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Allowing zone defense good move for NBA
By Dick Vitale
SPECIAL TO ESPN.COM

Lots of fans have asked me about the impact of the NBA rules change that will allow collegiate defensive systems to be utilized.

The pros are going away from man-to-man so teams will be free to use a variety of defenses, including zones.

One positive for defenders is that you can double-team a superstar even when he doesn't have the ball.
But let's be real about this. When analyzing the change, realize the NBA has also implemented a defensive three-second rule. If a player camps out in the three-second lane on the defensive end, it will be ruled illegal, with an immediate penalty of a technical-foul shot.

That being the case, the traditional college 2-3 zone -- planting a player like a Dikembe Mutombo in the three-second area to block shots -- won't exist with the new rules. The big man will have to get out of the lane in that three-second span.

Lots of the matchups you see on the collegiate level can't be incorporated in the NBA system. That will allow the pro athletes to utilize their talents.

One positive for defenders is the fact you can double-team a superstar even when he doesn't have the ball, out of the initial set. That will be interesting to watch.

Allowing coaches to have flexibility to use zones adds a little more mystery to the game. And it adds to the coaching strategy on the sidelines big-time.

I think the NBA has taken a positive stride. But the teams that win big in the NBA will still be the ones that play hard-nosed, tough, man-to-man defense.

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