In the world of basketball, defense is just as important as offense. And when it comes to locking down the opposing team's top scorers, few players in NBA history can match the skills of 5x champion as a key member of the Showtime Lakers and 1987 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Michael Cooper.
In this video, Coop takes us on a deep dive into his top five defensive assignments. From guarding the likes of Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas, to shutting down George Gervin and Alex English, Cooper proved time and time again that he was one of the best defenders to ever step onto the court.
But what made Cooper so special? It wasn't just his quick hands or his ability to read the offense. It was his commitment to studying his opponents and understanding their tendencies. Cooper knew that defense was about more than just stopping a player from scoring - it was about disrupting their rhythm, throwing them off their game, and forcing them to make mistakes.
Throughout this video, he breaks down each of defensive assignment and provides insights into his techniques, strategies, and mindset. We'll see how he used his length and agility to frustrate top scorers in the 1980’s NBA.
So if you're ready to go inside the mind of an NBA defensive legend, join in and explore Michael Cooper's top five defensive assignments in NBA history. You won't be disappointed!
00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Why no Larry Bird?
ABOUT EACH:
Andrew Toney - 00:28
Andrew Toney played for the Philadelphia 76ers from 1980 to 1988. He was born on November 23, 1957, in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Toney was known for his shooting skills and was nicknamed "The Boston Strangler" for his dominant performances against the Boston Celtics. He was a 2x All-Star and helped the Sixers win the title in 1983.
Toney's career was cut short due to foot and knee injuries, and he retired in 1988. He finished w a career average of 15.9 points, 2.8 rebs, and 3.0 assists. Despite his short career, Toney is considered one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA playoff history.
Vinny Johnson - 08:12
Vinny Johnson, also known as "The Microwave," played in the NBA from 1981 1992. VJ was born on September 1, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, and went to Baylor.
The Seattle SuperSonics drafted him in 1979. Johnson played key roles for Kansas City Kings, Detroit Pistons, & San Antonio Spurs. He is best known as a “Bad Boy” Piston, where he won back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990.
Johnson was a key player off the bench for the Pistons and earned his nickname "The Microwave" for his ability to come into the game and quickly heat up, scoring points in bunches.
George Gervin - 03:12
George Gervin, also known as "The Iceman," is a retired pro basketball player who played in the NBA and ABA from 1972 to 1986. He was born on April 27, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan. Gervin played college basketball at Eastern Michigan University and then transferred to a small school, Long Beach State,
