Ham: We can defend against Jokic when building the front line.

Pooja77

On October 1st, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham recently gave an interview.

When asked about not having a true center to go up against Nikola Jokic, Ham said, "I think having those types of players is definitely a very valuable resource. But if your roster isn't built that way, then having a player like AD (Anthony Davis) is also great. When he's doing what he does out there, he might be one of the top five defenders in our league, a two-way player. But especially as a defensive player, he can cover the floor, stay in front of smaller players, and block shots at the rim. We've seen Jackson Hays, and although he may not be as big and heavy as the other players you mentioned, he's also very athletic and can protect the rim. Christian Wood, naturally skilled at shot-blocking and protecting the rim.

"If you don't have those big guys, maybe you can find a guy with a good physique and then put a group of players between 6 feet 7 inches and 6 feet 9 inches tall around him to build some kind of fortress. Players will put in efforts on multiple fronts, so I think besides Jokic, Embiid, Nurkic, and some other players, I think the NBA has changed its playing style through the way the Warriors led. Over the years, the way this sport is played and defended has changed significantly. Jokic, and of course Embiid, these guys will obviously make you have to consider how to defend them, that's for sure. But you look at players like AD and Giannis (Antetokounmpo), and players of that kind in that position, it's like, okay, what do we do. We are satisfied with the personnel we have. We want them to play bigger than their size, they are already 6 feet 8, 240 pounds and 6 feet 9, 250 pounds. I think I prefer players' speed, athleticism, and versatility over a big player, when there are only one or two of those players in the entire league. When that player is not on the court, they won't be playing. I prefer another way."

(Note: This translation is based on the provided text. "AD" refers to Anthony Davis, "Jackson Hays" and "Christian Wood" are mentioned as well. The abbreviation "NBA" stands for the National Basketball Association.)

Sona59

Being able to beat the Rockets and Thunder is already quite good.

977Iti

Ham: You know, we have a secret weapon.

Kahn332

This lineup doesn't have anyone who can limit Jokic.

Iti9

At 27 years old, there may not be much room for improvement.

Kabir903

It seems that this year's reinforcement is aimed at the Nuggets!