Getting Defensive

I know an All-Defensive Team nod was a goal of LeBron's this season...he did not make either of the teams announced today, but he eventually will.

The 30 head coaches vote on the first and second team members by position...LeBron finished 5th among small forwards behind Bruce Bowen (1st team) Shane Battier, Tayshaun Prince and Ron Artest. He actually received one first team vote and three seconds, the first time he has ever received All-Defensive Team votes.

King James had his best defensive year I thought and is only going to get better...just as Kobe Bryant has become a premier stopper, becoming an 8 time All Defensive Team member.

LeBron, as we often saw during the season took on the toughest guard in the 4th quarter, from Baron Davis to Brandon Roy to Kobe.

His strength, size and skill make him an ideal defender. He gives Mike Brown credit for making him a better defender and you can tell he enjoys the challenge of stopping his man.

Chase down blocks in the open floor are not a stat that is kept...but I wonder if any player had more this season. We saw LBJ pull it off close to 10 times this season, including Rajon Rondo the other night. It's a rare skill that Josh Smith and Prince also have...to me, it may be the most breathtaking play in basketball.

We'll see plenty more from number 23 as he grows as a defender...