I was just commenting about how Craft was actually able to defend the post against the likes of MSU and Wisky. I mean granted he probably couldn't do it for the whole game but for at least a few plays, he sticks his butt out and stays active enough to deter a post entry. He was able to play against Berggren and deny the entry pass pretty well. Made Amir look really bad!
Which got me to thinking, who couldn't Aaron Craft defend? Could he defend an NBA PG like Chris Paul? Could he defend Lebron or Jordan?
now I will add the caveat that I am talking about a single key possession to get a stop. I have no delusions that he could shut down the best NBA players in the league right now or best ever. But could he get a stop against the best when it is needed? Could he contain Lebron the way many can not?
also, who would you like to see him try to defend? He might get killed by Lebron but it might be fun to see him try!
There is no way Craft could guard Lebron. Craft is a fantastic on-ball defender for those of relatively similar stature. Lebron would back down Craft to the paint and finish over him, or simply pull up and shoot over him. Because of their size differential, I don't think it's even a question. Also, nowadays, even the best NBA defenders can't guard Lebron.
it is the ultimate test though right? but what about Chris Paul, a player closer to his stature.
I think Craft could keep up with Chris Paul, and he certainly wouldn't get run over. But Paul would put up his usual numbers and find a way to make things happen. That's why he is the best PG in the league. Perhaps in a few years Craft would have the ability to take Paul out of his comfort zone, but Chris Paul is a seasoned vet who is probably just quick enough to get around Craft. This is taking nothing away from Craft, he's an awesome defender, but it's unfair to put his talents up against the best of the NBA when he hasn't seen a minute in the league yet.
I for one will be very interested to see how he turns out in the NBA, who picks him up, and how he is utilized. I want him and Burke to continue their 'friendly' rivalry on the next level.
I think Burke might have a nice long career in the NBA but I never really though Craft had much of a future in the league. I think he will find his future lies in coaching college ball.
Specifically we hope he could take over for Matta when he retires.
but mostly, I was just hoping to have some fun with this because it would be interesting to see how he will do against those athletes if he ever gets the chance.
I think he will find his future lies in
coaching college ball.being a doctor.I gave you an upvote for this because it made me chuckle, but then I actually thought about what I would do if I was a doctor (I'm not) or if I could be a college coach (probably not). Aaron Craft seems like a guy capable of both at an extremely high level, and if I were in that position I would definitely choose coach. Kind of reminds me of Jay Bilas, who has a law degree. It would be awesome to see him be part of the staff one day, he would definitely be able to coach defense but he should be kept away during shooting drills. Like outside the gym away.
What kind of horrible nickname is that? I'd take "Rosey Cheeks" over that middle school moniker. Hope that doesn't come off as trollish, but yuk!!
Just looked at the author of this and I hate to come across this way to you as I typically enjoy most of your posts. So, dishing a little good with the bad...
The God Beast? nothing middle school about it USMC!
I put it together because everyone is either saying he is a god this or a beast that. I figured he would be what I would compare to being the beast of the gods. If Zues were to send his dogs after you (so to speak), I would assume it would be a very crafty creature that would be relentless and fearless. Such a monster would fight until he died to fulfill his duty. Kind of sounds like Craft if you ask me.
Plus, come on, Rosy Cheeks sounds like a girl! and to keep spelling it wrong to just make fun of a moronic Up North writer doesn't sit with me either. All that moniker would do is add value to the detractors that he is only a...rosy cheeked white guy.
I do try to comment with some actual thought on here as well as the ocassional joke, but I figured this would add for a silly conversation about how far could Craft go with his defense. My intended point is how far could his defense rise and to what level could it help him compete.
Plus, some of the stories today have been very thought provoking! I need some stupid middle school thinking right now. so,
Craft would lockdown Lebron in his sleep!
Hey what's wrong with Rosie Cheeks? Marion Cobretti might disagree!
I love Craft more than anyone and hate LeBron more than most, but the very thought of Craft trying to D up LeBron is comical...
Brady Hoke's reaction to the Urban Meyer hire: "Not good."
No. He may get a swipe here and there when he helps double LeBron, but Craft does not have a chance one-on-one.
Nobody on the planet can guard LeBron James on-on-one....let alone a 6' 2" 190 lb. college guard. He could probably handle Mario Chalmers if that makes you feel better though.
NC Buckeye.
