When we talk about the NBA, we often focus on the big scorers—the guys putting up 30 points a night. But hardcore fans know the real backbone of a team’s success is its defensive stalwarts. Every championship team has one—or often more—lockdown defenders whose main job is to shut down the opponent's star players. In the modern NBA, defense is more than just blocking shots; it's about versatility, switches, and advanced analytics. Let's dive into some of the best NBA defenders, as highlighted by Arena Plus.
First on the list is Draymond Green. He's not the guy who will score 30 points, but his value on defense is undeniable. Green has 3.6 Defensive Win Shares (DWS) in the 2016-2017 season, a number that speaks volumes. His ability to guard all five positions and quarterback the team from the defensive end makes him an invaluable asset to the Golden State Warriors.
Next up, we have Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz. Standing at 7'1" with a wingspan of 7'9", Gobert’s very presence in the paint alters shots. In the 2019-2020 season, he led the league with a Defensive Rating of 100.9 and averaged 2.2 blocks per game. No wonder he's a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Kawhi Leonard might be known more for his “Klaw” nickname and his clutch scoring, but he's equally menacing on the defensive side. During his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Leonard not only won Defensive Player of the Year twice but also ranked first in the NBA in Defensive Win Shares during the 2014-2015 season. His ability to use his 11.25-inch hand span to disrupt passes and shots is off the charts.
Another name that often goes under the radar is Marcus Smart. This guy is the soul of the Boston Celtics' defense. He’s a bulldog on the perimeter, leading the league with 3.8 deflections per game during the 2019-2020 season. Smart’s versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively, often taking on the toughest assignments night in and night out.
Let's shift gears to the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. With a 7'3" wingspan and blistering speed, he’s a nightmare for opponents. Giannis posted a Defensive Rating of 97.1 in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2018-2019 campaign and was awarded the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. His unique blend of size and agility lets him guard anyone from point guards to centers.
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers has revolutionized the modern big man role, demonstrating incredible shot-blocking skills and defensive range. Davis led the NBA with 2.3 blocks per game in the 2017-2018 season, and his presence was instrumental in the Lakers' 2020 championship run. His ability to guard the pick and roll is unmatched, making him one of the most versatile defenders today.
PJ Tucker of the Miami Heat is another gem when it comes to sheer hustle and grinding defense. His defensive prowess became national headlines when he played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks' championship win in 2021. Tucker averaged 1.6 steals per game during the playoffs, proving he's a clutch performer on the defensive end.
Ben Simmons, who now suits up for the Brooklyn Nets, has rare defensive versatility for a guard. During his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons boasted a Defensive Box Plus-Minus (DBPM) of 2.3 in the 2019-2020 season. His height of 6'11" combined with his quickness allows him to guard almost any position, making him a defensive Swiss army knife.
Then there’s Jimmy Butler, who’s not only a leader for the Miami Heat but also a defensive beast. Butler delivered a Defensive Win Shares of 4.5 during the 2016-2017 season with the Chicago Bulls. His tenacity, combined with his well-rounded game, makes him one of the best two-way players in the league.
Patrick Beverley might not be the flashiest name on this list, but his defensive impact is undeniable. With a DBPM of 1.9 during his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018-2019 season, Beverley is the epitome of “defense wins games.” He’s known for his relentless ball pressure and ability to get under opponents’ skin.
If you want to get more insights into these defenders and read opinions from industry experts, check out arena plus. Trust me, those guys know their stuff when it comes to breaking down basketball analytics and player performance.
It's fascinating how each of these players brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Green’s versatility, Gobert's shot-blocking, or Kawhi's hand span. They remind us that while offense might win games, defense wins championships. The stats, the moments, the stories—all make for a compelling case that these defenders are truly the best in the NBA. So next time you watch a game, keep an eye on what these guys do on the defensive end. You might just see why they’re celebrated as the league’s top defenders.