From an L.A. Times essay on shot-blocking, a former Hawks' advice for a current Hawk:
↵↵Having a shot-blocker in the middle also allows perimeter defenders to be aggressive, because even if an opposing player gets to the basket, the stopper will be waiting.
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"I used to tell Tracy McGrady, 'I understand you cannot guard anybody, but just stay on him, track him all the way to the basket, I will take care of the rest,'" Mutombo says.