Could he do to Chalmers what the post says he does to Appling though? Could he abuse Chalmers so much that he could cheat over and actually help defend Lebron. Perhaps he couldn't man up Lebron one-on-one but maybe he could be that actual helper that can contain him. Although for a key play, I think if he put everything into it he could actually do something. Lebron tries to be too keen when he goes up against someone. When he just lets his skill do the work, he is unstoppable. But when Lebron tries stuff he gets caught sometimes and Craft could possibly get him thinking he has the advantage.
I really did think it was quite amazing how he posted up Berggren despite the disadvantage. I mean they were trying to get the ball into him and Craft just boxed him right out of the post.
what?
No one can guard LeBron... so no. Craft would need a few years in the NBA as a defender before he could make a big splash. The thing is, he won't be a big enough scoring threat to get a shot I don't think.
He could guard him outside the lane, and have very little ability to stop his jump shot. But, he could stay in front of him...
No. Darrelle Revis couldn't even cover LeBron. No one can cover LeBron at this point.
Also, Aaron Craft doesn't make Amir Williams look bad. Amir Williams more than makes Amir Williams look bad already.
As much as I would love to see LeBron get schooled by a Division I player, I have to say no. In this particular scenario, LeBron is just too damn big and Craft is just...not.
none of the greats, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron can be guarded...not even by each other and definitely not by a 6-1 guard... sure some do a better job of trying to stop them, but when they are on, they are going to score alot no matter who is guarding them..
Craft can defend as well any guard his size... he would already be one of the best defending point guards in the NBA right now, but he'd need to shoot a lot better from the outside to play in the NBA.
D. Anthony
Craft is awesome but in my opinion, no way does he guard Lebron or any of the NBA All Stars with any success on a regular basis. (nor do many of the players in the NBA!)
David Lighty would have a better chance I think (btw, where is he now?). It's why would never saw Bruce Bowen or Ron Artest guarding Ewing or Hakeem. Height gives offensive players a lot of advantages, not to mention LeBron is just a freight train. He's abusing guys his height or just slightly smaller than him right now. He'd take one look at Craft and just rise up over him with his 6'9'' frame.
I agree with you, but LeBron isn't 6'9" haha. He's listed an inch shorter and in reality, he's closer to 6'7"
Sounds like we're getting NFL combine picky haha
NO
I'm a friend of thunder is it any wonder lightning strikes me
NBA refs would call a foul on Craft every possession.
even if he was on the bench
LeBron has a huge advantage because he's allowed to take 12 steps without dribbling
I love Craft but no way.
I'd give him a fighter's chance. Go Craft!
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
I have a feeling that Craft might end up on the wrong end of an ESPN top 10. Nobody wants to be"the other guy" on a Lebron poster.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
Just ask Jason Terry
Maybe a better question is can anyone on the planet guard Lebron at this point in his career? He is remarkable and his game has matured as many thought it might. I'm of the opinion that no one in the NBA can guard Lebron if he needs to score.
Don't get me wrong. I love Aaron Craft. His passionate play has made him one of my all-time favorite Buckeyes even as a junior but he simply can't match Lebron. Go Bucks!
How about Aaron "the spider monkey" craft.....because he's going to be all over you like a ....you guessed it
Fitzbuck
Toledo - Ohio's right armpit
"A troll by any other name is still a troll".
Could Aaron Craft guard Lebron James? I don't know, does Brady Hoke belong on an episode of Biggest Loser?
"Anyone can run the option. I can run the option."
-Urban Meyer-
In high school I saw Lebron try to post up Drew Lavender, the entry pass may not have been perfect, but he got the steal preventing what should have been an easy play. That being said, not gonna happen. Lebron is taking the best defenders in the NBA to task, Craft wouldn't have a chance over the course of a game.
Yes Craft could guard Lebron situationally. I'm not saying he would stop Lebron one on one or could match up with him during a game, but Craft is quick and he could get in front of Lebron. If you've ever watch much of Lebron he will very often pull up for a lazy 3 when he should be driving to the rim. If there was a switch and Craft was forced to guard Lebron Craft could stay in front of him and Lebron would shoot over him for a long jump shot which is a win when anyone guards Lebron. Craft definitely has NBA caliber defense, he has NBA quickness. He would do well against Chris Paul but I think everyone agrees you're not going to shut down these elite NBA players. Craft just can't shoot, that's the only thing I see holding him back from a successful NBA career.
Anybody, including me, could guard Lebron...for about a microsecond.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)