Milwaukee Bucks: Top 5 defensive players in 2018-19

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Malcolm Brogdon #13 and Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Malcolm Brogdon #13 and Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

3. Tony Snell

Tony Snell is a difficult player to assess on defense. The advanced metrics don’t necessarily like him (just 0.7 defensive win shares last season and a -1.8 defensive box plus/minus), however, that can be a bit misleading.

Snell is almost always tasked with defending the opposing team’s best wing player, an assignment that is monumentally difficult. When you’re defending the best player, of course they are going to put up big numbers on you just by sheer volume. Also, the scheme he played in was not very helpful for anyone’s defensive metrics. It will be interesting to see how they look in 2018-19.

The other aspect about Snell’s game that makes it difficult to judge is his effort level. He always looks a little goofy out there and is just one of those guys who may not always look like he’s trying hard even when he is. Regardless, Snell will once again draw the toughest matchup in 2018 and will hopefully fare a little bit better with a new scheme and more help.