T-Mac a lockdown defender in his prime?

[Poe]

I need some reassurance about my basketball IQ. Someone on another forum is trying to argue with me that T-Mac was a LOCKDOWN DEFENDER back in his prime days. Do you agree with him?

[Real Deal]

McGrady has never been a lockdown defender. Lockdown defensive players on the perimeter would be Ron Artest, Bruce Bowen, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, etc. McGrady would never, ever get his name mentioned in that group.

[bravenewworld]

Okay, so i voted "yes" even though i do not really think TMac was a truly lock down defender.

In his prime he was able to guard great guards and SFs, plus he had the ability to defend up to three positions.

Those combined would not make him the best defender in the game, but they would make him above average and i truly think he was one of the better of his prime time.

[Anhemta25]

Maybe not "Lock down" player but he was a good defensive player coming into the league. But I voted no.

[Check my Stats]

He was the defensive specialist in his Toronto days, he wanted to go somewhere else so he could get more offensive touches and chuck shots up the way he did in Orlando, mr 30 points on 41%.

 

While T-Mac was athletic enough to defend and lock someone down, I wouldn't consider him lockdown because that wasn't his focus in the game. When you have a guy who is so focused on scoring it is hard to for that player to give 100% on both ends. Besides Kobe, when he feels like it, I can't really think of a guy who was a lockdown defender on the perimeter as well as a high volume scorer.