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Anonymous
I can't stress how much Nash not playing good defense had hurt the Suns over the last few years. The Suns back then was underrated for their defensive rotation, but Nash was hidden well in defensive traps and recovery because both Bell and Marion could play man to man defense and always hustles to get back on the open man. The only defense Nash has was drawing a couple of charges a game. He can't fight through screens, and when Shaq arrived, even if the big cactus was able to stay infront of the opposing PG and cover the passing lanes in a pick n roll, Nash is always too slow to get back on his assignment which allowed easy jumpers, Tony Parker being one of the best example.
Paul is no defensive wizard, but he makes up for his lack of size by playing smart. He knows how to double team and surprise(i.e. Tim Duncan), has great timing on cutting the passing lane, and he positions himself where he won't try to contest shots, but instead covering up the paint to avoid dribble penetration and helping out against a low post threat. That is why even though the Hornets is not a great FG% defense team, their overall defense is above average because they don't foul, and that is attributed to Byron Scott's teaching as well as Paul's influence on the team.
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