Whose better at dfense, Ben Wallace or Bill Russel?

Question

I know, i know, Big Ben has 4 dfensiv player awards, but bill was the dfensiv master of his era. So seriously, whose better?

Answer 1

No contest here. Russell was The Best Defender of All-Time. I hear his athleticism knocked, but these folks must've never seen him play. The same criticism is often made of Chamberlain, but it's simply not true.

Both men were two of the most athletic 7-footers ever to step on the court. They were on par with David Robinson and Hakeem Olajuwon, as far as speed and leaping ability, and there's no question they could hang with anyone in the game today. I have no doubt Russell could average 18+ boards and 4-5+ blocks, even today. Folks made a big deal of guys like Barkley and Rodman, Mutumbo and Camby---Russell would've led the league in rebounding and blocks EVERY year he played.

Big Ben is an excellent defender and a great team guy, but Russell set the standard. As has already been mentioned, not only was he a tremendous athlete, but he knew the game inside and out. When Aurbach retired, he led the Celtics to the title as a player-coach over a Lakers team that featured the best offensive trio the NBA has ever seen---Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor.

Russell set the standard.

Answer 2

Did you seriously ask that question??? Bill Russell or Ben Wallace??? Bill Russell is a Celtic LIVING LEGEND and Ben Wallace is a defensive player that can barely make a free throw. Bill Russell had better defense than almost every player in the NBA since his time to now.

Answer 3

Bill Russell is the better defender.

The man plays smart defense. When he blocks a shot he deflects it towards his teammates or brush block it upwards and transform the block into a rebound instead of sending it towards the stands. The man for his size is also very fast either on his feet or on the jump. Its this speed that often caught his opponent by surprise and allows Russ to play mind games with opponents.

In terms of athleticism, Russ beats Ben Wallace. Russ is a sprinter and an Olympic caliber high-jumper. Back when he was still 6'5" before Russ went to college, he once jumped straight up beneath the rim in an exhibition game and was able to look down and see the floor through the rim. That would make his vert jump at LEAST 43 inches (Thats the difference between the top of his head and the rim).

Answer 4

It's hard to compare the two because of the different eras they played in. You have to consider that Wallace is going up against a lot better athletes and is more athletic himself than Russell. But even though Russell didn't have great athletism he was amazing at positioning himself for rebounds and blocks. My verdict is Bill Russell.

Answer 5

Are you kidding? While Ben Wallace is an all-time great defensive player now, Bill Russell is probably the greatest defensive player EVER.

Answer 6

Bill Russell, there is absolutely no debate on this. Bill Russell. If you say Ben Wallace you should slap yourself across the face.

Answer 7

Bill Russell hands down.. He's a smart defender.. This guy is the biggest reason why the early celtics teams were a dynasty. If the NBA was recording blocks back then, he would have had a very unreachable record..

Answer 8

Bill Russell. Wallace is good because he is athletic (can jump for 6'9 and is extremely strong). Russell used his mind, and half of basketball is mental. Trust me, Russell is considered the best defender and one of the greatest players of all time. If blocks and steals were recorded during the time he played, he and Wilt would've shattered the present day records.

Answer 9

Ben Wallace he can defend the post and block the shots !

Answer 10

This question is an embarrassment to Bill Russell.