Great Scott in NBA playoffs
Kobe Bryant was named the NBA’s MVP, and while Kobe was an excellent choice, voters also had some worthy options. Kevin Garnett. LeBron James. Chris Paul.
But there was no such competition in coach of the year. The Hornets’ Byron Scott was the clear choice, and so far in this series against San Antonio, we can see Scott’s work in action.
A starting unit that is more offensive-oriented than defensive, the Hornets are playing some serious defense on the Spurs. Think about it. Paul? Getting better on defense, but still a work in progress. David West? The same. Morris Peterson? We didn’t see Peterson here in Oklahoma City, but I don’t think he’s a defensive whiz; definitely a comedown from the guy he replaced, Desmond Mason, even though Peterson is a better offensive player. Peja Stojakovic? You’ve got to be kidding.
Only Tyson Chandler is an elite defender, and yet the Hornets are trapping and confusing and frustrating San Antonio. The Hornets have kept Tony Parker out of the lane and made Manu Ginobili look completely out of his element.
That’s good coaching. That’s solid coaching. New Orleans remains a long way from the NBA title — 10 wins still, with probably no more than eight home games left — but if Scott continues to get his Hornets to defend like this, the championship is within reach.
-------------Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter @BerryTramel. Visit Berry's website here.
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tyson chandler an elite defender? not quite. he’s a very good defender but has no reason not to be: he’s tall, athletic and has no offensive game. but an elite defender? no. that word should be saved for people who are better or equal to the likes of pippen, rodman, payton, jordan, dumars, bruce bowen.