player you featured was no other than Lonzo Ball. He is poorly positioned. His back should be facing the baseline so he can see the ball and his man at the same time.👍🏾

[@whatslaps]

that's true. Lamelo always caught slippin on defense

[@buzzerbeater3350]

@@whatslaps Lamelo sucks too on defense but that was his brother, Lonzo.👍🏽

[@ezrapaul6808]

People always like to bring up dray in “bad 3pt shooters” conversations but he shot 39.5% on 2.3 attempts last season and is shooting 45.2% on 3.5 attempts in his first 12 games this season!!

[@whatslaps]

that's true. He did have a season where he was absolutely torching

[@PijanTheDrunk]

he is a career 32% shooter though. Having one good season on extremely low volume doesn't all of a sudden mean he's a great 3 point shooter. There is just going to be some variance when the volume is so low.

[@rockysalvatore7352]

​@@whatslapsSteph stans

[@vercettii]

good video

[@whatslaps]

thanx man!!

[@trkempton]

Is this the first video where you did not tell us to eat a corndog? Didn't feel right.

[@whatslaps]

I mix it up. I usually say it, but sometimes I gotta pump fake on y'all basstuds ;)

[@LouisWontShutup]

Commenting for algorithm

[@whatslaps]

🙏

[@wretchedegg9042]

I just bought a new pen I love it

[@whatslaps]

there's nothing like it.

[@konzza]

Wow! Not often you hear people making such bold investmestmest. Please update and let us know, how did it pan out eventually. 10/10 for your courage and bravery, bro ❤ Actually... You should probably team up with @whatslaps to create content regarding your new pen. I mean... Let's just be real and face the fact that NBA is just something that just keeps on going and going, season after season. It would be more interesting to hear about something that rarely ever happens. A guy actually going and buying himself a brand new pen. Unless this is a fake, and you're just one of those social media fakers, just posting about this kind of outrageous stuff, that never actually happened. If that's the case, screw you buddy, for playing with our emotions...

[@buzzerbeater3350]

@2:21 A Box-in-one is a "junk" defense. It's a combination of a zone and man defenses.

[@whatslaps]

I gotta look up "junk" defenses

[@cts1549]

Did i miss it or did i still not get an explanation of drop coverage

[@whatslaps]

It's basically just the center switching onto the guard when the screen is set.

[@idkpt2675]

Hoping AD and Bam can get a dpoy before wemby goes on a reign of terror

[@whatslaps]

This would be the year I think.

[@johnlarson505]

5 biggest babies in the NBA. 1. Embiid 2. Harden 3. Giannis 4. Draymond 5. LeBron

[@whatslaps]

No luka?

[@johnlarson505]

@whatslaps you're not wrong. This list may require a top 10.

[@Skinslyfe]

@@johnlarson505Luka is literally top 3 or you just don’t watch the nba bro genuinely

[@johnlarson505]

@@Skinslyfe I agree about Luka. Truth be told, I've been trying to get whatslaps to make a video of the 5 biggest babies in the NBA on his other channel for a bit. I just threw out a list to see if he'll get annoyed at how terrible my list is and just put out the video I've been clamoring for.

[@MaksimSalomatin]

I see new vid, I put like

[@whatslaps]

u smot and u loya

[@ThaddeusFord065]

whats ur fav movie ever goat?

[@whatslaps]

hard to say, but the movie I think about the most is The Disaster Artist. There's also a doc called Best Worst Movie that I really enjoyed. Similar themes in both.

[@cannedpineapple2702]

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO AFTER BEING GOOD TO MY MOTHER

[@whatslaps]

meditate and think about what is important to you. (besides your obvi)

[@pakpaksugar5194]

og anunoby for dpoy ily you my nigerian prince

[@whatslaps]

Does OG have an accent? I know he's British.

[@iancarrey4123]

COMMENT!

[@whatslaps]

REPLY!

[@warnord]

first

[@whatslaps]

so close