What Are The Best 3-and-D Prospects.

LeBron’s original defender on the play, Kevin Durant, is forced to switch onto Smith in the action.

This is merely an example of how NBA teams target weaker defenders on offense, and specifically on the perimeter.

It’s why versatility on defense and being able to switch onto players with greater size or strength is becoming an increasingly more valuable skillset, and the reason franchises are constantly on the lookout for prospects who can defend more than one position and can knock down open shots.

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavaliers call Kyle Korver to screen for Kevin Love on the wing, which forces Love’s defender, Aron Baynes, onto Korver.

They achieve the result they want by forcing Korver’s defender, Jaylen Brown, onto Love in hopes that Love can use his height advantage of three inches to post up and get an easy basket near the paint.