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Could Blazers’ top 5 beat Warriors in 7?

By Jacob Swanson

Mar 2, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; American broadcaster Bill Walton before the game between the Stanford Cardinals and the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; American broadcaster Bill Walton before the game between the Stanford Cardinals and the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Former Chicago Bull Scottie Pippen attends game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Former Chicago Bull Scottie Pippen attends game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Pippen the defensive key for Portland

As good as he was offensively, many people will always remember Pippen for his defense.  There’s only a handful of players with double-digit All-Defensive honors and Pip is one of them, having made 10.  He was a steals machine, and he’ll be guarding Kevin Durant.

Pippen’s greatness wouldn’t overshadow the defensive abilities of “The Enforcer,” Lucas, or Bill Walton.  Each made two All-Defensive teams.

Draymond Green is surely destined for four such honors, at a minimum, having two already.  He’s the leader of the Warriors on defense.

Had we added a sixth man, hence including Andre Iguodala, they’d gain another two All-Defensive Team placements, and that could have helped swing this category in favor of the Warriors.

Without Iggy in the picture, however, it’s all Blazers in this category, with Pippen carrying his weight and then some.