Defense
Since entering the NBA, Swanigan hasn’t been able to record much more than a steal or block every couple games.
- Preseason: 0.5 steals, 0.2 blocks
- G-League: 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks
- Regular season: 0.2 steals, 0.1 blocks
- 2018 Summer League: 0.4 steals, 0.3 blocks
This is mostly due to his size and athleticism – he’s undersized for a power forward at 6 feet 8 inches tall and certainly doesn’t have the agility, speed or vertical to compensate.
If he is to take Ed Davis‘ spot alongside Collins in the reserve frontcourt rotation, he will need to improve defensively. Davis and Collins paired well together – both held opponents to under 56% within six feet of the hoop. Swanigan, on the other hand, allowed opponents to shoot 60.9% that close to the rim.
His defense doesn’t pass the eye test either. In the Apr. 5 game versus Houston, guards blew by him on switches after a screen more times than not. While lanky, athletic big men like Collins can make up ground and contest the shot, Swanigan is left in the dust.