Looking at our starting lineup of Curry, Klay, Barnes/Wright, Lee and Bogut, it's clear we wont be that defensive-minded team Jackson (Malone) wanted. If Barnes turns out to be good defensively (I hear he's got bad footwork), and that's being optimistic already, we'd need one of the three dead weights on defense to turn it around to be considered even slightly defensively inclined. Lee is in his prime, he's not gonna suddenly become a shot blocking revelation. Curry will be playing on his glass ankles, I don't anticipate he'll return to even his previous passive form on D. That leaves Klay. If 3 of our 5 guys were at least average defenders, that's a good start to being a defensive team--or at least starting lineup.

So, the question is, what can we expect from Klay next season, in terms of defense? He's got the length, at 6'7, to really bother other 2s, especially with all these undersized 2s cropping up (our own Monta Ellis, Eric Gordon, Brad Beal are all examples). I don't think of explosive athleticism to heckle guys on the perimeters or quick feet to stay in front of defenders when I think of Klay, though. I never saw especially quick lateral quickness either. If there's one thing we can't discount about Klay, though, is his mentality that he's the baddest dude in the gym. Was it my eyes deceiving me, or last season did Klay adopt a Kobe-esque fadeaway jumper after his encounter with the Black Mamba? He works hard and is a student of the game, I believe he will only get better. So, once again, how good can he get (on defense)?